PART ONE: Check Pageant Mom (+Dad) off of the Bucket List

Gotcha week for the Hamm's was not just for Noah, but Kira, too!   Pageant week, Part One.

Check Pageant Mom (+Dad)....oh and a village of others who came to support Kira.  She felt like a winner WELL before the pageant even happened.  For the last seven years, I have been on a phenomenal team at my school's pageant.  We have had months, weeks, days, hours and minutes living and breathing...pageant stuff.  (There is no other way to say it.  It really is a lot)

If you would have told me that Kira was going to enter her school's pageant, I am pretty sure I would make you say her name again, just to make sure we were on the same page.  

Allow me to give you the tips behind this beauty queen's regime.  Alarm goes off at 6.  Daddy wakes her, I wake her, Kyler wakes her.  Blow dryer is going on while Kaidence is getting ready, two boys are running around the house and three dogs.  We leave at 7:20 because she has class at 7:35.  Kira rises, sloth-like at 7:05ish.  That's a STRONG 'ish'.

Pageant was scheduled for Dec. 2017.  but the weather did not cooperate and the new date was in Jan. 2018.  Matter of fact, same week as Noah's adoption!   WOW, right?  Busy week.

There are three parts to the school pageant.  Interview, casual and formal wear.

A Hot Hamm Mess 2.0 | Our Hearts Are FULL!

May I share our story with you?  When I decided to blog about our family a year or so ago maybe 2 years ago, but who's counting, I struggled that we couldn't share our WHOLE story.  Today and forever, we will be able to share the adventures of what it is to be a Hot Hamm Mess!

We are Hammofficial!  1,266 days of absolute love, laughter and trials.  Growing together, learning new things about ourselves and truly adding to the chaos of what it means to be a family.  Today was our official 'Gotcha Day'!  We have come a long way with family pics, too...let me tell you.  Here's the true pic of it all...

Bahahahhahaah, I seriously cannot make this stuff up!  The behind the scenes is pretty much like this ALL. THE. TIME.  Especially with the boys.  When I asked Big Bro about the BIG day, he said, "Mom, I am excited...I really do love him...BUT don't tell him I said that."  You know...Mr. Cool has a reputation to keep amongst the crew.

Among our fan club of the day was Nanny, Poppa, Uncle Jer...and let's not forget Judge Edwards and our AHMAZING lawyer, Calhoun Pruitt.  When Noah first came home to us, we planned to meet Nanny and Poppa for supper at Walhalla Steakhouse (best chicken in the world).  Both Nanny and Poppa were the first two in the family to receive familial names.   Gabe and I...what Noah called us, is another story for later. I cannot share all of the funny stories up front.

Let me introduce you to Aunt Selena and Uncle Wes...(Uncle Wes is the amazing one with the incredible beard).  Throughout these last three and a half years, we have had these two to pray with us, listen, answer our text messages, take Noah on family trips, spend the holidays with our BB (Blonde Boy)...and just flat out, be part of our village.  Side story:  When our kids were in daycare (all three until they were in Kindergarten) we would pass Selena and Wes, Monday through Friday, for several years, as they brought their sons to daycare.  Only God knew that our paths would cross MANY years later and they would become family.

AND, finally...the surprise of the day, ANN!  Ann was my roommate in college, along with one of my childhood besties.  This special person has been to every birth, almost every single birthday, sporting events, taken Kaidence to Clemson games (no words on that one), and has just loved our family because she is part of our family, too!

Picture taken by Mary Mason Photography | Sevierville, TN

I cannot wait to share the shenanigans from our home.  I am praying you will see us just as a normal family that is surviving and living on love, building a beautiful story and testimony.

Welcome back my sweet blog!  Ready to take this by storm.

My Village

This last month has been a whirlwind.  One that makes you reflect on life and the "what could be's" or "what ifs".  This will be a longer post than most, but I can definitely say it is an important part of my testimony.

The Bible says that it takes a Village to raise a child.  While I do not feel childlike, I do KNOW and confirm the graces of God on my life and the Village that stood with me during this trial this past month.

Let's start from the beginning. On March 15, 2017, I found out that I was accepted with thirty-five educators (11 different countries) to go to London and work with Google as a Certified Innovator. Read more here...this is a HUGE DEAL. 

Sharing in many congratulations and even having a front page article in the Anderson Independent Mail, it seems like there is nothing that could top the cheers for God.

THEN THIS:

My daddy was in a car accident, t-boned at an intersection in Florida.  TEN HOURS away.  Did I tell you he called me FIRST (not 911) and left a voicemail?  He did.  O.M.G.

Kira and I packed our bags and headed to Florida, arriving around 1 am.  L-O-N-G-E-S-T drive ever. Praying, worrying, excitement (to see daddy and Nina), being with Kira and spending time...every, single, emotion.  Thanking God, Daddy 'ONLY' walked away with road rash, stitches, soreness and high BP, notable from the adrenaline and car accident.

We spent a few days to make sure daddy was doing what he was supposed to be doing, resting and keeping him relaxed for BP sake, and home again we went.

PREPPING FOR LONDON

Back to work and making sure I had all of my 'assignments' completed for trip to London, packing before Spring Break for the Big Trip, booking tickets, hotel stay, and meetings on YouTube with my LON17 cohort, a lot happening.  Spring Break was coming the following week and we wanted to enjoy our time relaxing in the sunshine before I left to fly over the ocean for 9.5 hours.  (Have I shared my fear of flying?).

OFF TO FLORIDA, BUT NOT FOR SPRING BREAK

Robin (daddy's AMAZING wife), or Nina as we affectionately call her, let me know the Wednesday before spring break that they were going to have daddy's stitches removed.  Off to their appointment to meet the new physician AND...daddy is off to the Emergency Room.  How do you go from stitches and check-up to a whirlwind rush to the Emergency Room?  Blood pressure is the culprit.

Nina calls me and says they are admitting daddy for observation overnight.  Blood pressure was coming down, but with the ole ticker, you cannot be to cautious.  With his Minion pjs, daddy was in, at least for the night.

THE NEWS THAT WOULD ROCK MY WORLD

As the doctors continued to monitor daddy's BP, they were running all kinds of tests for liver and kidney functions, checking his brain and so on....heart cath was next on the list.  He would have a cath as part of the routine on Friday, April 14th.  We were expecting this to be easy peasy.  His cath was around 9 am and I received a phone call, less than an hour later...daddy was going to have open heart surgery Saturday morning.

SATURDAY MORNING!  Less than 24 hours away.  We are ten hours, minimally, away!  Did I mention we are still in school, boys are at field day, Kira is going to Disney with her best friend over Spring Break, we did not have a kennel appointment for our TWO three dogs (update you on that later) and definitely was not packed.  

Jumped in van, crying, freaking out, feeling OUT OF CONTROL...drove home and started throwing stuff in a bag.  I am not even sure if I was cognizant of what I was packing.  Kids arrive...in my manic calm demeanor I let them know that Granpapa is having surgery and we were having to leave a few days earlier to Florida.  AND we did....two of the three dogs, 3 of the 4 children....and we boogied on down the road.

I love to drive.  I wasn't worried about doing the ten hour trip by myself, but I was overwhelmed.  A LOT OVERWHELMED.  Thankfully, as we were driving, Nina called to say that the doctor would like to get some 'things' under contol before daddy went into surgery, including being transported to a phenomnal hospital (AND ONLY LEVEL 1 TRAUMA CENTER) in Florida.  This gave us a little time to breathe, stop, sleep and regain hope, love and peace.

We stopped in Richland, South Carolina, where my 'sister' and 'brother', Chris and Crystal live.  (Their testimony is something. I will share with each of you one day.)  Brief background: I met Crystal in 1997 while I was in college.  She was a Senior in high school working at the University I attended. We are lifelong friends that have experienced insurmountable moments- including tears and praying through serious life sitations.  She married Chris, which automatically added him into our friendship, but through the years, he grows on you.  (*He also smells like 'man' and 'apples' if for some reason your senses needed that.)

ON THE ROAD AGAIN...

We were up early, throwing things in bags and heading to Florida, take 2.  This time, Chris and Crystal joined me to help with the support I needed and driving partners.  (THEY WILL NEVER KNOW HOW MUCH THIS MEANT TO US!)  Chris, well Chris headed a different direction then Crystal and I....he took my three to the 'Happiest Place on Earth'.  The distraction for them...needed, AND their first trip to Walt Disney World!

Crystal and I headed to Orlando Regional Medical Center to see daddy.

To Crys and Chris: You will never know how much it meant to me to have you there.  Just the sheer comfort of concern and love.  Chris, being there as my manly apple while Gabe was working- you are the best 2nd daddy any kid could ever have.  Crystal, well you know how our sisterhood is...you have ALWAYS been there.  We love you both.

SURGERY DAY

Surgery day came.  It was a 'wait' for sure.  They said surgery was Sunday, then Monday...then Tuesday...Tuesday it was. Daddy was supposed to go at 3:30 am, then 5:00 am....rolled into the operating room around 3 pm, we waited.  A full room of suppport too!  Not just Nina, Keli and Ashley (my two sisters), but family friends and neighbors....there to support Nina and me, someone they have never met.  

(L) Gabe arrives! | (R) Me with Nina, Papa, Kelli and Ashley

It was almost SEVEN hours before we got to see daddy.  I also do not want to harp long on how 'bad' seeing him was....he was in ICU after surgery.  My quirky, hardheaded, sarcastic daddy....TUBES...EVERYWHERE.  I broke.  Ashley broke.  But, Nina....amazing.  Told us it would be okay.  Even shushed us like a mom would when their baby was being rocked to sleep.  It was melodic.

His nurse, man she was jammed up, explained everything.  Every SINGLE tube, where he would be over the next 24 hours, the long recovery ahead.  She promised to take care of him with her 1:1 care and to update us if any needs were to arise.  Abby, the nurse, asked us all to go home and sleep.  We would need it for the days to come.  AND to home we went.

PAPA'S DISCHARGE AND RECOVERY

(L) Grands with Papa before surgery, (C) Papa after surgery, (R) Visiting Papa at the hospital

Oh the messages of love, prayer and support.  Flowers sent to daddy from the Dand's (Mert and crew), phone calls, text messages from SC...thank you.  I cannot thank that part of my village, too.

On Easter morning, my daddy was discharged.  How can you NOT believe God had his hand in that? We were on the road back to South Carolina, after hours, days, minutes of contemplation about leaving, not only Florida and daddy, but consideration of NOT going to London.  My father, breathlessly, told me, "Do it!  Get. On. That. Plane".   Monday, April 17, 2017, I got on the plane- read here.

(L) Daddy after surgery, (C) Easter Sunday, (R) Day after discharge, getting some air!

MY VILLAGE

That brings me 360 to this, my village.  Nina, thank you for loving my daddy so.  He is choosing to live a life that makes not only himself better, but one for you, Alysha, Ashley, Keli and myself.

Gabe, my rock, best friend and my everything- HOLY ROLLER COASTER!  I bet you did not buy a ticket for this....but you rode it out beautifully.  I love you unconditionally.

Mentioned before Chris and Crystal, 'Ohana means "family." "Family" means "no one gets left behind or forgotten."  

To my birches, each of you contacted, called, texted and sent me words of wisdom, strength, and love...you are my best treasure of friendship.  

Ember, you were looking up plane tickets.  Forever you will be my BEST and I am so glad to have YOU.  

Ashley and Keli, my sisters, we spent A LOT of time together, crying and talking.  I appreciate how much you love Nina and my daddy.  While the circumstances were not the best, it has made me realize I am not alone and you will watch over that hard head as much as I would.  

To my bosses, Dr. Avery, Dr, McDavid and Mr. Couch- each of you checked on me too as a person. How was I doing?  Your compassion for me as a professional, but more personal, is something I will remember as a leader.

To the behind the scenes people who took over the house, ran the roads, watched my babies, packed bags, picked me up from Atlanta, my in-laws (or loves), Bonnie and Steve.  May we all see the unconditional love in Him as you have shown me, us.  I could NEVER repay you for everything.  I will make sure your retirement home is THE BEST there is out there. 😍

Hamm Family | Dec. 2017 | Pic Cred: Mary Mason, Mary Mason Photography

To #LON17: Strangers at first, Googley Family now...my appearance may have been distant as the journey leading up to London was difficult at best.  I was mesmerized by the collegiality and love shared amongst one another and you have left my heart FULL.  Thank you.

LON17 Cohort with Coaches | Pic Cred Mark Wagner

Finally, to my God.   You didn't leave me behind, you reminded me you were in control, you placed the most incredible Village in place, YOU showed me you were GOD, Jehovah Jireh.  Your grace is enough.

HAMM DECOR: Doggone Good House

First, let me apologize for the late post....almost a MONTH since my last post.  Big dummy- AHEM, I didn't even think about the school year winding down for the Hamm House and all that goes into the shut down of a normal schedule...apology accepted? Good!  Let's move forward.  I think you will like this one.

We are BLESSED to have a nice, double-door pantry to put "stuff" and food inside.  The glorious, glossy WHITE pantry that is EVIL for an OCD mom.  Lots and lots of wiping fingerprints and sticky goo.  Did I say L. O. T. S? Something had to be done.  PINTEREST: "white pantry doors"....solution: paint them!

Problem: The Pantry and Weird Open Space

Second apology entry here:  When I took some of these before pics, the concept of a blog was NON-EXISTENT.  So, the lighting may be poor.  Above, you see the offender or offensive areas- weird space to the left of the pantry and glossy white doors.

THE NOW:

Okay, yes....I skipped the process pics (again, blog wasn't in my thought process) AND yes, the space appears decorated, like BAM, insta decor.  Of course, it wasn't that simple.  

Here's a breakdown....I used Glidden Exterior Pain- Martha Stewart Color: Silhouette paint to paint the doors.  Yes, I painted inside and outside of the doors.  (Matter of fact, I intend on doing this to ALL of the interior doors this summer.) Yes, I left the doors hung while painting...because the other thought of taking them down and making the painting easier....well, wasn't in my brain space.

I also made the wreaths that are on the doors, post for later, maybe?  Both of the wreaths were actually made for our front entryway doors, but then....the artificial plants were not holding up well in the direct sun....so there ya' go- pantry door.  Okay- let's proceed...

 PANTRY, DONE!  CHECK....Onto weird space....

We have two dogs, Sketch and Trace.  Quick background- being a creative person, I had to have an artsy namesake for the dogs.  Sketch is a 22 lbs. miniature schnauzer and is a gorgeous silver color; hence, the name Sketch- like the color of graphite on white paper.  Trace is a maltese.  Four and a half pounds of ferocious, flesh-eating, ankle biting, little dog man of a beast- not really...but, don't tell him that.  He's pure white, like tracing paper.  Together- Sketch and Trace.

Both dogs, obediently sorta comply to go into their kennels when we are not home, for their safety, of course.  I had been using the black wire kennels for years for the boys.  Where were these placed?  In the weird space.  Seriously, what else was going to go there anyways.  So why the change?  Well, you have two different sized kennels.  OCD kicks in.  Enough said.  Also, Sketch can see EVERYTHING, which means LOTS of barking.  Bark at the squirrels, grass, dust that floats in the air when the sun shines in....get me?  Makes us nuts and surely cannot be good for ole' Sketch's anxiety.

SOLUTION:  Built in dog kennel...

As you can see from the time stamps on my phone, I was searching for over an hour of what I wanted to accomplish.  I loved these two.....and the search was on.  

 

I measured said "Weird Space" and came up with 36" wide and 24" deep.  Not an unusual size, but enough to have to "hunt" for something to fit in the space.  I knew that I wanted to find an item that was cheap.  Something that could be restored.  I went to Goodwill, Salvation Army, asked friends on Facebook, Craigslist...you name it....searched it. I couldn't find what I wanted. 

I headed out for a two day business trip.  Honestly, this is where I get my best ideas.  I'm not sure if it's the energy from conferences or the drives.  In this case, it was a 6 hour round trip.  Plenty of time to think.  QUIET time, no kids, no dogs, no hubby....

WHAM!  BAM!  It hits me....kitchen or bathroom cabinet can go there!  I know the measurements are appropriate for such.  Heading home, I stop at a builder's warehouse.   THEN.....in unicorn and glitter fashion, the cabinet magically LIGHTS up in ALL of its glory....THE CABINET FOR SAID WEIRD SPACE....unfinished and FITS perfect.  P.E.R.F.E.C.T!  I am in LOVE...

SKETCH AND TRACE HAVE TO BREATHE!

I made a template of what I was wanting on cardboard.  We have found after MANY mess-ups, this was a necessary evil.  More so because I want Big Daddy to read my mind during project time AND well, no person should have to do this...often ever....BUT, when Big Daddy does- whoa! baby....

We decided to do 2" circles for the front of the kennel/cabinet doors.  Big enough for air and comfort, but not to big that Trace could crawl out....and believe me, that's a possibility.  Gabe uses the template to drill pilot holes.

 

This drill bit/circle thingy is used for the 2" circles.  This thingy is the BOMB.  You can buy them for $12 at Lowe's.  

If thingy bothers you, you may not want to continue with this blog.  Gabe went to work....circle thinging in ALL of his amazingness....

WARNING:  Circle thingy slowly and steady OR you will BLOW out the backside of the cabinet door.  Thank goodness it was the back.  Also, I knew I could fix it if it were going to mess up the design.

Big daddy with the glorious doggy door...

 

TIME FOR STAIN

I asked Big Daddy to take off one of our cabinet doors to take with us to Lowe's to match the stain.   Normally, I have NO trouble matching a color.  Seriously, I have most fan decks of paint and stain memorized.  I'm NOT kidding....but I was so serious about this investment, that I wanted it to be perfect.  Purchased the stain, sanded the inside of the circles....let staining commence. 

I was so excited during this process I forgot to take pics.  I know, apology THREE.  Y'all, staining is THE EASIEST thing to do.  Open can (I use AND prefer the Rustoleum stains), dip in old tshirt rag, wipe in circles, seal with polycrylic.  Yep.  That easy.  Took me two and a half days to allow for drying and curing.  One of the hardest things I deal with- HURRY and wait.

THE REVEAL

Kennel is in it's place.  All cut, stained and coated with polycrylic.  Dog beds are washed and placed inside. I didn't stain the inside.  I left it raw for now.  We wanted to see if the dogs were going to scratch around in here first.  After many decision, we went with the ole' hook and latch on the front to secure the doors.  This is not my favorite, but it works.  When you see everything all together, the latch is not even a focus. On to the DECOR....

Sketch and Trace enjoying their new kennel :)

DOGGONE GOOD HOUSE

Here's the finished product.  All decorated and amazing!  The Beach sign (it lights up, too) is my favorite.  It's from Hobby Lobby, along with the "Love" sign.  I purchased the lamp and shade from Wal-Mart- hey! We live in small town USA and I am NOT ashamed to say Wal-Mart is rocking in my house.  The seahorse picture is from Home Goods.  Topiary- thrift store....I know, I'm a lucky gal!  Don't know about you guys, but I LOVE IT and I know my fur babies do tooooooo!

It's been a LONG hot day, off to bed...Night!

HAMM DECOR | Kyler's Bedroom - The Research Center

Of all of the home decor projects I have done so far, I can say this was my favorite.  I'm not sure if it is because we took Kyler's room from "little boy" to "young man" or if it was the theme.   I can even venture to say, maybe it was because he had so much input and was really excited about the shark/research theme.

With any makeover, it's a must that I post before pictures.  Allow me to apologize NOW for my picures.  When I took these, the concept of a blog was not even born.  These were for me to show to my friends and family.  As we move forward and post additional pictures on the blog, there will be better step-by-step pictures, PROMISE!

Here are the deets.  Kyler's bedroom was the smallest bedroom, completely appropriate for a kiddo. The walls were cream colored and textured.  His nursery big boy room was a vintage sports themed room, even had an AHMAZING baseball ceiling fan and a super cool picture of dad playing at the football state championship in high school.  

We transitioned into the bunk/loft bed and honestly, bought the bed for a steal off of Craigslist.  Of course, it came with its own decor of stickers and marker.  Kyler, ahem, added to this incredible design motif.

This bedroom was 10x11, so getting pictures was pretty hard.  You will even see shadows in some of the pictures as I placed my finger in the way of the flash.  

It's almost not fair that I cannot get the whole room in its amazing glory. (SIDE NOTE: I now know to "clean" the room for the "before" pics- lesson learned!)  So WHERE do we go from here?

Like the rest of the house, we decorated in gray and blue.  You will see I have become pretty partial to these colors.  I change things so often, the classic neutrals are a necessity.

The bedroom had to have practical storage and use for the kiddo.  Including MASSIVE storage to build with Legos.

• We painted the loft bed with "boo boo" paint from Sherwin-Williams ($15/gallon).  This was an enamel paint that dried fast and had a hard protective layer, but boy did it STINK. 
• The "RESEARCH CENTER" letters are the wood letters from Hobby Lobby.  They were $1.25 each (on sale of course) and we used paneling nails to put those into the wood.  
• The little rugs that "lead" you into the research center (where there is an amazing aquarium full of swimming species of sorts) were purchased for $5 each.
• The shark print was made up of several pieces, all DIY of course.  Total cost for the print itself was $10.  It's an engineered print.  Read more here: Inspiration and Tips for Making Large Engineering Prints

KGH Headquarters is an assembly of Kobalt garage shelving from Lowes.  We needed items that would be durable, even if kiddo decided to swing from the shelving...although I am SURE no one else out there has a boy that would even consider doing such a thing.

The shelving held all of Kyler's legos, a small area for him to build, and the components for his television. AWESOME use of space.

On the wall were three magazine racks purchased from TJ Maxx.  Each cost $15.  When you have two girls prior to a boy, there are a lot of reading materials laying around for the kiddo to breeze through.  Project: Inquiry was born.

With any home decor and DIY project are the details.  I don't know why, but this was my fav find.  It's a pendant lamp from Lowe's.  I found it on the clearance aisle for $40.  Keeping the ceiling fan was not a great idea for the kiddos head.

I don't know about you, but this space looks great and was functional for a young man ready to take on the world of engineering and research.  Dream away and accomplish all God would have you do!  

Jeremiah 29:11 (NIV) | For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.

HAMM DECOR | The House We Made a Home!

Home decor (aka Hamm Decor) is one of my therapeutic outlets. For those who know me, I am often CONSTANTLY looking for opportunities to decorate...something. Yes, I am that Pinteresty chick, maybe an original, but nonetheless....UBER creative.  The people at Lowes, Home Depot and Hobby Lobby know me by name.  I. AM. NOT. KIDDING. 

I want to share some of the projects from our home and share some stories along the way. I'm hoping you will be inspired in the process, too!

In 2001, we built our first home.  Nothing fancy, a white, ranch vinyl siding home with a double-car garage for just the two of us, three cats and two labrador retrievers, snuggled in at a little over 1,200 square feet, with three bedrooms and two baths. In the words of my pastor, Joel Hendricks or PJ, I'm not trying to be "bragadocious"...we were blessed to build our first home and worked hard for what we have. Oh, might I add that we lived with my hubby's aunt for one year and rented one year, trying to save up for our down payment.

For twelve years, we celebrated blessings abundantly here.  This is where we brought our children home from the hospital, celebrated first birthdays, Christmases (my fav holiday, btw), Thanksgivings, anniversaries, several lifetime milestones, all within this amazing home.  

This series of posts will share the Hamm decor of the rooms within!  Two that were featured on the front page of HGTV's Rate My Space.  Stay tuned to see the makeovers:  The Girls' Room, Kyler's Bedroom, The Master Bedroom, and An Open Concept Kitchen.  When working with these spaces, I will share the "Before and After" photos to help you with affordable, DIY inspiration in your home.  ARE YOU READY? I sure hope so....because this house we made a home!

I am not a fan of Mother's Day

TONS of Mother's Day posts and pictures started popping up on my Facebook account this morning; including several text messages and Facebook messages from family, friends and former students for me.  For this, I am truly thankful.

Allow me to be honest, I am not a fan of Mother’s Day.  Now before you send out the mob to knock me around, allow me to share.  

I am an only child.  Please do not feel sorry for me in any way, I had wonderful imaginary friends, an exorbitant amount of stuffed animals, and fantastic childhood friends, many of whom I still share life with. 

Growing up, I was positive I was not going to be a wife or mother.  I wanted to travel the world, speak several foreign languages and make lots of money in corporate America.  Where would I fit a marriage or family into this formula?  Much less time for church.

But, as you can see that changed.  It’s unexplainable what God chose for me; my plan, nowhere near His, or so I thought.

When my second daughter was born, that was the last time I saw my mom.  Kaidence is 11 years old now.  My mom is still alive, but we are estranged.  See, my mother has a dependent personality and is grossly controlled by outside influences.  

I have struggled for more years than I would like to admit about forgiveness, as God would have me do.  I have beat myself up thinking that I am a terrible Christian because of my bitter and anger towards the person who brought me into this world.  It wasn’t until I had children, that I realized I wasn’t truly angry or bitter.  I was mad with the disease and choices she made that took my mother away from me.

I pray for my mom every day.  Sometimes, multiple times a day, as I see things that remind me of her OR my children do something that I wish I could share.  Until that day comes, I will not cease praying for my mom and I ask you to do the same.  “Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.” – Colossians 3:13

I am NOT a fan of Mother’s Day!  I am a fan of 365 days I get to be a mother.  I am a fan that God chose me to have three biological children and ‘dopt another, with THE MOST AMAZING man ever.  Today, I am not celebrating Mother’s Day.  Today, I celebrate: Happy Dr. Pastor Mama Ugly Face Day, because God chose me to raise and love these little humans in Him.