Wear Those Sparkly Shoes

Yesterday morning started like most other mornings.

Baby L opened our bedroom door and entered with his usual happy morning greeting, "Hi Mommy! Hi Daddy!" Shortly followed by J who enters quietly to slip under the covers for some morning cuddles before the day starts.

While Daddy gets dressed for the day, the boys and I cuddle in bed and watch 'Wild Kratts'. As Daddy heads downstairs to leave for work, that is my cue to get out of bed and start getting ready for the day.

Heading into the bathroom, I do the usual things people do to get themselves ready for the day. When it come times to get dressed, I head into my closet and study the familiar wardrobe as if it holds the key to all my unanswered questions.

My eyes fall to my new shirt. My fingers brush the black lace trim at the top and at the end of the sleeves. I smooth my hand down the front of soft grey material. It's so pretty.

I decide "I'll save that for a special occasion. After all, I'm just taking J to preschool and running some errands today."

Sighing, I reach for my standard "momiform" of long sleeved t-shirt and jeans.

Heading back into the bedroom, I manage to corral the boys and get them dressed and their teeth brushed. (Medal, please.) And we all march downstairs to grab some breakfast before we head out.

I grab the boys some breakfast, then head to the coffeemaker for some long awaited coffee. (Cue the angels singing Hallelujah chorus.)

As I lean against the counter, waiting for the Keurig to do it's thing, my mind drifts back to my new shirt. 

It's so lovely. I feel good when I have it on. And when I feel good, I am more confident, more upbeat. I can't wait to wear it. 

But when will I have an occasion to show it off? How long will it be before I have a reason to rock that pretty shirt?

Then it hits me.

I COULD WEAR IT TODAY. 

Today is my special occasion. Today is my special day.

Today is special because I can spend time with my family and count my many blessings that I certainly don't deserve.

I don't need to have a special date night or drinks with the girls or movie night with my family.

I should wear that shirt today. Today is what I know I have.

What if I save it for tomorrow but tomorrow never comes?

I like that shirt. It makes me feel attractive and that makes me feel confident.

Who doesn't want to feel like that everyday?!

So you know what?

I run upstairs real quick, throw off my t-shirt and put on my nice, new shirt.

On my way through the downstairs foyer, I catch a glimpse of myself in the mirror and smile. Despite my messy ponytail and no make-up, I feel beautiful.

So that cute purse or those sassy pair of shoes or that trendy new jacket or that elegant scarf that you are waiting to wear for a special occasion, time to take it out and put it on.

Wear those sparkly shoes.

Rock those dangly earrings.

Because today IS that special occasion. 

What The What?

 

*Slides in the room in socks a la Risky Business.*

Hey guys! Long time no see!

*Waves to my followers - Mom, Aunt Connie and some random lady who really likes my hair.*

It's been a while - three weeks or there about.

To say things have been insanely busy would be like saying Miley Cyrus slightly embarrassed herself at the MTV music awards.

I won't bore you with the gory details, but I'll give you a brief rundown of what's been on the menu.

*Both boys were sick with viruses and had 103 degree temperatures. My poor sweet babies! Laying there, burning up and shivering at the same time. So pitiful! Lukewarm baths, Ibuprofen and cold water to drink ASAP!

*Trying to get the tiny people to eat healthier. No, for the 47th time. You cannot have Goldfish for dinner.

*Working on getting Baby L the help he needs for his speech. "Yo-Urt, Mommy?" "You would like for Mommy to get you some yogurt?" "Sure!"

*Self-Doubt. Am I doing this right? Am I doing this wrong? Does this shirt look stupid? Do these jeans make me look fat?

*Annual girls' trip. Okay, this one was actually a stress reliever. But I wasn't going to write on my girls trip! This is time for hanging with my favorite ladies to catch-up and eat and drink ourselves silly.

*Runs hand over head. Rubs the back of neck.*

So yeah. It's been a little busy around here.

But Life is like that, isn't it?

One day, you and Life are BFF's. Riding on your unicorns together through the rainbows. Drinking your hot cocoa. Braiding each others hair.

Then, BAM!

She punches you in the face!

WHAT THE WHAT?!

Life, she is one moody wench.

What can you do?!

Well, for me, sometimes I have good cry. (Hormones are stupid.) Then, I wipe away my tears, pull up my big girl pants and decide I'm not gonna take that crap.

There is something inside of me, a tiny spark, that makes me get back up and try again.

That tiny spark? I'd like to think it's the Holy Spirit.

Maybe you think it's your chi or your soul or the human spirit.

Maybe it is. I don't really know.

But here's the thing.

I have a lot of things worth getting up for.

My husband. My kids. My mom. My step-dad. My family. My friends.

So yeah, sometimes Life turns around and gives me a mean right hook and it knocks me down.

But, she better watch out.

Because I AM going to get up. And when I do. I'll be REALLY hacked off.