Happy Mother's Day

I am well aware that for many this day is not a celebration.

 I realize what a gift it is to have the blessing of my son and to be his Mother. 

For the Mommy who has lost a child

For the Mommy whose son or daughter has gone astray

For the Mommy with no children of her own, but who cares for others like they are her own blood

For the Mommy who can not conceive yet longs for a baby

For the Mommy who has rescued orphans from darkness

For the Mommy who has a sick child

For the Mommy who is sick

For the Mommy who is alone with no one to help her raise her children

For the Mommy working hard to pay the bills

For the Mommy who made a hard choice and let others raise her child

For the Mommy who is sleep deprived with sticky floors and windows

For the Mommy with her hands full and a heart full of love.

I praise you and appreciate you. Happy Mother's Day to all the Mommy's.

VALENTINE'S DAY

Originally posted on February 14, 2014

I've been thinking a lot about this holiday coming up...

I have a board on Pinterest full of recipes, desserts, date ideas, decor and more revolving around Valentine's Day.

It's easy to get caught up in the commercialized aspect of Valentine's Day. As it turns out Valentine's Day is here

and I've got nothing planned except what I am hoping is my last doctor's appointment before I have my baby.

I didn't cook anything or put up any special decorations. I haven't even written in my husband's card yet.

I started to feel a little guilty about my lack of enthusiasm until tonight.

I started thinking...

Why is there an extra emphasis on this one day to craft, create and cook.

Why isn't more of our energy put into really pouring love into others? 

Instead of us women running ourselves ragged trying to do more we could just focus on loving.

We could smile more, hug more and spend quality time with those we love.

In my opinion this would be a much better use of our time and energy. I'm as guilty as anyone of having big ambitions for these types of days and feeling like less of a woman when my big plans fall short.

So, here is my encouragement for you ladies on Valentine's Day.

Don't worry about the things that you didn't get done.

Enjoy yourself today, because you are enough for your family. They don't need all the fluff. 

Enjoy being spoiled by those you love and enjoy loving them back.

Stuff your face with as much chocolate as you want and listen to the cheesy love songs.

Dress festive, but don't feel bad if your festive clothing is a pink scrunchie and yoga pants!

Happy Valentine's Day. 

Here are some wedding pics of me and my honey in honor of this special holiday.

I'm going to go write in his card now! 

XO 

Ash