To be determined

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 ta...

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...

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...

"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 ...

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...

You make the difference. For moms like me who are working their tail off to ensure success for their child/children, it is YOU who makes the difference when I, otherwise, cannot be there. As a single mother trudging through the first couple years of school with my littles, I have been astounded by the support of wonderful teachers my kids have been so lucky to have. Specifically my son. I could go on and on about how wonderful, sweet, caring, and gentle he is. But let's get down to the nitty gritty. It's been a very tough transition. Lucas, for the past couple of years has had to endure change. When this change started happening,  it was realized that he doesn't do so well with it. Sometimes, change polarizes him. He withdrawls. He acts out. He basically becomes the worst version of himself. Let me be clear, I don't think badly of him. We all have a side we don't like of ourselves. That's a simple explanation to a very difficult matter we have been facing as ...

Halloween 2015 was a success! It started out with some snags, though! For weeks we have been talking about what the kids wanted to dress up as. Their minds changed often! Finally, the kids decided on a kitty ballerina and a vampire. I get the bad mom award for shopping too late for these costumes. Yesterday, I went out and got Lucas his vampire costume (the only one in the store in his size). He was so excited. I searched high and low in Crestview with absolutley no luck for Autumn's accessories; kitty ears, tail, and bow tie. At 930 pm Friday night, since the kids were with my mom, I drove down to Niceville Walmart and picked up the rest of her costume. We were finally ready. Or not. It is a darn good thing we decided to try Lucas' costume on yesterday morning. It was an ADULT size costume that had been stuffed in a child's costume bag. What were we going to do now?!? I took his costume back to the store. I knew Walgreens had a Darth Vader costume a couple weeks a...