Happy Birthday, Mama!! ❤

Without getting too philosophical, it's true that we learn a great deal as we grow older. Learning to evaluate our needs vs. wants, and/or recognizing failures and learning from our mistakes. Most importantly, we learn to appreciate people. Although, it's good to appreciate the community around you, I'm talking more personal... like how to appreciate our parents. For some, that never seems to be acknowledged. I know that in these last 28 years of my life, I have found an appreciation for my parents I never truly understood until I became a mother myself. With that said, I want to take a short moment and wish my mama a HAPPY BIRTHDAY!! :)

My mama and I have gone through all the trials and errors as a mother/daughter relationship could encounter; we're not perfect... who is? I admit my selfish acts as a teenager, and my even more outrageous behavior as what I considered an adult; but when I became a mother, I actually understood the reasons behind our disagreements. Our relationship grew closer as each year progressed, and we now have a bond that's very special to me. 

This woman has one of the biggest hearts I know. She sacrifices a lot for me, and my family and very, very, very rarely puts herself before anyone else. Should I even go into how she's the world's best grandmother? ... pardon me... world's best GiGi? ;) 

 

When it comes to this little girl, there is nothing that stands in her way. Her role as a grand--- GiGi, has been nothing short of perfection. Audriana comes first to her, and she ceases any opportunity to be there through every stage of her life. No words could possibly express my gratitude for all her love.

Happy Birthday, Mama!! 

Thank you for all you do. ❤❤❤

What it means to grow up...

I'm usually quite punctual when it comes to arriving to events, appointments, etc; However, I seemed to have misplaced my ticket for that flight to Neverland long ago. I still know how to have fun, and be a goofball -trust me on that one - but I also know when it's time to be an adult. That being said, I've recently been reflecting on what it means to grow up. On August 2, 2009 - at the young age of 24 - life handed me the biggest responsibility known to man... a child; a beautiful baby girl. Right then, I knew life would never be the same, and that it was no longer just about me.

Life throws us curve balls, but throw a child in the mix and that's a whole other story. No one knows whether they're prepared or not, until that time comes - and for some, they're never ready, and never will be. But for those who accept life's challenges, realize the blessings in disguise. The blessing of a child is not hidden, mind you, but the amount of love and the bond that grows with the two of you is completely astounding and unimaginable. They become your world.

With the responsibility of a child, there's no doubt it's time to grow up. That car you wanted; not important. That dream house; it can wait. Even the last bite of breakfast, lunch or dinner; it's theirs if they ask for it. I remember witnessing one of my mom's selfless acts when I was younger. I asked for the rest of her meal - and I'm pretty sure I had already finished my whole plate - yet, she willingly gave it to me replying, "I'll never take food from my baby's mouth." Incredible. The simple act of possibly starving yourself, for the sake of fulfilling your child's hunger, it's what we do... and never second guessed.

Everyone, meet my mama.

Another witnessed account of growing up, was a few weeks ago. After owning a gas-guzzler for almost two years, my husband, the sensible man, decided it was time to readjust our finances. The money we would save with a less gas-guzzling vehicle would go into savings for activities and school these following years. Of course, that's more important. Sometimes big adjustments have to be made.

Sleep deprivation is another sign that growing up is in effect. Children don't have a body alarm in their younger years, and that can make for some rough nights. For these past months, baby girl likes to crawl in bed with us - usually around 3am - and I end up squished between a giant 6' man, and a child who seems to enjoy kickboxing in her sleep. With that said, my little one now resides on a small mattress on the floor beside our bed before bedtime, and for when she sneaks in our room in the middle of the night. It's been quite accommodating for all parties involved. 

  Snug as a bug in a rug.

Nonetheless, when they wake up and need you to scratch their back to help them fall back asleep, we do it... even if we're barely awake ourselves. Then as soon as the sun is awake - as my sweet girl likes to describe the sunrise - we have to gather whatever energy we have, and begin another day! Time doesn't stop, and neither do they.

Although having a child is certainly the beginning of learning to grow up, we continue to learn along side them, as well. Children teach us the simple joys in life. Growing up doesn't mean letting go of the things that make us happy, but prioritizing those matters in order of importance. For me, it's my daughter. 

She is my #1. 

Chris, you know it's a close tie... ;)  

AMY SHEPHERD PHOTOGRAPHY

Remember, growing up doesn't have to be about hardships. Behind the struggles there are blessings hidden, soon to be revealed. Growing up and gaining knowledge through our children is a great virtue. 

And for fun, growing up also does not mean you can't have a good time with some good tunes!!!

This may not be for everybody, but the tunes I'm rocking today is one of my absolute favorites, and one we enjoy shaking it to in Zuuuuuumba. Oh yes!!!

Happy Friday, everyone!

Hello, this is Mee... and my skeletons.

I figured, for anyone interested, it was time to spill the beans a little about who I am, and all that fun stuff! I debated whether this should be a post, or an About Mee page of its own... post won. It's a bit of an overload, and when someone sees a section "About Mee" they don't necessarily want to know everyyyyyyything. Do they? It's like asking a stranger, "Hello, how are you?"...and then reciprocated by a drawn out "my day sucks, because... yata yata yata!". You then find yourself a little stunned, or speechless for that matter. Awkward.

But don't get me wrong, I'm a sucker for stories in need of comfort, as my ever-so-patient husband likes to call me "Dear Abby". I'm just saying that excessive responses are not expected at that particular moment and you may be a little overwhelmed - as you may be now with this unnecessary overture. I'm already proving my point. I seem to ramble... but, lets do this.

Now, in case you are wondering, I did not spell the word wrong... Mee was intentional. And all for good reason. Without going into an abundance of detail, my middle name is hyphenated "Danielle-Mee", and as a convenience, (or to my grandmother) I'm Megan Mee. And yes, I like to feel clever by using it as a play-on-word any chance I get. Although, I did try to avoid using it excessively on my blog. Keepin' it simple people. 

Ok, ok... moving forward. 

This is Mee:

So, lets see if I can quickly bore you to tears break it all down:

I am Korean (if that wasn't difficult to notice), but what I couldn't tell you is if I'm 100% or maybe even 3/4 Korean and 1/4 something else. Why, you ask? I was adopted at 3 months old. With that said, my parents are my parents and I do not have any idea - nor desire - of who my birth-mother was/is... was. 

As my faith being an important asset, I knew God placed me with a remarkably loving, selfless family and I could not have been more blessed and fortunate. 

"Ladies and gentleman, the Captain has turned on the Fasten Seat Belt sign. 
Make sure your seat back and folding trays are in their full upright position."

Here we go...

In my early twenties, I enrolled in Cosmetology school with my long time bestie- because we make the best decisions together... hardly - and graduated as a licensed cosmetologist... only to immediately pack my bags and move to another state given the heart sometimes overrules the mind. Figure that one out.

Jumping WAY ahead - sorry it's just best - I found myself back in my hometown, and a new single mom to a beautiful daughter.

Where to go from here? You could say my life took a turn, enduring some hardships. 

But seriously - after moving from state-to-state, divorced (oops, there I said it), and a mother at a young age - OH EM GEEEEEE - who's perfect?? 

I once heard it best stated:

"You know my name, but not who I am; 

you know what I've done, but not what I've been through."

There's been many trials and complete fails errors in my life... none that I should regret - as we learn from our mistakes - but it wasn't an easy road. Although, we aren't dealt anything we can't handle, and have to grow from them, right? At least I did.  

With Faith as my guide, I found my footing back on the right path. Which in turn led me to... what my heart would call "my angel"... my husband. A blessing, that no words could remotely describe and I'm not even going to attempt. He's simply amazing.

With this new love, and perspective that life was just beginning, I found myself focusing only on our blessings - our Faith growing stronger together - trying to always see the good; avoiding the negative. That's not easy to do when the world is what it is, but we can do what we can in our own lives!! I believe we encounter hardships as a way for us to grow - seeing another side to the world - making sure we learn and understand the difference in what's accepted and what's not. For these last years, I have lived a life along side my Faith, as guidance to what life should be about... being good to yourself. In turn, I hope to continue to be a good wife, a good mother, and a good friend. 

FUN FACTS:

- I'm a stay at home mom.

- DVR is a lifesaver when raising a toddler.

- I don't believe in food deprivation and overindulge in carbs .

- Fitness is a necessity, to make up for the above.

- My ability to recite just about every Disney movie is astonishing.

- I have a secret English accent that only my daughter is aware of.

- I'm obsessed with heels, but rarely wear them; I walk fast.

- I recently converted to country music; by miracle.

- I may or may not have a strange attraction to Jase Robertson.

- I'm obsessed with miniature items. It's true..

- I love anything to do with France.

- I need chocolate, like I need air.

There's not much more about me that's not nails to a chalkboard already been said... at least, thus far.

I started this blog as a way to write down - and share - thoughts, not so much opinions, and just everyday things that intrigue me. Although I don't credit myself as clever minded as some, or one who speaks with no filter, I'd like to think I could provide something entertaining in this bloggy world. 

If you're still with me... God bless you!! ;)