Postpartum Expression

So it's taken me over a month to post to my blog. Why? Mostly because I don't have much time to myself these days but I'm not complaining. Life has been pretty freaking fabulous.

Ok, so it hasn't been perfect. We had a few bad wind/hail/rain storms around here and part of our roof blew off and had to be tarped. Our siding has holes and dents in it from hail damage. Tanner's sweet grandmother 'Momo' passed away. Turner has been aggressive in school with other kids. The steering went out in my car. Hmmmm, I'm sure there were a few other things here and there but who's keeping track.

How have I been able to stay optimistic with all of this stuff happening in a matter of 4 weeks? I don't know, I just am. I can't explain it. Maybe that's just what optimists do. I mean, did I get upset . . . absolutely but I'm not stewing over any of it. I don't have the energy.

I consider us fortunate because 1.)we received a very healthy check from our homeowners insurance that will more than cover a new roof and siding for our house. The construction starts in a couple of weeks and we're pretty excited about it. 2.)Tanner's grandma was in alot of pain from all of her cancer and even though she will be missed so very much by her family, her suffering has ended. If any of you have ever been close to someone dying of cancer, you understand the relief that comes with the death. Her last few days were so terrible to watch but my husband got to tell her goodbye and she was able to see Turner and Lauren for the last time. We have comfort knowing that she is no longer in pain and we have many wonderful memories. 3.) We've gotten more serious with disciplining Mr. Turner John. We're finally taking charge and not letting him make so many rules. Tanner and I came up with a game plan and were pretty nervous about our little boy's response. We majorly cut back on TV shows, sugar consumption, second and third chances, etc. We're enforcing our timeouts after one warning and have started taking away toys. We were shocked that after only a couple of days we have a much better behaved son. Go figure! Now we wonder why we didn't do this sooner. Atleast we have something that is working for us. 4.) My car is fixed. It was expensive, but we will be getting ready to sell it soon so I can look forward to car shopping. Gotta love that! I'm thinking a Ford Fusion or another Malibu would be nice but we'll see what I end up with.

Sorry this post is turning into a book but alot of life happens in 4 weeks! I went back to work last week. I work Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays. It's so great. I now have 2 extra days at home with my kids and I'm loving it. Tanner has been working 6 to 7 days a week. I wish he were home more but the extra money more than makes up for the income I left. He doesn't enjoy working that much but he doesn't have much of a choice right now. His company downsized and then ended up landing a few big contracts afterward and now they can't keep up. Like they say, it's either feast or famine, there is rarely an in between.

Last, I want to let you all know that Turner is an amazing big brother to Lauren. He is very loving. Not a day passes that he doesn't hold her or give her hugs and kisses. He used to rush to our bedside in the morning but now he rushes to Lauren to tell her good morning and that it's time to wake up. Lauren has been the easiest baby. She is so laid back and she smiles all of the time. I've been blessed with two beautiful amazing kids and a supportive husband. It makes storm damage, loss, rebellion, and inefficiencies less concerning when I know at the end of the day I am loved unconditionally.

I hope all of you find or have found a place where your worries practically disappear and you have inner peace. I have and I really think it's going to allow me to discover strengths and passions in myself that I didn't know were there. I have a feeling that my thirties are going to be the best years ever.

My apologies, the previous paragraph got a little deep and weird. I guess I'm simply in a good place right now. I'll leave you with this:

"One day at a time - this is enough. Do not look back and grieve over the past, for it is gone; and do not be troubled about the future, for it has not yet come. Live in the present, and make it so beautiful it will be worth remembering." -Author Unknown