It has been an awesome week here in Mande. It was both nurse and teacher appreciation week so my hubby and I were both showered with gifts and pampered all week. Special shout out to Raising Cane's for hooking him up with a free box, his wife appreciated it. ;) The hospital where I'm employed pulled out all of the stops for us from a sundae building ice cream trailer at midnight, The Rolling Cones (look them up) to a fiesta night with virgin margaritas and nachos. I originally was going to post a few things about things going on for Mother's Day, but as I began to reflect on how I became a mother, the time that has passed, and how I have changed in my seven years of being a mommy one thing stood out...my village. I unapologetically codependent on the grandparents, aunts, and uncles whether it is a late night text questioning if I am raising a bunch of brats or if giving them rewards is beneficial or a early morning vent about how I hated being pregnant, you listened. Brenda and Clayton, the first people that we told we were going to be parents who also happen to be Liam's godparents, kept me hydrated, happy, managed a tough pregnancy, and literally put a smile on my face every single day. Each and every person that has helped me be a decent mother from my neighbor, Jill, whom I had never met walked over when I was having an emotional time taking a photo in front of our front door (deer in the headlights look) when we arrived home from the hospital with this fragile little 7lb human that God entrusted me to navigate through this thing called life all the way to my Mandeville friend, Kristina, who I met in wine club that has six kids of her own, but still manages to get my kids to school in the mornings when Billy drops them off to her on the nights when I work. Cari and Doug in GJ, who gave us an instant family with cousins and aunts and uncles when I was sad that my kids were without them in Colorado. They invited us to every family function, their parents and siblings treated like one of their own, and extended their hearts to us. We created memories that I will cherish forever. Each and every person who has contributed to the mother that I am, thank you. The smile on Liam's face when I lightly scratch his forehead to help him fall asleep (something that a friend, Missy, taught me) forever melts my heart and it is something that I hope I can do for the rest of his life any time he feels an ounce of worry or sadness. Even for my friends who don't have kids, each time that you have helped pick up a kid from school, watched a kid last minute when I had to get to wine club (because priorities...I'm kidding), or helped me wrangle them to one of Billy's basketball games....thank you. I know that I am nowhere close to perfect or even good for that matter, but each and every time my children make a good decision or display the purest of hearts I give you all of the credit. This is all you guys. To every mama that is overworked, unappreciated, and overwhelmed...we got this. You are awesome. Did your kids make it through the day and are alive? Bravo mama, bravo. You are killin this motherhood game. If today was awful, I can't guarantee that tomorrow won't be, but grab a glass of wine and be hopeful that it was be better or grateful that if you don't want to mom tomorrow, your village has your back. What seems like yesterday when I had a set of newborn twins and a two year old toddler has evolved into sassy twin four year olds and a very sweet six year old boy in just a matter of seconds. I am grateful for my village, each and every one of you. You guys make me the half ass mother that I am today and I couldn't be more appreciative. These three happy faces say thank you.
“Surround yourself with people that want more out of life. That won’t settle for average. People that you can connect with on a deeper level. Keep your circle fresh. Keep your circle full of quality rather than quantity. Full of cool ass humans that you can be yourself around. People that fill you up with nothing but love. People that want to see you succeed. People that GET IT. Good circle, good life!” 
― Genereux Philip
Happy Mother's Day to you all. Cheers!