The Challenges of an Everyday Mom turned title-holder

Well, let me say I am still alive and kicking!  I hope you have seen me on facebook in the last few weeks.  Even so, facebook does not reflect how busy things have been for this mom, 4-H Agent, and state Mrs. titleholder. 

From the time my kids were born, I always knew being a mom was a full-time and very demanding job.  Like many of you, I did not take the task lightly, choosing the educational toys, reading the books, etc.  Then, just a few years later, add to that a great opportunity for working with youth, and you have a super-busy mom just like many of you I know! 

Now, I never would have guessed or dreamed I would have taken an opportunity to be Mrs. Mississippi International, and then go on to prepare for the Mrs. International competition. 

But, here I am, and I am so thankful for the opportunity God has placed before me.  I could not have planned this myself (I was too busy!).  But God knew He had a job for me, and that I was ready for the challenge.  I may be using the word ready lightly.  Although there are times when things have just fallen into place better than I could have imagined.  Then, there are times when I feel like I needed double (okay, maybe triple) the hours in a day!

There are the events to schedule, locations to find, dresses to shop for, fittings to schedule, emails to answer, phone calls to return, preparations, practice, and don't forget exercise!  (Then, there was the pulled muscle, or whatever that was that had me in tears until I saw my chiropractor. Followed the next week by the blown blood vessel).

Yes, we women are masters at multi-tasking.  Getting ready for early morning drives for appearances has added a new dimension.  While 4-H events on weekends, or a variety of things on your calendar is typical for a 4-H Agent, showing up as Mrs. Mississippi International does require a little more planning.  The perfect shoes must be selected (not just my Ariat boots, unless in the arena; I miss you, dear boots), eyelashes, crown, sash, photos, as well as helmet (for my platform), safety information, and the right earrings (which I left at home, I think, along with those extra bobby pins).

My multi-tasking has been a little crazy at times. I can do leg exercises while blowing-drying my hair, and even decided to add holding sliced cucumbers on alternating eyes while doing the exercising and hair.  I must say the little extras are worth it sometimes.  I was surprised to be told at a visit to a school that they knew I wasn't a teacher because I looked "too rested".  I had to smile because it was a very busy week, and I had used my cold green tea bags from the fridge that morning on my eyes...glad to know they worked!

Thanks to great friends and family, I have been able to juggle the variety of blessings much better than I ever could have alone.  And they make me feel and look much better than cucumbers and green tea bags could any day.

Blessings to you from my thankful heart,
~Traci