I’m trying really hard to fight back the tears. It’s still so raw, and I’m not even sure if I’m ready to talk about it, but perhaps this will help with the healing process.

A couple of weeks ago, we put down my dog Amelia.

Amelia led an extraordinary life, to say the least. She was known by thousands of people, as she was a regular guest on my morning show in Birmingham, AL… Wake Up Alabama. I’m not even kidding. My producer, would look at our upcoming week and find a slow day. “No guest today! Let’s have Amelia on!”

Amelia would lay on the set, on-air, sometimes she’d chew a bone… most of the time she would sleep. A lot of times she would look at everyone with judgmental eyes. Amelia didn’t like other dogs. In fact, she didn’t like most humans. I loved her attitude.

When Amelia was two years old, doctors found a very large kidney stone that she couldn’t pass. We had a very difficult decision to attempt a risky surgery or to put her down. We opted for the surgery. And I’m so thankful we did. Amelia lived for 11 more years with just one kidney.

In her youthful days, Amelia good accomplish many tricks like fetch the paper, lay down, bark, shake, etc. Amelia lived in 4 different states with me. She was my only friend during my many moves and she was my only company during the many years working the graveyard and night shifts in the news business.

Amelia would always greet me at the door with a smile and her tail wagging. Unless someone else was with me. Then she would just roll her eyes and walk away. I adored her.

I know you all will think I’m nuts when I say this, but she could sense when I was upset or frustrated. Instead of coming to me for a sympathetic cuddle, Amelia would hide out in the other room to give me space until I calmed down. Amelia always knew what to do. I miss her.

She never really liked my children. I can’t say that I blame her. She was never mean to them, she just ignored them. Amelia didn’t have time for babies.

In her later years, Amelia fell very sick. She had difficulty walking. She had finally had enough. She never gave up, but her body did. We put her down on a Friday.

I wasn’t there to take Amelia on her last car ride. I was out-of-town, and honestly I am thankful for it. My parents took wonderful care of Amelia during her last couple years earth side.

I know this is awful, but we still haven’t told our children about Amelia’s passing. They still pray every night for our other lab Molly who we lost more than two years ago. I just can’t bring myself to break the news to them.

Today, I know Amelia is running with Molly…the only other dog she ever cared about. I bet they are going on car rides and eating bacon and eggs.

Thank you, Amelia for being my very best friend during some of my darkest days. You will never truly know what kind of impact you had on my life.

I miss kissing your nose. I miss your sass.

I will forever love you.

xx

The most beautiful, sassy dog who ever lived.

The most beautiful, sassy dog who ever lived.

Amelia loved looking out of the window at my parents' farm.

Amelia loved looking out of the window at my parents’ farm. Perched arm.

My first baby.

My first baby.

Fetching the daily paper.

Fetching the daily paper.

Amelia loved the beach.

Amelia loved the beach.

I will forever love you.

I will forever love you.

 

Last year at this time I wrote an article asking for mom-friends. It went somewhat viral and was shared hundreds of thousands of times thanks to a republish by Scary Mommy.
The outpouring of comments, positive and some negative, was overwhelming. Believe it or not, I am still receiving emails about that article today. That tells me one thing…this topic is something so many women, especially moms struggle with.
Finding an army, tribe, fellow warriors is so important for a mom. A mom needs a group of women who have blazed the trails before them and those who are just embarking in the scariest hood of all…motherhood.
My blog is a no-judgement zone. The opinions expressed in my article reflect the kind of person who would be my ultimate mom-friend…and it should be noted that I do have a tribe of these beautiful women already.
So here it is…my previous article. I’d love to hear your comments below!

Will You Be My Mom-Friend?

It occurred to me recently that I don’t have a ton of friends. Stick with me here. I have a lot of friends from my past. I have an amazing family who oftentimes double as my best friends. I have former co-workers who are a call or text away. And I live in a kick ass neighborhood with lots of little rug rats zooming around on bikes and scooters.

But as for the ultimate “mom-friend”…I mean, the stick with you in the trenches of blowouts and temper tantrums, I don’t have a ton. Why? I think it’s because I’m picky. Finding a true mom-friend is like dating on steroids….but with the extra baggage of 2-4 ex’s (ie…the needy children).

It got me thinking of a list of characteristics one would need to be a true mom-friend of mine. Remember way back when, when you wrote out your dream guy’s qualities? Here’s my dream mom-friend. See if you fit the mold, or can at least relate.

  • Be real. This is the most important characteristic in my book. Cut the crap. Cut the “look how perfect my children are.” Cut the “#besthusbandever” b.s. Just freaking be real. See this pic I shared with this blog post? I legit didn’t have anyone to take it, so it’s fuzzy. My hair is frazzled. I’m carrying two bottles of wine and a baby, because real life.
  • Be chill, no high energy please. I have enough energy radiating off my three young children on the reg. 
  • Enjoy wine. And if you’re not a wine drinker, please don’t judge me when I go for the 2nd or 3rd glass. Raising kids is hard work.
  • While we’re on the subject of judging, let’s just toss out the white wigs. I judge myself enough already. I don’t need you, as a friend, judging me too.
  • Don’t get upset when I cancel. I’m tired. Like really, REALLY tired.
  • Don’t get upset if I accidentally leave you off an invite. Please know it’s not intentional, I probably just forgot. Because, I am REALLY tired.
  • On the same note, don’t comment about how fun it must’ve been. Or if I suddenly remember to invite you, don’t feel like an afterthought…I legit just forgot, because once again, I haven’t slept in 4 years. 
  • Don’t call. Let’s just text. Unless we set up a phone date and have a bottle of wine to share over the phone. 
  • You post a lot of crap on social media, which I’m cool with. However, I’m gonna pretend like I didn’t see it, because it’s so much more fun to hear it from you. 
  • Likewise, when I post a hilarious story (even if you don’t think it’s funny) just humor me and allow me to tell it again when I see you. I like to make you laugh. 
  • Your husband can’t be a douche. I want to have double dates with you dammit!
  • If my kids are acting horrible, scold them. I’m okay with that. I expect them to respect you.
  • My house isn’t always going to be clean. If yours is, I’ll feel like you’re trying too hard. Let’s just be equals here.
  • I appreciate your hustle. No matter what your job is…even if it’s just chasing the toddlers, I want you to know I support you in your ventures. It’d be cool if you supported me in mine.
  • We can vent, but let’s not fall down the rabbit hole of gossip. Let’s vent and then move on to something more positive…like what it’s going to be like to be empty nesters.
  • Let’s plan a trip together. Or at least a night away at a hotel to eat, drink and be merry. I think we both need that. Don’t make me feel like a bad mother for leaving my children at home. I NEED a break. WE need a break.
  • If we haven’t talked in awhile, shoot me a text. Let’s grab coffee. Let’s not act like it’s been forever…. let’s just catch up right where we left off.

We are an unique group of individuals trying to raise these tiny humans. Support me, and I promise to support you. 

I’d love to hear your qualities for that dream mom-friend. Let’s hear them, ladies!

Will you be my mom-friend?

Will you be my mom-friend?

 

 

Wake up.
Creep downstairs.
Hold my breath, don’t wake the bears.

Coffee brews.
First sips are best.
Finding my computer is the next morning quest.

Tiptoe to my office.
Fire up my laptop.
Quickly responding to emails before I have to stop.

Shhh. Quiet.
Is that what I think?
The first little bear rubs his eyes between blinks.

Emails on hold.
Coffee turns cold.
I remind myself I will miss this when they grow old.

Milk is served.
First little bear is content.
Back to my office where my mornings are spent.

Emails fire back.
I’m typing quickly in between sighs.
Second little bear lets out a weak little cry.

Milk number two.
It’s a quick decoy.
Little bear really just wants a toy.

Breakfast requests.
I tell the bears, “take a number”.
Just then the third bear wakes from her slumber.

Eggs and fruit.
No, cereal and bagels were their plan.
Didn’t you know mom is a chef on demand.

Breakfast is over.
The bears want to play.
This is how we start each and every day.

Mama, I feel you.
You are not alone.
And honestly, the chaos is what makes a happy home.

Just know you’re amazing.
Wonderful and beautiful too.
After all, they love the and only you.

xx

An Ode to Mornings

Some how…some way… it always gets done. An ode to mornings as a busy mama.

I’m currently writing this post laying in a fluffy white bed while sipping fresh brewed coffee and stuffing my face with gourmet buttermilk pancakes. I’m overlooking the city of Columbus, in my cotton bathrobe and slippers. There are no screaming children or breakfast demands this morning. Last night, I slept 8 hours. Eight blissful hours of  uninterrupted sleep. I feel rested, renewed and ready to embrace the chaos that awaits me at home.

But I don’t have to leave right now, and I am 100% cool with that.

My cousin and best friend, Natalie and I were spoiled rotten yesterday with a complimentary spa day and stay at Le Meridien The Joseph in downtown Columbus. The experience was first class from the moment we valeted the car.

We checked-in early and were quickly whisked away to a 4th level spa suite with a massage table, white sofas with fluffy pillows, duel showers, heated chaise loungers, and a porcelain bathtub. The room smelled of lavender and light elevator music filled the elegant yet tranquil room.

I enjoyed a 60 minute full body massage, and left the room feeling the most relaxed I’ve felt in months…scratch that, years!

We decided to step out on the town and visited a new sushi restaurant in the Short North – The 1126. Wow! DELICIOUS cocktails and fresh sushi, make my mama heart happy. Later that evening, our moms and my sister-in-law joined us for a girls’ night out at we Cameron Mitchell’s The Guild House. We were treated to unique appetizers including ahi tuna and a variety of  different desserts, including apple fritters with house made apple butter and ice cream. YUM!

After dinner, we crashed around 10:30 PM and it was fabulous! Can I just tell you what 8 hours of solid sleep can do for the mind, body and soul??? I really need to take better care of myself, but I digress…

So here I sit this morning, drinking my last cup of coffee and stalling until the very last moment before I have check-out.

I can’t rave enough about how fabulous this hotel is. The Joseph features 135 chic guest rooms and preferred member suites (we were lucky enough to be in a suite!). Honestly, from the lavish spa, to the delectable room service…it’s no wonder why this luxury hotel is a 5-star experience!

*This post is sponsored, all opinions are 100% my own.*

Mom-cation

Sleeping, eating, peeing without an audience. PURE BLISS!

Mom-cation

Waking up without breakfast demands. I could get used to this…

Mom-cation

Breakfast in bed. Spoiled.

Mom-cation

A room with a view

Mom-cation

Thank you for the beautiful flowers and wine!

Mom-cation

Appetizer from The Guild House

Mom-cation

We had the best time. Two thumbs wayyyyy up!

 

Is there anything better than summer? I’ll wait……

…….

That’s what I thought! We are full-blown invested into summer this year as we make our way to the pool on a regular basis. The cool thing is, Luke and Eden can SWIM! I’m not even talking about doggie paddling, or floating, they are actually taking windmill strokes in the big pool.

Luke can swim the entire width of the pool without assistance. Yes, I still keep a very close eye on them…but I am truly amazed at their development. I credit 100% of it to Goldfish Swim School.

I had a meeting last Wednesday, so my husband took the kids to swim lessons. It was the first time he had seen them swim in about 6 months and he was blown away. He texted me:

“Did you know they can actually swim!?!”

Eye roll.

But it’s true, until you see them in action it’s kind of hard to believe.

Goldfish Swim School has a lot of incredible things happening July. If you’re on the fence on signing your child up for swim lessons this summer, hear me out. I know we are halfway through the summer and some of you may be thinking…okay, next year we learn how to swim…but it’s not too late!

Goldfish Swim School’s unique Jump Start Clinics are specially designed for families looking to get their kids water-ready in a hurry! They’re a great way to introduce kids to the fundamentals of water safety, take full advantage of school vacations, get peace-of-mind before a water-centric vacation.

Jump Start Clinics include four or five consecutive days of 30-minute swim lessons that focus on everything from teaching the fundamentals of water safety to fine-tuning stroke technique. These clinics are so effective, we guarantee you’ll see significant improvement in your child’s swimming skills in just four or five short days!

Call today to sign up!

*This post is sponsored. All of the opinions are my own.*

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