The adventure I will not be reliving...

Spring clover was so green and deep this year

    

    Spring break was an interesting one this year.  The Friday it started my brain was already mush from weeks of no sleep.  We had an impromptu dinner with two neighboring families.  Half the things I said made no sense, and a few interesting glances confirmed it.  A trip away started the next day, followed by three nights of no sleep and then a parenting challenge.  Though we figured out how to handle the situation, in the middle of it I realized how done my brain was.  A few more days later and I send a PM on IG to a friend and it makes no sense...on rereading it, it even seems mean, just not me.  I apologized, but realized the brain fog was worse than I thought.

    I first experienced "adrenal fatigue" when our second was 20months old. Lots of stress from a family situation and a baby/toddler that didn't like sleep.  I researched, I applied everything that felt right for me, followed my intuition and healed it.  I remember telling my husband how I have to always incorporate smoothies and yoga in my life from then on...that was 7 years ago. Then twins, I don't think I need to explain that one, we moved when they were 3.5months old to a rental with lots of boxes and then again when they were 18months old.  I managed the fatigue well considering everything going on.  Occasional brain fog, lots of lost sleep, exercise was really hard.  There was always times of recovery, I deepened my gratitude practice, and saw the beauty in everything.

    I made a commitment to finish projects and to get back to what is important.  The last time I slept, without interruption and woke feeling rested was 6 months ago, and before that over a year.  That day was amazing, I did everything and didn't want to stop!  I keep it in my mind to remember it is possible and I will make it back there.  Celery juice and a bunch of great herbals do help...but there is a lot that is different this time.

    I don't like excuses, I grow up with too many, and I know I can do it all.  I wanted to share what it feels like so people understand, so others can find the help they need and to have accountability for the discipline I need moving forward.  I stopped drinking smoothies when it got cold, yoga just didn't feel right, I am so far in my head all day long that I am constantly thinking about the next thing on the todo list instead of being present.  This is not a self care issue, I am sure I will get messages on that one.  The latest research shows "adrenal fatigue" as a multisystem occurrence, down to a cellular/mitochondrial level.  It is so hard to find where to cut in on the cycle, like so many chronic illnesses today.  This is not a post about what causes it and all the things I have done or tell clients to try...It is time for me to stop treating everyone else first this time (I will keep repeating it is not a selfcare issue, it is deeper and a healer related thing I will write about later).

    This time it was so different.  It snuck up on me.  It is the heavy true brain fog that can be mistaken for cognitive issues.  I can have a paragraph in my head and the moment I try to say the words it all falls apart, it is so thick, and then I am left there wondering why the words came out that way and if the person I said them to will be able to understand why it happened when I apologize for the 10th+ time.  My body feels great 90% of the time, I am training with my husband and friends for the memorial day #MurphChallenge2021, I feel stronger for the first time in a long time.  The fatigue, waking between 2:30-3:30 were hard, and after last week have caused some tears.  The normal hair loss that comes, didn't, It has actually grown back, but it is normally delayed so we will see next week.  So much of my body feels great, but my brain is done.  I think it is a lot of different things this time, but the lack of sleep triggered the regression and brain fog.  It feels so much like burn out, which is interesting when I think of other healthcare workers and moms in the middle of the storm.  I can see how easy it is to confuse the two, when we can get defensive when people tell us we just need a break, to meditate, have "self care" time, etc.  My from of selfcare is not the same as what mom bloggers deem correct in todays age...but that is for another time. Already I am reading back my words wondering if this even makes sense, adding in may make this all fall apart and no one will be able to follow it...but then I think it needs to just stay that way, authentic to the moment and my experience.

 So a picture and another thought...

    I think it is ok to go through cycles in life, we come out better off in the end.  The top picture is our wisteria before we left on our trip, before two unexpected low temp nights.  It is late in the year for a freeze here, though frost happens often until May.  The one side was almost full bloom and the other we thought would be ready when we returned.  We came home to them all dead, looking freezer burned and growth stopped mid bloom.  A week later, three small flower bunches and leaves coming through.  This year there will be a fraction of the invasive seeds, though beautiful this 25+ year old vine has probably cause a lot of damage over the years in neighboring woods (since moving here we try to contain the seeds/pods the best we can but we can't get every one).  Nature knows when it needs a break.  It knows when to flower, or our dying (normal life cycle) pines know when to cone, the clover to fill the fields for the nitrogen and flowers for the bees, the freeze that helps the cycle, the wind that calms or fuels the cycles, the rain that restores, on and on.  I need to get out of my own way, stop overthinking, play, sit in the silence, make the todo list smaller, breath deeper, allow people to do things, even if it is not my way, stop volunteering to help, sit in my garden, let my intuition flow 100% instead of 40.  I am working on reconnecting my mind, body and spirit, breaking the habit of waking, decreasing my cortisol levels and more.  This is more a post about naming it so it is real, not an excuse, but a letting go.  Thank you for your patients with my words, I know I will find them again, along with a few other things that have lost their way.  For now I send you lots of love and light on your own healing journey.

                                                                                                                                               Always...

Who needs a yoga mat

So why are the kids laying in the driveway...at night...and with snow everywhere?

Dad asked what they wanted to do...you know sled, play in the snow, go in and read or play a game before bed.  Yoga...yup they asked to do yoga.  Dad said inside? Nope outside, and thus the impromptu yoga from the fun channel we found on youtube started.

I think it is the stillness.  The snow brings quite, a time to reflect, be still.  I was out this morning taking pictures...

 

The girls were not having it, decided the coop and their oatmeal treat was the only way to go...

I just wanted to sit down meditate, or just listen to my breath.  The silence and beauty all around was amazing.  Kids just do, they don't overthink or have the boxes and labels we do as adults.  They think they can, so they do.  They feel and are connected to this world on a deeper level, though they may not always express it in words.  It is important we give them tools so they can express what they are feeling around them...this time it was yoga.  They sat down and connected with the earth, the beautiful snow and stillness around them.  It was fun to watch their concentration, they just trusted and did it.  No second guessing or questioning, it just was.  They came inside happy and had the best time playing trains together before bed.
I hope you can find stillness this week, reset and be the awesomeness that I know you are...

This print sits on my dresser as a reminder.  If you like the art check out Katie Daisy!  I love her work

ps I have a whole post about kids, yoga and that channel I was talking about, coming soon!

Adventure of having a boy

You never know what you will find walking into the bathroom, playroom, opening his drawers, car seat, you name it.  They are so sweet, steal your heart and little monsters at the same time...I am so thankful for my (not so) little boy.

Said boy will be 4 in a few days.  We are full on party planning, while prepping for "the storm!"
If you want to experience pure hysteria, move to the metro DC/VA/MD area right in time for a flurry or two, not to mention the two feet we are expected to get...Oh goodness or silliness more like it.

Mostly I think it is beautiful, specially the sun rise before the storm...

Kiddos playing and planning the next snowball fight...

Or witty librarian humor...

Wherever you are choose to be open to, new possibilities, God's beauty in a sun rise or single snowflake...and sweet little boys that aren't so little anymore.  I want to breath him in deep every time he gives me a hug and says I love you, not worry about and be open to the crazy behavior a normal 4 year old boy has.  I don't want to forget the little things, I want to tell him what he was like at almost four, and I want to teach him how to live in the moment and love big.
Happy Birthday my sweet petit homme...

Advise for first time mamas

Mamas aren't born the moment their little one comes into the world, it is a long journey with many paths along the way.  We are shaped and molded from the time we decide we want a family one day, reaffirmed the day they are placed in our arms and more developing for decades to come.
Some parts are almost a rite of passage.  One in particular, the tradition of passing on advice and crazy stories from one mama to the next.  How should we handle this one?  Some of the advice is good, some parts just fun to hear another persons journey, some of the advice does work or just merely offers support in a time of need.  So I hesitate to give advise to first time parents, but this advice will hopefully be a little different than most.

My advice or lack of

1. Listen and share a like, but set boundaries and know how to say no.

    There is something about the power and energy a group of women sharing their stories can send out.  It is a fun thing to experience, but there can be a draw back.  Negative stories, traumatizing birth experiences, crazy advice that doesn't match your value/belief system and more...What is it about women that makes them think it is OK to over share every crazy thing they hear about when someone they know is pregnant?  The best advise I can give on this?  There is a great birth education series called HypnoBabies (not to be confused with Hypnobirthing, very different), I saw many patient use this method and then chose it myself after seeing the success rate compared to other child birth education programs out there.  One tract and lesson in the series talks about the bubble of peace.  It sound ridiculous but when you really think about it, it is the best thing you can do for you and your baby (even adoption and surrogacy parents can practice this).  When you start to hear that crazy scary story or get the advise that makes you roll your eyes, it is fun to imagine that bubble of peace and all the negative energy bouncing off, away from you and your baby. Then take a breath and tell the person how you feel, thanks but that is not what I want to hear right now, or I hear you are concerned but we got it covered, or don't worry I know my body better than anyone and this baby, etc.  So be apart of the right of passage, feel the amazing loving energy that can come from the talk, but also know you can do this and sticking up for you is a good thing (not to mention good practice for later when baby is here and all the crazy advice and guilt trips you may get, just say no! and know that you are allowed to, even with someone in the medical field.)**I will also say here, help to break the cycle by surrounding the pregnant, expecting or adopting mama with love and support, not crazy stories.

a beautiful friend and her rainbow belly

2.  You are an amazing strong and beautiful women, trust your body (still applies if you are carrying your baby in your heart)

       We once lived in a world where no one questioned our/their bodies.  Giving birth was natural just like every other animal on this planet.  I love the Ina May Gaskin quotes:

“Remember this, for it is as true and true gets:  Your body is not a lemon. You are not a machine.  The Creator is not a careless mechanic.  Human female bodies have the same potential to give birth well as aardvarks, lions, rhinoceri, elephants, moose, and water buffalo.  Even if it has not been your habit throughout your life so far, I recommend that you learn to think positively about your body.”

"We are the only species of mammal that doubts our ability to give birth. It's profitable to scare women about birth. But let's stop it. I tell women: Your body is not a lemon"

It is no wonder we doubt, with shows like birth story, the news with traumatic stories, your BFF with her own.  I never doubted my ability to birth a child naturally, it never even crossed my mind...but I was born a midwife and my perspective is different than most.  The only time I was concerned?  Well, when my husband put her in my arms and I thought: what did we do?  am I going to do this right?  what will our first sleepless night be like? and well there is no going back now...

My advice?  Ina May should be your guru, "Your body is not a lemon,"  never doubt your ability, no matter if you carry the child in your own body or not.  Yes there are things that can happen and intervention needed, that's why the emergency medical care exist, but still trust your instinct and speak up...this can also help when the decision for an intervention needs to be made, you will feel more at peace about the choice because you were listening to your body and being heard by the people caring for you.  You are amazing, you are light, you are powerful and about to care for another tiny human being...this is one of the greatest things you can do, so don't ever say I can't!  Say I will, I am awesome and I will own this!

3.  Trust your inner voice
   
      This is one you will have to tell yourself over and over again.  My husband put his trust in me and my mamasence after a story he heard from a coworker.  The family had been in the ER with a MD telling them everything was ok with their little one.  The mama pushed and finally got the test she wanted and sure enough it was positive.  Another caution here.  This is not the, well my friend said or google said voice, insert eye roll and sigh.  This is the real deal intuition that we all should be keyed into.  In all the babies I delivered there was never a bad one, why?  I listened to those amazing goddesses bringing life into the world.  If they were off or said something strange I keyed in right away.  They knew way before I did (or the monitors if we used them) that something wasn't right. The same with the mamas that came in with their newborns needing help or feeling off.  They were always right.  You can easily over think this one, second guess.  Go with your gut, then talk it out.  You know you have a good medical provider when they are willing to listen and make a plan that works for everyone.  They also get bonus points from me when they can say they don't know the answer but are willing to search it out.

4.  You really don't need all that baby crap

       No you don't....you just don't.  I know the baby shower is another right of passage, but use your common sense here.  The baby wipe warmer problem can be solved with two hands...no literally, rub your hands together and warm the thing up, or better yet use cloth.  It is so easy to get sucked into all the gear, that is the point of the industry and what they want.  Our grandparents lived long, (more) healthy lives and were born at home, co-sleepers or slept in a draw and never had all the extra crap that they try to push on a young family.  Even better?  when baby comes home and you start to figure out what you do need, send the new grandparents and in laws out to buy it.  They will be out of your hair for a bit and feel like they are helping/needed.  Seriously don't cave, it only gets worse...your siblings that don't have kids will buy you the biggest, loudest, most obnoxious toy ever and then you suddenly have a houseful of stuff you can't store the first Christmas after they are born...o and the kiddo is only interested in the box.  The more stuff we get the less we want, there is something to be said about the simple life, but that is a great topic for later.

5.  Take care of you, it will spill over on to your partner and kiddo(s)

     I hope this one is obvious, but if not don't worry we will discuss this more later.  For now, take the nap, drink the wine, color the book, take the bath, go shopping on their birthday (hey let's be real until they are 18 the birthday is really about the mom), say I love you more, don't settle for sweat pants, buy a pair of matching undergarments, shinny lip gloss and go on a date with your partner.  O and read, a lot (I have a list of great books for later), keep learning never stop growing.

6.  Be mindful, practice gratitude, because this to moves too fast and may never happen again

     Everyone says it, but yes you blink and they are almost 4 and while you type a blog post you are staring at minion party favors and menu list.  Before you know it, they walk, talk, paint you a picture, take the bus to school, you remember the toddler years of your second but think humm about how exactly it happened when the first one did it, or planning for number three turns into years of infertility, or you forget the way they looked/sounded/smelled while doing that silly thing they did.  I remember being pregnant with the said soon to be 4 year old, taking belly pictures (above) on the back deck, rubbing my belly and thinking, I need to enjoy this, every moment, because it might not happen again and every baby is so different.  I went back in the house, sat with my husband on the sofa and told him my thoughts...he agreed and said you never know we may not want more children or maybe we can't.  I remember the feeling I had in that moment, then brushed it off, smiled and said of course we will have more, I can feel it.  I am glad I have that memory, that moment and feelings.  I am glad I took the time to write the big events/stages down, for me it is another way to touch/feel and relive it.  Mindfulness helps us to cultivate gratitude and thus create the happiness we all crave in life.  There is no textbook way to do this one, find your own way, make a new tradition and lots of memories.

7.  Take lots of pictures, and make sure you are in them

     Because you will look for a picture one day to see what you looked like holding, playing loving your kiddos and not find one.  Even if you feel silly, frumpy, not so hot that day...take the picture show your kids how to make memories and what family is about.  They love looking at pictures from when they were little, they will ask where you are.  Take the pictures, tell them lots of stories and watch their face light up to know you love them and knew them from the beginning.  

Source: http://iheartinspiration.com/quotes/im-so-crafy-i-make-people-2/

8.  It is ok to work, it is ok not to work...just don't think you have to reinvent the wheel or make a million dollars.

     We all do this...you want to make something cute for the little one or come up with an idea to make an every day task easier.  You don't have to make 100 and sell them on etsy...If it turns into a passion great, if it is your calling even better, but don't forget what first brought you there, not to mention the above #4 people really don't need all that baby crap so lets stop adding to it.  Instead, keep your day job, or stay home with the baby, either way just love, laugh, enjoy, breath do more of #6 & 7.  Trust me I went there, opened the etsy shop and everything, then it became a chore instead of fun.  I did have time to develop my photography though, but that has always been a passion and my work got better as our family grew, as I grew and learned how to be creative (but I didn't try to sell it to everyone).  Motherhood brings out that creative side, tap into it, explore those once was passions and interest...this could be away to accomplish #5.  Whatever you decided to do, make it fit you and your core family, not what your (outside) family, friends, church or neighbors think is best for you...mama knows best (#3)

9.  People will tell you to sleep when the baby sleeps, listen to them, the dishes will get done eventually...In other words let your body heal (even in case of adoption or surrogacy, stress is the worst on your body) and stop to smell the roses.  Explore healthy eating, exercises that fits your needs, and the best way to nap in only 20 mins.

10.  You are enough.

        You are amazing, a goddess, you are made of stars and born from the ocean (in more ways then one...did you know amniotic fluid is the same salt concentration as the ocean?!?  no wonder it calls to us, heals us every time we go it's shores).  There is no should of -could of- would of's here.  No judgment, evil thoughts in your head, mean mamas making you feel guilty...You, just you the way you are is enough.  You are exactly where you should be on this journey, see where it takes you, keep growing and loving, but know you are enough.  Cue One Direction song and turn it up loud...now start dancing and celebrating how amazing you are.



So that's it, my "advise," what do you think?  What is some of the best advise you received as a new parent?   Have a beautiful weekend! 

There are a few affiliate links here, clicking them doesn't change what you pay, it just offers the site away to make enough for a dot com one day ; )  ps If you want more info on the books or other products I mention in the post, click the amazon link on the right.

Seeking authentic relationships

In the last post I mentioned seeking authentic relationships, so lets talk about where that comes from...

Learning to be silly and let your guard down is so hard, but liberating when you figure it out

I read this great book, Be the Mom, that tackles the "mom traps" we face and how to break out of the cycle.  At the very end of the book where the author Tracy Lanter Eyster is described, it says "...who seeks authentic relationships-life's to important for fluff!"  I thought, yes! this is what I have been trying to express and find myself! Having a relationship with another mom were you aren't judged but still held accountable for your actions...someone that can say hey wait a minute, what did you mean by that, I don't agree with that and here is why, or that thing you did the other day upset me lets talk, and I still love you.  A kind, compassionate, loving environment where you can share what is going on in the mom world and get support.
But alas this is so hard to find!
At church yesterday we talked about being a friend to yourself, showing compassion and just giving ourselves a break. This is so important when trying to practice mindfulness, being in the moment and truly grateful for what life has to offer you.  As women we get wrapped up in our own heads with shoulda, coulda, woulda and not stopping to enjoy what is right in front of us.

*So I wrote most of the above a year ago, and here I am still not done with this post.  I have two wonderful kids and a home that keeps me busy, this blog is fun but not a priority.  We have had many projects and met new people and I am still seeking that authenticity that so many of you out there desire as well.  I have read many great books lately and found some amazing research that I hope to share with you...but again the little ones come first.  This fall they will both be in school (for the morning at least) and I may get a few post done here and there.*

finding these relationships seem harder than scaling a mountain

So how do we find this authenticness if you will...I am not sure I have that answer, but there are a few things we should all try.
-Don't judge yourself before others judge you- this is such a sad road, it stops you from trying new things and putting yourself out there.  Who cares if the first mom isn't a fan, she wasn't your type anyway ; )
-Practice mindfulness and gratitude daily...more on this later
-Don't judge another mom, take time to talk find out where they are from and thus where they are coming and going from...this really can help in figuring out why others have certain views of the world.
-What is your own world view?  How can you better express that to others so they can better understand you?
-You don't need to tell every mom you meet that you know everything there is to know in the natural mama world and that your way is the best way...calm down and listen you may actually learn something!
By the way, this whole who is crunchier thing is not so becoming and the fact you have to say it makes me question your true crunchiness to begin with...I am doing this natural thing for me and my family, if you have a question great if not don't worry I won't shove it in your face every chance I get is the better response.  
-Stop trying to one up each other!  It causes drama, resentment, judgment and so much more.
-Listen!! It is her story not yours, don't interject every time you can...I have a problem here too cause I get so excited and want to share my experience as well.  Take a breath, and wait, she will appreciate your story more, or even better, maybe wait and tell it another time ; )
-Show compassion for the other moms out there, remember where you were when you first started out.  You can send love to others while still holding their poor behavior accountable, its allowed.
-Accountability! If something doesn't feel/sound right, speak up!  It doesn't matter if it is the crunchy mom or the popular mom talking.  If she has said something offensive or just plain wrong speak up...but do it in a compassionate, I know where you are coming from kinda way.  This way we don't offend and everyone can learn something in the process.
....An the list could go on and on....
I would love to hear from you!
What is something you do to help cultivate authentic relationships and show compassion to others?

That thing that is really bothering you about another person is often a reflection of our true self and what we need to work on as well.  The light of a new day brings us promise, a fresh start, a way to see beyond that reflection and get to the bottom of it all.  I hope that sunrise brings you perspective, love and authentic friendships to your own lives...

Why are mama's so mean!?! and what can we do to fix the problem?

This is me (well the silly prepping for a photo shoot me)...
quite until you get to know me, then an over sharer, loving, cares too much, always a midwife, trying to help other mama's out there, supportive, finding the right fit for everyone, not imposing my values on others, but willing to talk/share/listen about it all.  Though I am strong, independent and knowledgeable, I still seek friendship...with real "authentic" (more on that later) women that share at least some of my beliefs, and if they don't, are open minded to hearing why we live the way we do.

I like many other mama's out there, I turned to other mom's for support, blogs, mama groups and more.  Sure the interaction (and info on blogs)  for the kids is great but we all know those play groups and blogs are for us...we were created to be in community, social and support one another...
So why are all of you mama's so mean!!  Seriously! Why can't we just support each other, offer advice and leave it at that? Why do we have to grill people, peer pressure them and one up each other all the time.

I have felt this way for I while now and have wanted to write a post, but from the last post you now know where I am placing my time and priorities.  I have stopped reading all but two (sometimes three) blogs because of the way the women are acting; so hateful, resentful, yet feeling they know everything there is to know because they have entered this club of motherhood.  I know it feels like you are the first ever to have a baby, and in some ways you are...you are the first to have that one of a kind, the only one born on the date and time, to those parents and that place baby.  Know what? the same thing happens every time a baby is born, including your second, third, so on.  They are all different, you have to start over every time, but at least with a little experience in all the general areas.  Let me tell you a secret, you are the expert of your own child! There will never be another little person like that one, ever.  So ask questions, get ideas, real life implementation/examples, but then do it your way, or more like the little ones way (cause the next one might not like it the same way).  Those other moms don't know your little one, don't feel pressure to take their advice or do something their way.  It may not work for your baby and then you will feel like a failure and that is the last thing you are.  Just making an effort to help your baby shows you are a good parent!

So why all of a sudden the blog post? 
I have tried meeting moms in all sorts of places, the mall, playgrounds, playgroups, meet up groups, etc. with no success.  Moms are mean, they like to one up each other, believe their way of raising a child is the only way, astonished when you stand up for yourself and share another way of doing things.  You are wrong if you breastfeed and wrong if you don't, crazy if you have natural childbirth and weird if you don't, have two heads if you use alternative healing methods and five if you don't.  Everyone knows how to feed, put to sleep, potty train, dress, and discipline your child better than you do.  If you try to add to a conversation with factual information in a loving, kind, nonjudgmental way, well then the moms are mad that you know more, try to one up you and then the cycle starts again.  As a mama that knows random and mostly useless facts (I got a lot of them) we are not trying to one up you, we are really trying to put ourselves out there and meet people or help.  How are you suppose to meet other moms with high school clique behavior?  If I walked right up to a mom and said hi my name is Cristin, with my hand out, she would look at me like I have a third eye or something.  I always seem to be the outsider with these type of moms.  It is like high school all over again and not being the cool chick with the great cloths/shoes and the popular friends.  I feel so bad when I think most moms probably shut down after these interactions and think, its me, I am not cool enough or dress the right way, say/know the right things.  Why can't we support each other? be open to meeting new people and ideals?   I keep trying and I feel like I am getting no where, it makes me want to move to the country, where in my head people are kinder to one another, and if not well I will have my children, chickens, cows and garden all to myself, ha!  These are not the types of moms I want my children around, our values and beliefs are so different and I want my children to be raised in a kind, loving environment that shows love and support to others.  Thank goodness I don't let these women get to me (frustration yes, upset for other mom defiantly), that I can move on and be happy being me...but what about all the other moms struggling out there?  What if that is the one mom you don't say hi to? or you make a rude comment to?

So the lesson of the day? Be kinder, gentler, offer support that is open ended and not telling other moms it's the only way to do things (Don't judge another mom for her choices! She is doing the best she can! put yourself in her shoes!!), reach out to the quite mom in the playgroup and remember what it felt like when you were first navigating the new waters of parenthood.  I will keep trying to meet new moms and continue to be kind, though it is hard and at times frustrating, maybe one day it will payoff ; )

My independent, sassy first born, always listening/watching/learning

Remember when your talking to others that your children are listening, and the voice they hear becomes the one inside their head later in life...lets hope its a confident, kind and complimenting one, but more on that later...

Where have I been? one guess...

I haven't written in over a year...why you ask?

That handsome monster right there...Funny, loving, sweet, yet so high needs, non sleeper, picky eater, moody and all over the place little man.  After my first I thought blogging would be a fun way to share info to women and show a side to midwives most people don't see.  ie I am not a hippie, on a farm delivering babies in a barn...well some people would call me a hippie...and I do want to live on a farm and raise/grow my own food...humm...not helping my case...but I digress.  So I shared some info about crazy things like cloth pads and diapers, a few other fun facts and a little of my life rolled in.

I have a ton of topics I want to cover and have yet to post.  I am a mama first, our family adventures come next, this blog the very last and at times not even on the radar.  I don't know how moms out there do it!  I have decided that they make blogging their job.  They must have kids in school and time set aside where they go to "work" writing, finding advertisers and then spamming my Facebook news feed with all kinds of crazy links which then lead to drama filled comments from crazy mean moms, but that is another post (at least I hope their kids are at school or they have great sleepers or do they even sleep). For me that defeats the purpose of being a stay at home mom.  Being here with my kids, keeping up with the daily household maintenance and keeping this ship running smoothly is my job.

After a lot of thinking and wondering if I should just stop the whole blogging thing, seeing how mama's are out there are behaving, I have decided that we should instead support one another with happy comments, great book ideas, fun things we have tried or learned.  I will occasionally write a post on mama/baby things when I have time, answer any questions women may have and offer support when ever I can.  But I will not spam your news feed, post everyday, or waste my time with mamas that want to be mean and non supportive towards other moms.

My hope is to help, support, make you feel like the amazing goddesses that you are!
Hope you all are well and enjoying this great summer weather we are having...

Cristin