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Life With Iris

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Motherhood Journey

The youngest child used his alarm clock to wake himself up, gathered his school things, and left the house on his first day of Senior year, heading to the ocean to see the sunset with his friends. A senior tradition to begin the many additional special moments that this year will bring. There was not one moment that Friday morning when he needed my assistance. On my last day driving him to school last year, I knew this year would be different. But it did not hit me until the point that he walked out the door at 5 am. It was as if someone punched me in the face when it finally hit me that my children and their routine have become integral to me and my journey. I was lost, sad, and hurt without it.

I’ve been reflecting on my motherhood, the moments I wish I could erase permanently, the moments that I wish I could relive, and the moments that broke my heart. Yet, I am so proud of what each child has accomplished, in bringing each one into the world, the gift and miracle it gave me. God gave me. 

Love that is so deep, innocent, and pure that it hurts.

My heart has burst in ways I couldn’t imagine in the last six years. When I helped my oldest daughter move into the dorm on the drive back home, a piece of my heart and soul stayed there. Then when my second daughter moved into an apartment with my oldest (yes, not even a dorm), I began to worry and lose countless nights of sleep. The feeling of having pieces of my heart and soul in another home made me upset and scared. It took many self-conversations and prayers for me to see that this was the best for them. As a mother that loves her children deeply, the lesson was that I needed to let go of them. I needed to trust in the process.

Integrate the children into my life.

I never understood when people would say that they were empty-nesters. My children were leaving for college, but they still would need me, right? But the reality was that as the days went on, the visits became shorter, the texts became unanswered, and the holidays became moments and memories with their friends. Days of becoming frustrated and just waiting for a text response or for them to come and visit. A friend of mine gave me the best advice; it is ok to live life, experience things, and have new memories even if they don’t involve your children. These new memories will not make you a horrible mother. I began to feel ok with living and not feel guilty that they were not a part of the new experiences.

I honor my needs.

Me time? I always felt guilty about doing anything for myself. I take ‘Me Time’ seriously every morning; it is just me and my cup of coffee. When I make an effort to take care of myself, I can show up as a Mother in ways that make me proud. Honoring my needs will make me a more present mom.

Some tips for my fellow moms.

1. It feels good to get away once in a while, don’t feel guilty.

2. “Me time” will give you time to take care of yourself.

3. Though it is not “me time,” date nights are also important to help you reconnect with your partner.

4. Find that one thing that makes you happy and make sure that you gift that to yourself at-least once a week.

5. It is ok to say ‘no’ to put yourself first.

 

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Love 💗 Rice Krispies Treats? Try mixing PEEPS into your Rice Krispies Treats for a twist. It’s the perfect Easter treat! See full recipe on used below 👇🏼!

- Peeps (3 packs)
- 6 Cups Rice Krispies
- 6 TBSP Butter

1. Toss all ingredients in a greased pan.
2. Bake at 350 for 5-10 minutes until peeps are soft.
3. Mix together.
4. Pat down into the pan.
5. Let cool on the counter for 30 minutes and serve!

@peepsbrand @target @targetstyle
#eastertreats #easterrecipes #ricekrispies #ricekrispytreats #easyrecipes #babyshowerideas #dessert #peeps #kidfriendlyfood

Open
Love 💗 Rice Krispies Treats? Try mixing PEEPS into your Rice Krispies Treats for a twist. It’s the perfect Easter treat! See full recipe on used below 👇🏼!

- Peeps (3 packs)
- 6 Cups Rice Krispies
- 6 TBSP Butter

1. Toss all ingredients in a greased pan. 
2. Bake at 350 for 5-10 minutes until peeps are soft. 
3. Mix together. 
4. Pat down into the pan. 
5. Let cool on the counter for 30 minutes and serve!

@peepsbrand @target @targetstyle 
#eastertreats #easterrecipes #ricekrispies #ricekrispytreats #easyrecipes #babyshowerideas #dessert #peeps #kidfriendlyfood

The Easter Candy is finally on store shelves so I had to make this Starburst Jelly Bean Easter Centerpiece / Floral Arrangement that’s perfect for your Easter Table.

I used 6 bags of Starburst Easter Jelly Beans. (Addictive just warning you!)
4 Pink Peeps
4 Blue Peeps
2 Bouquets of Fresh Flowers
1 - Target 11” x 7.8” Glass Hurricane Candle Holder - Threshold
1 - Target 8” x 4.8” Hurricane Glass Pillar Candle Holder Clear - Made By Design
@peepsbrand @target @targetstyle @starburst

#easterdecor #easter #floraldesign #centerpieces #diyhomedecor

Open
The Easter Candy is finally on store shelves so I had to make this Starburst Jelly Bean Easter Centerpiece / Floral Arrangement that’s perfect for your Easter Table.

I used 6 bags of Starburst Easter Jelly Beans. (Addictive just warning you!)
4 Pink Peeps 
4 Blue Peeps
2 Bouquets of Fresh Flowers
1 - Target 11” x 7.8” Glass Hurricane Candle Holder - Threshold
1 - Target 8” x 4.8” Hurricane Glass Pillar Candle Holder Clear - Made By Design
@peepsbrand @target @targetstyle @starburst

#easterdecor #easter #floraldesign #centerpieces #diyhomedecor

Life is beautiful. It’s about giving. It’s about family. - Walt Disney

Photo dump of the most magical place on earth. #MagicKingdom #Epcot @waltdisneyworld @disneyparks #hosted #familytravel #orlando #disney #disneyworld50

Open
Life is beautiful. It’s about giving. It’s about family. - Walt Disney

Photo dump of the most magical place on earth. #MagicKingdom #Epcot @waltdisneyworld @disneyparks #hosted #familytravel #orlando #disney #disneyworld50

They say flowers, allow your home and life to bloom with new things. Here is a quick DIY with a little St. Patrick’s Day theme.

1. I prepare my flowers by cutting the bottom tips and remove the leaves.
2. I then create a mock sample of what I want the flower bouquet to look like, I remove it, and save it on the side.
3. I chose to use General Mills Lucky Charms for this arrangement.
4. I place plastic wrap on the top of the small vase to help pour the lucky charms only into the large vase.
5. Once I completed pouring the lucky charms into the large vase, I then place my premade bouquet into the base and add water and flower food.
6. I then arrange the flowers with a bit of love, and then they’re all set.

#lifestyle #flowers #HomeDecor #diyhomedecor #stpatricksday #diycenterpieces
@target - Glass Vase
@generalmills - Lucky Charms

Open
They say flowers, allow your home and life to bloom with new things. Here is a quick DIY with a little St. Patrick’s Day theme.

1. I prepare my flowers by cutting the bottom tips and remove the leaves. 
2. I then create a mock sample of what I want the flower bouquet to look like, I remove it, and save it on the side. 
3. I chose to use General Mills Lucky Charms for this arrangement.
4. I place plastic wrap on the top of the small vase to help pour the lucky charms only into the large vase.
5. Once I completed pouring the lucky charms into the large vase, I then place my premade bouquet into the base and add water and flower food. 
6. I then arrange the flowers with a bit of love, and then they’re all set. 

#lifestyle #flowers #HomeDecor #diyhomedecor #stpatricksday #diycenterpieces 
@target - Glass Vase
@generalmills - Lucky Charms

"Today’s special moments are tomorrow’s memories." —Genie, Aladdin

@disneyparks @waltdisneyworld #DisneyWorld50

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"Today’s special moments are tomorrow’s memories." —Genie, Aladdin 

@disneyparks @waltdisneyworld #DisneyWorld50

Heigh-Ho, It’s Off You Go! One of my favorite Attractions in Fantasyland Magic Kingdom Park. @disneyparks @waltdisneyworld #DisneyWorld50 #HostedbyDisney
#disney #disneyworld #magickingdom #familytravel #orlando

Open
Heigh-Ho, It’s Off You Go! One of my favorite Attractions in Fantasyland Magic Kingdom Park. @disneyparks @waltdisneyworld #DisneyWorld50 #HostedbyDisney
#disney #disneyworld #magickingdom #familytravel #orlando

Memories made in Aruba will last a lifetime…. #arubaonehappyisland #arubatravel #familytravel

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Memories made in Aruba will last a lifetime…. #arubaonehappyisland #arubatravel #familytravel

Love ❤️ through all the seasons of life. #familia #family #valentines

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Love ❤️ through all the seasons of life. #familia #family #valentines
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