"Daddy, Rock rock!"

Any time Zach walks through our foyer, Emmie is right behind him asking for "Rock rock". She wants him to do the "rocket" he does when we're in the pool. Except in our foyer, she can go REALLY high. I love the looks she gives him - complete trust, pure joy, sheer excitement. I love looking at life through the eyes of a child!

One...

Two...

THREEE!!!

MY summer must-haves

Sperry Topsiders
These sandals are amazing! They are a bit pricey, but definitely worth the money. Hands down, they are the most comfortable flip flops I've ever worn!

Neutrogena suncare products
I love Neutrogena sun products because they are gentle on all types of skin, from babies to mommies, and they don't make you break out. These are especially good if you go to the pool or are in the sun a lot. 

Smoothies!

I have always loved smoothies, but I finally introduced Emmie to them. She shares my sentiments! We make ours at home, but I love to stop in and try new flavors!

Miraclesuit
This brand of bathingsuits is amazing for mommies who may not be as firm as they once were. It has a real bra in it and lycra in ALL the right places. Plus, it's very flattering. I've had this one for 2 years now and it has held up nicely to beach trips and frequent visits to the pool!

OPI - Strawberry Margarita

I go back to this color every summer. It's SO pink, but not neon. It really is the color of a strawberry margarita. 

Mommy Guilt

We all have it at one time or another. Working moms have it. Stay at home moms have it. We get it when we are with our children but want to be somewhere else. We get it when we are somewhere else and want to be with our children. It’s always there, so now what do we DO about it?

I know I have struggled with this from day 1 of being a mom. Right after I had a baby, my husband encouraged me to take time for myself, go shopping for new non-maternity clothes, get a pedicure. I would get out the door and be away from the house for 30 minutes before I would get this strong urge to run home and be with my family. I felt guilty spending money on myself, when I could be spending it on something for my family or my baby.

And then I hit a wall. I was going nuts. I was neglecting myself, my interests, my health. I was cranky and crabby and not a very nice mommy. That’s when I realized that to be a good mom and wife, I NEED that time to myself. I still feel the need to be with my family, but it’s not because of guilt. It’s because I WANT to be around them.  I try to go out to dinner with a friend once a week, go grocery shopping by myself (heaven!) and do a little clothes shopping when I have the money. I need that time away, that time to do whatever I want. I try to enjoy the moment that I am in, knowing it will pass and another moment will move in. That’s the best I can do at this time. How do you deal with the guilt?

You be YOU

"Be a first rate version of yourself, not a second rate version of someone else" ~Judy Garland

When I was growing up, my mom always encouraged me with whatever I wanted to do. She let me pierce my ears all kinds of ways, dye my hair and experiment with many different styles. She let me be me! Yes, I went through some extremely awkward phases. Like 6th grade, when I had glasses, braces and my ears pierced a couple of times. That was alot of metal. Or a few years in high school when I wore guy-ish clothes and no makeup. It wasn't until I got to college that I found my "style" and really felt comfortable being me.

Now, raising my own sweet girl, I see how important this is. When Emmie wants to wear crazy clothes and get a weird haircut, I will remember the grace and love that my mom showed me through all my "phases"...and be sure to take pictures!

There is not an award ceremony

This topic has been on my mind and heart alot lately. Our culture is riddled with competition. I do think some healthy competition is good, like when you're playing a game. But when it comes to being a mom, there should not be competition with other moms. Every one is different. Every family is different. Every child is different. We all have different ways of dong things. One is no better than the other. It's just that, different. Instead of tearing others down, we should be encouraging others and lifting them up for even trying to be a good person, a good mom, a good anything. I was talking with my husband last night about this and I realized that I was not feeling very encouraged from other moms. I know I am doing the best I can and I feel like I am doing a good job, but sometimes we just need to hear it from another mom. Just a little confirmation, just a little pat on the back. I realized that I don't always encourage others either. It's easier to sit back and pass judgement. The right thing to do is not always the easiest.

I read a book when I first had my daughter that really helped put things in perspective. I may have to go back and re-read, it was just that good. Here's the link: Meg Meeker - Habits of Happy Mothers

We all need to stop with the negativity and judging. Try today to give a compliment to someone you see working hard, no matter what that may be.

Happy 4th of July! (Then and now)

It amazes me to see the difference....

2011

2012

It's official, I am totally a mom.

When I slid behind the wheel of the 2007 Honda Odyssey, I knew it was meant for me. I loved this van from the moment I drove it. I always thought I was a "Tahoe" kind of girl. But when you're barely 5'1" and have tiny T-rex arms, a large SUV just really won't work logistically. I love driving my van and so does the Hubby. It's so convenient with it's automatic sliding doors. She's even got a pretty monogrammed name tag on the front, of course! It makes me want to load it up and head out on a road trip, every single time I drive it! Now I know it's not the popular choice amongst my friends. Believe me, they shared their opposing opinions, loudly. But it fits me. It really does. I'm making it cool again to own a minivan. I've even got a few friends who have converted and want to start a posse. ( I think that definietly makes us un-cool but I don't really care).

So, who's up for a road trip?!?