Be kind to one another

As a working mother of two, this year has certainly been an adventure. Who knew when 2020 began that the term social distancing and wearing face coverings would be the new normal.

In February, I turned 40, which seemed incredible since I was heading into a new decade. To me, age is just a number. It doesn't define who you are. On February 8-14, 2020, Dave and I enjoyed some relaxation time on the beach in Cabo with my brother and his wife. 

Two weeks later, the world seemed to shut down. Restaurants, gyms and schools all closed. When my kids asked how long this would last, I had no answer for them. We have never been through a pandemic before, so we were both seeing it for the first time.

Having small kids, I often ask them what they think of situations. It helps me put things into perspective. How do they see things? What do they think of a problem? I still often wonder how long this will last. I keep hoping and praying that 2020 is the end of it all, but will it be?

As a working parent, we have been put into situations, which has caused a lot of stress. 

• How do we keep the job we love while still giving it 110 percent effort?
• How do we educate our kids during a hybrid model, when they should be learning these things at school?
• How do we as parents hold it together, so our kids don't see we are stressed?
• When will "date nights" go back to normal, so married couples can enjoy quality time together? 
• When can we go back to the "normal" we once knew when 2020 began?
• When can we go out in public without wearing a face covering?  
• Will our places of employment continue to work with us, if we need to take time off to educate our kids during this hybrid model? 

You see, the questions above are what stress other parents and me alike out. There are many times I have just cried, hoping it will all end. Thankfully, I have a fantastic group of friends to lean on during this time. In 2020, many parents are wearing multiple hats. They are a working full-time, trying to remember how to do simple math from third grade (today it's done differently than the way I learned it), mentor, and teach basic life skills, while praying life get's back to the normal we once knew. 

So as a stressed-out parent, I would ask this of you. 

• Be kind to one another and help teach our kids kindness.
• If you read a social media post on a friend's page, before commenting negatively, please take a step back. Their situation is probably much different than yours. What works for your family may not work for theirs. 
• Say something positive to someone each day.
  
• Reach out to those friends or family and ask how they are genuinely doing. Sometimes, they need a good friend or family member to talk to. 
• Laugh! My kids remind me of this often. They will say, "Mom, it's okay to have fun and not always work." 
• Spend quality time with family doing things that will create "memories" that will last a lifetime.
• Get a workout in each day. Trust me, it will help with your mental health. I miss my fitness attendees more than they will ever know. 
  
  

I hope these words help create some love in this world as we know it today. If each of us chooses kindness each day, it will make our world a better place.

 

15 Years and Counting

Wow, it is hard to believe I have been married for 15-years. Dave, 15 years ago, I was a nervous 23-year-old who wasn’t sure what this whole marriage thing was about. And, you were just 25, so I'm sure you were thinking the same thing. Both are parents are still married - mine 40 years and Dave’s parents 50 years. I knew, I wanted a husband who was my best friend, one that I could talk to about anything. But, could we make it as long as both of our parents? 

Walking down that aisle on July 12, 2003, I had butterfly’s in my stomach and tears in my eyes. I asked myself multiple times, am I doing what is right? Even though Dave and I had dated since November 1997, I still wondered if this was truly the man that God wanted me to marry and share my life with. Well that July day, it was about 90-degrees with nearly 100% humidity. As I walked down that long Catholic aisle of St. Mary's Catholic Church with my hand around my Dad's arm, I saw the man I would marry waiting at the front of the church.

The look on his face is one that I will never forget. He too had tears in his eyes, so that made me feel a little better because by the time I got to the front, I was a sobbing mess. But that smile on his face from ear-to-ear is what got me. He was so proud to be marrying me and I was so excited to be spending the rest of our lives together as husband and wife.

You know, after being married for 15-years you learn a lot about a person. Dave is the calmest, most patient and  kind-hearted guy I know. He is always there for me no matter what, and when I can’t seem to keep calm in a situation – he does! Believe me, we have had our highs and lows just like any other marriage, but it has certainly been more highs.

We have traveled through many U.S. States and abroad (New Zealand, Australia, Mexico, Jamaica, Caribbean Cruise and Canada). Traveling with him never seems to amaze me because our trip is always so organized and he has everything planned just right. I mean, when we went on our three week trip to New Zealand and Australia, I didn't plan one thing except the snacks I packed in my carry on bag. He is one heck of a guy for sure! 

When we decided it was time to start a family, after we had done a good amount of traveling, it took a while – I mean, a lot longer than I thought. I remember thinking, is this really supposed to happen. Dave being that kind-hearted guy he is said to me, “It will happen on God’s time.” Well, that it did! A year later, that little stick had two pink lines and I wasn’t sure what to do when I showed it to him. He was ecstatic, but me, I was a mess. My body was going to be changing and I had a little human growing inside me. Thorough-out the entire pregnancy, he went to every single appointment, made sure I ate properly and waited patiently when we drove to the hospital that cold December evening. However, I will never forget how annoyed he was when I said I had to do my hair and makeup before heading to the hospital. I wanted  to look good for my after photos – what mother doesn’t! After having our first child, it once again amazed me on how much love, patience and compassion he showed for our daughter. He loved her just as much as he loved me. As we drove home as a family of three, I will never forget - he went under the speed limit the entire way home just to ensure our precious bundle got home safely!

Several months after having our daughter, we talked about trying to have another child because it took forever with the first. Well, low and behold, the second one didn’t take any time at all. This pregnancy was the same as the first, but the heart rate was lower so I suspected it was a boy. We didn't find out with either child and I'm glad we didn't. It's the only real surprise you can have in life. 

Our second bundle of joy decided to throw us a bit of a curve ball. He was two days late, which had me wondering when he would arrive. But, on that hot July day, as we were on our way to the hospital in the middle of the night, with my contractions three minutes apart, Dave drove quickly while trying to avoid getting a speeding ticket. Me, I'm quietly saying to myself, "Hurry the hell up." Once we arrived at the hospital, he  remained calm, collected, and wanted to ensure I was okay.  Me on the other hand, I just wanted to see a doctor to see how far along I was. After waiting up all night and telling him to hurry back from the canteen after getting a peanut butter sandwich, our second bundle of joy was born. This one, happening a little quicker than the first. Since we didn't know the gender, he told me afterwards, he was anxious for the little one to get out because he kind of wanted a boy to carry on his last name. Again, that love and smile he had every time they brought the little guy in just melted my heart.

My hair and makeup didn't look as nice as it did when I arrived because they made me get in the jacuzzi tub, which I wasn't happy about. Dave didn't care, he still had a smile from ear-to-ear because he was with those he loved more than anything in the world.

Dave, as I write this with tears in my eyes, I am a proud woman to be married for you for 15-years. We have gone through so many things together including two new homes (one in which we built and it went great even though I had to quit adding things on), two children, job changes (seven for me and three for you) and many trips and family nights at home. Our life is a little more hectic now than it was back then, but I wouldn't have it any other way. Dave, you are not only a man who cheers me on at every race, while dragging the kids along because you know it inspires me to keep going when I see them say "Mommy, you can do it with a high five."  You never complain, you are a husband who loves me for who I am. Even when our daughter tells me to put makeup on because I look tired in the mornings. 

Thank you for being patient with me and loving me always. I couldn’t ask for a better husband and father, and I can’t wait to see what the next 15-years has in store for us. And, I'm so happy I could provide you an early surprise with a hot air balloon ride! I know you think I can't keep secrets, but I can!

As I close with this special blog-post, just know that I thank the lord everyday that YOU are the one who asked for my hand in marriage. I certainly hit the jackpot on that hot day in July 15-years ago. And know that I will dance by your side every chance I get. Love you always Sweets! 

Easter Blessings 2017

 Easter blessings from the Wilwerding family! We spent the holiday at home with our family and it was perfect. It seems as if our lives are always go, go, go...so it was nice to relax and get a few things done at home.

Caroline turns 5 (December 2016)

In December, our precious little girl turned 5. I seriously wonder where the last five years have gone. A few things about our little girl, but I must share a precious photo first!

Inspirational Quotes

It has been a while since I have posted some inspirational quotes. As 2016 comes to a close, I thought some of these might resonate with a few of my readers! I hope you enjoy them!

Christmas Goodie Recipes

Baking Christmas goodies is always my favorite time of year. I love spending hours upon hours in the kitchen making delicious treats for family and friends to enjoy. This year, I made 20 different things. I decided to share a few of my favorite things with you.

Trip to Phoenix (April 2016)

This post is a few months late, but time seems to slip away from me. In April, Dave flew to Phoenix for a work conference. The day the conference was over, I flew down to join him.

As I flew into Phoenix, I had to be sure to get a photo of the dessert. Everything was brown, but it was warmer weather so I was looking forward to that.

View of the dessert as I flew into Phoenix.