a grateful heart {my motherhood role models}

last saturday my dad {who loves a good pic message} sent me this photo

of my aunt, cousin, and mom at a family wedding that day in cincinnati

 it came at the perfect time. i had just spent a week at the beach where i sat back and spent a lot of time pondering. i decided to unplug from my phone/social media and decided to take in the beautiful atmosphere. i took walks and watched families/children interacting together on the beach. as i watched, i felt so many emotions and connections. the little kids playing with their siblings, building sand castles with dad while mom read a book and got some much deserved relaxation, twin boys {around one} each chasing a pigeon, some laughing/some crying – but so much family love. while taking this all in, i thought about my own family dynamic {which i am so proud of – esp. our closeness and openness with one another} and i thought about how i want to be with our kids someday. i thought about how i want to come across with them, the memories i want to make, the people i want in their life, the values i want to pass down. so when this photo arrived saturday evening, i could not help but think… these three women have always been such inspiring motherhood role models to me. i loved the photo- of three beautiful women. as a result, i started to think about all of the reasons why and how these three have had an impact on my life and why i want to follow in their footsteps. my aunt and cousin lived in chicago- only six hours away from my hometown. we visited often and i always loved everything about our visits. our all day shopping trips to cute boutiques/michigan ave, snuggling up for movie nights, games around my aunt’s {incredible} fireplace in her basement, crafting, singing in the car, long walks, amazing meals, and most of all, our deep conversations. i love this about our family. we laugh a lot, but we also have deep chats about life and its greatness/struggles. one thing is certain, their nurturing personalities influenced me {and i know my sister feels the same way} for a lifetime.

 “live so that when your children think of fairness, caring, and integrity, they think of you” 

– h. jackson brown jr. 

– my mom’s strong catholic faith and belief in not just going to church but showing generosity and compassion every day

– having the presence of kind, nurturing spirits around me

– never overpowering others with your own opinion by being open-minded and accepting of all. 

– a love for shabby chic decor {and birds} {and tj. maxx}

– the importance of working hard– without complaining 

– humbleness. 

– the power of a warm hug

our baby boy is expected to arrive in just five months

i hope to always do my best

and most of all, hope to be half the mom/role model you all have been to me. 

thank you– my heart is so grateful. 

{and so thankful baby monaco will have you all in his life!}

 these two. 

their love shines more by the year!

i certainly will never doubt my parent’s extrordinary love.

lastly, how precious is my beautiful niece?!

she is so sweet and i loved spending the week with her

i miss her already – more beach photos coming soon!

…

  …what is your heart grateful for this week…

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