Stephanie Howell

Both dresses from H&M kids. Sadie’s is available online here .

Oh. My heart. Ouch.

When did they get so big and so darn beautiful?

Why do I feel like this is going by really fast yet really slow?

How can they both remind me so much of their daddy in this photo (even though they look so different)?

And why does Sadie look like she wants to punch me in the throat?

These are all questions running through my mind as I look at this photo.

But mostly? I’m really proud of them. Really, really, really, truly proud. They are growing up brave and kind and funny and fearless and compassionate and inquisitive and spunky and I love them.

These two are my heart.

Happy Wednesday, y’all – Ciao!

xoxo

S

 

And just like that I have a first grader and a third grader. Wow- time flies!

So proud of these girls. They are strong, brave, confident,kind, and spunky. They aren’t afraid to speak out and stand up for what is right.

xoxo

 

Where the heck have I been for two weeks. I don’t even know how that happened.

Is it just me or does time FLY at the end of the summer?

I’d like to say we’ve been savoring it, but mostly we are counting down the days.

I think the girls have gotten on each other’s last nerves. There is such a thing as TOO MUCH time together in this house.

When the fighting, tattling, screeching, and whining reaches a crescendo…you can find me in the bathroom hiding and screaming into a pillow.

IT’S TIME TO GO BACK TO SCHOOL!!!!

A little part of me feels guilty every time I think about how great it’s going to be with all four of them in school.

Sometimes I feel like there’s something wrong with me when I read all of the awesome moms that are dreading school starting because they are having such a great time with their kids.

Then I remember we are all different. What works for them (clearly) does not work for me.

I can admit this…I am a better mom when I can take care of me. I’m happier when I can exercise and be creative.

Getting work done without kids around is easier and more productive. And I am so much NICER and more patient when I get a little time to breathe.

The girls love school. They love making new friends and being with people other than ME. And other than EACH OTHER. It makes them nicer. And happier. And we have a better time when we are together.

So I’m ready.

I have some goals and I want to share them here. If I share them I’ll be more liable to reach them. Accountability is a great motivator for me.

Deep breath. I can’t do it all, but I can do some things really well. These are the things I’m striving for.

What about you? Do you have some personal goals that you hope to reach this school year? I’d love to hear about them!

xo

Team Orlando 4 Life.