Let me preface this by saying that I have never been called a writer. While I wear many hats as a wife, mother of three, small business owner, wedding photographer and health coach -Wow that’s a lot to unpack! – writer has never been one of them.
I question if anyone will even care to hear about yet another mom’s struggles with teenage attitude, toddler tantrums and everything in between. If can touch just one person with relatable anecdotes or a little laughter in the chaos that is life – then I will consider this journey a success. I’m excited to share my stories, my experiences, maybe pass along a little knowledge, and hopefully learn a few things myself in the process.
I think it’s very fitting for the foundation of this storytelling journey to begin with my husband.
John and I met while singing our hearts out at karaoke one autumn evening, when I was a single mother of a spirited three year old. He quickly became my very best friend – with his love of Led Zeppelin, Carolina Panthers football and the most corny dad jokes the internet has to offer. He is the one who keeps me laughing in spite of all of the craziness that our lives have become.
That spirited three year old is now fifteen, in all of her eye-rolling glory. Caidy is so artistic with her drawings and sculptures, and I like to take some credit for that creative side of her personality. She’s often got her nose buried in her iPad drawing or reading one of her favorite books again for the twentieth time. She certainly has a mind of her own and is a bit (**understatement of the year) stubborn, which she admittedly also gets from me. Can a person live off of Ramen Noodles and Juicy Fruit Gum? She certainly thinks so!
About two years after my husband and I got married, we welcomed our now seven year old daughter, Veronica. She is my sweet, attention craving, heart-on-her-sleeve girl – and she has the funniest, most clever sense of humor. From Gymnastics to Horseback Riding, she got her love for sports and outdoors from her daddy. She loves to cuddle up, especially with her favorite person in the world, her Grandma.
After struggling through two miscarriages, Henry was my first boy and he stole my heart the moment I heard his little heartbeat. What a blessing that little sound is! With him being my last baby, I hoped he would stay small a little longer, let me soak it all up. But not Henry! Now two years old, he’s in the 98th percentile for height and weight and looks like he will be a football player one day! He’s a rough and tumble boy, with his train and tractors and dinosaurs. But he’s got the most gentle heart and makes me melt every time he randomly runs up to hug me and tell me he loves me before running back off to his adventures.
It’s a good life. Welcome to the Hooks Family – party of five.
