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A Letter To My Daughter On Her 9th Birthday

♥️ My Dear Autumn,  Today, you are 9! You were born on December 8, 2008. You were 5 lbs, 11 oz and were 19 inches long. As I look at you today, I am reminded that life is short. You stand before me a budding young woman. I don’t know that I will ever be able to accurately describe to you what it’s like to love you. I fall short of being a perfect mother. I make mistakes. And all the while, you give me grace. Your heart is pure. You are just like me, Autumn. Knowing what I know, and how this life has shaped me into who I am, and the struggles I had along the way — it is my mission to give you every tool you need to take all the qualities the world will look at as weak, and help you to turn them into a driving force of love and positivity. You will impact so many with your passion and creativity. I want to thank you. You turned me into a mother. You gave me life. You continue, daily, to challenge me in ways I never knew you would. This life is not easy, sweetie plum. But I promise you, t
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It's been too long!

It has been quite a while since I've written. December to be exact. And now, here we are, almost to the middle of September 2017. Much has changed. Since then, the kids and I have moved into my moms house. The three of us are sleeping in one room. I have a cot for one to sleep on, and the other sleeps with me. They rotate nights, so they each get their turn to snuggle with me. Why, at thirty-one, am I living with my mother? It's not as bad as it sounds. I didn't lose my job. I'm not falling on hard times.  I AM BUYING A HOUSE!  In the last six months since we moved in, I have been working my tail off to get my credit right (my score has increased over 100 points in that time), I have been paying down debts, and saving where I can. Six months from now, when I start to look for houses, I will be where I need to be. I am so proud of myself. One year out of my life, living uncomfortably, is worth the rest of our lives feeling secure.  I also put a pin in college. I did two
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Things I don't say.

The things I don’t say. But I want to. I am way too nice. I have my moments. But chances are, if you ask me for help, I am there. I will do anything for you. But I will not ask you for help. I am infinitely capable of handling anything and everything on my own. At least that it what I will tell you. Please know, that is a lie and I am incapable of asking for assistance. Pride? I don’t know. I just know that I do this thing, even when I am using the last ounce of energy I have left to do so.  And I would not imagine putting anyone else out in the process. I think it is a waste of life to be spiteful. I have witnessed so many people this past year use spite as a weapon. And I think that is a good portion of what is wrong with the world. WHY is everyone so angry? My gosh, just try to be loving. It really is not that hard. Forgiveness really does release your heart from pain that you shouldn’t have to carry. I know this deeply and most personally. Oh, and I guess I will be taboo.
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Disney Dream Vacation: Where We're Staying

Welcome to my 2nd post about our Disney Vacation. This post is dedicated to our hotel/condo accommodations. Originally, we were going to get a hotel on resort, like many people do. Either that, or I was going to try to find the cheapest hotel closet to the resort. I am a mama on a budget, after all. But then, a very generous friend offered use of her timeshare. We are staying a total of 5 nights and are paying UNDER $300. Can you believe it? This really helps, because its not just a hotel - its a condo with a kitchen and a washer and dryer. We will be COMFORTABLE. I know I am not the only one who feels cramped and uncomfortable in a hotel room. This way, we get the basic comforts of home while enjoying the most magical vacation. What more could we ask for? So without further ado - Vacation Village at Parkway Orlando Here is the floor plan for the condo. It sleeps a total of 8 people. I have dreamed for years about taking my kids to Disney World. This trip is t
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Thirty.

In the blink of an eye... I have become a thirty-year-old woman. I think that when you reach certain ages, it is fairly normal to evaluate your life to determine if you are where you are supposed to be. And I am certainly no exception. I have actually for the most part - been GENUINELY excited to start this new decade of my life. A lot happened in my 20's. Good things, bad things, mediocre things... All of which I am grateful for. Without those challenges, my life would be drastically different. Here are some things that happened in my 20's that I LOVED: 1. Autumn Elaine (22) 2. Lucas Alan (23) 3. Started a new job at Home Instead Senior Care at 24, just days after my ex-husband left. This job brought many good things to my life - including 2 women who I will always consider friends. I learned about living independently, and that I COULD go on without a spouse and be just fine. 4. At 26 (almost 27), I started working at Twin Cities Family Practice. So far, it is the best j
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PLANNING OUR DREAM FAMILY VACATION!

"If you can dream it, you can do it." - Walt Disney  In less than five months, the kids and I will be in the most magical place on Earth! I have wanted for so long to take the kids on a Walt Disney World Vacation, but it has never worked out until now. And honestly, I think the timing is perfect. The kids will be just under 8 and 7, and will be able to enjoy most rides. SO EXCITING. I may be more excited than everyone else. Just maybe! So for our first official Disney Vaca, there will be a group of us going.  We will be going during what is considered a low-crowd time, for which I am so grateful. Not only that, but we are going in November. Anyone who lives in FL knows how hot it is during the summer months, so I am very happy to be going during the winter. This vacation was first and foremost an early birthday present for the kids. They will be turning 7 and 8 in December. While December would have been more ideal, Disney is VERY busy around Christmas from what I
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I get it.

Wow, guys! What a crazy and busy week it was. I am so glad it is over. Last night was so peaceful. The kids fell asleep on me while we were watching TV, and I just thought to myself, "How lucky am I?" I am so lucky and grateful to have my kids. And they love me, faults and all. Unconditionally. As I do, them. This weekend is going to be pretty quiet. Full of laundry, cleaning, and all things domestic. I wish I could say we we're doing something fun and exciting, but it's hard to do fun and exciting things in dirty underwear, right?! Haha! Tomorrow we are going to the Williams house for Sunday Funday Pizza Night. I just made that up. I'll work on it.  I met with my advisor again. I have my first 4 semesters mapped out. And, even though I have to take a college prep math course that will not count towards my degree credit hours, after 1 full year, I will be halfway done with the AA portion of my degree. So, though I originally thought this may take me 6-8 y
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