6 things I discovered at 6:00 AM

At 6:00 AM it's quiet. Really quiet. The house is so quiet I dare not make breakfast. The creek of the bedroom door sounds louder than usual. The cat beckon's for his breakfast before I'm even half-dressed. His meows pierce the silence. But once he's satisfied and I am fully dressed the silence is so peaceful I bask in it for just a minute before I brew a cup of coffee. 

Seeing E in the morning really does complete my morning but I don't dare wake her this early. Settling for a kiss on the cheek before I leave for work doesn't compare to her hug and little voice, that is starting to sound so grown up, when she says, "I love you mama. Have a good day."

I miss out on conversations with my hubby and a hot breakfast too. He's just emerged from the pile of warm blankets that I left an hour ago and the missiles aren't firing yet. If there's one thing I remind myself daily it's that 6:30 is not the time to talk about work, lunches, dinner plans, that the dishes in the dishwasher are clean. It's really not the time to talk at all. P.S. I still get my goodbye kiss.

Waking up early gives me more time in the day. Duh! Honestly, I accomplished so much more by going into work early. Plus, by 8 AM I'm wide awake and ready to rock.  The peace and quiet that followed me to work allows me to focus more and keep that focus. I am not trying to brag here when I say I feel more accomplished. It really is spectacular and very rewarding. You should try it sometime.

The morning sky sure is peaceful. The moon is still high in the sky at 6 AM and there is a really bright star (or possibly a planet) in the sky at the end of my street. Sleepy shades of pink slip over the horizon and fade out the sleepy night sky.

The world is already wide awake. Roads are just as busy at 6:30 as they are at 8:00. I take that back; they're busier. Early risers don't hesitate to fly down the highway and I'm over here in the slow lane forcing my eyelids open trying to not to chug my coffee.

All though leaving E sound asleep, not seeing her until the afternoon, settling for just a goodbye kiss from my hubby instead of a good conversation and a hot breakfast is not easy. But, I know my early mornings have rewards of peace and quiet, sunrises and a sense of accomplishment and the best thing: getting out early to see my kiddo.

It's all about perspective. When I look at the big picture I sacrificed a few small things but ultimately receive more time with E in the afternoon. I wouldn't trade that for the world.

Keep Loving.

A Month of Personal Growth

The second month of 2017 has come and gone in a flash, which might have something to do with a 28 day month. None the less it was a pretty productive month. A few 60 degree days, 1 goal accomplished, 8 Morning Makeovers and  3 dance videos a night have made for a successful February.

If you can't tell I've been putting a little energy into me. Spending a few extra minutes to journal, focus on gratitude, shining light and a devotion each morning has helped me be more positive in my thoughts and actions. I am so fortunate to have a group on Facebook to guide me through this process. I hope that with time I will be have more patience for areas of struggle and better appreciate for the things that are put in front me that I see as obstacles but are meant to teach me and change me.

Believe it or not I'm also exercising, or dance- ercising. My sister introduced me to YouTube videos that have sparked my interest to get in at least 15 minutes of exercise each night. They are surprisingly easy to stick with. Even if they kick my butt.

As I mentioned above I accomplished 1 of my goals for 2017. Even though I officially crossed the goal off my list on February 1st I am still so excited to announce our (my boss included) branding portfolio is online! Check it out: michiganbranded.com

I also mentioned above a few 60 degree days. Yes, we have had some abnormally warm weather this Winter. All though it worries me and makes me wonder if this Summer will be a very hot one I still have enjoyed the sunshine and warmth. R and I took the girls disc golfing and to the park to take full advantage of the sunshine.

R mentioned today that hard work pays off. We have goals of saving money and a vacation planned so my fingers are crossed! There's days I just need a little reminder and then there's days I know he's right, especially when small things click into place. 

Oh I almost forgot to mention, which most of you know, I attended my very first craft show! I had a whopping 6 sale total! But I really enjoyed meeting new people and plan to attend another sale.

I am looking forward to a new month. I can't wait to continue journaling for personal growth and plan to continue achieving more goals.

How are your 2017 goals coming along? I'd love to hear about them. 

Good night for now. Xoxo

To the Moms of Toddlers

The other night I was walking back to my bedroom for the 10th time in an hour thinking about how my toddler is so tiring. I'm sure my shoulders were slumped and I probably looked like I lost my marbles somewhere along the way. E was trying to relax for the evening but needed a sip of water, to go potty and kept hollering down the hallway, "I'm hungry." "I'm starving," "It's too dark," "Can I have a toy?" I have to hand it to her on the persistence. This girl doesn't give up. I said to R, "I want the other E back." That sweet, quiet, simple pre-toddler girl. I just realized today how awful that sounds. How mean of me, right? My tired legs and brain make me forget there are so many things to be thankful for with this E. The tiredness and lack of patience got the best of me again. So just in case you're feeling defeated and need a pick me up or for next time the demands of raising a toddler get the best of you remember:

When they put their little hands on your face to bring you closer, to whisper secrets in your ear it warms your heart. Doesn't it make you forget all the problems of the world. Remember these moments are gone in seconds and those hands wont be this small forever.

Arguing over mismatches shoes is just not worth ruining 

a trip to Wesco for popcorn and bug juice. 

When they say 'I love you' in that tiny voice it melts your heart. They love you unconditionally and always will.

When they go potty all by themselves. When they have a night without an accident. These are big accomplishments for them but aren't they big accomplishments for you too?

When they sing to the songs on the radio really loud even though they don't know the words it makes you want to dance and tap the steering wheel. Doesn't it make you feel free and relaxed?

You have this little people to shape into a wonderful human being. You have them to thank for making you want to be a better, more patient person. They are shaping you too. 

Remember the next time you count to 3 and they don't move fast enough that maybe they are trying to get you to slow down. 

Remember they are small but they have all the possibilities in the world ahead of them. 

My lack of patience and the things I do and say always catch up to me as I kiss E good bye, for another 8 hour day away from her. I'm not perfect. I continue to try to improve every day. I will use this list as a reminder when a long day gets the best of me and hope all the Moms of toddlers will find it helpful too.

Keep loving.