A day to remember...

Today is a great day to remember! A day of life changing events, a time where I literally see myself finally growing up and that in itself is a good thing. Really since we moved, it has been nothing but great even through the daily stresses of life. That's a good thing!

I really had no time for tv before since I was way too busy with life, but now lately I have been watching some Sex and the City reruns...Good show! I've also loved the quotes I've heard there! Decided to scrap a few that really hit home for me. :)

You know something good can come out of anything! I definitely am learning that one from my Godsend friend Jen. Truly! She's taught me soooo much about life, people, moments, friendships, just stuff to truly soak in. I love her more than life!

I love these quotes. You know sometimes in life, things happen that we don't expect. I think I've been seeing so many "unexpected" events happen and it's nothing to bawl about. It's really all good in the end. It makes me a better mother, wife, person who loves to create and girl who loves to go shabby with everything. If anyone chooses to classify a decision or person as being selfish..well let's look at the whole reason behind it. It someone chooses to end a career, move on, buy a home, sell a car, end a relationship, buy a guinea pig, what truly is behind their decision? Is it that they want to show off and try to become the "celeb" that they never were? Is it to say that you have this and that and therefore you are in a much higher rank than all the others? Or is it soley because you know in your heart that you will be a better parent, a much less stressful one at best. And that once you make your decision, you have not one ounce of regret about it?

That's how I strive to be! My previous recent decisions have ALL been based on me putting my three shabby babies far above what I would want in my life. A better car, a bigger house for them, a job at home and friendships that don't stress me out. Friendships that build me up and make me a much better mommy than I can ever be. So what about "rescuing" friends? Gosh Jen you taught me so much about that. I dont' think I'll ever look at this the same again.  Knowing that I am making a friend based on what I can give them and what they can give back. Not about the "pats on the back" so to speak. Oh you "saved" me and I am always in need of saving. I now am one who knows that the number of friends isn't the issue anymore as it was in high school and college. It's about INTEGRITY. Substance.  One building up another and not sucking the life out of them. I realize now and after 10 years of one FABULOUS husband, that my dude picks the best guys to be buds with! Okay why don't I? LOL Not saying any of you are not great friends! Believe me there is way more to this story than I can reveal.

But oh my oh my, I must learn from this spectacular dude that life isn't about "feeling good" all the time but more about "feeling good" about the decisions I make! Okay feeling VERY GOOD about all my recent and past decisions! Ones previous just were not the best ones for me to make. But I think like this 2nd quote, I've found a friendship that has taken me to somewhere I least expected! And yet how come everyone around me knew of the danger? All but me? What am I some dork or something? I think a tad too naive. But I can get over that and learn to be less like that! LOL

So because I choose my family and kiddies before anyone else...am I selfish? Maybe so but I am darn well HAPPY that I am!!! LOL These kiddies have no one else but us! Like the quote above, people come and go...but these babies and absooolutely irresistable dh of mine will be with me for the most time and I need to pour ALL of my energy into them! Everyone else will have to wait awhile. But to my sweet friends that wait and I wait for them, THANK YOU! You all know who you are and Lisa I miss you like crazy!!!! Susan, you are my angel who never gives up and for that I am more than grateful!  Genuine friends....are irreplaceable.

Okay so on a sweet note...I love baby pictures! Found this yesterday! Sometimes it's totally hard to look at our babies baby pics, cuz then I get hit with baby fever, but truly I just love to be surprised remembering how little they each were! Ahhhhh.

Thanks for listening to me rattle!!!!!

Comments

[Jen Harr]

Ummmm, I'm almost in tears as all of what you wrote really hit home with me! I understand the changes that occur within us and the desire to take care of ourselves and our families first--but can be so hard due to influences of peoples' needs outside of our family. Wow! As I am planning a move, I'm trying to focus on what is important and even if it doesn't fit for others, It fits for us and I need to feel good about that. I could go on! It's so nice that you have encouraging people in your life to learn these life issues from. HUGS!

[Jessica Hood]

omg, that first SATC quote is my tagline on 2peas!

[kim]

I swear the whole time I was reading this i was nodding my head. "Yes.....oh, yep....uh huh.....EXACTLY!" True friends, the ones that just *get* you, are hard to find. But when you do it's a fantastic thing! I love my dear friends, the ones who don't question why I make my "selfish" decisions and support me because they know I am doing things for what I believe are the right reasons. (Numero uno being my hubby and my babies.) And I love that they are always there cheering me on and helping me be the best me I can be. Thank you for reminding me to cherish them even more.

Love reading you blog Jenn! You are truly inspirational and a dear friend to many. Hope you are having the BEST weekend!

[Jessica]

What a heartfelt post! Love the quotes, too.
...beautiful stuff, Jenn!

[PaulineLucille]

okay I have to confess I didn't totally follow the post but I got the general idea and I just wanted to say that putting your kids and hubby above other things is soooooooo not selfish at all!!! I think it is awesome! --Hollie

[Becky (Daisyduster)]

SMJ,
You know...I love reading your blog everyday, for the beautiful things, and also the sweetness that just comes out of you. And, have in a way looked at you as a model to strive for. But, I've always kind of thought your life sounded...perfect, and a little unattainable. (You have never come across that way though.) So, sometimes that in itself, was a little depressing to me.
But Girl! This blog entry today was so real, and so personal and right out there in the open with the most difficult stuff we as moms & wives face on a daily basis...I just wanted to reach right thru the screen and give you a hug!
ANY decisions made that sacrafice to put our families first, can never be thought as selfish.
And we can rest wherever we are in knowing that God knows the desires of our hearts...and He has perfect timing for everything.
I don't even know you...and I'm so proud of you.
Thank you so much for sharing.

[diana]

I check your shabby blog regularly.. bc I love to look at your shabby pictures... and today... I loved reading your wise wise words. Good job SMJ...as they say in the south... you go girl ! You will never be sorry you put your babies and dh first... and those who really love you... well they will get over themselves and love you even MORE !!

[Trese]

Thank you so much for being so heartfelt today - you see, I so relate to all of what you said. I have 3 friends I really love and they are all out of town - as in 2 days worth of driving! My family is too. And for the longest time, I resented being a military wife - always having to stay home with the kids, not being able to see my friends and family - but, I have, in the last 2 years, grown up! I see things differently now, and realize I am not resentful or angry anymore because here (with my husband and children) is where I belong. Here (not working full time, staying home to take care of my family's needs) is where I do best. The time for other things comes so naturally when all those needs are met first. It's strange - it never worked that way before. I always complained I had "no time for me", always fighting for it! Now? It is always there. Is it acceptance, finally? Or an inner peace? Who knows? But, I am grateful I have found this 'place' for me. I respect your decision - you will find it may be the best thing you've ever done. It was for me, anyway. I am the happiest I have been in a long time!
Have a wonderful day!

[Lanne]

Jenn.. i love your style.. I love your posts.. your humour.. it shines through... but I really really like you! I like how your kindness is in every post.. how your family is there.. at the front and centre of your efforts. That the love you have for them is there.. for all to see. As I approach 30 I am seriously coming into some clarity about life.. about motherhood.. I haven't ever been one to be friends with people for the sake of it.. but i have found some friends are becoming a little one sided.. that they require more than they ever offer back - that the back and forth of a good friendship is missing. Whilst I still value the people, I am putting less into the friendship. I am finding that being a better person, a happier one .. with passions and dreams and hopes and time.. makes me a better wife and mother. Thanks for sharing the journey with us. :)

[Jennifer]

Dear dear Jenna, oh my...I picked a great day to up and read your blog! Honey, you are definately moving forward. That's so great. And can I tell you...that your "real-ness" and your decision to not play it safe in this blog, definately has and will continue to resonated with your readers. I am impressed by your move to lighten the load and burdens and to embark on something so precious as a NEW, fresh way of living life. You rock my sista! You rock. My Cosmo is lifted high this morning in honor of my friend...who is choosing to be the real deal! Love you babycakes...just love you!

[Cindi]

I love the quotes!! What font did you use for the first one?