Another weekend that came and went in the blink of an eye. I had hoped the weather would clear up it, but it was pretty rainy in our neck of the woods, and Lil Mama’s Baseball practice was cancelled which was a bummer, but we didn’t let the rain ruin the weekend!

Highlights:
We celebrated my niece’s 3^rd birthday party which was Princess themed. My daughter dressed up like Princess Tiana and had the dress, tiara, shoes, gloves, and purse. Too bad she only kept it clean an hour! My sister is the ultimate hostess and threw a beautiful party, we had a great time! That’s my niece in the Belle costume, such a cutie!!

I’m obsessed with going to the arts & crafts store! I always find great deals in our local store Michaels, and this weekend was no exception.

Though the rain was a bit messy, we went out and luckily didn’t get blown away…though I think that was my daughter’s goal! She kept on raising my umbrella high in the sky and saying, “Mommy, I’m going up up and away like Mary Poppins!” Much to her dismay she stayed on the ground

Now it’s back to work grind mode. I’ve been working since I was 15; you would think I’d be used to getting up on Monday for the week, but nope. I yell, I curse, and I growl lol. Not, not, not a morning person.

How was your weekend?

We had a FUN weekend. The weather was great and we spent most of it outdoors.

I got lilys again from my wonderful BF…just because

This Saturday was my first day volunteering on my daughter’s baseball team. My body is killing me.

We attended a kite festival in Boston and our kite was a joke, though we tried.

Lil Mama was fascinated with putting together a dummy human brain from Children’s Hospital.

Lots of playing in the park and on the monkey bars.

Helped my niece celebrate her 3rd birthday with some fun and shopping.

By the end of the weekend lil mama was beat…and so was I.

Wonderful weekend with friends and family. Sad it’s over.

How was your weekend?

What makes my family strong? As part of the Strong Families Mama’s Day Our Way campaign I wrote a very honest raw post about what makes my single-parent household strong. I’ve got the heart of a lion and will continue raising my daughter in a warm loving home without a partner muting the naysayers.

From my post: “Too many times I doubted myself and my capacity to be a good mother. Far too often I let these negative thoughts creep into my thoughts, haunting me. Making me question my own strength and resilience. It was often with a shaky hand and self-doubt that I moved forward and persevered as a young single mom.” 

The goal of this campaign is to highlight the moms in our communities who are often marginalized, maligned by politicians and the media.

My post can be read in entirety on the Massachusetts Alliance on Teen Pregnancy  website and also the Strong Families website.

My post talks about what makes my family strong, and I’d love to hear your thoughts. What makes your family strong?

Instead of sleeping in late and being served breakfast in bed for Mother’s Day we got up early and headed down to Rowe’s Wharf in Boston for a Mother’s Day Cruise! Many thanks to Quirky Fusion!

I’m not one to celebrate Mother’s Day, my daughter and I always lay low which we have always loved, but we were given the opportunity to board the Odyssey and enjoy brunch, weather, and family. It was the perfect start to Mother’s Day even though we were all tired. They served both breakfast & lunch, with a complimentary glass of mimosas for the adults My daughter was in awe of the chocolate fountain and she couldn’t stop covering all of her food in chocolate. We weren’t on the boat more than 10 minutes when chocolate found its way on her white dress…and hair. Kids!! Lol.

I really appreciated how kid friendly the cruise was; there was an ice cream sundae bar, live music, a clown, and an amazing balloon maker who was making amazing creations! My daughter opted for a puppy on her wrist! Exiting the ship I felt like I was on the red carpet haha. The boat crew were lined up handing out flowers to moms AND chocolate covered strawberries!!

After the relaxing cruise we strolled along the wharf and enjoyed the beautiful Boston weather and skyline. After the rough couple of weeks I’ve had it was great to s-l-o-w down try something new and laugh and dance with my daughter.

How did you enjoy your weekend?

Every Friday I try to post one of my favorite quotes that I find inspiration from. I love featuring the one and only Maya Angelou. I cannot get enough of her or her writings. In today’s favorite quote friday she was asked about growing older and this was her response:

I’ve learned that no matter what happens, or how bad it seems today, life does go on, and it will be better…eventually.
I’ve learned that you can tell a lot about a person by the way he/she handles these three things: a rainy day, lost luggage, and tangled Christmas tree lights.
I’ve learned that regardless of your relationship with your parents, you’ll miss them when they’re gone from your life.
I’ve learned that making a “living” is not the same thing as making a “life.”
I’ve learned that life sometimes gives you a second chance.
I’ve learned that you shouldn’t go through life with a catcher’s mitt on both hands; you need to be able to throw something back.
I’ve learned that whenever I decide something with an open heart, I usually make the right decision.
I’ve learned that even when I have pains, I don’t have to be one.
I’ve learned that every day you should reach out and touch someone. People love a warm hug, or just a friendly pat on the back.
I’ve learned that I still have a lot to learn.
I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.

Can I get an AMEN!! I swear she can see into my soul! Every time I read something of Maya Angelou’s I get goosebumps. Her writing is so pure, so honest, so truthful. I hope to one day be able to be as reflective and wise as this phenomenal woman. What have you learned thus far in your life about growing older? I’ve learned that no matter how hard you try to protect your heart, it will break.

Happy Friday