Sweatshirts and Pearls

Anyone who knows me, knows I have three kids and a brother. Which really means I am the oldest of five and have helped raise my siblings. Feeding, burping, bathing, soothing cries, helping with homework, discussing relationships, giving driving lessons, and filling out college applications. I have done it all. When I deployed to Afghanistan in 2008-2009, my youngest brother called me to wish me a Happy Mother’s Day. Of course he knew I did not have any biological children. He said, “oh so you go to Afghanistan and disown us?” It broke my heart. I love my kids and I would never want them to think I don’t. Fast forward 19 years and here I am. I am a First Time Mom (FTM). The idea alone honestly scares the heck out of me. I mean think about it, there is a parasite feeding off of me for months. I am extremely fatigue and sick (nausea by day and vomiting by night). The first two months are simultaneously draining and exciting. I have had days when I have been so sick I didn’t want ...

I never realized that even after eight years in the military I still somehow gravitated towards a uniform. Not just any uniform, specific articles and accessories that make me feel like I’m ready to take on the day. No matter if I feel good, bad, or indifferent, my pearl earrings make every outfit public appropriate. I feel naked without them. I even workout wearing smaller versions of them. O_o Accented with my favorite necklace, (a single strand of round pearl beads worn by my mother on her wedding day); my pearls can bring any outfit to life. Even a basic sweatshirt. If I had to choose, some variety of a sweatshirt would be in my top five article of clothing. They are comfortable and warm and when paired with the perfect jean or legging BOOM!  You have an outfit ready to run errands (the bank, the mall, and Wal-Mart), visit friends and family (Homecoming and the 3.5 hour drive to Northumberland), or simply lounge around the house on a Sunday afternoon, sipping Northern Ne...