It's been a long time...

Wow, it's really been since May since I have posted.  Where does the time go?  How did I let an entire summer slip by without sharing?  There have been many moments where I have thought...I have GOT to sit down and blog about this, but life got in the way and well here we are and it's October.  I have resolved that I have simply got to do better.  I have got to make time to write! And so I will...

So much has happened since May!  I'll try to hit the high points...

Krystin made the Varsity Cheerleading squad as a freshman!  I am one super proud mommy.  She is so talented....and driven....and amazing!!!!

gotta love those Friday night lights!
p.s. that's my girl up there



Adison was in her very first dance recital!  She completed a full year of ballet/creative movement with a performance in the spring recital.  Very exciting and special...

 

We had a summer full of fun. No "official" vacation this year but I took 2 weeks off, one in June and one in July and we did 'stay-cations' and spent lots of time just being together and enjoying the summer season. We had a very memorable day at the Knoxville zoo....it was good times! I love summer! It is one of my favorite seasons...I like them all but the hot weather makes this cold blooded girl very happy! We swam and played and rode horses and had playdates and went camping...we lived it up and enjoyed every minute of it!  Here are some random pics of some of our adventures....

 

 

 

 

I love this life.  I am blessed beyond measure.  

 

 

Dear girls,

 

Always live with an attitude of gratitude.  Life gets busy, it's easy to get distracted and caught up in a routine of life's expectations.  Take time to be thankful.  Stop and smell the roses.  Enjoy every moment.  Make memories....share memories!

 

Mom 

 



 

 

Life lesson number ???....who's counting?!

It's Sunday afternoon and as I sit on my front porch while my littlest girl is napping and my hubby is doing his thing....I must write about a reflection, better yet a life lesson that I have learned through an experience of the past couple of weeks.

Here's the back story...
If you don't know us, we are animal people...best known as horse people.  My dad owns and run his own boarding business and we live on their farm property which has been in the family for several generations.  We live a very "country" lifestyle and I am blessed beyond my wildest dreams to get to raise my children like this.  Currently, there are 24 horses on the hill, 1 miniature donkey, 2 barn cats and 4 dogs.  Needless to say, there are very few dull moments because there is ALWAYS something to do or that needs to be done. 

There is nothing like the bond between a person and their horse.  There is something about the outside of a horse that is good for the inside of a person.  They are so majestic and gentle but are also very large and very powerful.  The relationship is one of mutual trust and respect.  The relationship is deep and the love is strong....

That being said,
Recently Krystin's 6 year old barrel racing horse Glory was injured.  Nothing major we thought...it looked like a puncture wound to her right front leg. The vet came out, evaluated her...put her on antibiotic and gave directions for wound care.  She did well, seemed to be healing as she should but couldn't seem to get over the limp.  Two weeks after the intial injury, Dad decided it was necessary to have her re-evaluated.  He feared a fracture in her leg....which is NOT what you want to hear in a horse.  Especially a very competitive, very FAST barrel horse who's barrel season was supposed to begin this month.  The day the vet was to come out, Krystin and I went into Glory's stall and laid hands on her and when I say we prayed- I mean we PRAYED and prayed, and prayed, and PRAYED.  I prayed in the spirit, I prayed with understanding, I declared healing and wholeness...I did all I knew to do and I believed without a doubt that the vet was going to tell us it wasn't a fracture.

And then we got the news...a phone call from my Dad told me that the leg was, as he suspected, fractured.  I immediately burst into tears (on a side note...Krystin was not with me at this point, she was at cheerleading practice so she did not see me breakdown).  I couldn't believe what I was hearing...BUT I PRAYED!  It was in that moment that my dear friend, Jill Earwood, shared a very dear life lesson that changed the way I will think about prayer forever.  She said, "Kerry, if you're going to pray to Him, you're also going to have to trust Him...no matter what."   In that moment I realized that it may not have been the answer that I had wanted, but, it was in fact an answer and HE is in control.  HE knows best, and there is always a reason for his answer...even when it's not the answer I want.

Even still, my heart was breaking...because I knew that this was also going to break Krystin's heart.  I had so badly wanted to give her  good news and tell her that God had heard her prayers and healed her horse.  I had hoped for this to be a faith affirming moment....and it would be, just not in the way that I had planned.

The fracture is in the outer splint bone, just below the knee.  According to the x-ray the bone is in pieces and Glory would need surgery to remove fragments and place a screw in the remaining bone in order for it to heal properly.  The vet explained that as far as fractures go in a horses leg, this is the best scenario.  The outer splint bone is non-weight bearing and the prognosis for a full recovery is very good with the surgery, proper care and time to heal.  The surgery was scheduled for mid-week of the next week at the University of Georgia.

I must tell you about the type of people that surround us and share this life with us.... we are so blessed to have such godly, caring, loyal and selfless friends and family.  When the news circulated, prayers started going up for Glory, and for Krystin.  I must add....Krystin has handled this situation with such maturity and grace...she is so strong.

My parents made the 3 and 1/2 hour trip this past Wednesday to the University of Georgia.  The surgery was scheduled for Thursday.  When they arrived, Glory was evaluated and more x-rays were done so that a "plan" could be formulated.  (Meanwhile, here at home, we PRAYED)

About 1pm my Dad called....he says to me "Hey Sis, we dont need to tell Krystin yet but....(my heart sank as he paused as I braced myself for whatever news I was about to receive) we are bringing Glory home.  The vet says the surgery is not necessary.  The bone is healing well on it's own."

I could not believe what I was hearing....and in that moment God spoke VERY clearly to me.  "See child, I promise you, I'm listening and I know what I'm doing...trust me, I'm handling it."  He revealed Himself so clearly....just because he didn't answer our prayers for Glory how I thought he should, didn't mean he didn't answer.

It made me think...how often do people miss the answer to their prayers because it isn't the answer they are hoping for?  How often do we blame God when things don't go our way yet we forget that He works ALL things together for our good.  HE KNOWS BEST and we have to trust Him and HIS plan, not our plan. 

So for now, Glory is home safe and sound.  The expensive surgery has been avoided for the time being and I am believing and praying that the bone will continue to heal as it should.  That there will be no "floating fragments" remaining that will have to be removed and that she will be free of infection in the wound.  She is restricted to stall rest for 4-6 months but is allowed unlimited walking on lead rope.  We have our fingers crossed....

For this year there will be no barrel season but I believe that this too is for a reason.

To my sweet sweet girls,

Don't ever let this world or the experiences of this life jade you.  Keep your eyes set above and always be observant to what God is doing.  Don't ever think God is not listening... he is ALWAYS listening, even when you are not speaking with your mouth he is listening to the desires of your heart.  Stay close to Him and trust that He truly is working ALL things together for your good.  He is in control and he rules from a seated position...He doesn't get excited or worried because he already knows the outcome.   He loves you and wants the best for you.  And always remember....if you are going to pray, you are also going to have to trust.  He knows best, period.

Hugs and kisses,

Mommy

My littlest girl & her FABULOUS party...

I am conflicted about how to present this post (which will likely turn into a series of posts by the time I'm done)...I could go the sappy, emotional, cry my eyes out route where I go on and on about what April 18th really meant---that Adison is four.  That she has taught me so much with each year that passes.  That a full four years now seperates me from the moment that she was placed in my arms for the first time and I grew a new heart, a heart so full of love I can hardly stand it.  But I won't go that route, not for this post anyway.  But I will tell you about her party...

I have come to a realization.  Parties are my thing!!  I thrive off planning and executing them.  I enjoy seeing the fruit of my labor come to life in the smiles and laughter of those that I love.  Being a full time, busy, active working Mommy makes having time for party planning tough but I definitely choose to make time when it comes to celebrating the moment that one of my girls entered my world.  I can't think of anything bigger and better to celebrate so big than a birthday and all that it means...a BIRTH day...the birth of love and wonder and innocence and goodness like no other!

So, we go BIG.  Year one was a blow out cowgirl party, year two a ladybug garden party, year three a dance party.  And year four is no different- a big party to celebrate the milestone of another year.  This year it was a woodland friends and fairy party!  And after two months of planning, weeks of crafting and two full days of cooking and baking...it was finally time to party!  All the hard work was worth it, my heart swelled and it brought tears to my eyes to watch my girl and her big eyes as she truly realized that it was all for her, to celebrate her life.  It was HER day.  My heart smiled somewhere deep down inside seeing and hearing the laughter and friends and family and knowing that this day not only celebrates the joy that she brings to us but the joy they bring to her.

There are so many details I will share in posts to follow but for now I want to share a small glimpse, a sneakpeek of a few of the pictures and moments captured that day by my dear friend and photographer, Gabrielle von Heyking.

We celebrated in an area of woods behind our home that was transformed that day into "Adison's enchanted forest".  Without further ado, I give to you the sneakpeek of an absolutely FABULOUS Woodland friends and fairy party for my littlest girl, my love, my heart...Happy Birthday Adi girl!

There are SO many more pictures to come and I will post them as I get them along with TONS more fabulous details from this fabulous party...so stay tuned!

Dear Adi,

You are a light.  You are a star. You are forever cherished and forever treasured.  You are a blessing and a gift.  My littlest angel in the form of a tiny human.  I thank God for the privilege of being called your Mommy each and every day.  With each day that passes that leads to the passing of another year you make me smile and you make me proud. The sounds of joy and laughter and excitement from this day of celebration are forever etched in my memory.  I love you to the moon and back baby girl!

Mommy 

For the love of little minds

I have a very intelligent (or as I call it, BRILLIANT) little 3 year old on my hands...her name is Adison. She is beautiful, strong-willed, determined, and very easily intrigued. Being the literal minded child that she is, she needs to know the how's and why's of the things in her world.  She understands so much and is constantly seeking to discover more.  And so, I am constantly on the lookout for opportunities to make sense of things for her....seeing the light bulb come on in her eyes is priceless!

Recently when I talk to Adison about God, I often notice a slightly puzzled look on her face.  Not a look of doubt or compromise but just a "I don't quite understand who exactly you're speaking of" look.  You see, for Adison, everyone she knows and loves so dearly is also someone that she can see, feel, touch and love on in the flesh. Now, if you ask her about God or Jesus or the Holy Spirit she will clearly tell you that she loves them but, does she grasp the concept?...likely not.   And so, I have been praying and waiting for God to show me how to help make sense of this for her...today the opportunity presented itself and I can't help but share the moment...

Today was- well, is a cold and blustery winter day.  Too cold and windy for me to make any more excuses about not going to the grocery store because it's "too pretty outside"...not to mention we were almost completely out of food.  I had procrastinated long enough so off the the dreaded grocery store I went...UGH!  As we were walking through Wal-Mart, just Adison and I, a display of kites caught my eye and I couldn't help but think FUN...Adi had never flown a kite before so I invested $1.27 in a Cinderella princess kite.  We finished our shopping and headed home hoping the wind hadn't died down.  As I was unloading and unpacking groceries little footsteps followed mine and Adison's little voice continously asked, "is it time to fly my kite yet Mommy?".  Finally I was able to give her the answer she desired..."yes baby, now we can go fly your kite."

As we made our way outside her excitement level went up, even though she really had no idea what to expect!  I opened and assembled the kite (as Adison is repeatedly asking...what does assemble mean?) and we went running into the wide open hayfield behind our house.   Of course, at this moment, the wind was calm but it didn't take long for it to pick up again....up, up and away the Cinderella kite lifted into the air.   All Adison could do was squeal with joy and ooooohhhh's and aaaahhhhh's.  This was simple fun.

In that moment, as I stood there enjoying the laughter of my 3 year old, I heard God speak to my heart clearly as if to say..."this is your chance to explain me to her".  And so I took the opportunity I was given and knelt down next to Adison who was still flying her kite high in the air and said to her, "Adison, do you know what keeps your kite it the air?"  She says, "Yes Mommy, it's the wind".  When I asked her if she could see the wind she said, "nope- but you sure can feel it!"  I told her that the wind was a lot like God...you can't necessarily SEE Him but you can certainly FEEL Him.  Light bulb!!!   She then told me how much God loved her and special it was that she could feel His love for her and how neat she thought it was that he was invisible and that she loved him too....  I love that little girl!!

It's the little moments like these that make me feel the peace and presence of God in a very real way.  I am so glad that I made the decision to partner with God in raising my girls...after all, he know best and can take better care of them than I can.  Heck, he's able to be with them and watch over them even when I can't...now that's what I call blessed assurance!  I know beyond a shadow of a doubt that I cannot ever be all that they need on my own, but with God...I am completely equipped for the job.

Dear Adison,

You never cease to amaze me.  Don't ever lose faith when you can't "SEE" God, it's all about feeling Him and you will always feel Him if you will seek Him and stay in tune with Him.  He is always speaking, always moving and always working all things for your good.  He created you, He knows you and He loves you more than you can even imagine.  He's got big plans for you angel, so stay close to Him and get to know Him well.  He is ALL you will ever need.

Love,
Mommy

We did DISNEY!!!

I am NOT a winter person...period.  If you haven't noticed, I haven't even posted anything since November!  Mainly because I got a bit overwhelmed with the holiday events and planning and shopping and such but more than that...because honestly, I haven't felt like writing.  I get the winter blues EVERY YEAR without fail.  Even in a mild/warmish winter like we're having...I'm still bummed.  I despise cold weather...if it's below 65 or 70 degrees I am not a happy camper.  When I look outside at our beautiful mountains...I hate that they are bare, no leaves...essentially empty.  No flowers, dead grass, mud from all the rain...you get the picture.  I have been rather uninspired.

Until...
WE WENT TO DISNEY!!!  70+ degrees, sun and fun!!!

We have been talking about a Disney trip with our dear friends Dan and Sommer Collier for over a year now...although Adison is only 3 and may seem a little "young" for the Disney experience, I also have to consider that I have a 13 year old who may not think it's "cool" to go to Disney much longer.  So we decided to take the plunge and go.  The trip was a Christmas gift for my girls (so they knew that we were going) but Dan and Sommer completely surprised their 2 kids (Ava and Carson) and did not tell them until they woke them up to put them in the car at 3:15am on the morning that we left...AWESOME!!! 

I have never taken a winter vacation before and it felt REALLY weird for me dragging out bathing suits, shorts, tank tops and t-shirts in the middle of winter.  It was even more of a challenge trying to figure out which of Adison's summer clothes and shoes would even still fit her!  Once we got everything packed and loaded...we hit the road SUPER early on Friday morning (3:30am) in hopes of allowing the kids a few hours to sleep in the car which would make the trip easier for them.  We made it in 9 and 1/2 hours and all of the kids traveled like champs!

We arrived about 1pm and our condo was not quite ready yet so we dug through our suitcases for pool supplies, changed in the bathrooms at the pool and it was on!  We hit the pool full force...2 water slides, 2 hot tubs, a kiddie splash and play area, a HUGE pool and perfect weather!  After a couple of hours we heard a comotion of fun at the Wakoola Springs grill next to the pool so, of course, we had to go check it out and I was SOOOO glad that we did!  They were having a TGIF kids party...free goodie bags, sno cones, face painting, a DJ and dancing!  Being in Florida's amazing weather lifted my spirits and I became my fun loving self....I completely engaged in the fun!  Adison and I danced and had our faces painted (which I could not convince Krystin to do with us), Krystin and Ava did the hula hoop contest and Brad busted a move in the dance contest. The memories had officially begun!  Once our condo was ready we unloaded, settled in for a few and then got ready to head out for some exploring and dinner...we ended up at Downtown Disney with no idea how BUSY that place would be on a Friday night!  By the time we got sat down to eat at House of Blues, everyone was so exhausted from the long day that the kids were almost falling asleep at the table.  We headed back and collapsed for the night....dreaming of the day ahead = MAGIC KINGDOM!

Saturday morning arrived and we got a relatively early start at our day...the excitement was building as we prepared to head out for what we knew would be another long day.  There was a lot to see and do in the time that we had at Magic Kingdom.  Luckily we had the amazing strategic plainning of Sommer who did the research and formed a plan of attack...We had read that you don't just "decide to go to Disney", you go with a plan.  We packed snacks, sandwiches, drinks, water and all the necessities and headed off to purchase our tickets and hit the park.

For a February weekend, the park was pretty stinking crowded, moreso than I had expected but the joy, smiles and enthusiasm were contagious!  We had an absolute blast!  From ride to ride, fastpasses and strategies...we did everything we wanted to in the 12 hours that we spent there (for the most part).  I was very proud of Adison who was an absolute trooper...she rode everything that she was big enough to ride, stood in line without complaint and loved every minute of it! Unlike most of the others kids her age throughout the park, she did not complain, whine or pitch a fit of any sort.  The one ride she was not big enough to ride was Space Mountain and we had planned our day well enough that she took a nap while everyone else rode.  It was an amazing day and an awesome experience!  Exhausting..yes, worth it? ABSOLUTELY!  We also saw Princess Rapunzel, 2 parades and an awesome firework show at the end of the night.  The day was all that I had imagined it to be and more!  Memories made = check!

Sunday was our day of rest...there was no way after the exhaustion of a day at Magic Kingdom that we were going to attempt another park day.  And so we did just that...we rested!  We slept in, got in NO hurry and then spent the day at the indoor/outdoor pool and clubhouse.  The kids got to have a blast and the adults got to take it easy. And, yet again we lucked out and the weather was awesome...a bit windy but still awesome!  After some pool fun we headed back to the room to give the kids a chance to nap/rest before heading out for another evening at Downtown Disney.  Rested up and ready we adventured out into the crowds again...we hit the Lego store, World of Disney store, and Little Miss Matched while we waited on our table at the Rainforest Cafe.  After an almost 3 hour wait...we made it in at the Rainforest Cafe...a very neat place to eat, especially with young kids...we felt like it was worth the wait.  Another day of great memories made.

Monday was our day at Animal Kingdom.  It was very much a different experience than the Magic Kingdom...it's a more laid back atmosphere of less "rides" and more shows.  We went on the Safari which was AMAZING!!! We saw so many animals in their 'natural' habitat including crocodiles, rhinos, giraffes, elephants (and their babies!), lions, cheetahs, ostrich, and many more!  A very neat experience!  We saw Finding Nemo-the musical, Festival of the Lion King, and the It's Tough to be a Bug shows.  We also got to ride all the rides including Expedition Everest- a definite thriller!  By the end of the day, Adison had met Goofy and Pluto and all the kids got to meet Mickey and Minnie!  Once again, all the kids did an amazing job hanging in and being tough through some long waits... they confirmed what both sets of parents already know...we have got some AWESOME kids who were having the time of their lives!  More memories = MADE!

That night, we went to dinner at Macaroni Grill and after such a busy and eventful few days, Adison didn't even make it long enough for her food to come before she passed out on the table.  Bless her heart...she was a casualty of the Disney experience that night! 

Tuesday was our final day and we decided to spend a few hours at the pool again before hitting the road home.  So we had some more fun on our final day (which was of course the warmest and best weather of the whole time we were there) and by lunchtime...we were headed back towards the mountains. 

On the trip home I was overwhelmed with pride and joy and emotion from the realization of what unbelieveably amazing kids I have.  I am such a blessed Mommy!  Krystin was such a great big sister and enjoyed the experience of Disney all over again (she had already been with her dad back in April of last year) but she took so much care to ensure that Adison got all the good out of her very first visit.  She is nurturing, attentive and sensitive to the needs of those around her.  And Adison, being 3, blew my mind with how well she behaved and how willing she was to ride anything and everything... even the "scary" stuff.  She literally pretty much rode everything she was big enough to ride!  She is the biggest little girl I know...strong and mighty and very sure of herself.

This trip is one I will never forget.  And it was a great way for me to get out of my winter "funk".  I now think I will be needing some sort of trip to warmer climates EVERY winter!  Seeing the happiness and excitement in my childrens eyes brought me such joy.   It makes me so thankful to have such an amazing family and friends....and leaves me feeling so very blessed!

To my angel girls,

Take this life and live it up...don't get stuck in the routine of every day life, EVER!  Always choose to be energetic and full of life...just like when we were at Disney!  Cherish the memories and make more every day!  You two are truly the best girls I know and I consider it such a priviledge and a gift to call myself your Mommy!

Love,
Mommy

She left me no choice...

We had been talking about it for quite some time leading up to....ADISON'S FIRST HAIRCUT.  No doubt that God has a sense of humor- he certainly had a hand (and a giggle) in making this memory one I could NEVER forget.

Wednesday night November 9, 2011
...was a great night at home with the family.  Enjoyed a nice dinner, sat down for family movie night (we watched Cars 2) and all was well.  Daddy was relaxing in his recliner.  Mommy was catching up on some journaling.  Krystin was in and out of things as she was busy finishing homework and preparing for the next school day.  Adison was watching the movie and playing.

I'm not sure how neither one of us (I nor Brad) noticed that Adi had slipped away to her room for any length of time but as children do so well... she managed to get some "alone time" of her own.  When she made her way to join us in the living room again it took a few minutes for me to catch a glimpse of what she had done but when I did...I froze.  Speechless.  Heart sank.  Disbelief.  Adison Clare had cut her own hair.


We were careful to be sure she didn't have access to scissors but she
managed to find these tucked away in her hair accesory drawer........
you guessed right my friends, she cut her hair with newborn fingernail
clipping scissors that come in those newborn care kits.
She's innovative, I'll give her that! 

If you know me...you would think that I would have lost my temper and yelled and screamed a bit.  You might even ask if I punished her.  But God knew what he was doing...he was testing my recent revelation of  GRACE!  I'm hoping I passed...I feel like I did or, at least did well because I did none of those things.  I stayed calm and had her take me to the "scene of the crime"...

She grab up some of the hair around her face...

...I'm guessing she was trying to give herself from layers...



...she actually did a good job, she pretty much just framed her face!



To see the wad of hair she had cut scared me...based on what I had discovered when I looked at her hair she didn't look like she had but that much so of course, I quickly checked again!  I was pleased to find that my original assessment of the damage was accurate...it seems that once she realized what she had done she tried to wad it up and hide it (which made it look like more).  As devastated as I felt at first, I had to be thankful that she didn't cut it shorter than she had...she had at least done a job that could be easily fixed.  Of course we had a discussion about how we shouldn't use scissors to cut anything without an adult's help...especially hair!  We should always leave that to professionals. I was surprised when I shared the story that most people asked if she was "in trouble" or "punished" for her actions.  And I can see how you should or would want to make a lasting impression on your child so that they would know what they had done was wrong...but was it really wrong or just a normal, unintentional kid mistake?  I chose to leave the impression but without any further damage to her little heart...had I yelled and screamed and punished her she would have been stricken with fear and guilt.  That's not what I was going for.  So we talked, I treated her how I thought I would want to be treated in the same situation...and all was good.  I have no doubt she learned her lesson. 

Devastated, heart broken, light-headed!
You're probably thinking...devastated? Heart broken?  Light-headed?  Yep!  All those things describe how we felt initially because Adison's hair has been her trademark since she was born.  The child has AWESOME hair...ask anyone who knows her.  Or, anyone who doesn't because we can be walking around in public and perfect strangers comment on her hair, it's the first thing they notice.  We became so accomodated to the hair that was literally past her butt at 3 and 1/2 years old we were in shock.  And a bit disappointed...we had been discussing how to make her first haircut "special" (insert chuckle here).  Well she make it "special" alright....and left me no choice.  Her actions forced my hand...after much procrastination and avoiding...it was time to REALLY schedule the haircut!

And so, I did it.  Brad's mom and I took her to my dear friend Angela Martin at Agape Salon...I had complete faith in her to 'repair the hair'.  Adison was excited, Mommy had accepted and well, our trusted hair expert was about to break down in tears as she cut...

The deed was done...and done beautifully.  It was a big change...but it was a must.  Angela took about 4-5 inches off of the length, tapered it around to the front a bit and evened up the pieces she cut in the front.  To top it off, Adison did such a good job that Angela had enough time to spare to also cut Mommy's hair!  A mommy/daughter haircut day=special.

Dear Adison,

When I say you never cease to amaze me...believe it!  You keep things so interesting.  You help us make some great memories.  You ROCK chick!

Love,

Mommy

P.S. please don't ever cut your own hair again, at least until your an adult.  Thanks ;)

Someone noticed...

Yesterday I received a message on Facebook from a friend who I haven't seen in YEARS.  We weren't ever "close" and don't keep in touch but isn't that the magic of social networking...you get to be impacted and inspired by the lives of others.  In this case, the message was simple but contained a loaded question...

Her question:
" I wanted to ask you something...I know you work and yet you seem to get so much done and still have time for yourself. That has been my biggest struggle since becoming a mom especially a mom who works. Do you have any tips or advice you might be willing to share with me? Thanks so much, I hope you have a wonderful week!"

As I read this I couldn't help but think...Really?  You're asking ME????  And then I stopped and thought...Wow, she's asking ME.  What a compliment,  and what an affirmation...somebody thinks I'm doing a pretty good job with this busy life!  Instead of just replying...I decided to pray and seek God for how He would have me respond because I didn't want to just respond, my desire was to bless.

And so I wanted to share a bit of my response because it was what I feel a "God breathed" thing.  Even as I was typing my response I found myself reflecting on my personal journey of growth and revelation...so far (Lord knows I still have a LONG way to go).

My response:
"Wow...you have asked a loaded question and made me smile all at the same time. First off, I am able to do all that I do only by the grace of God, really...literally. Getting to this place of "balancing" the juggling act of my life has been a process...better yet a growing process. I used to live in a place of EXTREMELY overwhelmed all the time and it turned me into someone I didn't like very much (and others didn't enjoy either) and I realized that there was NO way I would be able to keep going the way that I was for any real length of time. So...I stepped back and looked and my life...I am a mom, wife, employee, daughter, friend, assistant cheerleading coach, barrel racer, involved in youth leadership, housekeeper, cook and so much more...how can I do all this and still enjoy life as well as be the type of person that I so desire to be. It was then that I totally started to feel like God was speaking and revealing some things to me: 1. Stress can be managed but you have to be deliberate and consistent...which sometimes mean saying NO. Whether it be no to someone, or something...it's a necessary response. 2. Get Healthy. I had to start watching what I ate (the crap I was eating before really messed with me and I had no idea how much until I stopped eating it), getting enough sleep (tough but doable), and EXERCISING (changed my energy level dramatically) 3. Choose the influences you allow. To say it that way doesn't make a whole lot of sense but I had to re-evaluate the things that I allowed to affect me. Mainly the people I let in my "world". 4. First things first. I had to learn to prioritize what was important for each day. For me, I start EVERY day @ 4:30 am, in prayer and reading the bible. Personally it just starts my day off right and helps me put things in perspective. 5. Plan and be prepared. Although no day ever goes completely as planned, I have to have an idea of how things are going to go. BUT, I also have to remain flexible because Lordy knows the bottom falls out sometimes. 6. Be prepared. I leave my house by 6:30am and usually don't get home most nights until 8 or 9pm. That means each night I plan and pack in advance for the next day. I lay out vitamins, prepare protein shakes, pack my workout bag, pack lunches, pack toddler "diaper" bag, "pre"-prepare breakfast (yes, I am anal retentive about my kids and hubby having a full breakfast every morning- so I crack eggs or lay out the toaster and bread or sit out supplies to make muffins, I even pre fill the kettle with water and put my tea bag and stevia in my cup for hot tea), iron and lay out my clothes...yea my nights are busy but really it doesn't take me that long. I can usually get all that done while Brad gives Adison her bath. Then I take everything I will need...workout bag, diaper bag, cheer bag, youth bag...whatever the day will demand and place it by the door ready to go for when I tear out of the house the next morning. 7. MAKE time for yourself, CHOOSE the time and place like it's a mandatory thing and DO it. At first it was only 5 minutes here or there but I have found that it gets easier to spare more as you learn to "time manage" (if there is really such a thing) and stick to your guns because you realize how important your "me" time is. My daily appointment with myself is... I working out during my lunch hour at work or else I would never get it done. Most of the time, ok ALL of the time there are other things I would rather be doing but I suck it up and do it anyway. While I workout I get to escape and worship, pray, read (on the elliptical) or listen to my favorite music. That is awesome me time. 8. Finally I'll close up by throwing in some of little slogans I have been inspired to live by: Think positive, speak positive and surround yourself with positive. Live life on purpose. Be fabulous. Enjoy every moment. Have fun. LAUGH. RELAX. Life is short...live it up.

I know I've probably rambled on and on but having a daughter that is 13 has made me realize that time slips away WAY to fast. It's like I blinked my eyes and she is almost grown and I want to enjoy EVERY single moment because my kids are only little once. You can't get these years back. And I don't want to look back with any regrets. As a mom, I have been given the AWESOME task of showing my girls how to live. So, I have decided to LIVE the way that I want them to live. I want them to plan ahead, be prepared, be happy and responsible...so I have to be those things so that they can see how.  I want them to be AMAZING moms so I have to try to BE an amazing mom. When I got that revelation it changed my life.

I don't know if anything I have said will help or if it will even make sense but I hope that it does. And thank you for asking for my input...it means more to me than you may know."

I realized in my response that I am passionate about not just doing life...but doing life WELL.  Am I perfect, absolutely not!  Do I fail, absolutely (daily as a matter of fact)!  But the point is that I'm trying.    I am no longer the person that I used to be and I thank God EVERY day for the work that he is doing in my life.  I like me better now...

To look back makes me giggle and cringe at the same time.  Oh the joy of growing and changing....of being teachable.  There are a lot of things I "used" to be but those things did not make me like myself when I looked in the mirror...those things I did not want my beautiful girls to become. 

It's interesting how such a simple question can make you reflect in such a deep way...yet another reason I am proud to be the daughter of such an amazing KING!! Thanks God...if I haven't told you today, YOU ARE THE BOMB!