To be a Mom

This is my fifth year as a Mom. Sweeter everyday. The love you have for your children can not be described. From the moment I saw that test, and I knew my body was growing my babies, I was changed. Times change. We all know things in the world are getting worse. Troubles spin around usl. It seems like my family has stood through more trials this year than any before. One of the few consistencies that life provides is that of your child's love. I thank God everyday for my miracles. They are nothing less than God-given, blessed miracles. As I type I am preparing to jump into a messy bed with cowboy hats, lego guys, and teddy bears. Oh, and also two of the rowdiest and most gifts ever to enter my life.

Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above

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My Mama

You hear all of these cheesy commercial reminders to "Call your Mom on Mother's Day." Today, out loud, I said, "Seriously??" If you need a reminder, then your heart is defiantly in need of some molding. Not one day goes by without me thinking about my mama, and wanting to talk to her. Most days it is several, calls, texts, or emails. Everyday I spend as a Mother, I realize more and more all that my Mama gave to us. I went to bed every night and I knew I was loved, and I woke up and started everyday, and I knew I was loved. Mom never had "Mom Time." I never remember her losing it with us. She never shouted. She never complained when we asked for a specific meal, she never hesitated when I wanted a sleepover. She never knocked on the door at 3 am to tell 4 giggly girls to get to bed. She held my hair when I was sick, in the car, or at a park, or beside the road, or wherever else my motion sickness took hold. Everyday I realize how hard all of those small things were for her, but she did them all with such grace. She never grumbled. She just did them. Why? Because she has a Mother's Heart. She loves me, and because of this I have learned to love  my babies the same. I will brag. I come from a long lineage of good hearts. I pray mine will be just as enduring.

Happy Mother's Day, Mom! I sure love you!

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Cowboy Hoot turns 3!

Holy cap shots, Batman! For the passed few weeks our house has been ringing with the wonderful sounds of cap busters and rifles....and I love it. Early in May we celebrated our sweet little Hootie's 3rd birthday. Time passes faster with every day. He has changed so much. I lay down at night thinking, "Please don't ever change. This is too good." Then, the next day I see him learn and amaze me, and makes me so thankful he is healthy enough to grow and change.

Here are some things I just don't want to forget:

Loves Rusty bear

"Sursty" means 'thirsty"

Loves the animals and the chair lift at Tweetsie

Shouts "cannon ballll" everytime he jumps from something

Asks to hear "Jesus Wubs Me"

Loves Chewbacca

Loves the Lone Ranger

Stops in the middle of every story and says..." an in...an in...an in..."

Adds "actually" before every sentence

Scared to death of being turned upside down

Loves granola chocolate bars

This year the whole crew of cowboys joined us for his party. It was at the Ray Family Farm. He called it his "corral" birthday. In true Ward-birthday fashion, it was windy and cool, but I don't think a single kiddo noticed. We cowboy hooplah-ed just as long as our bodies could stand it. It was a perfect way to welcome Sheriff Hootie into his 3rd year in our lives.

On his birthday, we spent at Tweetsie. He rode the same rides over and over. Lucky for us, Jamie and I took turns and no one puked. He sat and fed the animals, and I jsut sat their with him on the sidewalk. He loves animals so much. Behind that mean little smile, is a very big heart! I love him, just like he is, but I can't wait to watch him grow.

Happy Number 3 Dear Hootie! We love you.

See all the photo fun here: https://withthewards.shutterfly.com/pictures/2654

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Celebrate 30

My awesome family and friends worked so hard, and came together to give me a super sweet 30 celebration. I never go a minute without being reminded of the love in my life. Here are some highlights.

Thanks to my super sweet sis, I have this sentimental slideshow too :)

https://www.wevideo.com/hub/#media/ci/180179617

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30 Reason I know I am 30

In no particular order, here are 30 reasons why I know, try as I may, I have turned the big 3-0

30. "Hey Heath, we want to go out for your birthday this weekend." and I reply, "YES! Is Waffle House at 6 ok with you guys?"

29. I get very excited over hearing about free melanoma screenings.

28. I am tempted to hand a scantily dressed App freshman my fleece at a stop light during a March blizzard.

27. I try with all of my might to enjoy my 80's sing-a-longs, but never get a verse in without hearing, "Mama, what's a raspberry beret?"

26. I consistently check Huey Lewis' tour schedule.

25. Don't sleep in the tanning bed anymore, instead I lay there thinking of my next free melanoma screening.

24. Sleep in socks.

23. Really look forward to Monica's new tell all!

22. Carry tums

21. Text a friend, "Hey, haven't heard from you in days. Are you feeding Precious in a hole." and then receive, "No! And I am not putting on lotion either. I've been working!"

20. Can't watch Johnny and Baby without crying because their romance can never happen!

19. Can't remember if I took my medicine.

18. Get a call remindng me NOT to wear yoga pants to my surprise birthday party.

17. Scroll through the stupid links titled "Stars without Make-up" at least once a week

16. Cry like a baby when I walk on gravel without shoes

15. Pick up things with my toes to spare my back.

14. Wish every Halloween my kids would be Mario and Luigi.

15. Refer to people by saying, "Dude,....."

14. Just miss-numbered this countdown

12. (or something) DVR the music awards to throw off on stars who need to cover up, and stop making themselves plastic, and then sit in dead silent tears when King George performs.

11. Don Williams Pandora

10. Break 2 coffee cups in a week after leaving them on the top of my car...and driving away.

9.  It takes one coffee and two Mtn. Dews to find out if Jack Bauer makes it another hour.

8. Want to punch the guy in front of you smoking at a concert

7. Wake up randomly singing, "Jenny from the Block"

6. You google YOLO

5. Say "Doy" and then have to explain

4. Dinner conversation is co-pays and gallbladders

3.  Sleeping on the couch is a back nightmare

2. Hate selfies

1. Take a superfab family beach photo and circulate it, only to notice 6 months later that you forgot to zip your dress

I do love 30, but I love all of those awesome people in my 30 years who have made me feel so blessed. How can I be sad?? I love my life, even on the rough days ;)

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