I’m a mom who’s thankful for being able to stay at home and raise our three kids – although I’m not sure they feel the same way about me!
After 17 years of marriage, 3 kids, 14 moves, and a colorful resume – the topics to write about are endless.
I’ve always enjoyed writing to family and friends about what really is, just another day in my life. The responses are always the same, “You really have got to write a book!”, “I don’t know HOW you do it!”, “How long was the wait in the ER?”.
My three kids are my life. They make me laugh, they make me cry, they make my hair gray, but they never provide me with a boring day! Together we’ve endured new homes in new states and numerous deployments for my husband’s Air Force career. They say, “What doesn’t kill you only makes you stronger” and they are so right – my kids are so strong despite constantly trying to kill eachother!
Who are my kids??? Well ever since I put that bowl of milk out for the stray cat…
First came a boy, in 1991, he’s about to turn 16. A card-carrying member of the learner’s permit club and a wonderful role-model to my two younger children. Certainly at a different place than I was at 16… but then again, I was a latch-key kid, need I say more!
Then came a girl in 1996. Newly turned 11 and so much more than I ever imagined she’d be. (read: what a terror in her early years!) She’s the type of girl I wish I was: funny, beautiful, smart, athletic, caring, and just plain nice. She is a member, whether she likes it or not, of the Anaphalactic Peanut Allergy Club!
And last to arrive, a boy, in 1999 - almost 8 1/2 now and in 2nd grade this year. He’s taught me more in his 8 years than I ever learned in the 30 years I had before him. (yes, you did the math correctly. I’m 38, soon to be 39!) He was born with an extra 21st chromosome, since that’s such a mouthful to say, we just call it Down syndrome! But wait that’s not all… the announcer says! “You’ve also won a lifetime supply of Autism and all that comes with that!” Yes, we’ve got double the fun in the special-needs world – Autism and Down syndrome. Heck, I look back at the days before Autism as, the good ‘ol days! No two days are ever the same around here!
So at the end of the day when I empty out my pockets and find a little plastic gun that goes with a GI Joe, some type of stylish hair accessory, and a scrap of paper reminding me that I’m working the concession stand for Soccer on Friday – I’m reminded of just how lucky I am to be able to spend my days catering to their every need! I love those monkeys!
Hey stranger!!!! How are you? I just got off the phone with Cindy and I asked about you. Hope you’re still enjoying Maine. We are currently living in Oklahoma! Yes, Tinker AFB. And, to our surprise, we love it here! Which can only mean one thing…it’s got to be time to jerk the rug out from under our feet! No plans just yet. All’s well with the kids, happy to leave Smithfield behind. They’ve adjusted to Oklahoma and have made many friends. Your kids all look great! Tell them all hi for us! Take care, love to hear from you!
Jayne, not sure if you have been reading the ds/autism site. Someone asked about you today so I figured I should check on you! ha!
If you havent been reading you should go on line and check Leah’s posts. Ashton just got diagnosed with early onset Alzheimers. Confirmed through the MRI. I think we are all in shock. She is only 17!!! I cried all night thinking about it.
I hope that things with you are good. You know I always love your photos and hearing about your family. I need to start checking you each day because you bring me a smile….always. I should make you my homepage!
Kiss the kids and give yourself a big ol hug!
Holly
Hi,
I’m Julie, the editor of “Mamapedia Voices”, and we feature guest bloggers on Mamapedia, a site for Moms all across the country. I’ve just found your blog, and would like to invite you write a piece which could be featured on our site.
Though Mamapedia Voices has just started out, it is already receiving a lot of attention, both on our site, on our guest bloggers’ sites, and beyond. We promote our featured guest bloggers through emails, Twitter, Facebook and more. It’s a wonderful opportunity to grow your audience!
If you would like to participate, please take a look at Mamapedia Voices. Next, sign up here http://bit.ly/BloggerSignUp to be on the blogger roster, and then you will be able to see the complete (and easy) instructions for submitting a piece for consideration.
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Thank you, and I look forward to reading more of your work!
Best wishes,
Julie D’Agostino
Editor, Mamapedia Voices