I finally found my "thing"!

Welcome to my new blog! 

A Magnolia Mom!

Many people have "things" such as lady bugs, lipstick, shoes, animal print, frogs, owls, or bees (just to name a few) that they identify with or tattoo upon themselves. I've never had that. My email has always been "Heatherm" or "hmm". I've never bought a cutesy keychain or whatever items people buy to show off their unique "thing" which is totally fine, right? I've always thought so, but I still longed for a "thing". 

I've even tried some "things"... When I was younger I thought seashells might be fun. We went to the beach every summer and I figured that qualified as a good reason to make seashells my "thing". I bought decorative shells and put them in my room. I had a shell wind chime and one of those huge shells you put your ear against so as to hear the sound of the ocean. It didn't stick. I never felt attached to sea shells and after a few months I wanted them out of my room.

It has taken nearly 26 years, but I am happy to announce that I finally figured out my "thing"! 

Magnolias. 

The ironic part is magnolias have always been my "thing", I just never realized.  I even have an awesome supporting story as well as true love for the southern magnolia flower. 

When I was about 6 (I'm assuming bc I was young but old enough to ride a bike) we lived in a blue house in Jackson, MS. Across the street lived our neighbors who I remember as younger odd men who played drums- I was quite frankly scared of them but I absolutely loved the giant tree in their front yard. It had big beautiful flowers that smelled divine. One smell, and I was hooked. You guessed it, it was a magnolia tree. 

I would sneak over and climb that tree often. The best flower blooms were always at the top! Id climb as high as needed to snag the biggest, best smellin' flower. 

Years have passed, and I no longer live where beautiful southern magnolia trees are found every few miles or so. I never knew until I moved away how much those trees were apart of me. 

Every time we go home, the welcoming site of magnolias appear like bright beacons. They are what I unkowingly overlooked all my life and something I sorely missed once I left MS.

I will even fess up... I may still snag magnolias when I go home. In fact, that is how I came to my realization and decided to finally claim my "thing".  This past trip, I couldn't help myself from tip-toeing like a stealth ninja up to one of those trees.  I grabbed a magnolia in full bloom and high tailed it back to the car like I was robbing a bank! The car filled with the sweet distinct smell of a southern magnolia! I looked at that flower with such excitement and wonder realizing at that moment magnolias were my "thing".

Now, why the blog? There are so many times that I want to vent or talk about something I don't necessarily want on our family blog. I also love crafting, sewing, and cake decorating. I figure I can use this blog for those reasons and see what comes of it. This season of my life is built around 4 young kiddos whom I love and cherish, and they take up most of my extra time.  This blog might be used as my outlet or possibly a portfolio of daily stress rants and monthly crafts. The sky is the limit- at least for now I have my "thing".

It took a long time to figure it out, but better late than never!

Do YOU have a "thing"?