No Shame Here.

Upon googling ourselves at work a couples month ago, I discovered that I still had a MySpace account. Let's take this moment of silence to remember those who made our "Top Eight".....................

Anyway...why I still had a MySpace account, I have no idea.

So before I deleted it, I dug through the archives of embarrassing [and awesome] memories. It was a slam in the face of duck faces, questionable clothing choices, and cheesy profiles. Kind of cute and fun to look at for a second, but pretty embarrassing overall.

That's probably how I'll look back on this blog one day.. but whatev.

I'll probably say things like:

Why did I write about 83 subjects in one post and think it was even coherent enough for people to follow along? (Note to future self: it's because you have a hard time containing your excitement for anything.)

Why did I use words like whatev, holla, hollaaaaaa (emphasized version), and obvi (meaning obviously. obvi.)? (Note to future self: You should use these words when you're 80 because that's hilarious.)

Why did I discuss the Royal Wedding in more depth than any conversation I've ever had in my life? (Note to self: Ok not that in depth, but you were intense.)

Why did I obsess over Taylor Swift and celebrities in general? Just kidding. That's crazy talk. Like I would say that, ever.

Not in a drunken way, but you know what I'm sayin.

It's whatev.
xo tosh.

The Most Influential Mother's in My Life...

It's hard to put into words all of the wonderful things that I've come to admire in my mom. The one that stands out the most is her amazing heart and her love for absolutely everyone. My house was always the "teenager house" where all of mine and my sibling's friends came to hang out (and still do) because of how awesome my mom is. She would bake us cookies, help us with school projects, and even cook entire meals for hungry friends. I remember multiple times coming home from school, dance, or other activities and seeing a group of friends (and even friends of friends) just hanging out at my house. To this day, I still have friends stop by to visit her and my family. I've had friends cry on my mom's shoulder, confide in her, buy her flowers for all the things she's done for them... the list goes on. Everyone loves "Mama Vu."

The other thing that really stands out to me is her example to me of the importance of marriage, sticking it out when things get rough, and teaching that family comes first in all things. I can't begin to express how much this has impacted my life and my marriage, and I can honestly say that my marriage wouldn't be what it is without the example of my parents. 

I wouldn't want to leave out my mother in law. She is such a wonderful person and influence in my life. I am beyond grateful to her for the way she raised her family, and I am of course especially grateful to her for raising the amazing man I am married to. She has taught me that it is in fact possible to make a cake that doesn't come out of a box, and that Kraft didn't invent Macaroni and Cheese- it can be homemade (no but seriously... I really didn't know that.) I absolutely adore her excitement and zest for life. She has accepted me into their family from day one and I am so grateful to her for that.

My wonderful little sister, Shantelle. Who would have thought that my baby sister would be teaching me so much about motherhood? I look to her and see the joy that being a mother brings to her, and I know that I can someday have that same joy. I admire her for her absolute love of being a mom. And of course for raising the coolest, sweetest little girl in the world. I am also grateful to little Bostyn because I am able to get a glimpse of the love I'll have for my children through the love I have for that little one.

let's talk about how perfect this picture is. Bostyn doesn't take making wishes lightly. 

And lastly to Reid's mom, Taylor. I haven't met her yet, but I already love her like family. I'm so grateful to her and her husband for raising baby Reid, for loving him, and especially for loving and welcoming my family to be in their lives.

I could go on and on because I've been blessed to have so many "mother figures" in my life. I'm so grateful to each and every one of them. Happy Mother's Day to all the beautiful mothers out there. Thank you for what you do.

xo Natasha

Liberating: Tending to set free.

The feeling of running at that golden time of night. Running in general has always been very liberating to me. I don't think I necessarily like running itself. I think I like the way I notice the world around me and how everything seems to slow down. I feel like it's just time for me and I can sort through my thoughts. At "gold time" this feeling magnifies by 100 and I'm addicted to it.

The feeling that even though I'm far from home, I know that I am where God intended me to be.

The feeling of speaking my mind. I've always been one to keep my mouth closed and be very passive, sometimes to a fault. This is something I've been working on- to speak even when confrontation is uncomfortable if it means standing up for myself, my beliefs, or the people I care about.

The feeling of pushing myself and my body to work harder than my mind tells me it can. Fitness is very mental to me and I'm slowly overcoming the mental blocks of when I think I can't push forward.

The feeling that I am becoming the woman that I always knew I wanted to be.

There's just something to be said about liberating moments. And life in general.

xo

Natasha