Money can't buy happiness

Robin Williams died today- he took his own life. This is so sad to me. How does one get into a position that suicide feels like the only option?? I've been sad.... Really sad.... Lost my baby sad..... But leaving this earth was never even contemplated. So- what kind of sad does it take to kill oneself?

On the outside, this man had everything. Money, "friends", family, a great career, lots of people that looked up to him YET he was still sad. This is profound to me because so many people say "if I just had more money, life would be easier..."  He had money- lots of money- but it didn't matter. 

Money doesn't buy happiness. Suicide doesn't solve problems. Depression is a serious disease. Mr. Williams is gone but his family is now left behind to be sad themselves.

Just a mom.... Really?

This has always been one of the most irritating statements I've heard about being a stay at home mom. "Just a mom" guy or girl has never had 3 kids aged 4 and under to go along with the two teenagers that lived there first. They've never cleaned puke out of a bed that has to be completely stripped, thrown in the washer and the bed now needs to be remade. They've never had the pleasure of watching their child ask Jesus into their lives all the while hoping that maybe you played a small roll in pointing them that direction. "Just a mom" is a very broad job description that includes nurse, counselor, teacher, cook, maid,taxi driver, referee, banker, the only reasonable person to take a teenage girl clothes shopping and the only reasonable one who walks out when said teenage girl says she won't buy anything cool. Three rules: no boobies, no butt cheeks, and no midriffs out for all to see. Which undoubtedly leads to "you're the worst mom ever. EVERY other mom buys their daughters this stuff.

I'm a proud "just a mom" and there are days when it's easy and there are days where I'm pretty sure I would like to run away. But in order to be "just a mom" there has to be "just a baby or 2 or 5" that makes being a mom worth everything!!

The proverbial roller coaster

We all make promises to ourselves. I have made many promises to myself that I have broken through the years- which is funny because I pride myself on keeping my promises to others.

Last year, I fought hard to get control of my weight and I was doing it! I had lost 64 pounds and was so proud! Well, I went to the doctor today and I have put 40 of those pounds back on. I promised myself I would never see 200 pounds again- well, I have said hello to the not so good friend that I thought I had bid a permanent farewell to.

What is it that makes weight loss successful? I have the excuses- thyroid function is non existent, I don't do change well and a big move occurred, blah, blah, blah!

Hopefully this year, I will find the secret. Funny thing is, I know where to find the secret- it's inside me- it's just hiding very well at the moment!

Already a year??

What a year this has been! I can't believe we've been in NC almost a whole year! The kids have liked it- Trevor has already started marching band practice for next year. He's going to be in high school- that's a little hard for this momma's heart but I'm hoping his experience is great. Jon still travels although he has been home for the past several weeks which I have enjoyed.  

Our house in Mississippi has finally sold and we close in 16 days! I'm so excited as this will be such a relief! 

This year, we also got to welcome a second grandson. Luke Alexander Mitchell was born on June 9 and weighed a whopping 10.2 lbs. seeing both him and his brother come into this world have truly been 2 highlights of my life!