Boys Playing With Dog: A Sweet Memory

The other day while visiting my Mom, she fondly brought up this piece of footage chuckling while she lovingly looked at her two teenage "apos" (grandchildren) who are both taller & bigger than her now (they're bigger than me too). I told her I would find it and send her the link.  Of course, once I found it, I had to re-watch it several times. 

My teenagers don't giggle and generally react to things in that way anymore.  But they're still there.  My First-born will still comment about things and think he's super funny doing it.  And my Youngest is still compassionate & sweet underneath all that teenage brooding. My boys. 💙💛

So thankful for them and always praying for their health & well being. 

Us mothers never stop being mothers.  We have to adjust our parenting and let go (a lot) as they grow older, but we're always around when they need us. Sending light & love to all my fellow Moms doing the best they can for their kids.  Remember, not all Moms follow the same path. As long as you're doing the best you can & making choices that you feel are right for yourself & your kids, don't worry about your critics. This Mom supports you as a Mom. 🤗 And also remember, be conscious about being "a critic" yourself. Don't judge other Moms. 

Lastly, savor the moments. Take pictures, record footage. Pay attention. There are moments that feel endless, but trust me, time never stands still. 

Home Is The People You Invite In Your Life Journey

There are travel bloggers on Youtube that have dreamily made their full time jobs about traveling all over the world and sharing their experiences with a captive audience in large numbers (and they need to be pretty big in order to make any sort of money). It's almost unreal to think that people can just live off their suitcase (and maybe an additional backpack) and literally sleep in one country one night and be sightseeing in another the next night. Some people actually judge these people and tell them "get a real job", but I think they are very lucky to have found an amazing way to live out their dreams and get paid for it. I have zero hate for it.  Good on them! 

But their lifestyle, as extreme as it may seem to some, illustrates that the concept of "home" is not always a concrete place with walls and a roof. For some, "home" is literally the world--every place on the planet they can travel and explore--and the many personalities they are bound to encounter on their journey.  

When I step away from the concept of "home" being just a place of dwelling, my mind goes straight to The Huz and my Sons who hold my heart. I'm thankful everyday at the family bond we have even as our kids mature and seek out their independence. No matter where (and to whom) their lives lead them, they know they have a "home" with their Dad & I.  Because "home" is a feeling of comfort, of safety, of peace.  

Comfort, safety and peace is different for everyone. Some find that within themselves (shout-out to all the happy introverts out there) and some find these bonds with pets (it's family!). Don't worry about society's norms or expectations--because that "home" feeling is as individual as one's fingerprints.  No matter what it looks like, the best part is just having it. So if you're blessed enough to have found whatever version of "home" you have, savor it without the weight of others' expectations and judgements. For those still seeking the feeling of "home", I wish you the best of luck. For those who have it, never stop being thankful. XOXO 😘