This is a very special school year. It is the last year the kiddos will be in preschool together. Next year, the big girl goes off to kindergarten. While I was anxious for school to begin being that this was the longest summer in history, I was still pretty choked up at today’s drop-off. It’s the little moments that are truly the sweetest. Here is a snapshot of our morning…

This is the 3rd year I have decorated Tennison’s bag. She picks out the patches and mama irons them on. It only took 3 hours, $60 and 2 trips to the craft store to complete. I secretly relish it.

Thanks to Scott, Grayson has the coolest bag in class.

We went through all of her new dresses until she decided on the pink polo with matching headband. Very preppy. Tomorrow it’s her edgy black dress with striped leggings and a bejeweled headband. The girl’s got style.

The most adorable children. Ever.

Daddy Love.

Reunion #1. So happy.

Reunion #2.

Here’s to a memorable year!

Written by Lea Barlow • 1 Comment

2011 has been an extremely challenging year for me. I feel guilty even writing those words because life could be so much harder. We are all healthy, fed, nicely clothed and comfortably sheltered. But the discontent coursing through me is still palpable. This isn’t an Eat Pray Love moment. I am not trying to find myself. I know who I am. My discontent stems from one word – uncertainty.  Our family has been in a transition period for almost a year. Unfortunately, no one knows what or where we are transitioning to. Living in this constant state of flux has started to take its toll on me. The stress is causing my hair to literally fall out of my head, my menstrual cycle is unrecognizable and my brain is totally scattered. Knowing the physical stuff is nothing to mess around with I recently began acupuncture and an herbal supplement. Just taking that step made me feel better. My mental state is a whole other animal. Here is what I am sure of: Everything will work out. It always does. It works out because I make it so. I do not fail. I have to admit though this is the longest I have gone using positive affirmations to get me by. Last week I hit my limit. I needed an outside party to tell me I was correct. While some people will go to their priest or pastor I opted to go to a psychic. Having never been before I did a little research before heading out the door. Basically, there are 3 rules. 1. Keep your mouth shut. 2. Be open-minded. 3. Beware of the frauds. These are pretty easy to spot. Typically, they will try to get you on the weekly reading plan and charge you lots of money for taking a horrible curse off you. I tried my hardest to not break Rule #1 but ended up failing miserably at keeping my mouth shut. Frankly, I didn’t care. I wanted to talk. I needed to get this stuff of my chest to someone who would not judge or argue with me. Someone to affirm that I am doing the right thing and that everything is going to be ok. The psychic said my future looks very bright. And you know what? I didn’t NEED a psychic to tell me that. I know it will work out but it felt so good to hear someone else say it. Well worth the $20.

*Okay, okay. You probably want some details on what she actually told me. Give me a couple weeks. I want to see if any of it pans out…*

Written by Lea Barlow • 1 Comment

Name: Shannon Blaeske

Kids: 3 year old twins, Gavin & Breiden, and a one year old princess Fiona

Occupation: mom, former hair-stylist turned sham, blogger

Hometown: Detroit, MI to San Diego, CA to Naples, FL

H&H Interview with Shannon:

1.  What are the top 3 items in your grocery cart?

Milk, fruit and cheese

2.  What are you reading (honestly)?

A Tree  Grows In Brooklyn, except, honestly, I haven’t picked it up in almost two weeks.

3.  What is your guilty pleasure when you get a break from the kids?

I am slightly blog-world obsessed. After learning of my daughter’s Down Syndrome diagnosis, I found hope and refuge in the community of special needs mom bloggers and have formed friendships and support through keeping up with them. When I am not reading or writing my own, I look forward to girls night out, a good glass of wine and just a chance to put my feet up.

4.  What would we be surprised to find in your purse?

I didn’t use a purse for the longest time. Until I misplaced my wallet for the hundredth time. And now that I do use one, all that is in it is my wallet, receipts and gum. And occasionally and extra diaper.

5.  What is your favorite reality TV show?

I could live without ever seeing another one again.

6.  What is your cocktail of choice?

Beer or wine mostly. Depends on the meal and the night… or day.

7.  What is the funniest thing your kids have said or done lately?

The Distraction is always a funny thing in our house. Breiden has mastered the “O Gavin, look at this cool toy” move to take the toy Gavin is currently playing with. Hey, as long as there is no screaming and fighting over toys, I’m cool with this little bit of manipulation.

8.  What is your favorite quotation?

It’s a verse. Jeremiah 29:11 – ‘For I know the plans I have for you,’ declares the LORD, ‘plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.’

It’s what I hold on to whenever something doesn’t go the way I planned or dreamed. It’s what allows me to go with the flow, find the positive in the terrible, and be thankful for every blessing given to me. And it is the source of my daughter’s middle name, Hope.

9.  What songs are top on your iPod playlist right now?

iPod just passed away after a good four year run. If she were still going, it would probably be Adele, Jack Johnson and James Taylor.

10.  Who is your favorite celebrity mom and why?

I’d like to say Kelly Rippa, because she seems super involved in her kids lives… but what do we really know about celebrities? It’s too hard to tell the truth from the fabricated from the exaggerated. So I kinda of try to avoid it all.

11.  What is one thing most people don’t know about you?

My life is pretty much an open book. Not much to hide when you write your daily doings and what is on your heart for the world to see. Top three weird things about me, I am very much afraid of balloons, I jump into bed because Sixth Sense scarred me for life when the hand grabs his leg from under the bed, and I am not enjoying life unless I have a million things on my plate.

12.  What is your secret to staying Hot & Healthy?

Mostly a naturally good metabolism that comes from 25 years of being active. That might have something to do with the fact I never stop moving, I play with my kids more like a babysitter then a mom, and with twins and a special needs baby, it takes a lot to stress me out. I’ve come to realize don’t sweat the small stuff. Perfection is not worth it. And, most importantly, being content is more important then being happy. Post-twins and pre- baby number 3 I ran a lot. I love to run. And I swear by Pilates. But I have yet to find the time to do either consistently since having Fiona, so I am just thanking God for that natural metabolism and dreading the day I can’t lean on it anymore :)

* While Shannon doesn’t actually play hockey she does love wearing heels and wielding the stick. *

Written by Lea Barlow • Leave a comment

Dear Readers,

The summer has officially beaten me. I need a week to re-group, get my little ones ready for school, my house organized and my mind refocused. I promise to be back next week with a brand new Hot Mama and lots of interesting posts. A clue? Today was my first visit to a psychic and I can’t wait to share my thoughts on it with you. I have also taken on several home improvement projects and am dabbling in Chinese herbs. Sort of all over the map, right? But the main reason for the brief respite is that all of my babysitters went back to college this past weekend. I am on full-time mama duty and I want to give the little monsters my undivided attention. I think I am going to have to hit up the wine store…

*See you next Monday and thanks for understanding*

Written by Lea Barlow • Leave a comment