Grits over home fries. Disney over Universal. Coke over Pepsi. Democracy over socialism. Rose over bubbles. Summer over winter. Chocolate over vanilla. Beach over mountains. College sports over pro. Margaritas over pina colodas. Allergy shots over allergies. Stones over Beatles. Beau over Luke. Fall over spring. White Christmas lights over colored Christmas lights. Live Bands over DJs. Independent shops over large chains. Long meals with a few friends over crowded parties. Rye whiskey over bourbon. Paper calendars over e-calendars. Cheese enchiladas over just about anything.

I was never getting married. Then, I met a man I never wanted to live without. I thought kids were the best thing ever as long as I didn’t have to touch them, listen to them or be inconvenienced by them. I was “that” single woman in the mall judging you as you allowed your child to throw a temper tantrum on the floor, stepped over them and continued on with your way waiting for them to follow. I’m sorry. I’m so very, very sorry.

I’m now apart of your world. I miss the deadlines at work. I don’t make it the gym. I can’t get it together to get the house cleaned or cook a home cooked meal. But, when John Michael is fast asleep in my arms and I’m wondering how I’m going to move without waking him, all is perfect in my world and I realize how truly blessed I am.

My supportive, loving, incredibly handsome, God sent husband and two amazing bonus children, Emily (16) and Greyson (15), call me Laura. My beautiful baby boy, John Michael (1), calls me mama. My friends call me crazy- in the fun way (hopefully!). My mother calls me bossy. My daddy calls me his favorite. The telemarketers call me way too much. How do they get our cell #??? What’s important, though, is what I call myself. While age has brought me wrinkles and cellulite, it has also brought me the wisdom of self assurance. I’m all good- even when I pull away from dropping off the kids at school and can’t remember if I brushed my teeth that morning. My cup runneth over.

My name is Laura Causey Philippovic. I am a wife, mother, bonus mom, daughter, sister, aunt, friend, fundraising sales consultant, aspiring commercial real estate developer, writer, singer, political and economics junkie, room mom, co-founding member of the non profit EVERY FRIEND NEEDS LOVE, current toilet bowl champion of my fantasy football league, foodie, lover of anything monogrammed and occasional popper of Xanax to handle it all.

Life Verse: “REJOICE ALWAYS. PRAY WITHOUT CEASING. GIVE THANKS IN ALL CIRCUMSTANCES; FOR THIS IS THE WILL OF GOD IN CHRIST JESUS FOR YOU.”

                    1 THESSALONIANS 5 :16-18