You never know how strong you are until being strong is your only choice.

So, I'm going to be a little bit (totally) honest.

Is there anything worse than busting your butt, giving everything you've got and feeling completely unappreciated? I am physically, mentally and emotionally exhausted. I am overwhelmed. I am invisible. I am alone.

But then you dry your tears, suck it up, put on your big girl panties, and do whatever needs to be done anyway. It can't storm forever. Right?



Day 2. A few 6-word memoirs.

Selfish girl turned dedicated mom/wife.

Learned to be mommy, without mine.

Seeing life through my children's eyes.

Experiencing unconditional love from tiny dogs.

Stronger than I ever thought possible.

Best friends, more than a label.

 Got my skills from my Grandma.

Decided that "someday" is actually today.

Day 1. 15 facts about you.

15 facts about you.

1. I believe that no matter what I achieve in my life, my children will be my greatest accomplishments. They are my everything.
2. I was first introduced to my husband when he friend requested and emailed me on myspace. We met a few weeks later when he came into the restaurant where I worked in the town I was born and raised and he just so happened to be stationed. 5th weddng anniversary next month, he's my best friend in the world.
3. I was raised by my daddy, and I don't care how old I am, I will always be a daddy's girl. I don't have a relationship with my mom.
4. I wish I were a better Christian and it's something I struggle with. I miss our congregation in MO more than words can say.
5. I love, love, love to cook. Creating something and seeing people enjoy it makes me happy.
6. I wouldn't call myself a photographer, but it's something I really, really enjoy. I'm not sure I could do it professionally, but definitely would love to for family and friends.
7. I'm going to plan REALLY awesome parties for other people someday... and get paid for it.
8. 4th of July is my Christmas. I am a pyromaniac.
9. If "personal shopper" were a job, I would ROCK at it. I always find THE best deals on just about everything. (at least that's why my friens and family are -always- telling me) I might just have to MAKE it a profession. ;)
10. I'm fully aware of how cliche it sounds, but adopting a shelter dog was a profound, life changing event for me.
11. I watch Grey's Anatomy from season 1 to the current season once a year. Start to finish. I got into it after the 6th season and just love it.
12. I have about 5 dream vacations, most of them involve disney, harry potter or large, dirty cities.
13. I want the American dream for my kiddos. Nothing and no one is perfect, but one of my biggest goals in life is that my kids have a happy childhood and grow up well rounded and become the best people they can be. It's cheesy and cliche, but I'm all about backyard bbqs on the weekends, family movie nights, stories before bedtime, birthday blowouts, family picnics in the park, family vacations, coaching their teams {or at the very least attending every game}, sitting at the dinner table together at every meal possible. The whole 9 yards, I want it all because that's what they deserve.
14. Unless it's buttercream, I HATE frosting/icing. Gross.
15. I might be a hypochondriac. If I have really bad headaches, I will seriously lay in bed trying to fall asleep terrified I've got a brain tumor or an aneurysm. I worry about cancer constantly, thyroid, diabeties, etc. I am aware of how absurd it is, but I've always been a worrier, even since I was a kid.

15 Day Challenge!