Mother's Day 2023!

Happy Mother's Day to my wonderful Mom,
and to all the great moms I know and love!! ❤

Y'all know it's been quite the journey this year with Mom's health and medical stuff, and her radiation treatments should begin sometime this summer...  I feel grateful for God's timing in prompting me to move closer last year! 

Today, I joined the fam at LifeChurch, then we had lunch at Gaillardia.  Emily had an exciting announcement that made this day extra special!  They had a Mother's Day photo room set up, so we got a picture of all the women in our family...

And Kyndal took an artsy shot of Rach with Jaceman!

Four generations. ❤

The Miss K with her sunburned little preshface cheeks. lol

Took a 60-minute Peloton walk with Ed Sheeran's new album yesterday... so great!!  I need to watch the  Disney+ documentary about that - I just love Ed!

After my walk, yesterday also included my first summer swim - a fun day with J&K!  Mom and Dad have had the pool heater on, and the water was really nice!

We stopped on our way back to their house to pick up a Mother's Day treat for Rachael! lol  (Jace asked if we could stop to get her something... then asked if he could get something too... then told me he grabbed something for his friend, as well. lol  Mess.)

Last Thursday was another stormy night with pouring rain and tornado warnings! #overit  The sunset in the background was comforting to me here.

I got in my shelter and actually closed the door that time.  I didn't wanna run down my already-low phone battery, so I just sat in the dark sauna and peacefully listened to my podcast.  I laughed thinking how un-peaceful that would feel to Rachael, then laughed again when I got her texts!

Nothing wrong with finding someone who makes you happy!  But I love this advice to make yourself happy and earn your own respect!!

On that note, part of today was difficult for me, but not for the reasons you might expect.  I firmly believe I will be a Mom someday, and I am genuinely happy to celebrate the fantastic moms and moms-to-be that I love now! ❤

...I'm currently approaching the 40-lb weight loss mark.  I've worked hard and God has given me grace for it, and I'm proud of the trajectory we're on, the energy we're cultivating, and the habits we are building (me and Jesus).  I'm aware there is a long way to go, but I feel up for the challenge because I am not alone in it.  I want my progress to be based on consistent effort and gradual habit changes because I want it to last and I want to feel secure in my ability to renew and maintain it.  I also acknowledge that I am over-sensitive and too self-protective in this area... body-centered commentary and unsolicited advice are really my Achilles heel, and that includes any Bells-Palsy-related comments.  The sense of uninvited judgment and disapproval triggers something unhealed in me... yet I am 100% certain most people do not realize what a messy, nightmarish internal minefield this can be.  They genuinely mean well and see it from a different perspective based on their own story, so I recognize that it's my responsibility to set and clarify my boundaries (easier said than done).  Until I get there, I am thankful for the support of those who understand this struggle and know me well and believe in my ability to freaking stay the course with my goals!  That is all.

In other news, Lindsay thought of me and sent what may be the kindest text I've ever received this morning.  In context, she has grieved the loss of her firstborn child and this is her first Mother's Day without her Mom, and she took the time to encourage and honor me. ❤

❤ ❤ ❤

(Sharing that podcast below.)

Happy Mother's Day and Happy Sunday!

You matter.

Mom or not, I hope you've had a lovely day,
and I hope you feel loved and celebrated for who you are!!