I am blessed to have many things in my life that I love. For example, my sweet husband, Eric, my beautiful daughter, Makenzie, and my precious son, Parker. Now I have a new love...running! I've always wanted to be a runner. I enjoyed running as a teenager, but had no idea that it was considered a sport. My husband is home during the summer so that has allowed me to pursue the wish of becoming a runner. Now don't get me wrong, "I am not a runner," yet. I have been staying up after feeding Parker early in the morning and going for a run. The morning is so beautiful! I get to turn my music up and turn my mommy brain OFF. It's awesome! I walk until I feel capable of running and then I run until I can't any longer. It is such a feeling of freedom to leave the house with the my sleeping children in the care of my husband. I don't take my cell phone or even house keys. It's just me and my ipod. Unfortunately my ipod won't communicate with my computer so I can only listen to the music I put on it five years ago. But, it's still great. I sing. I run. I'm free. My mood is better on the days I exercise. It honestly works better than my anti-depression medicine. It even makes the rest of my day better. My self esteem is better. I make better food choices. It also gives me a ton of energy. Way more than a cup of coffee provides.

Mother's Day 2012

This is my sweet girl on Mother's Day. Hubby and Makenzie woke me up with breakfast in bed (which I ate in the dining room). She gave me this precious card that she had written all by herself! My husband wrote on her chalkboard and she wrote it on the card. I was so impressed! Eric and Makenzie went to church while Parker and I stayed home since he was still suffering with a yucky virus. We spent time outside on a blanket in the grass and enjoyed the beautiful weather.

I gave myself a pedicure with the best fingernail polish I've ever used. I NEVER go to the salon to get my nails done. I love the look, but not the process or the price. So here's my "at home" pedi for $6(Walmart)! btw, my nails are not navy blue like the picture they're "FRUITY PETTUTIE!" Even my hubby said he liked it!

After a lovely dinner of grilled chicken sandwiches my husband and I watched "The Vow." It was a great way to finish a great day.

Joy and Fulfillment

How do you find joy and fulfillment as a stay at home mom? When my daughter was younger I found it in her milestones and in new ways I could interact with her. Now that she is three she is needing me much less and I'm having a hard time being joyful. I'm currently 29 weeks pregnant with our son. This makes it physically challenging to be the mom that I want to be. With my daughter I feel at a loss of what to do with her. She'd rather play by herself than with me. I'm not finding happiness in the mundane meal planning and house cleaning that is my life right now. I don't know if a job is the answer, but it can't be the solution right now due to me being pregnant. I went to a "mom" conference this weekend. They posed the question, "What are your dreams, goals, and aspirations?" I don't have any for myself. I used to. It used to be all about me. Now the only goals I have are for my children. I feel like "my life" is over. Now it's all about my husband and my children. This is the number one reason I said I didn't want to get married and have children. I was afraid of losing myself...and I did.

Great Day

I had the best day with Makenzie today. We played with playdough, glue and glitter, colored, and worked in her sticker book. It was a day full of child focused activities and it was so much fun. With my upcoming "muffin tin munchies" I'm even excited about preparing her snacks and meals to come up with fun combinations! It's amazing how contagious enthusiasm can be! Because Eric was going to be out a Mavs game tonight I planned a movie night for Makenzie and I. We watched, "Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs" and ate ice cream(her favorite). It was really nice. She actually sat for most of the movie. I haven't seen her this happy for a whole day before. Maybe it's because I was too. Thank you Lord for the wonderful privilege of raising Makenzie. I pray that I will lead her in your way.

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This is my favorite picture of Makenzie and I. She was four months old.