Project Mom

Saturday morning, I got a take a “me day” with Project Mom and what a great day it was!

Project Mom was created by a local mom looking for a “mom conference.”  When she realized that there really wasn’t anything out there that fit the bill, she created it, herself.

It became a one day event filled with inspiring speakers, breakout sessions, giveaways, a swag bag, and loads of vendor tables to shop from.

I had the opportunity to attend two years ago with a couple of friends of mine and loved everything about it!

This year, when I found out they were giving free tickets to all of the contributors for Dallas Moms Blog, I didn’t hesitate to accept the offer!  Not only did they offer free tickets for the contributors, but Dallas Moms Blog hosted a couple of giveaways for free tickets to the Dallas and Fort Worth stops.  A few of my friends were lucky winners and I LOVE seeing my friends win things!

I loved getting to spend the day with Jenny, Jennifer, Krystal, and Lauren!

I attended three different breakout sessions that were all about Parenting Your Preschooler, Photography, and DIY.

All were RIGHT up my alley and I learned something at each one.

I think I probably took the most notes at the “Parenting Your Preschooler” session, led by Lynley Baker-Phillips, because I can never soak up enough tips to help make my days a little bit smoother.

One of the best things she said was, “We are not supposed to serve as our children’s cruise director.”

In other words, we’re not solely responsible for our child’s happiness and entertainment.  We are responsible for loving and protecting them!  If they expect us to entertain them all of the time, they stop being creative, and it ultimately creates a false sense of reality for them.

When I heard that, I have to honestly tell you a little bit of weight came off of my shoulders.  It’s so true, but I always feel guilty when I’m not playing with my kids or creating something fun for them.  I can’t do it all. of. the. time!

Bottom line, Lynley was great, and a girl after my own heart, with her love of motherhood!

As much as I loved the speakers and breakout sessions, I was most excited about seeing Katie Hamilton, wife of Texas Ranger, Josh Hamilton.  I’m a huge Ranger fan and I’ve ALWAYS wanted to hear more about what it’s like to be the wife of a professional athlete.  We really never get to hear about that side of things.

Did you know that during the baseball season, she doesn’t start cooking dinner until 11 or 12, just so they can eat as a family?  They all end up going to bed between 2 and 3 a.m. every night.  Could you imagine that life?  Yes, they definitely homeschool.  I can’t imagine how else that schedule could work for their kids.  But, she made it very clear that family was most important to them.

And because I’m a big baseball groupie, I had to get my picture taken with her.  Honestly, it’s not a good picture of either one of us.  Mainly me.

Listening to Katie Hamilton was one of my favorite parts of the day.  But, the BEST part of the day was when they announced my number as a winner for one of the big giveaways!

The giveaway was valued at about $250 and it included a gift pack from Athletic Baby and a Boba baby carrier!  Perfect timing!  I’ve been doing some research on baby carriers and I think this one is a pretty good one.

Do you have one or have any experience with one?  I’d love to hear your experience.  Pretty sure baby girl will be tied to me for a while after she’s born.  Not sure how else I’ll be able to chase Langston and Riverson around.

All of this to say, I had a great day getting rejuvenated to do my “job” the best I can.  I came right home and scooped up my sweet boys!  So thankful for them……and my time away from them.