Sunday, April 24, 2016

A Different Kind of Mother- National Infertility Week 2016

Mother's Day is quickly approaching, but this week (April 24th-30th, 2016) is National Infertility Awareness Week 2016 
I have posted about our journey in several places: Here-2014 and Here-2015

This quote sums up so greatly how this year has been.  I began this year finishing up my #summerofcreating you can find that blog here I was in my great little backyard pool and was contemplating all that I had done that summer, my life where it is, and what I want my next adventure to look like. I realized all the things I have and I also thought about how I could get the things I want.  I have a wonderful husband who is on this crazy wild ride with me and we are always up for an adventure!

Small disclaimer: I know that everyone is on their own journey.  Although I will get sad during Mother's Day, I am extremely happy for all the families and parents I know.  I am lucky to be surrounded about amazing families and parents.

Well, the title of this blog is a Different Kind of Mother:
I realize that I am not actually a "mother" to any of these great things, NOR do I want to replace their wonderful mothers! This is only a list of how I am hopefully making a small difference in lives that I am able to surround myself with.
-I am a different kind of Mother to 2 great puppies
-I am a different kind of Mother to all of the Destination ImagiNation teams I manage
-I am a different kind of Mother to the now freshman that I was a nanny for
-I am a different kind of Mother to the different students I have had a chance to work with
-I am a different kind of Mother to the Daisy Troop that I now lead

I am a different kind of Mother.  The Hashtag for NIAW is #startasking and for me I started asking myself how I am changing others lives.  That is what being a mother is.. right? A mother is one who shows love, affection, strength and so much more. You don't have to be biological.  I hope that I am able to make a difference in the lives that I come in contact with.  I am okay being a Different kind of Mother and pretty proud of that as well. I am still on an infertility journey.  I am back on birth control pills to help with my PCOS.  This summer I had the realization and calmness to know that I am not going to be a biological mother.  I am at peace with this, but there are times that I still get sad (I am human) But, I look back at that first quote and see all that I have.  I am able to get what I want in a different form.  I will continue to #startasking how I can be a different kind of Mother.

Today was my first meeting as Daisy troop leader..and how lucky am I to have such a great group of girls! I brought one of my favorite snacks that my troop leader used to make. Graham crackers with chocolate frosting. I think they went over well. Thank you to all the families that have allowed me in their lives..and I can't wait to start this new adventure! #happyheart #girlscouts #gs1810#memories #nuglet #blessed

What a fantastic Monday! Ended it on our first outing as a Girl Scout troop. Yes.. my bear has 9 hearts...representing each girl in my troop. The name.. Warm Lace.. which is the first letter of each of the girls name. Blessed doesn't even begin to describe my love for this troop and their families!#gsnetx #gs1810 #girlscouts

To those that might be on their own infertility journey, I wish you luck.. I wish you peace.. and I wish you LOTS of love!  It is a tough journey, but then so is life.  Good luck on whatever journey you might be on.


#librarianintraining #TxLA16

WOW! My brain is so full.  I always learn ideas from different conferences and connections made to conferences, but #TxLA16 was AMAZING! I drove down Tuesday morning (after all of the terrible rain! The conference was in Houston and the weather on Monday was unbelievable, my heart and thoughts are still with that community)  I did have a chance to swing by Navasota ISD and get a tour of Webb Elementary from my friend Todd (if you don't follow @techninjatodd you need to!) I got into Houston and checked in and got ready for some great sessions.  BEST part of the whole week.. I got to spend some super valuable time with Skye!  I got to pick her brain the WHOLE week.
Here are a few of my notes: (now.. this is a picture heavy blog.. but who doesn't love pictures!)
If you don't want to check out all the pictures, here are my favorite takeaways (but, I learned SO much) Be sure to check out #txla16

-Ramp up Bluebonnet reading with a Bluebonnet Bash
-Have Battle of the Books
-Shelfie pictures of favorite books with Genres
-Be involved in Planning
-EVERYTHING from Mellissa Sanchez's session!
-Hosts contest throughout the year

I was able to connect with so many people, but I was SO excited to finally meet Matthew Winner. His kickball session was HILARIOUS!  I have just started this journey to becoming a librarian, but I felt so at home with all of this librarians.  I am excited to use my technology background and infuse that into a library.  I know that I have so much to learn and so much that I want to do. I also know that a blog can not even cover how awesome this week was and all that I learned.









This woman right here inspires me daily.  When I grow up, I want to be just like Skye!

Max got to watch the Wild Rumpus

Meeting Matthew Winner!

My selfie with the AWESOME panel