#friendshipgoals

I'm in a state of reflection and awe tonight at the amazing people God has led into my life.  Definitely emotional as I sit back and think about the absolutely amazing friends I have in my life.  It is so easy to take these people for granted, but I am reminded constantly about how truly blessed I am.




I am a very introverted person by nature.  It takes a lot for me(maybe even a couple beers) for me to really carry on a conversation with a new person.  Making friends hasn't always been so easy for me.  Once that connection is there, it's amazing how your relationship with another person blossoms.




Being a momma(and a single one at that) makes it very difficult for me to find the time to see my friends as much as I want to.  But my core group gets it.  They don't get mad at me when I can't come see them.....they patiently wait until we can go on our next adventure. Not all my friends are parents either....I have several single friends that respect my time and motherhood.....and that love my children like their own.




Each friendship is so uniquely different....but what we both need. I have my 2am "ditch" friend, my 3am "I found out my SO is cheating on me and I can't sleep so let's go to Waffle House friend", my friends I call when I'm having relationship trouble or need advice, my mom/playdate friends, my very logical friends(who have talked me off a few ledges), my friend that texts me "Good Morning"(every single day...which means the world to me), and my friends I only see from time to time....but we pick right back up where we left off. 




Being a single mom can be lonely....I won't lie.  But each friend I have makes the loneliness easier and are so vital to my life. I know I always have someone there for me when I need them. With each season of life, friends come and go....and the ones that have stayed throug each season with me...you are amazing.




All of my friends care so much for my children as well.   My children adore each and every one of my friends.  They are included in plans....and we even go on trips with them sometimes.  My children having these positive influences in their life is so important to me, and I am forever grateful for the impact my tribe has on my littles.




These people have helped mold me into the woman I am today....and I can not thank them enough.  The imprint you all have made on my life is incredible and you will forever be my people.  Thank you for all you do.....love ya'll!

#Overwhelmed

Overwhelmed....such a big word we use on the daily.  Most of the time it has a very negative connotation. I know as a single mom I feel overwhelmed every day. Being a momma, working, house work, and just life in general can cause us to carry a huge burden.

The definition I'm hanging onto for overwhelmed is "to overcome completely in mind or feeling."  God has really overwhelmed me with love and blessings over the last couple of months.  It has been so easy for me to get down.....between a terrible breakup, crazy work/life balance, and now a car wreck I have been overwhelmed with stress and the feeling that my life is never going to be "together.".


I got asked this week what it would look like if my life was together.  I couldn't answer because I don't even know.  Which really was eye opening.....craving something that you don't have a definition or expectation for.  In that moment, I was hit by an overwhelming sense of how BLESSED I truly am.

My kids....I could go on for DAYS about how incredible they are.  They are the light of my life and my joy.  That doesn't mean there aren't days they stress me out with the fighting or inevitable whining....but knowing their unconditional love for me just overwhelms me with joy.  It is amazing how these two little people can love such a "broken" person.  I am their momma and they know I'm here for them....and even in the hard moments they know my love for them is overflowing.


My family.....through every storm I have weathered they have been there.  It doesn't matter how many times I have fallen or disappointed them....they love me through it all.  I grew up in an amazing home with amazing parents.  My siblings are the absolute best.  From the help they give me with my kids when I am in a bind....to the solid advice my parents have....I am overwhelmed with the sense of love and security they give me.

My friends....since my divorce I have had to find my new tribe.  Let me tell you....that was not easy. I am an introvert to boot....and actually befriending someone was sooooo hard on me.  Some of come and gone.....but my group that has stayed around in my crazy life are priceless.  I know I can call them for anything and they have brought so much joy in my life and my kids life.  Some of them have kids....some don't.  The ones that don't, love on my kids like they are their own. (Note.....these are just a small portion of my friends.....if you aren't pictured please don't think I don't still love you! lol)

My goal right now is to focus on the positive. Life brings everyone storms and hardships....but if we really take a step back and look......we are all blessed.  God takes care of our every need(Matthew 6:25-34), mends our broken hearts(Psalm 147:3), and takes some of the load off our backs(Matthew 11:28-30). 


I know in my life He has beyond gracious in my brokenness.  I am will continue to be overwhelmed with His love and blessings in my life.  Doesn't mean I won't get down from time to time.....but I will continue to make it a priority to focus on the positive and win at this thing called life.

Cowboy Casanova

Ya'll know I generally have no issue putting my business out there....some of you may laugh, some watch and cringe, some judge.....but at the end of the day....I am who I am....and I share. I share in the hopes of helping someone else who has been through....or may start going through the things I have been through. I share and write to talk myself through situations.  It is what it is.


With that being said....onto the meat and potatoes of this post.......

He's a good time cowboy Casanova
Leaning up against the record machine
He looks like a cool drink of water
But he's candy-coated misery
He's the devil in disguise
A snake with blue eyes
And he only comes out at night
Gives you feelings that you don't wanna fight
You better run for your life

Carrie Underwood's "Cowboy Casanova" perfectly describes my last long term relationship.  I am finally on the other side of that one....and it was a HOT mess.  Some of you watched it fall apart, some of you cheered me on.....and some of you literally watched me get back with this man numerous times and some of you felt my pain through the entire journey.

Point blank, I gave my heart and time to someone who didn't deserve me. I ignored EVERY gut instinct in me to run.....but I didn't.  I ignored every person that told me to stay away or end it. Why? I honestly don't even know. I wish I did.  He was charming and  I loved him.  It wasn't until I found out for sure that he was being unfaithful....that I finally was able to let go.

I will never understand how someone can look you in the face and tell you a bold face lie....even with the facts laid out in front of them.  That's when I knew I had to run. No one should allow someone else to make them feel crazy or that their feelings are not validated. You have feelings and a gut instinct for a reason.....and you need to listen to them.

Ladies, you are worth so much more than what you think.  A man should value you and respect you....period.  Don't put up the games, lies, manipulation, body shaming, disrespect.....etc.  That is not what God wants for us. Obviously I am guilty of allowing someone to treat me like that.....but out of this situation I am stronger....and I will have what God designed for me one day and so will you.

Stand up for what you want....don't settle for someone who doesn't give you the love and attention you deserve. Guard your heart and take things slow.

I had my final conversation with this man tonight.....and confirmation that my eyes are open to what he's done and that I am strong enough to stay away.  I have yet to get a sincere apology from him for what he did. I was even asked to apologize to him because I made him mad when I reacted to finding out he had cheated.  Do NOT apologize for your reaction to THEIR bad behavior(thank you for that quote...you know who you are).   I have forgiven him and moved on. And you know what....I'm okay with the fact that he hasn't apologize.  I realize it's a deep rooted issue inside of HIM and not me.

Dating is HARD and all of us single ladies know the struggle.  Don't just be with someone to have someone.  Wait.....and Lord knows I'm just about the most impatient person around..  Be still and know that God has this and will lead the right man into your life  Love on your kids(if you have them), go out with your friends, start a new hobby, find yourself.....just enjoy life. 

We all have so much to be thankful for.....and today I am thankful for tough lessons.  I am thankful for my stubbornness....I don't always do it the easy way.  God has brought me through so much pain....but I come out stronger on the other side each and every time. Love yourself, ladies.  One day....your prince will come.