Letter to Mom

With mother's day fast approaching I wanted to publicly wish my mom a happy mother's day and I don't know what better way than through my blog. Each time I talk about someone in my blog I get questions from my sisters about when they're going to be featured in my blog... don't worry, your time is coming. Until then- it's mom's turn!

So here I go. As genuine and authentic as I can be. Maybe even a little sappy- which those who know me know it's not me- here's a {short} letter to my mom for mothers day.

Dear Mom,

Happy [early] mothers day. As I've grown older I've realized how important you are to me and how much I have taken for granted. Reflecting on growing up- I was the pain in the ass in the family- here I am admitting it for all the world to see. But thank you for loving me and letting me be that pain in the ass to learn who and what I want to be (because I'm still trying to figure that out). 

To this day one of my largest regrets was telling you when I went off to school how much I didn't want you calling each night and checking in on me- I was finally an "adult." Because I am catching up on all that time I could have been calling you a friend. Again- the pain in the ass you let me be but loved me the same. 

When I call after a long day at work, or a horrible yearly check-up you have listened and let me complain all while understanding the struggle I am going through. You've listened to me complain about being a women and how unfair I feel the world can be all without making me feel less than for wanting to achieve the goals you've inspired me to reach for. You have been patient with each one of your daughters and have supported us in all the separate ways we've gone and I cannot imagine having another one to call mom. 

I appreciate you more than wine and only hope to one day be able to inspire my children {when that day finally comes} how great they can be like you have done for me. 

I love you and am forever grateful for you,

Shannon 

Home and Garden Show

This past weekend Kansas City was hosting the Home and Garden show downtown. The headline speakers for the event were Chip and Joanna Gaines from the show Fixer Upper.

Before marrying Andrew, I had never watched a show on HGTV. It just wasn't something I was into. Honestly, I didn't watch much TV unless it's my girls Shonda Rhime's TGIT. Anyways, soon after we got married I quickly was introduced to the Property Brothers, Flip or Flop, and House Hunters and I've grown to really enjoy watching these shows. Unfortunately, I've never had a place to really do the things we've seen on these shows but the prospect of having somewhere soon allows me to start gathering ideas.

My mom had mentioned the show Fixer Upper and I decided to give it a shot and have fallen in love. I enjoy the show not just from the design perspective but also the dynamic of Chip and Joanna. Some of my favorite parts of the shows are when they are being interviewed and being completely genuine and authentic with one another and often times it reminds me of Andrew and I's relationship. There has never been a time Andrew and I haven't been able to sit in a room with absolutely nothing to do and not have a good time. We both act goofy, are 100% comfortable with one another, and have shared laughs over some of the stupidest things.

When my mom shared on my Facebook that the Home and Garden Show was in town and that they'd be headlining we decided to get tickets and -try- to see them speak. We got to the show when doors opened at 10 and got seats for the talk at noon and it was well worth the wait!

Chip made sure to add humor to their story while Joanna shared the passion of their journey on Fixer Upper.

Seeing Chip and Joanna was truly an enjoyable experience. There were many laughs had and it was a great Sunday spent with my mom.