It Takes a Village

Being a mother is the most rewarding and challenging thing I have ever done.  I think most of you moms can agree with that statement.  It has it's ups and downs and brings incredible joy to our lives.

I have been a single mom for a little over three years now.  And let me tell you....it's been my biggest challenge yet. Raising little people...especially primarily on your own...isn't as easy as it sounds.

I am very thankful that my kids father and step mother are involved in their lives.  I can't imagine what my kids lives would be like without them.  One of the huge blessings that came out of a rough situation.  There was a time when the co-parenting relationship wasn't the best.  It's taken a lot of work and patience to get to where we are.  I can say that both sides are proud of that.  Remember.....it's about the kids and not you.

As a single mom I struggle....a lot.  Juggling extracurricular activities, homework, baths, work, and just trying to balance life in general can take a toll.  There are days I wonder how I get it all done....and most of the time I don't know how I did.   When there is only one of you....managing all of that can be so overwhelming. 

I have made it this far by the grace of God....no joke.  He has been a huge part in helping me keep it all together....and helping me not fall to pieces on the hard days.  Without Him I would be sooooo lost.  He has intervened in so many situations in our lives and opened doors I couldn't have imagined possible. 

My family has also played a huge role in keeping me sane.  There have been many phone calls to my momma on a bad day(most of the time crying)....and I can just vent and get her advice.  She raised seven kids....her advice is pretty sound.  They have also helped me juggle some of the crazy scheduling that I have going on. 

My friends are seriously some of the best people you will ever meet....for real.  They have been there with me through some really challenging times in my life....and keep me uplifted and happy.  Without them....I would be so incredibly lost. Everyone needs a core group of momma friends to get them through life.

I have some incredible kids and it just blows my mind that I've been a momma to them for almost a decade(yes....I'm telling my age lol). They are smart, sweet, understanding, and can make the stress of a bad day go away with one hug or "I love you". It's hard to believe that I have a hand in who they have become....because they are AMAZING.

Single mom life ain't easy....but I'm making it one day at a time. And if you are a single mom....remember...you ARE good enough, you are strong enough, and you are amazing. Sometimes it's hard to forget those things.....but they all ring true.  Your kids love you and don't see the flaws you feel like you have.  Keep calm and single mom on!




P.S. Don't forget about the discount and giveaway from Pretty Little Primitives!  Go here to check it out....ends tomorrow night!  Hurry before it ends!

Fashion Friday.....on Saturday

So I thought I was going to be super clever and make a "Fashion Friday" post yesterday.....obviously that did not happen and it is now Saturday.  Sooooo yeah....totally slacking.

I am not the most fashionable person on the planet....but I try.  I am always looking for something unique, cheap, cute, and comfortable.  I am your jeans and t-shirt kinda gal.  I am also a huge supporter of local businesses.

My friends over at Pretty Little Primitives have been my absolute favorite place to get my shirts the last few months.  I personally know these girls and love them dearly!  They have some great designs and have actually taken designs I've given them and created something for me.

How cute is my daughter in her "red head" shirt? 

Their shirts are absolutely adorable and so comfortable.  Definitely fits my jeans and t-shirt taste.  They also make monogrammed earrings....which I haven't gotten my hands on yet(I may or may not have gotten my ear pierced a few weeks ago....at the ripe ol' age of 28.  Can't wear anything until these puppies heal. But that's a story for another day).  But let me tell you....they are adorable.

They make clothing for kids and adults.  Did you see how adorable my baby girl was in her shirt? They are definitely a one stop shop!  

And guess what!?!? They want to give my blog readers a DISCOUNT on their order and GIVEAWAY a shirt to one lucky blog reader! How awesome is that? 

For all of you that are still hitting the gym. This one was a design I sent them....and they created! My friends and I all own one now. 

Here's how the discount works....pick what you like on their website here and shoot them a message. Mention code "lilredtrio" when ordering...and boom....you get 10% off your order.  This code expires on Wednesday, so hurry before it's gone! 

Onto the giveaway!  One lucky reader will win the "Less Judgey More Lovey" shirt(and it doesn't have to be purple..you choose).  I personally own one and love the message it has behind it!

Here's how to enter:

1.  You must "like" Pretty Little Primitives on Facebook. 

2.  Pick out your favorite thing from their Facebook page and tell me what it is! 

3.  Fill out the form here to enter. 

Pretty simple huh?  

Want extra entries?  Here's how to give yourself an even better chance of winning:

-Share this blog post with your friends on Facebook(make sure you comment to let me know you've done so) 3 extra entries.

Good luck to everyone and enjoy the sweet discount! 

Sticks and Stones

"Sticks and Stones may break my bones, but words can never hurt me."

This classic phrase has been around for many years and I'm sure most of you have heard it at some point in your life. This is what we heard as kids when people bullied us and said hurtful things.  You know what? This phrase is completely bogus. 

Proverbs 12:18

Words DO hurt and stick with us for a long time. Gossip and hurtful words are even mentioned in the Bible(Proverbs 20:19). "Mean girls" are an epidemic in our society.  We have all been victims of it and many of us have been "mean girls"(me included). 

I really feel like it has been laid on my heart to talk about this topic today. I myself have been a victim to gossip and "backstabbing" lately.....and I've also been a "mean girl." Over the last couple of weeks a few things have shown me that God is really trying to speak to me on this topic. 

Did you know that even in Biblical times there was gossip and "mean" girls?  I learned about this from Pastor Joe(who is awesome...if you didn't know that already).  Go back to the story of the woman at the well(John 4).  She had been married five times and was living with someone outside of marriage. Imagine doing that back in Biblical days....she was probably shunned like no other. 

She was at the well by herself around lunch time.  Typically, women came to the well early in the morning.  She didn't because she would have been talked about and those women would have said ugly things to her.  I don't blame her for avoiding that. 

You know what? Jesus STILL talked to her and loves her.  Regardless of her past, he wanted her to know that he was the only water she would ever need....she would never thirst again.  He paid attention to her....which is huge. 

Often times, the whispers behind our backs, are the insecurities in our heads.  This feeds those insecurities and makes us question our worth. We start thinking "Maybe I'm not good enough," "I'm ugly," "Why don't people like me?", "I'm a bad mom", "I'm fat".....etc.  You get the point.  

Fearfully and Wonderfully Made
Adorabelles 

We have no idea what someone is going through in life.  That girl that comes to Walmart in pajamas....maybe, just maybe she's a stay at home momma that just needed to get out of the house for a few minutes.  That girl with the crazy hair...she likes to express herself and it makes her feel good.  That woman you call a "ho".....maybe she's been abused in her past and she is sincerely looking for love and doesn't know how to find it.  That girl you called fat....maybe she is struggling with an eating disorder.  My point is....you just never know.  

Less Judgey More Lovey(Shout out to my girls at Pretty Little Primitives) 

How do we stop this craziness?  LOVE!  Stop judging people, stop talking about people, and LOVE people.  That girl at the office you can't stand.....invite her to lunch one day.  That neighbor that drives you crazy....bring them cookies and a smile.  Tell someone they look beautiful....someone you don't normally talk to.  

We have to stop going behind each other's backs and whispering lies.  We are stronger women when we stick together and are loyal to each other.  We are called to love.....so let's start doing it. And remember this:

My challenge to you is to step out of your comfort zone and love on somebody that you've maybe not been so kind to.  I'm in on this challenge too!   Who's with me?