How do you get it all done??

Someone once asked me ..."How do you do it?? How do you get it all done??"

The truth is I don't.

My regular weeks are jammed packed full from about 5:30 am until about midnight or later. Most days I am operating on about 4-5 hours of sleep. I still don't get it all done.

Currently, I am sleeping on my mattress on the floor (in our extra bedroom) because I am stripping the popcorn ceiling out of the master bedroom. All three of my kids are in camp from 10 am - 3 pm while I am working. To give you an example Monday I was at the office with all three of my kids by 9:00. At 10:00 I walk them over to the camp on the church campus. I worked until 3:00 grabbed the kids, came home, cleaned some of the house, made dinner, worked on the ceiling, showered and went to bed.

However, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday I put Madelynn on the bus for tutoring, get to the office by 9:30, kids at camp by 10:00, leave the office at 10:45 go get Madelynn from tutoring, take her to camp, work until 3:00, get kids, run a few errands, clean a little house, dinner, ceiling, shower and finally bed.

As a Parent it is never ending. This does not include soccer training, practices, and in about 7-8 weeks games or other things I volunteer my time for (LOL!!). They all have summer homework reading and math, chores and fun. For me it means washing and drying all the clothes Sunday and folding and putting away Monday; last nights dinner dishes get done this morning or mowing the grass Tuesday and weeding the flower beds Thursday. I always consider what has to be done, how long it will take and what day I can fit it in.

I do not get it all done and I fail at things all the time. Sometimes I didn't get Jackson's favorite shorts washed or I promised Madelynn I would read to her and she fell asleep. The best part about these failures is they are mine and I am ok with it. It might mean I have to get up earlier the next day to make sure the shorts are ready or read two books tomorrow night but that's ok.

My "To Do" list is a book and my "Wish List" are just dreams. I have learned to just keep moving forward. Once I finish the Master Bedroom I only have three more spaces and the whole house has beautiful flat ceilings. Not only that I paid for it all with my two, yes TWO, side jobs so no debt was incurred.

I do not have the best and biggest house, multiple cars, or six figure salary. I have a husband who loves me and works his butt off every day, children who love me, a roof over my head, and food in my cupboards, a job (or three) and friends who don't judge me. The rest of it does not matter. If at the end of the day I can look myself in the mirror and say you gave today 100% NOTHING ELSE MATTER.

There is always tomorrow. When you wonder how all the other mom's get it done?? They don't either; they just keep moving forward.

TTFN~

Random Acts of Kindness..........

"Carry out a random act of kindness, with no exception of reward, safe in the knowledge that one day someone might do the same for you." - Princess Diana

I almost never have cash in my wallet. It is something that makes my dad crazy; "You just never know...." and he is right. However, I believe that God will always provide and if I need it He will make sure I have it.

Throughout our marriage people have to come to Phil and I and asked for help. Whether it be money, free babysitting, a car ride. Someone was broke and needed a little grocery money we gave it to them. Someone had to work late and no sitter, the kids came to our house. Someone needed a ride to the store we gave it to them.

We didn't do these things  to pat ourselves on the back. We did them because someone did it for us. Having three children under the age of five was not part of OUR plan it was God's plan. Because we took on this challenge HE made sure we were always provided for.

During the Spring Soccer Season I worked in the concession stand four times. People stopped me and asked why? My response, "They needed help."

When we needed help after Madelynn's Heart surgery, people stepped up in droves. Some days it brought me to tears. I would get calls everyday, "What can I do to help?". Because of these acts of kindness, we never missed a meal, had a utility cut off, missed a doctor's appointment and Kaitlynn and Jackson NEVER missed a day of school.

About a month ago I was in a car accident. I was fine but my car was a little banged up. I was told my car was drivable until it could be fixed. The were wrong.

I was travelling on the highway doing the 70mph speed limit and my bumper flew off. It was dragging behind my car hanging on by a very mighty but small cable. It was one of the back up sensor cables.

I was alone. I pull over and cars are flying passed me doing at least 70. I get out of the car it is almost 100 degrees out and I am trying to disconnect the cable so I can put my bumper in the car and get to my destination. 
I cannot disconnect the cable. I text a picture to Phil and he cannot help me. Suddenly a man pulls up, parks and says, "Need some help?" Within a few minutes he and I get the cable disconnected, the bumper in my car and I am on my way.

I realized two things. The small and mighty are always strong enough. Someone will always be there when you need it most.
You have no idea how your random act of kindness will change some one's day, week or life.

TTFN~

Happy Promotion Day Punkin (aka Kaitlynn)

It seems like yesterday I was standing at the gymnasium door waiting for you to walk through for your Kindergarten assessment day. But just like that day and every other day you will handle today with Amazing Grace and excitement. We are so proud of you for giving everyday your heart and soul to do your very best.

We are so proud to be your parents and can't wait to see what your future holds. We love you to the moon and back, to infinity and beyond, forever and ever. Hugs and Kisses, Mom and Dad

TTFN~

Time to go through the door God keeps opening........

About halfway through the soccer season Kaitlynn had the game of her life. The team lost in the end but she played the best I had ever seen her. As her parents, I am sure we can come off a little biased. However, we had several people from the opposing team approach us after the game. They could not believe how good she is. Phil and I just kind of looked at each other, smiled and said "Thank you".

A few weeks ago there were tryouts for a challenge travel team. Phil and I wanted to know what other people thought of her ability so we let her try out. We weren't sure she would make it and definitely could not afford it but we wanted to see what others would say about her. The night of the tryouts before the evaluators left the field, they found me volunteering in the concession stand.

I explained our reasons for letting her try out. I also explained that she is only 11 and would be playing on a U13 team; being one of the youngest made me nervous. Finally I explained it was very expensive to play and not in our budget this year. We would have to consider it next year. They really wanted her to play and offered to help with the cost.

Finally I thanked them and told them I needed to talk it over with Kaitlynn and Phil. Needless to say we were very surprised. After a few days of conversation, Kaitlynn told us she did not want to leave her existing team. When I asked her why she could not tell me. Up until this point Phil and I had kept our opinions to ourselves.

I could not keep my opinion to myself any longer. I asked Kaitlynn if she was saying "No" because of her fear of the unknown. She did not answer. So I laid my opinion out there.

We do not, NOT do something out of fear. If she really wants to try it but is afraid we do it together; as a family. She will never be with out us. She will not lose her existing friends and teammates she will just make new ones. If she tries it and hates it we will take her back to her old team. I also explained to her that every time I run across this team and we shut the door; God blows the door back open. We needed to listen to the opportunity and try it. A few hours later she decided that YES she would try it.

Today was the last day and game with her existing team. It was very hard after the game. Kaitlynn made her coach cry because she was crying. He announced that she was leaving the team and moving up. We received lots of hugs and congratulations. It was a very bittersweet day. We have thoroughly enjoyed being a part of the Lady Hurricanes.

The Soccer Moms (and families) are the Bomb!! The players have amazing personalities and never cease to amaze me. I know that even if we tried (which we never would) we are stuck with our Lady Hurricane families and I wouldn't want it any other way. Thank you for allowing us to join the family and welcoming us with open arms. Thank you for all the laughs in the hopes there are many more. Thank you to Coach Danny, John, Scott and Wayne for making a space for her on the team when there wasn't one, for letting her train as a goalie, for teaching her to be a better player and allowing her to move up with her head held high. She would have never reached this opportunity with out you.

We will share more when the adventure gets started. Go Hurricanes!!

TTFN~

Learning along the Journey......

I am a daughter, sister, wife and mother. I have been a friend, student, 3rd shift grocery stocker, cashier, floral clerk, accounting clerk, office accountant and heart mom. I still am a friend, office accountant and a heart mom.

Throughout this journey I have learned to

Smile and Laugh EVERYDAY
Tell the truth even if it is the hardest thing you have ever done
Love with your WHOLE heart
Be a best friend to EVERYONE
Say I'm Sorry and Mean It
Do your best at everything
Pray, pray every day and for every thing

These are not easy things. Life is hard. I can think of some of my worst days and I still found something to smile or laugh about. It is not easy to look your friend in the face and tell them the truth even though it will make they cry. You shouldn't love any thing half way. It must be all or nothing.

Because you never know what struggle your friend is carrying it is imperative to always be a best friend. You might be the thing that changes their day or helps them find their smile during the ugly days. I am far from perfect and make mistakes everyday. Acknowledging that and saying I'm sorry must be done.

At the end of the day I stew about whether I gave it my best. If I didn't I figure out why or what I need to do. I don't get it right every day but I can look myself in the mirror and know I gave it my all. I pray everyday for everything. If my friend calls because something happened I pray about it. When my kids get on the bus I pray for their safe return to me and for open minds to become the best people they can. I pray for my husband's safety at work. I also pray in thanksgiving we made it through the day.

As we celebrate Mother's Day, I know life is hard. But the reward of being a Mom and celebrating everything that comes with it is worth every drop of blood, sweat and tears. Don't forget to share what you learned along the way.

Special Love to Mom as I get to see her today.

TTFN~

When you realize you are finding balance........through a soccer coach.

Since the end of Heart Month life has been one wild ride. Kaitlynn and Jackson ended basketball and all three jumped right into soccer. Phil is coaching both Madelynn's and Jackson's teams. He was was only going to coach Jackson's team. However the league was short coaches. Phil and I agreed he would take on the coaching jobs and I would help with all the behind the scenes things setting up group emails, making team rosters, snack lists and anything else he needed help with.

We have had lots of rained out practices and games. However the season is finally underway. Madelynn's team is undefeated 3-1 (she scored one goal) and 6-1 (she scored 3 goals). She will play again tomorrow if the fields aren't too wet. Jackson's team has played one game, which ended in a 4-4 tie (Jackson scored 3 goals). It has been great to watch.

Kaitlynn is on a team , The Lady Hurricanes, with girls she has played with for three seasons including the same coach. I know we aren't supposed to pick favorites but I LOVE to watch her team play the most. When these girls are on they can not be beat. Sadly their first game was not their best day ( I am being nice) and they lost 3-1. The next day the girls played again and it was like the real team showed up and they won 2-1. However that is not the real story here.

Parents are not allowed on the field at anytime unless the ref or coach calls them due to injury. Katilynn's team was winning 2-0 in her last game. She was in the goalie box; the ball was coming at her and she tried to land on and smother it. However, the ball popped out and the opposing team scored. But I noticed Kaitlynn did not get up. Knowing I couldn't enter the field I screamed the coaches name. When he looked at me I pointed to Kaitlynn laying on the ground.

As the coach ran to her she started to get up. When the coach finally reached her he said something to her and kissed her on the forehead. It made me release a sigh of relief. She was limping but ok. I could not see from my vantage point but in trying to win the ball and stop the score she was cleated in the thigh. It left a pretty nasty bruise. She was pulled from the game and when she was ready coach put her back in (about 5 minutes later). She is tough as nails and a fighter.

Kaitlynn has become this way because we taught her to fight for what she wants and she has a stellar coach. He can bring out the best in these girls, I have seen it. From Kaitlynn's point of view he is tall, broad shoulders and initially kind of scary. To know him he is a kind and gentle souled man. He treats these girls like they are an extension of his own family. I don't always agree with the decisions he makes but I only have the parents perspective from the other side of the field.

Kaitlynn asked me if she could play goalie. I told her it was not my decision and he needed to ask the coach. To see her be brave and stand up to the coach and ask if she could play goalie was very sweet. He stood their looking her in the eye and listened to her ask to play goalie. I don't know what was said other than if it was something she really wanted it required coming to every practice early for goalie training. She hasn't missed it yet. She is one of the shortest on the team but yet she plays goalie for the second half of almost every game.

I am not going to lie I do not believe Kaitlynn is goalie material. If for no other reason than the height barrier. But she also is a great forward and mid-fielder. But to see her in the goalie box fighting for every ball she LOVES it and she is good at. I believe Kaitlynn's coach sees the big picture. Whenever soccer ends for Kaitlynn whether that be next year or 10 years from now she will have had a coach that let her play the game with no regrets. She has played every positions. She has learned you both win and lose as a team. She knows that even at the end of her worst loss, she will have learned something.

Over the next five days we will need to attend 6 six games (2 for each child). Because of Kaitlynn's coach, I have become a crazy soccer mom, made some great friends and learned that life is becoming more balanced and not totally consumed with Madelynn's heart condition. It makes us all better people.

7 days a week, 365 days a year.....

Today ends Heart Month! For families with children fighting heart defects the journey never ends. There is no remission, there is NO CURE. We are reminded 365 days a year and not 28. We find the strength to surrender our warriors to a surgeon knowing no matter what the result our lives will never be the same after.

The other day I came across a picture that every time I see it I stop. This picture represents the last time my life made sense. It is the last time I remember what my "normal" life used to be. When I see this picture I had no idea what the inside of a children's hospital looked like. I didn't know most of my current friends. I didn't even know what a CHD was. Life changed forever.

Would I choose this life? NO! Do I regret it? NO!

Because of Madelynn's CHD, I have a tight knit group of heart moms that are worth their weight in gold. These women understand our journey. There are certain things that I do not have to explain why they just know. They make the hard blows we take about our warriors a little softer. I am truly indebted to them.

Because of Madelynn's CHD, I understand parents of chronically ill children much better. I appreciate every good day and savor every ray of sunshine. Parents don't necessarily want you to fix everything sometimes they need a sounding board to just vent. If they don't let it out they can't move on or realize what they need to do next.

Because of Madelynn's CHD, I have learned to pray more, accept whatever decision the Lord has handed down and most importantly make a conscience effort to understand why this had to happen. What did I need to learn from it? How is this going to make me a better person?

Don't get me wrong none of these sound like very glamorous jobs. They are not easy tasks. Some days I just don't want to do it. But what if I didn't? What if I stopped following  and praying for heart families. What if one day God laid it on my heart to reach out to a family and I didn't do it? What the world end? Probably not.....But I also neglected to give hope to a family struggling. I am not sure I could live with that.

We don't just need support and cheerleaders during the month of February. We need prayer warriors, and friendly hellos, hugs when you see us and mean it when you ask how we are. The is a very real experience all year long and it almost never an easy one.

Thank you for all of those who have always supported us and our journey. Thank you for just calling to say, "Hi". Thank you for rushing to the hospital in our moment of crisis. Thank you for the moms shopping days and dinners. Thank you for even just for a little while making life seem "Normal", whatever that is anymore.

TTFN~

Happy Heart Month!