How she does it: Cindy

This is Cindy. 

And this is our favorite picture we have taken together....ever. (And we've taken a lot of pictures together). This was pre-kiddos which means things were still in places that they should be. 

This is us today...

Cindy is 39 weeks pregnant (due on MONDAY) and I'm 18 weeks pregnant. We are both on baby #3 and this is the longest we have been pregnant at the same time. (Which is actually hard to believe since our kids are all relatively close in age). I would argue that we are both more beautiful now than we have ever been... we have the glow of motherhood. 

I met Cindy because I used to live with her husband. 

;)

That is our favorite thing to do to people we just met. Freaks them out... they have no idea how to respond. But yes, Josh, was one of my college roommates along with his two siblings and my older brother, Jeremy. They have all become more like family than anything. 

Cindy likes to say that my other female roommate, Carolyn, and I were not nice to her when we met. But, we were just looking out for Josh. She was clearly "approved"... and the rest is history. I'm sure Josh has moments when he wishes she wasn't so easily approved - together I think we can drive him extra crazy, but he and Ryan put up with us nicely. 

Cindy is probably more like me than other of my friends - Type A, OCD, needs loves likes control, enjoys a monogram,  plans just about as many details as possible, etc... Because of this we get along nicely and when we don't, well... we handle it like all adults because the other one is clearly wrong. 

She is fun to laugh with, cry with, yell with, complain with, fight with, pray with and share life with. She puts in effort to all of her friendships, which is really anyone can ask for. And even during the times that we haven't always seen eye to eye, I know that she ultimately would do anything for me, my husband, my kiddos and any other member of my family. No question.

So... this post is all about "How Cindy Does It"... 

What she does:

Cindy is a wife to Josh, mommy to Caroline (3), Annaliese (2) and baby 3 (39 weeks), daughter, sister, and friend. She is a Development Officer at Texas A&M (she raises money for the University, specifically for student organizations and the departments that support them). This job requires the ability to work a room, talk to strangers, ask for money, be politically savvy, sell a product, and convince people that Texas A&M is not just a good... but great investment. This job also requires a moderate amount of travel which means coordinating her schedule to the needs of her family and making sure "it" all gets done. Josh is a HS science teacher at our local 5A HS and also a cross-country and track coach. This means he has early mornings and weekend meets. 

The fall is both of their busy seasons between CC meets, TAMU football games where Cindy conducts a lot of "business", girls activities, family guests, and just "life". They are involved in their church and Cindy has been actively involved in our Junior League for nine years. 

Cindy also makes time to send cards for just about every occasion to those that she loves. She puts time and effort into every single gift she sends and don't even get me started on the amount of thank you notes she writes. Emily Post would be proud. She is intentional in every part of her life (from raising her children to creating the perfect backdrop for a picture). Family is her priority and making them happy is what makes her happy. 

How she does it:

Strong marriage. Faith in God. Support of friends. 

Cindy and Josh have a great partnership. If she has to work, then he is responsible for the girls. And vice versa. They have been married for 10 years so they created a strong foundation in their marriage prior to having kids. Their partnership is as much a priority as their kids - which is how it should be - and their focus on God and their faith is what guides them. 

Cindy isn't afraid to ask for help if/when she needs it. She has an arsenal of people on stand-by if something comes up. Whether that is picking the girls up from school, babysitting on a moments notice, or being "on call" when Baby makes his/her debut... she has surrounded herself with people she loves and trusts and never has to explain herself ... true friends that are family. 

I think her biggest "weapon" is her ability to organize.

I am almost jealous of her spreadsheets. Almost. 

;)

Seriously, she has everything mapped out, set aside, ready to go at any given moment. The details to a party, the outfits for the week for the girls, the menu, the schedules, the pictures. She is GOOD at this... which means she uses this skill to her advantage. She doesn't waste time and she puts thought into things before approaching them. I think a key to "doing it all" is to really know what it is that you are "doing" and Cindy does. 

And, she knows her limits. She isn't afraid to say no. The girls aren't in 17 after school activities. Caroline started dance this year... if it goes well, then Annaliese may start next year. She evaluates their priorities as a family and makes decisions accordingly. 

Isn't that smart? 

And her kids are also darling... 

This is all "8" of us... I can't even begin to imagine what is in store for this group. 

Cindy, in a word, you are FG. You are a great example of how to live your life with intention and grace. I am so glad that all those years ago I picked up an application for my roommate that lead him to meet you that brought me one of my greatest friends.