Drop It Like It’s Hot

A new year a new you, right? Out with the old, in with the new. Drop it like it’s hot. Wait...what? Drop it like it’s hot? Yah you know, like dropping those pounds, dropping those friends, dropping that stress. Seems like a good idea when first thought of but I’d like to offer an alternative perspective.

Every time we say, “See ya, 2017! This year sucked,” essentially we are saying that the year God blessed us with wasn't good enough. Sure, each year can come with some pretty terrible moments but isn’t being able to breathe a blessing? Or have food on the table? Or a hot shower?  Sometimes we need to refocus our thoughts from the past and find the positive moments that did exist.

Or how ‘bout every time we say, “Gonna lose those pounds.” Sure getting healthier is great but sometimes we downgrade ourselves so much that we forget we are more than a number. We are more than a pants size. Instead we should refocus and say, “Because I am worthy, I’d like to lose a few pounds so I can be healthier.”

And lastly, the most dreaded phrase of all. “It’s time to drop that friend.”  Okay now wait, hold on a sec. Yes, some people are Negative Nelly, Sad Sammy or Toxic Tina but this phrase is going around A LOT lately! The honest truth is that most people in our lives aren’t this way. Maybe instead we should say,”BEFORE I drop ‘so and so’,  I’m gonna muster up enough courage to discuss with them my feelings. Sometimes we are so afraid of confrontation that we are willing to give up a friendship . Please don’t think I’m saying you can never get rid of people that are hurting you. You can! But evaluate your choices. Imagine what the future would look like without that person in your life. If the answer is that you may miss them, how about giving them a second or third chance. On the other hand, if your answer involves words like peaceful, stressless, tearless then yes, maybe it’s time to drop that friend.

Some of you know that I listen to audiobooks while I work around the house. Lately I’ve been listening to Anne of Avonlea by Lucy Maud Montgomery. Highly recommend it, by the way. There's one part in the book that I just love and needed to hear. Anne is speaking about regret with Mrs. Allan, a woman somewhat older than herself with just a hair more wisdom that Anne. When Anne opens up about regretting a past mistake, Mrs. Allan shares this tidbit of wisdom.

“We should regret our mistakes and learn from them 

but never carry them forward into the future with us.”

As we enter 2018, I beg of you to consider a new type of resolution. Resolve in your heart and mind to be kind to yourself and others. We are all imperfect creatures made perfect by the blood of Jesus. We don’t deserve all this love, grace and mercy He bestows upon us. But because He thinks we are worthy, we should give ourselves (and others) the same love, grace and mercy that He gives us.

Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you.

Ephesians 4:32

A Cheesecake Kind of Birthday

Today we celebrated Dale’s 34th Birthday!  We celebrated at our favorite restaurant, Ghengis

Grill. Then we picked up a cheesecake that he’d requested.  But not just any cheesecake—Cheesecake Factory Cheesecake. 

I joked with him saying, “You know that saying as couples age they start looking like each other? Well we don’t look like each other but we have started liking the same things!” Meaning that eight days later on January 4th, we will be celebrating my birthday the exact same way. Ha!

As I looked back on all the pictures today I had to smile. His day was pretty much perfect. We had each other to celebrate with, the kids each woke up shouting, “Happy Birthday Daddy!” At the dinner table they all guessed how old he was. Tiny Blessing thought he was 2. Baby Boy thought he was 100. And of course the oldest, Baby Girl guessed right. 

Days like today, I’m glad we have each other. Living in Richmond, we are far from any extended family. Sometimes that can be hard, especially when you miss them, need a date night babysitter or just a one hour break. But God placed us in Richmond for a reason and we can’t stomp our feet on God’s plan.

As we near 2018, I want to focus more on the positive aspects of living here. I want to wake up saying, "Thank you God for my loving husband and three beautiful blessings. You are so good to me.”  I want to teach my kids that we have each other, a strong family unit. We will make it and one day when they’re adults, I hope that we will have instilled in them the value of family. 

Happy Birthday Dale! I love you more each day! Let’s grow old together.

A Place Worth Living In

A couple days before Christmas, I sat in a very long fast food line waiting to get three kids their favorite treat-chicken nuggets. To save money I hadn’t got the very much coveted happy meal. Sorry kids, no toy this time. It was too close to Christmas. I had also not ordered myself anything but looking at the picture menu as I sat waiting, I thought,”A latte would be nice. I’ll ask her if I can add it when I reach the window.”

At the window, I asked to add the latte but for some reason the computer had frozen up. I didn’t really mind but she was insistent on getting it to ring up. I was getting antsy as I hate making people wait for me. I nervously looked through my rear view mirror. The older man behind me was waving his hand around, talking to the air. I could only imagine the things he was saying about the momma in front with the mini-van FULL of kids.

At first, a wave of anger washed over me. I thought, “He really needs to step into my shoes before getting so angry over waiting a few extra minutes.”

Then I looked at his clothes. He had obviously been working hard, as his clothes appeared rugged and worn from a dusty job. The pickup truck he was driving looked to be one from the late 80’s. He reminded me of so many good men I have been blessed to know that work hard outside jobs. As if God was giving me a good talking to, I decided to let it go and give this man some much needed grace.

“Ma'am? I’ve got the second manager to fix the problem. It will be $4.85.”

“Aw thank you. Please use my card to pay for the man behind me as well.” She looked up from her register as if surprised and said she would. The manager behind her popped her head around the corner and said,”Looks like someone’s got the Christmas Spirit!”

Smiling at the ladies I said, “Be sure to tell him Merry Christmas from me.”

I grabbed the latte and nuggets as quick as I could and sped away. I don’t know what came over me but  I didn’t want to catch his reaction! Maybe it was because I was still embarrassed that I had held up the line for so long. Or maybe it was because I was so excited for having done something good, that I didn’t want to spoil the moment by hanging around to get a ‘thank you.' But for whatever reason it was, I definitely felt like I had done my job as a servant for Christ.

Friends, our number one job is to treat others with kindness-even when they don’t deserve it. If Jesus can love us with all our faults, why shouldn’t we be able to replicate that to others? Selfishness is one of our biggest problems today. We believe others should do for us without even thinking of how we should treat them. People are often self-centered;only thinking of how to please themselves. They often focus on how someone else isn't contributing to their emotional well-being; as if another person were responsible for their happiness! But what if we turned the tables and started to be selfless? What if we thought about how to bless others before we blessed ourselves? I'd venture to believe our world would be a totally different place...a place worth living in.

“But— When God our Savior revealed his kindness and love, he saved us, not because of the righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He washed away our sins, giving us a new birth and new life through the Holy Spirit. He generously poured out the Spirit upon us through Jesus Christ our Savior. Because of his grace he made us right in his sight and gave us confidence that we will inherit eternal life. This is a trustworthy saying, and I want you to insist on these teachings so that all who trust in God will devote themselves to doing good. These teachings are good and beneficial for everyone.”

‭‭Titus‬ ‭3:4-8‬ ‭NLT‬‬

My Christmas Dance Partner

I am so thankful for my Christmas Dance Partner. He is definitely my better half. He’s the one who balances me out. The one who's always willing to listen and understand and my very best friend.

On Christmas Eve after the kids went to bed, we danced to Ed Sheeran’s song, Perfect. My favorite line goes like this,”We we’re just kids when we fell in love, not knowing what it was.”  We are still in love today and I’m thankful he still chooses me. I’m thankful that over 17 years, I understand that love goes far beyond a music video, a first kiss, or a high school slow dance. Love today is being willing to love all parts of the other person...the good, the bad and the ugly. It’s a humble calling to give up everything that makes you a unique person and become one with the other. It’s fights and makeups, it’s serving and being served. It’s a way to show  others how much Christ loves them by offering grace and mercy.

I love you, Dale!

Christmas Walnuts and Bird Feeders

If we all live long enough we will each have experienced the loss of someone close to us. It’s holidays like Christmas when all the family gather that their presence will be missed most. This time of year is a joyful time, as it should be. But for some, Christmas comes with heartache. 

For myself, Papow went to the hospital seven years ago. I remember having bought and wrapped him two fleece lined button up shirts that I just knew he would get to open on Christmas Day.  But when Christmas Day came and went, prayers that he would get better turned into prayers that he would make it and the Christmas present was placed in the closet  until he could wake up and open it.

That first Christmas was a hard one because a lot of things were missing. Papow would have had fresh oranges and walnuts for cracking. The bird feeders outside would have been full of food as he loved to watch the red birds. Coffee would have been hot and ready when we arrived. A small tree would have been decorated and set up and Papow would have been sitting at the kitchen table with a welcoming smile.

Seven years have come and gone and although it has gotten easier, I still miss him very much. Last week we celebrated Christmas in Kentucky. It was a happy time full of family and excited children. On the last day, I asked Dale if we could stop by Papow’s grave. We drove up the tall mountain and parked the car. I helped my youngest out of her car seat and the other two children followed behind. There was his grave with his name etched in stone. Tears welled up but I didn’t fight them back. This time I cried for memories that would never be again, for a childhood that would never be experienced again, for my papow who never got to see the three beautiful kids that stood behind me wondering why their momma was crying so hard. 

The oldest came over to hug me and ask why I was crying. Dale started to speak for me and that’s when I heard the bird in the bushes. My mind tuned out the world and I began to remember standing in that very spot seven year ago and hearing the bird in the bushes. I turned quickly to look for it but again, I never saw it. Seven years ago, I took that as a sign God was present and near and that very day I chose to believe the same thing.

There is a scripture that helps me understand that God wants to heal these wounds. In fact, I read it this morning. 

“The Lord is close to the brokenhearted; he rescues those whose spirits are crushed.”

‭‭Psalms‬ ‭34:18‬ ‭NLT‬‬

At just the right moment, I had heard the bird. God rescued my crushed spirit and showed me that He was there. I do believe He  used the bird to remind me of how much papow loved them too...to remind me how much I should love life. Even when it’s hard, even when things are missing. I can always choose to remember the good times and keep his memory alive by carrying on his traditions. So I buy the oranges and get out the nut bowl my mother-in-law gifted me in remembrance of him. I put out the bird feeders and take a seat. I light a candle, crack the first walnut and sit silently. 

You may know someone who has lost a loved one. Be tender with them. This Christmas may be hard. Help them realize they can still go on living a joyful life. They can mourn that their loved one is no longer here but remind them that their loved one wouldn't want them to remain sad. Remind them to look at life as just a small detour until we can see them again. Let them know God is close to them and above all, pray for their spirits to be rescued.

Dedicated to my Papow Homer

A smile so bright, a friend gone for just a while, a loving grandfather for a lifetime.

June 3, 1932-February 11, 2010

Satisfied, Full and Content

Such beautiful scripture that can breathe new life into you. I am thankful God allowed me to recall this verse and to read Philippians 4 in its’ entirety. Further on in the chapter Paul says, “For I have learned to be content with whatever I have...”Being content doesn’t mean living comfortably, relaxing in piles of money or going through your day pretending everything is flowers and daisies. Being content means taking each day for what it is and pushing through with a satisfied heart. I am satisfied that my Jesus loves me, for me. I am full knowing the Father looks upon me with fondness. I am content in knowing that the Holy Spirit whispers scripture to me when I need them most. 

Father God, thank you for taking the time to point out these verses to me tonight. Help my thoughts to be true, honorable, right, pure, lovely, admirable, excellent and worthy of praise. Amen

Cherishing Mom

Today was a beautiful day. I woke up feeling rested and excited to attend a weekly Bible Study on the book of Isaiah. The kids were well behaved and did everything asked of them. “Put your shoes on, walk to the car, make sure to buckle up. I don’t want to be late,” I recited as I do every morning.. But this morning, unlike most mornings, they listened obediently. It had to be one of God’s little blessing for me that day. I dropped the middle child off at preschool and the youngest and I drove to church. She was unusually quiet, looking at the pictures in a Thomas and Friends book. So I turned on my audiobook and enjoyed the sound of being read to.

At church, I grabbed a cup of Earl Grey tea with the tiniest splash of half and half. Pouring the milk reminded me of the first time I had drank tea like this. A kind friend had shown me how to make it with milk and it seemed to comfort my spirit. Swishing my drink around now, I walked to my table and began conversing over breakfast with the ladies. We discussed the usual, “How’d your morning go,” conversation and then it was time for the speaker to begin.

Now sitting in the soft padded chair of a large auditorium, I took notice of everyone around me (as I often do) and fired up my Bible app. The speaker was doing an awesome job of explaining Isaiah 61.

“The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is upon me, for the Lord has anointed me to bring good news to the poor. He has sent me to comfort the brokenhearted and to proclaim that captives will be released and prisoners will be freed.”

‭‭Isaiah‬ ‭61:1‬ ‭NLT‬‬

She explained that Isaiah was actually talking about Jesus. He is the anointed one. “Hmm,” I thought. “I would have never thought he was referencing Jesus.” But her message of truth was powerful.

About middle way through, I needed to use the restroom. That wonderful cup of tea was pleasant for a time but now I struggled with the idea of having to leave in front of everyone. I hate leaving while someone is speaking, don't you!  And everyone has to do that awkward shuffling of the legs thing so I could actually get out. I tried waiting. But it was impossible. So sighing in my head, I got up and left.

When I returned, I chose to sit on the end of the aisle as not be rude and ask everyone to move again. I opened up my Bible app and by habit noticed everyone once more. There was the beautiful lady with perfectly placed blonde hair. I also noticed the eye glasses of another and thought to myself how they fit her face so well. It’s not that I wasn't paying attention because I was, its just that I focus better if I'm not actually looking at the speaker. It’s like doodling for those that need help focusing. Then something peculiar happened. My eyes scanned the opposite side of the auditorum and there in between a gap of ladies, I saw her! Could it be her? Same hair, same glasses, same mannerisms as she listened to the speaker. Was it my mom?”

“No, it’s just someone that looks like her,” I chided myself. And my peaceful spirit began to sink because this woman reminded me that I hadn't seen my own mother in a long time. I recalled an earlier time in our lives when we had just moved to Richmond. Another similar lady had been shopping in Wal-Mart. I was so overcome with excitement that  my mom was there, I walked right up to her and touched her on the shoulder! "Excuse me.” But when she turned around, my excitement turned to disappointment as it wasn’t her at all. I had explained how she looked just like my mother and how we had moved and that I missed her so.

I thought about how it would be awesome to do LIFE with Mom and attend Bible Studies with her. How nice it would be to have lunch together afterwards. Tears began brimming in my eyes and I had to look away. “I must not cry,” I thought to myself. I tried not looking at this lady. But I was captivated by her. “If only I could run over and double check. If only.” And that’s when I recalled the speaker’s verse.

“The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is upon me, for the Lord has anointed me to bring good news to the poor. He has sent me to comfort the brokenhearted and to proclaim that captives will be released and prisoners will be freed.” ‭‭Isaiah‬ ‭61:1‬ ‭NLT‬‬

“Jesus! Thank you for comforting my broken heart.”

That verse was brought to my attention because the Lord knew I would need to hear it. He knew that I would change seats and see this beautiful  lady. He knew my spirit was calm in the morning but would be broken hearted by mid day. He brought that verse to my attention at EXACTLY the right moment.

Friends, I write this blog to inspire but also to contemplate my own life with you. My idea has always been to show authentic feelings, deep thoughts from the heart that let others know they are not alone. Many people have mothers close by. Please cherish them. Some people weren't blessed with good mothers and are left wondering if anyone might love them at all. Find those women and love on them. Sadly some have mothers that have passed on. What a complete sorrow that must feel like. Listen to them when old memories surface of their own mothers.

I am blessed to have a mother I can call my best friend. Although we live states apart, we chat weekly and she often says,”Oh Kim, if we lived closer we could go to Bible Studies together. We could walk together.” And with pangs of sadness, I wish that could happen too. We cherish the friendship we have and yes, absence does make the heart grow fonder. But just like good friends are often separated by moves, God needs His people spread out all over the world. Our job is to be the light of Jesus in a dark place. And so I will continue to do this journey with great joy for the Lord. I ask that you find those women who are far away from family, maybe in the midst of child raising and become a mentor mom to them. Women supporting women. Wisdom being showered upon each other as a heavenly blessing from above. Could you imagine how our world would change if we chose to look at each other as part of the family instead of strangers sitting across from each other in a large auditorium.

Love and Miss You Mom! Let's talk soon :)

Plus Size and Worthy

Have you ever felt like you didn't measure up to the world's standard of beauty? Or that your opinion on health wasn't valued because you were plus size and clearly anyone who's plus size doesn't care about their health insert eye roll? I imagine that you have, as most women in today's world are average or should I use that dreaded word "plus size." This is where my story begins.

Last week I was engaged in conversation with a group of people and the topic turned to exercise. I felt comfortable enough to mention that I love going to the gym and working out at home. But my comfort was short lived when the people I opened up to gave me a weird response that went like this.

"Really, you go to the gym???”

...Yes, that was all they said! Not, "Oh really, tell me what you like to do?"As if they couldn't believe that a size 10/12 woman could possibly enjoy exercise. I noticed everything. I noticed the surprised look, the questioning look and the curious look. The curious look I can take because at least I know they want to learn more. But the surprised and questioning look needs to be addressed now.

Ladies...and gentleman, when you see an "average" woman walk into the gym you need to realize that she is just as capable and strong as the ones that appear healthy. She walks into the gym with a different set of struggles that she tries to hide. Maybe it's the way her exercise clothes feel or maybe its the dimples on her legs. But make no mistake...she is powerful. She pushes all her insecurities aside to work on herself. She may even eat less than you do as the world has always told her, "A moment on the lips, forever on the hips."  She may have a hormonal imbalance. She may be just testing exercise out for the first time. But for whatever reason she is there, CELEBRATE HER! She is one very capable woman.

For the last 16 months, I have diligently exercised nightly in my home. Although the pounds haven't come off, the measurements have decreased. Yes, I still fit into my size 10/12 pants but the tone in my legs and arms are improving. I also started going to the gym to do a TRX class. Woah, that is intense! And although I have to modify 75% of the moves, I am still.doing.it.

The internal differences I have noticed are a decrease in unwanted anxiety and sadness. There is one particular exercise instructor I love,Shaun T. He motivates people to throw away whatever negativity they have in their life. While I'm pushing through tough moves or memories or conversations wink wink, I am literally throwing away all that negativity that creeps up. And if you've ever been a plus size woman, those feelings of unworthiness have slipped in from time to time.

Here's the WOW thing? I have taken pictures of myself throughout the process. And when I think nothing is changing, the pictures prove my mind is lying to me. I'd like to share a few with you but encourage you to look beyond the surface. Look at my content smile as I wrap my arms around my family. Look at the muscle developing from being able to do three full "man" pushups. Look at the confidence it took to stand in front of a mirror.

Blow past the roll and dimples and instead look at my heart. My heart wants to tell others that beauty comes from following The Creator and NOT from the size of your pants. The Lord cares far more about your spirit than your clothes size (1 Peter 3:4). So the next time you see a plus size beauty heading to the gym be sure to ask her about her workout. She is just as worthy as everyone else.

You should clothe yourself instead with the beauty that comes from within, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is so precious to God.

1 Peter 3:4

I hated taking this picture five years ago and hated looking at it even more.

The picture on the right was taken in 2017. The difference is strength to move past negativity.

.

Do Christians Have Perfect Lives?

You know, even Christians have struggles sometimes. Our lives aren’t perfect. In this season of life, struggle seems to follow me and I am reminded of what Jesus said in the book of John. 

“I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world.””

John 16:33 NLT

He said we would have trials! I’m glad Jesus was honest about this. But knowing that doesn’t make it easier. On one such struggling day, a hymn came to mind. It goes like this...

“My Hope is built on nothing less, than Jesus blood and righteousness. I dare not trust the sweetest frame but wholly lean on Jesus name.”

Friends, our lives aren’t meant to be easy. And the people in our lives weren’t put there to bring us joy and fulfillment. Did you know that song was written in 1834-183 years ago! Edward Mote most likely wrote that song as he was going to work and later used those lyrics to comfort a friend’s very ill wife. I find it completely fascinating that God put those lyrics on his mind so long ago and in the midst of struggle today, God placed those lyrics on my mind. Friends, God knows what He’s doing. Nothing happens by accident. 

When I heard that song, I was reminded that our joy is not found in things, people, vacations, family, etc. True joy comes from our Father. Look back at that verse in John. “Take heart! He has overcome the world.” When you are struggling, look for scripture, listen to songs, pray for peace. You may have struggles but you also have hope. And having that hope is a gift from your Father above. 

Five Truths I've Learned In My 30's

As a 30 something woman I always like to compare myself to the 20 something woman I once was. Here's five truths that have made the walk into my 30's a success.

1) Learning that I can't change someone's mind. I ask myself, "Has my opinion ever changed because someone thought I needed educating?" "Nahhhhhh."

So when it comes to politics, religion, culture and parenting I don't say one single word. This goes along with #4. 

2) Not chasing after people or relationships. Last year my word was "intentional." I learned that if someone wants me in their life, then they'll converse back. If not, then I let then go. When I release power,   that's when God begins to work.

3) I can't please everyone. This one is in relation to my kids. Momma can't always make them happy. Sometimes, it's better to learn to "suck it up" than to get everything you want. 

4) Humbling myself enough to listen more than I speak...and also...learning that I don't have to listen. I take a deep breath and pretend to listen all while dreaming about my next vacation. LOL. Did I just say that out loud??? Or if I'm on social media (to the voice of Dory) I say,"Just keep scrolling, just keep scrolling."

5) Loving my perfectly fault-full self (yes I spelled it like that on purpose). Daily I mess up. Daily I apologize. Daily I learn to accept imperfections. But I don't beat myself up anymore for being less than perfect. Instead I thank God for loving me enough to save me just as I am. That's when life becomes free. :)

Wonder Woman

When I first became a new mom , I found myself at the bottom of the list all the time. Guilty feelings would surface if I wasn't successfully being Wonder Woman. I actually remember crying one time because I missed ONE DAY of bathing Baby Girl. I know, right?! Rolling my eyes at that one.

But now as a mid-season mom, I've learned that it's okay not to be perfect at this mom thing. And I give myself time to breathe. Today I went to the movies by myself. Anyone want to see a good movie, try Wonder Woman! Ha! Perfect title for my blog post.

Before kids I went to the movies to be around people, as Dale worked long hours and I would get lonely in the evenings. Somewhere along the way, I stopped doing that. 

So today I decided to try it again.  My reasons are a little different now. I'm constantly around (little) people and since Dale travels so much, I do the majority of the parenting. I find myself needing time away-even if it's just for a moment.

The honest truth is that taking a "mommy time out" makes me a better mom. It makes me a better wife too. Not everyone will get this. Not everyone will see the point in taking a breather from their kids. That's okay. For me, it works. If it makes me more of a Wonder Woman for my family then I'll keep doing what works best for me. Maybe your thing isn't the movies. Maybe it's Barnes and Noble or Starbucks. Whatever you need to be a better you, do it...

Here are some pictures of a mid-season mom who still struggles with perfection tendencies. The house will be a mess, the dishes will sit in the sink while I humbly comes to the Father and ask for help.

Let my soul be at rest again, for the Lord has been good to me. Psalm 116:7

Cheesing for the picture!

I could kiss her sweet face a thousand times.

My boy-always smiling.

Baby Girl loves to pretend she's a mermaid.

Took myself to the movies. Slightly awkward to go alone but very relaxing too.

Almost the whole theatre to myself.

Little Miss has lost her two bottom teeth.

My last little napper. I will cherish our snuggle time for as long as she still wants to nap.

He knows I love him, and I know he loves me.

Hidden Gems Of The Blue Ridge Mountains

Hello Friends,

I haven't posted in such a long time. Finding a moment to sit down and transfer pictures over to the computer seems like such an easy task. But as life often does, the summer schedule had swamped me. I thought for my return blog, I would post some photos I took while my husband and I went driving one evening. They are quite the hidden gems of the Blue Ridge Mountains, if I do say so myself. It is a hushed road with an occasional car or bike passerby. I am always overcome by the simplicity of country living. It is a beautiful site that I know must be appreciated by the people who call this place home.

Happy Viewing!

Kim

To The Working Mom I Met Today...

As I dug through the bag of clothes I was going to give to Goodwill, I saw you park beside me with your two young girls. I jokingly explained that Once Upon a Child would only take a handful of

my kids' clothes and I didn't know what to do with the rest. We started a conversation that I thought was going well! I thought to myself, "Maybe she would like to get our girls together."  We went through the usual introductions that most moms do: name, number of kids, where we lived and then I asked,"Do you stay home?"

"No, I'm a teacher." I saw the small eye roll when you said,"teacher." 

"Oh that's great!" I exclaim. We had something in common, I thought. "I used to be a School Counselor" before I stayed home," I said.

"Oh yah, well I wish I could stay home." I saw the eye roll again.

"Awww" I said empathetically but was caught off guard so I didn't know what to say after. 

Your daughter popped her head out from the car and I quickly changed topics to our kids. The conversation  came to an end and I watched you get back in your car, get on the phone and pull out of the parking lot without even a wave.

I've thought about this all afternoon. What could I have said to you? How could I have bridged the gap for working moms and stay-at-home moms? What you didn't know is that as much as you wish you could stay at home, this job is a lonely one. Instead of seeing you roll your eyes at me, I wish you could have said that my profession was great too. I wish there wasn't any jealousy and that we could have formed a friendship on the common ground of just being moms. I wanted you to know that I think you are simply amazing. It's hard to work full time and then give your best to your kids at night. I wish I could have told you that my sister is a working mom and I highly respect her. I wish you would have asked me how I managed to do my job too. But you didn't. And just like other people have done, you brushed over me as if I were invisible. The envy made you blind to my heart's desire to have a friend.

I don't hate you though. I don't even dislike you. I realize that God made women with strong compassionate hearts. We all have our own struggles that God hears. I love my job even if some don't recognize it as a real job. I guess my greatest wish would be that women would stop comparing themselves to one another, that we supported each other regardless of our profession. I wish that jealousy would stop from both sides and kindness would bridge the gap between the two.  Whether you work outside or inside the home, appreciation for both professions could change our world. 

I closed the van door, got in my car and drove away. No new friendships were made. The car ride home was so quiet. It made me think long and hard. That's when I decided to write this blog.

It's a Sweet Sweet Life, Holden Beach 2017, Snapp-Shot Photography

Caswell Beach, NC 2017

We fell in love with Corey and Erin Snapp three years ago when we met for our first family photography session. It had always been my dream to have beach photos taken for treasured memories but thought it might be out of our price range. When we discovered that it wasn't as unthinkable as we had imagined, we chose to give them a call.

They were new to the area of Southport, North Carolina but not new to photography at all. Snapp-Shot Photography was established in Winchester, Virginia in 2006. In 2013, the happy couple decided to embark on the sweet sweet beach life. They desired a simpler lifestyle (which I think is amazing) and sold 75% of their stuff! Since then, their business has taken off into the areas of Oak Island, Southport, Bald Head Island, Holden Beach, Caswell Beach, Ocean Isle Beach, Sunset Beach, Wrightsville Beach, Carolina Beach, Kure Beach and Wilmington, North Carolina. You can check them out here. 

Caswell Beach, NC 2015

When we first met both my husband and I's anxiety was put to ease. I was worried that capturing "happy" moments of three kids might be a bit of a disaster. But they quickly bonded with our children and were able to get them smiling for most of the pictures. What can I say, preschoolers are nearly impossible sometimes. Hahaha! Speaking of anxiety, I was also concerned that I wouldn't know what to do with my hands. I mean these were professional pictures and as much as I'd like to say I am model material, I'm more like your average American. Erin artistically told me how to pose and put me at complete ease in front of the camera. Corey would take a few pictures, review them and then say with a smile, "I got it."

Southport, NC 2016

We just got back from our third session and the pictures turned out beautifully! This year we had the treat of including my wonderful In-Laws! I love that Erin and Corey have seen our children grow up these last few years. The kids are comfortable around them and it is quite the reunion when we see each other each year. My only complaint is that we don't live close enough to do double dates with them. So without adding any more words to this blog, I'd like to present you with June 2017's Family Beach Photos. As always if you'd like to use Snapp-Shot Photography, their website is http://snappshotphotography.com/.

Hoping You Live The Sweet Life Too,

Kim