Love, Chaos, and Atkins

Pretty much sums up this season we are in.

Annndd I’m HERE for it!

Happy first day of school here in Myrtle Beach. 8th, 3rd and 2nd here they come. Ms Happy Slothy made a return and I just might have to do this every year until they graduate.

The excitement is real over here today.

It was the night before the next school year starts + as ready as the kids may be to go back I feel like I’m not ready for them to go. Do you feel like this too?

I’ll be the first to admit I may joke about school starting back + the freedom we will have (ha! we still have two toddlers hardly freedom) but the truth is, I know what comes with each new school year.

The kids all go into a bigger grade. Heck our daughter is starting 8th grade tomorrow. Which means next year she will go into high school. HIGH SCHOOL!

It just all goes to fast. Why must it go so fast the older we get? Why do I long for them to stay little but can’t wait to see all the big plans God has in store for them?

Being that I had a baby at forty (geriatric mom 💃) I have been seeing all over social media, friends my age moving their kids into college this weekend. I can’t help but think of how their hearts must feel. I will be a mess (you have five years to prepare) but also I bet their hearts are filled with such pride. What an accomplishment to have your baby go out into the big ol world.

So as this new school year starts I have been praying for our babies, the teachers, the coaches, the adults that get to interact with our kids, but most of all I’ve been praying for the parents.

I know that whether your baby is starting preschool or college it tugs on your heart + while you try your hardest to be strong for them you still have these wild emotions. Who knew I would cry because my son was starting second grade as if he is going to college next year?

It’s something that we don’t speak to each other enough about. That while we all feel it in our hearts, our babies are getting older + the new school year is starting which means a whole new journey is about to start.

So when I see you in car line, at the bus stop, or maybe as a walker just know I’m praying for you + hugging you from afar.

Because the new school year is starting + I’m just not ready. ❤️

You can imagine how I felt when the whole internet was trying to tell me me to “niche down”

My life is made up of many different things that are all important + trying to narrow that down in my brain is just, well impossible.

So I am at a point now that I will be just exactly who I am.

After all we are each made on purpose for a purpose.

I know there are so many others like me that just don’t fit inside the box + isn’t that wonderful?

So here’s to changing the internet to being more about us as real people wanting human connection + less about what category any of us fall in. 🤟

You have to see the video before this but in the short version. My husband knows I love taking pictures of the kids with their numbers on their birthdays so he wanted to celebrate me the same way!

I was so surprised and felt so special.

100% do this with your soecial person! Make it a fun and not expensive way to celebrate! These pics will always hold a special place!

Cheers to 43! I’ve never felt more alive!

Really ask yourself if anyone really cares? Or really do you?

People are always going to have a say about EVERYTHING but does it or should it matter + hold you back from your talents?

I know the world needs whatever it is that was placed on your heart to do!

GOD PUT IT THERE ON PURPOSE!

So bring that light!

I see it as my biggest flaw but also my super power. 🤪👊

I also recently learned there are many different types of adhd so if this feels like it’s not how you feel. That’s valid.

I’m just choosing to lean towards super power (in this moment anyways) but doesn’t mean I don’t feel the struggle with it. Just ask my husband.

This on repeat. A prayer, I pray over + over. I always say me + Jesus are working on me.

Happy Sunday! ❤️

When my husband chose to marry me I don’t think he realized how much time he would spend helping me look for that dang card. 🤪

I’ll bring the umbrella if I can find it. 😂

Just kidding those days are long gone. Only kind of party I’ll see is one while working in the ER tonight.

Being from Florida I don’t really get too concerned with these storms like maybe I should.

However praying for all of those is direct contact!

Long live sweet summertime. ☀️

I’m in between contracts for work + I’m not complaining.

Of course there’s the not making money part but right now the value of these days being present with my family is worth more than I thought.

God knew I needed a break, a rest, to soak this all up + I’m taking it.

The saying “there’s always time to make money but there won’t always be this time” just keeps running through my mind.

So I’m choosing to be simple + present this last month of summer.

I’m so thankful that I have this time especially when I didn’t realize just how much I personally needed it. I bet my kids did too!

Head up. Shoulders back. 👊

If I have done this to you. me + my unofficial diagnosed ADHD apologize. 🥰

What’s crazy to me is that I’m in my 40s + just really actually believe this is why I have been the way I am all my life. Why I always felt different.

I call it my super power. I can multitask (or have a lot of tabs open) + be in 20 different things at a time + it be normal for me.

Also why being an ER nurse was such a fitting career for me.

I once was told that I should feel shame for bringing light to ADHD because it was crippling for that person. While I don’t wish to bring anyone else down that may be struggling I also don’t think it’s fair for that. I have struggled with it as well but I also have come to a point that I use it for my advantage. Also, to anyone reading this there are 7 different types of ADHD + while I may bring light to the type I have I know it’s not the same for everyone. You may not have the same type as me. I may be able to use it for my creativeness as where your type makes you not able to get out of bed.

I think talking more about it though is when we can all come together more. Different doesn’t mean bad + I’m here to show the world that.

Ok more to come on this but for now I have to go make a coffee, leave the creamer out, read my Bible while making a list to keep myself on track for the day + do another 100 little things that all probably will only be half way done + try to get it done before the kids wake up.

Heavy on this. ❤️

Once upon a time this guy laid it on thick in the back of this bar + it’s where we had our first kiss.

Now just look at us 😜

5 kids + a chaotic beautiful life together.

There’s just something about being back in your hometown. Back where it really all started. 🥰

AMEN.

Your story isn’t over.

Chapters don’t last forever.

Thank God. ❤️

Proof that your kids are always watching and listening. 🥰👊

TikTok · Cara | Love, Chaos + Atkins Check out Cara | Love, Chaos + Atkins’s video.

Thank you. ❤️

Sometimes life is hard + it sucks.

Hard week for so many that I love + hold dearly.

Praying prayers constantly.

Such heavy stuff.

I’m here. ❤️

The birthday celebration continues + what better way than by going to a game.

Even with a little rain we still had a blast!

They always have fun themed nights + I love that Friday night games end with fireworks!

Seriously one of the best family + friends fun nights here in Myrtle!

Brody is 7.

Our super smart, full of energy, loves with all he’s got, tough yet sensitive boy.

Getting to celebrate these kids each year is one of my favorite things to do!

What a joy + I’m just so thankful that I get to do this!

I get questioned a lot about having 5 kids + every time it reminds me how blessed I am.

The excitement we had when we found out we were pregnant with Brody was unreal. We thought it would take us years + might not happen at all after years of infertility but we were actually able to get pregnant the first month of trying!

Brody has filled our life with such happiness + laughter (those one liners) + just so thankful he’s ours! ❤️

Now for pretty much a week of celebrating! Happy happy birthday Brody-bear!

Swipe to see some pics from over the years! 🥹

Oh how I love 4th of July + how I don’t like that I have to work today!

But also how blessed am I that I get to work. ❤️💙

So here’s some throw backs!

I hope you + yours had the best day!

When you love Messi, soccer + the beach.

This pic just stopped me so I had to share it with you. There’s just something magical about a sunrise + sunset.

Just over here soaking up summer with my babies.

It’s funny how much I used to think people cared about what I looked like in a bathing suit.

No one cares. So if you aren’t wearing the suit because you think people care I’m here to tell you they don’t.

They are too busy worrying about what they look like to even have an ounce of care about what you look like.

Also even if they did care, do you even really care that they care?? Probably not.

Have the best time with your sweet kids + wear the suit.

Soon this season will be over + fall will arrive so wear the suit while you can!

Also can we see more of real people in their bathing suits instead of fake Instagram photoshopped pictures. Thanks!