Holla to yo Mama

"ALL THAT I AM... OR EVER HOPE TO BE, I OWE TO MY ANGEL OF A MOTHER. "

They say that life didn't come with a manual, it came with Mothers. Now i'm not a violent person, but whoever came up with that crock of crap I'd like to punch you in the face. Don't put that type of pressure on us, as if we know the answers to life's secrets and what it entails. What would be ideal is on that last big push, the baby came out holding a manual for the mothers on what to do in every situation possible, the good the bad the happy and sad.
*Baby won't stop crying... Look up in chapter three reference A and oh look there's the answer.
*Child says an embarrassing thing in public look up chapter 8 and there's the answer.

The very first Blog I ever posted was titled Motherhood has Hit. A little after a year of writing that I have realized that yes, figuratively speaking it has hit. You gave birth, you do your motherly duties and thats that. It takes much more to be a mom though, rather than you just saying you're one and living life as you please.

I carried Blakely for nine full months, gained twenty pounds, sacrificed my body and was adorned with these so called "tiger stripes" which I invested in every cream on the market to avoid getting. When that beautiful little 6 pound baby was placed in my arms it was if time stopped and it was just her and I. Everything that I went through was completely worth it and the greatest feeling of love had poured over me in a way that I had never experienced. Watching her grow, aiding to her needs, actually being there for her (even though I'm sometimes guilty of not after a long day of work.) It takes a lot to be a Mother and a good one at that. I look at the mothers in my life and wonder how they made it this far because it's so hard. I often question whether or not I'm doing the right stuff for Blakely and mostly answer it with a definite No.

What I've grasped so far is that motherhood is a journey in itself. No good mom has had it easy from the start. It's literally a trial and error process but going forth in a manner of being there and giving all you have within you is what counts. Motherhood is a sacrifice and putting aside you own needs for the needs of your little one. It's scratching her back in order to fall asleep, watching Frozen + Lion King over and over. Playing princess and horsey or just watching her color just to let her know she is doing a great job of trying to stay in the lines and she's not even two. It's creating memories and a strong foundation for her so that she may become successful in everything that she does.

I'm not a stay at home mom, so I have to give credit to the man behind the scenes, my husband. You place the discipline in her life and instill the rules where needed. Providing love and comfort in the areas that I struggle with. Being the role model for our little one. I know it's not easy but it means so much to her and I with everything that you do. I wouldn't trust anyone to do a better job than what my husband has done. No not even myself. I truly married a Gem.

I've been fortunate enough to gain mothers here and there as I travel the road that life has provided for me. All have given me impressions that will forever remain in my heart. I'd like to thank the beautiful ladies in my life that have been there for me when I've needed it most.

My Selfless Mother Shanda- who birthed me, put-up with my teenager stubbornness, and dealt with the typical Morgan stuff until I left the nest. My beautiful Grandmother Patricia who also raised me and has given me much insight on things. My second Mother Galen, the words and happiness that have been experienced in your presence will forever stay with me. Last but not least my Mother-In-Law Jane, you are truly an amazing woman and I hope you know that. I am so grateful you were the woman that raised the man that I am married to. You are such a caring person and I am glad to call you my mom.
You ladies have been so strong and have given me everything I could need throughout the years of knowing you. It takes a special person to be a mother and the Lord has definitely chosen right.


 To all the mothers out there, know that you are needed and loved. Not everyone can do this job.

Mother Goose 

The Fearless Mimi

Happy Mothers Day!

Love,

M.

F. VS

How do I like to spend my Saturdays? Driving in the car all day half across the state of Virginia thats how. 

I have just been yearning for a little weaner dog; ever since my sister had them when we last came to visit, Bryan and I both fell in love with the dachshund. We searched all pounds, rescue homes, and yes, even craigslist which is where I found our little Folly.

Blakely and I got packed for the day and started our little road trip as early as possible. She had her TV set up in the car so it was a smooth four and a half hours on the way up. 

The area was breathtaking and the pictures I snapped through my car window doesn't do the area justice. 

Pulling into New Castle was quite an adventure and putting myself in the most awkward positions isn't new for me. 

Let me set the scene: 

Twists and turns up an entire mountain covered with trees and "watch for sliding rocks" and "wildlife/bear crossing" signs, about 12 miles outside of New castle my phone loses service since its out in the middle of nowhere and I begin to start thinking the worst, like the Hills have Eyes type of worst. Does this guy even have dogs? If he tries to drag me into the house what am I going to do? We're in the middle of nowhere, no one would find my body. I had blakely with me as well so what was I going to do about her?? I text Bryan the address just incase we didn't return in a joking manner but I was really being serious. Finally my phone gets service about 2 miles away from the house and I pull into this trailer park area. Ironically the area was extremely pretty and not what you would normally expect given the circumstances. The man is standing outside with his 9 year old daughter and 17 year old son when I drove up. Thankfully I dogged the bullet of not having to walk up to the front door. We headed to the back yard and there were the puppies frolicking in the dirt like little dirt balls. Blakely had a field day and was chasing them all over the place.

Remember I said I get myself into weird situations... well turns out this poor mans wife said screw it, packed her stuff up and just bounced three days prior to me picking the puppy up. Left the kids and the 9 dogs with the gentleman. All of this conversation, I might add was in front of the two kids and I just was dumbfounded and and like most of the situations, I did not know what to say. All I kept thinking during the extent of this conversation was 1) why is this man telling me about this  and 2) how badly I wanted to be like you know what, forget the dog, let me take the 9 year old and raise her for myself. 

Sweetest little family who I will never forget their kindness and hospitality. 

After what seemed to be like forever, we took our little Folly and headed out. I had to fill up and went down the street to the 'town' which was explained by the boy that only had 1 gas station, 1 subway, 2 diners, and a grocery mart. Anything else needed, they had to travel 60 miles out. (wtf just kept repeating in my head)  The town is so small that the school is combined with all grades and has a total of 200 students. Everyone knows everyones business which reminded me of my last duty station. Of course with this town being so small it had to have been at least 10 times worse. I finally find the gas station which I might add is the old fashioned kind. I pulled up got out and had no clue what the hell to do. A gentleman whose house was next to the station walked out in ripped up overalls and filled my car for me, I had to thank him and said I had no clue what I was doing. He said "I noticed, that's why I came out here to help ya sweetheart," after paying for the gas we headed back home to Norfolk. Blakely didn't do so well on the drive back, she kept on screaming for the puppy but I could't trust her since she chucked one of the other puppies back at the house in a dirt hole. 

We pulled into home a little after 7:30 and I can't tell you how happy I was to be out of that damn car.

Bryan instantaneously fell in love with Little Folly when we walked through the door. Harley is happy that he has another sister, and Blakely is learning to be gentle because it's not a stuffed animal. 

Since the puppy is 8 weeks old and not 10 (surprise babe!) we have the advantage of training her from the  start. Bryan went out and bought her a crate, which she fell asleep in when we were moving around but when we went to bed she woke up and cried throughout the night. Long story short she ended up in our bed wrapped in a blanket. This is exactly how blakely started and now we can't get her to sleep in her own room. Something to continually work on for the both of them. 

This Morning Folly was playing with Harley and Blakely and seeing her little tail wag was the cutest little thing. She currently is snuggled up in her crate sleeping while blakely is watching cartoons. I better utilize this time to get the chores done with. 

Xo

M.