Back in Time...To Hawaii!

I'm waiting on cousin Desiree for Christmas photos (both my camera and phone were dead!) So I thought I would catch up on sorting through some old photos on my phone. I just love this one of Anabelle, she looks like a little Buddah baby! So glad we decided to take the munchkins. That being said, the next trip will definitely be sans ninas for sure. Gotta have some quality adult time, and poor jeff had to miss out on all the California fun!

5 of 5

Today, is shift 5 of 5 for me, my longest stretch of work ever. I have never done more than 3 in a row since I became a nurse (and raaarreellyy did even that!) And it wasn't too bad either, other than the fact that I miss my babies. 5 
12.5 hour shifts in a row do not leave much time for hanging out with the family. But now I get a little stretch off, and I get to go to California for Christmas with the girls- yeaaa!!! Sadly Jeff can't join us but I am really looking forward to being down South for the holidays :-)

in this skin

Lately, I have been reflecting a lot on my life. Maybe it is that, in another year and a half my twenties will be ending. Or it could be recent events such as my high school reunion or having to start over at a new job. I'm not sure about this, but here is what I do know for sure:

I love being in the 25-29 age bracket. My nanny asked me if I felt old, which seems crazy to me- twenties isn't old!-but I am glad I am not 18. Don't get me wrong, I had some fun, and some great experiences, but nobody takes you seriously, and why should they? YOU don't even really know yourself yet; why should they? Late 20s is good- old enough to know what's up, young enough to have energy!

Being a mom is crazy, incredible, and challenging. Some days I want to tear my hair out. Others, I am just so thankful for these beautiful girls. I am so blessed to be their mommy- Aili is constantly amazing me with her empathy, passion, sassyness, and silliness. And Anabelle is just the sweetest thing (most of the time!)

I have never felt so comfortable in my own skin. Yes, I might have some changes I would like to make, but all in all, I am just so glad to be ME. I spent my early twenties not loving myself very much, not feeling good enough, or deserving enough. We all have a choice on who we want to be. If you don't like yourself....change it. If you're not confident in yourself how the heck can you expect someone else to love you? After years of pain over not being what someone else wanted me to be, I can say now that I am at peace with the fact that at least I am what I want to be. I know who I am, and I know where I am going. I'm not always sure of how to get there, but I am working on it.

I have so much love in my life, and not just from my immediate family. I'm gonna paraphrase the last line from sex and the city here....something along the lines of, The most amazing, challenging, and adventurous relationship you have is with yourself. And if you can find someone that loves the you that you love, well, that's just great. 

Even when I am stressed, (and I have got way too much going on right now!) and occasionally get nervous that I'm not doing a good enough job at something, I remember this. Because I have never been so happy to be exactly who I am.