Tag: mama

This week, a memory popped up on my timeline reminding me that I started writing this column seven years ago this month. Seven years. So much has changed in seven years.

I am in a season of waiting right now, and I can tell you one thing, I am not very good at it. Patience may be a virtue (my mom preached that to me over and over again as a kid), but it is certainly one that is still under construction for me.

Instead of a big, far away vacation this year, Lee and I decided that we would do some smaller 2-3 day trips closer to home — spread them out a bit and give us more glimpses to look forward to. Up first, was an indoor waterpark.

Last week, I got some news that made me sad. And, while I had been anticipating the news and knew it was coming, it still didn’t really make it any easier. Throughout the day, I held my composure – like a stubborn sadness stacked in my cards causing me to hold them close to my chest so no one could see them.

Every night I pull out Maylie and Reagan’s planner, confirm they finished their homework and initial it. Then I go to the bottom of their next day and write a short little note. It is usually not more than a few words – just enough to remind them they are loved, that I am proud of them or to pray through any obstacles they may come across.

As a wedding gift to our blended family, Lee and I bought each kid a small keychain with a puzzle piece on it that had each kid’s name on one side and our wedding date on the other. Last weekend, we gave the gifts to them while I documented it with photos and then posted it on social media.

It’s that time of year again – the making of the Valentine’s Day box. Listen, I know they say that we will miss these kinds of things one day, but I am not sure that day will come for me when it comes to Valentine’s Day boxes. I am literally terrible at them.

On January 27, Lee and I planned for an Ice Cream Formal to celebrate one entire year alcohol free. We did it up pretty big – hired a DJ for the event and had my mom secure a place with a gym so that we would have plenty of room for a dance floor and tables and chairs. We invited all of our friends and family – those who supported us throughout our journey and love us dearly.

Listen, I am a pretty positive person – like I am proud of that about me. Typically, I can take just about anything thrown at me, digest it and find some sort of good. There’s a reason for it – God has it. I just need to put it all in His hands and trust Him.

She follows me around everywhere and talks my ear off. She stops me in the hallway if I seem rushed or frazzled and tells me that I need a “Reagan hug.” And every time she does that, I always do. She reminds me to stop, slow down and rest for a minute.