Happy Days

The one thing that keeps me going is M. She's by far the best thing I've ever done. A spitting image of me in every manner (yes the teenage years are going to blow), she's so caring, kind, funny and loving. After a movie night with some friends, I come home to hear "mamma?", which instantly melts my heart. Some coercing (on her part) later, I'm laying in bed with her as she tells me about her day. "I pooped in the potty" is one thing she continues to tell me, as she rightfully should be proud. But the best part of this conversation, is her little hand laying on my cheek as she's trying to snuggle.
M really is the best snuggler! She throws her arm over my neck, throws her head into mine and snores, very loudly. Or she'll shove her butt right in my chest while she thrashes around trying to get comfortable. But I feel so loved when that little hand rests on my cheek. "Wuv you mamma" as she runs her hand up and down my cheek trying to get me to sleep. Moments like this make all the tantrums, potty training accidents, and back talk seem to float away. These are the moments that make life worth living.

A living will. Three words that are incredibly loaded with meaning. A living will. I say these again because they are incredibly important to anyone who has children. While I do not like to think of my husband and I departing this earth and leaving M alone, it is something that we do need to think about. So many hard decisions to make that would not only affect her future, but the future of my family. M is so very lucky, as she has quite a few people who would gladly accept her into their lives if hers comes crashing down. While thinking of all these generous people, I suddenly fell as if I'm thrust into Beaches and Raising Helen. A good friend told me that no matter who we choose to have custody of Madysen, we will hurt someone. This statement could not be more true. If I pick my sister, will I offend my in-laws? If I pick my brother, will I offend my sister? One thing I know for sure, I don't want to tell anyone of our decisions unless we have to. Why cause drama if I don't need to. Don't get me wrong, we are so blessed that so many people love M as much as we do.
And with that, I can't come up with a good closing argument, so, jury's out and a decision will be made.
Toodles.

Gloomy Days

On a gloomy day such as this, I try to remember sunny and happy things, rather than mope because of the lack of Vitamin D in my system. (I'm copying an idea my friend Ayz has!)

-I'm very excited Madysen is finally picking up on this potty training business! A few accidents (a few being 2) in a week, and we're still going strong!
-I'm very thankful for wonderful co-workers. This department has been so welcoming and a lot of these guys/girls have become good friends
-I'm very grateful for my husband. He's so good to me and Madysen, not to mention he's dreamy!
-My brothers, sister, and SIL. These guys are my support system (as is JJ). We've been through hell and back, and I wouldn't be able to function with out them!!
-My family in general. We come from some amazing peeps!!
-I have to laugh at the amount of people who believe this Doomsday business.
-My midnight visitor. Even though she's a bedhog, Madysen is one good snuggler! It's nice having company when JJ's gone.
-New clothes day! I love rocking new clothes like I'm the next fat Naomi Campbell (minus the attitude)

Hopefully my happiness brings a little happy to your gloomy day.
Love and cheers :)

My Bucket List

As I was attempting to go to to sleep last night, I became completely engrossed in "The Bucket List." I've seen the movie several times, but something about last night got me thinking, what do I want to do before I die? So, here's some of my bucket list (in no particular order):
-climb Mt. Kilimanjaro
-finish a half marathon
-finish a full marathon
-backpack through Europe
-find my family in Scotland
-move to Alaska
-ice climb Teton Peak
-try out for a musical
-show my daughter she will always be stronger than she thinks she is
-graduate either Master's with a 4.0