So, I didn’t really have the laid back, relaxing summer I’d intended to have. Things were crazy – crazy and fast. It seems like school dismissed in June and I blinked and here we go again.

Today with the hustle and bustle of the second day of school, I got to thinking about balance. Now, I’m not about to write that dads don’t have a hand in things, but I have to give credit where credit is due. Today, I’m giving credit to the moms out there.

We come in all shapes and sizes. We have different styles, different personalities, and different perspectives. But at the end of the day, we’re all moms. We make it work, make the best of it and make it last.

We balance it all. We pursue our own dreams while helping our significant others and children chase theirs.

We keep up with the dentist appointments, buy the groceries, make sure there are clothes that fit, grab the school supplies, plan the playdates with playmates and 100 other things in one crazy day.

When that’s done, we climb in bed, then wake up to do it all again.

Although I work very part-time (quarter-time is likely more accurate) from home, I’m here and try to be present and “in the moment” with my kids as much as I can. I tackle my projects in between walks to the bus stop and trips to soccer practice. Balancing act – that’s what it is.

I know moms who balance it ALL. They work full-time, they’re in school, AND they’re full-time parents of kids with full-time activities. My hats off (ok, my headband) to you ladies. I’m proud to be in the sisterhood of mom with you.

Somewhere mixed in all the chaos is a loving family, full of hope for the future and plans of growing together, not just growing up. So, while school gets off to a great start and life picks up its hectic pace, I hope you moms out there give yourself a pat on the back, a break when you can catch it and a little smile in the mirror – you (we) deserve it.