I spent the first part of introductions focusing solely on myself. What mother, in their right mind, does that? Well, me, I am that mother. I think that women are sometimes compartmentalized into being a mom or not being a mom. I am saying this in a very generalized fashion. You see, I think there might be some expectation that because I am a mom, being a mom is my most defining characteristic. How unfair that sounds. Don’t get me wrong, I love being a mom. The love I have for my children is unmatched and they are part of the air I breathe and the love that emits from me. I will not downplay what motherhood means to me. That said, this is not my defining characteristic. I was a lot of things before I became a mother. I am defined by my independence, my humor, my adventurous spirit, my salty attitude, my being. In addition, I am also married and have a family. My husband and my son will be constant throughout my stories, so they deserve a formal introduction. My daughter is off adventuring on her own path, sure to make cameos.

The Husband

There is so much to say about my husband, I am just trying to figure out what you should know. What are the important parts of him and what is relevant to my story. I first want to say that I am not being hyperbolic when I describe him, I really do think that he is everything. We are like any other healthy relationship, we have difficult conversations, we bicker and argue at the drop of a hat, I drive him nuts and he drives me nuts, but we are each other’s truth. He makes me better and I make him better, together we are disgustingly happy. Jeff, the husband, exudes masculinity, at least what I view as Masculine. Men have a rough go of it. They, like women, have to adhere to what culture dictates as masculinity, and it varies… a lot. For the purpose of my husband, I will refer to what I believe makes him a a man among men. Jeff is strong. He is strong, not only in the physical way, but also in an emotional way. He is very thoughtful, he listens and he is purposeful with his response. His mind works very fast and he has a quick wit. I find him hilarious. I spend most of my time laughing with him. His humor is definitely one of the reasons he landed me. It is always fun. He is motivated. He works for himself and has built a successful business, even though he started it right at the beginning of the recession in 2006. He looks at work not as a burden, but as something that just needs to be done. He doesn’t get overwhelmed, he just works, and works, and works until it is accomplished. This work ethic leads to a productive life, no matter how we get there. We definitely find ourselves in insane situations and adventures and we make it out, every single time.

The Son

Cash, Cash Man, Turkey Bones, T-Bones, T-Burrito and Joe, all names that he responds to. I look forward to the continued evolution of nicknames. Cash is authentically himself. I asked him to give me three adjectives that describe him, he offered: awesome, handsome and buff. This is him. I love the confidence of kids, before life kicks them in the butt and makes them cynical and hyperaware of other people’s opinions. His confidence is through the roof. He is funny, currently working on his use of sarcasm, which can lead to some painful comedy. I am his best audience, I laugh at everything and he knows it. Cash likes to spend his days walking out the front door, hopping on his four wheeler and exploring the ponds and the creek. He has been thriving in this transition, fully succumbing to the country life.