Mason Gregory Garka

Why is it that I am constantly comparing myself to other mothers? Those who don’t work and even those that do (like myself). I spend time thinking about ways to become a better version of the mom me. I pin idea’s, I read articles… After all my children deserve the VERY best. So I need to do my homework… RIGHT? Then I had an ah ha moment… It first needs to start with me. If I don’t keep myself happy and fulfilled then I am no good to them because they don’t need my pintrest projects or educational activities… THEY NEED THEIR MOM, they need me! I have always known and believed that I am a separate entity from my beautiful children but I struggle with the guilt of living life this way. Let me explain… There any many things outside of being a mother that define me – I am a wife, business owner, business director, furniture creator, Jesus loving homemaker and of course a MOTHER. But I am all of these things not just one and in order to be the best MOM I can be I must work to stay b...

The other day I was asked “how do you decide what to share and what not to share on your blog?” The answer… I have no real strategy. We started this blog 5 years ago. The intention at the time was to share news about Mason so we didn’t have to field hundreds of questions over and over again. It was a virtual space for anyone who wanted information to read about our journey. Since it has become my therapy (I am sure I have written about this on a previous post) and a place for me document things that happen in our life as a family. Over the years I hope that we look back... reflect on where we are, where we have been and where we are going. This blog at the end of the day is sorta like a love song to my children! Since it has been awhile since I have updated you on the specifics of our life here is the latest and greatest: We will be adding to our “Gym Portfolio” with the addition of our Snohomish club. We couldn’t be more thrilled to join this community. The city, the commun...

cheer·ful /ˈCHi(ə)rfəl/ Adjective Noticeably happy and optimistic. Causing happiness by its nature or appearance

You are either a person who enjoys collecting things or you are not. When I was growing up I played with different “collections”. My earliest collection was trolls (The silly looking creatures with crazy colored hair).When I collected all I wanted or they lost there value to me I moved onto another collection… My collections ranged from beanie babies to spoons to barbies. None of these collections still intact today. In the present I am not a collector of any one material thing. Although my husband would  probably  disagree and show you to my closet where he will point out my collection of shoes, handbags, belts and clothing, my response - clearly not a collection just an occupational hazard of working in retail.  Instead of collecting material things I collect words.  This is something that has just happened. It  wasn't  something I sought out to collect. Besides you are probably reading this not understanding what I even mean by saying I col...