Love Letters...Love Yourself...

So the hubs and I aren't huge "Hallmark" celebrators, but we do appreciate a good love letter.  Especially when our daughters are involved.  So I was just going to simply post my love letters to my lil' ladies...then I realized that I could benefit from a good ol' love letter to myself.  I think we could all benefit from this...am I right??  Social media and society these days put such pressure on us to be these "perfect" people...with our little homemade Valentines cards and our coordinating outfits. Nevermind the screaming it took to get our children into said outfits or the fact that it was really the parents who spent hours staying up super gluing Hershey Kisses together to look like a mouse with the saying "You're really mice" underneath it. Who has time for that??  I don't. And I am becoming increasingly more comfortable with my own limitations and what is truly important. We struggle everyday comparing ourselves to everyone else and what they see from the outside.  But that old saying "it's what's on the inside that counts..." well, if we could all just be happy and focused on that?  In the words of Sam Cooke...."What a wonderful world this would be....."

So here it goes...a love letter to myself.

I absolutely love the fact that I have no doubt my daughters know I love them with every fiber of my being. I know this because I tell them at least ten times a day, and even if I lose my temper (yes...sometimes I lose it) it always ends in hugs and talking and kisses and laughter. This stands true even for the hubby and I....and I LOVE the fact we can giggle after...even during and argument.  I know I am not perfect... but not acting like I am is half the battle.

I am not necessarily loving my muffin top these days...but I am loving and appreciating the fact that this body gave me these lil' humans that have forever enriched my life...so you know what??  I guess I am loving and appreciating that muffin top too.  And some day...when life eases up a little...I may choose to focus on losing said muffin top.  But for now...I will embrace and love my body and show my daughters confidence and self-love.

I love the fact that I know and am blessed to know what true love feels like...down to the deepest parts of my soul.  I love the fact that am I certain the people I call friends know that I love them and would do anything in my power to help them in any way I could.  My heart is so full of love and gratitude for all these peeps in my life, and I would not be the person I am today without them.

One last thing.  I am happy with the person I have become. All roads...even hardship, have led me here.  With each year I am able to ease a little more comfortably in my own aging skin..and I don't mind what I see. Grey hairs?  I see them as stripes of honor.  Wrinkles?  Each one tells a story...whether laughter or sadness...this is my life. I embrace every moment and love it and everyone in it to the best of my ability.

I love you!
luv,
me

ok...now here's the good stuff, oldest to youngest:

My Dearest Ella Mae, Sunshine of My Life

From the moment you came into my world my life has been infinitely richer and brighter.  I am so unbelievably proud of you and my love grows for you more and more every day, even though I never think it was possible to love you anymore than I do today!  I love watching your relationship with your sister grow too.  You are the best big sister in the whole wide world!  You are so patient and so willing to help Ruby learn and be the best she can be.  I love hearing both of your giggles from the other room as you play together so sweetly or run around chasing each other through the house like a herd of elephants. Your sweet hugs and kisses are mommy’s favorite.  You are smart and amaze me every single day with new things you have learned.  Your kind spirit is probably what I am most proud of.  You have the ability to make people feel happy and at ease when they are with you.  You are so funny and bring laughter to all those around you!

Ella Mae….I LOVE YOU MORE THAN THERE ARE LEAVES ON THE TREES IN SPRINGTIME AND FISHIES IN THE OCEAN!!  You, your sister and your daddy are my world.  Never forget that!

Luv you-

Mommy

To My Sweet Ruby Doobs, The Other Sunshine of My Life!

February 14, 2014

It is hard to know where to begin.  There are really no words to express how utterly in love with you I am!  My world is forever changed and forever more beautiful because you are in it.  I love how I see the world through a whole new set of eyes now that you have showed me the beauty in every little thing.  How I slow down and try to enjoy every little moment in life because I see you doing the same.  You are such a perfect example for us all.  You show the world that “perfection” comes in all sorts of different little un-suspecting packages…and we should never be afraid to take a peek inside.  You have taught me to never underestimate anybody or anything…not even myself.  I take such joy and pride in watching you grow and can’t wait to see all the things you will accomplish in your life!  You have the ability to touch people you meet so deeply and I have no doubt you will help make this world a better place just by being you.

I LOVE YOU MORE THAN THERE ARE STARS IN THE SKY…(that’s A LOT!)

Luv you

Mommy