Growing up Southern, I had an amazing childhood, and I wouldn't be the woman I am today without it. I look back on those memories with a fond smile. From going to church every Sunday and momma yelling at us to stay out of the mud in our church clothes, to drinking out of the water hose on a hot summers day. I grew up to be well-rounded, a woman of God and a woman who isn't afraid to get dirty when it comes to hard work.

Growing up Southern, being barefoot was a regular thing - and running through the house covered in mud with your momma chasing you yelling to "Get your little a** out of here!!" with paddle in hand, was weekly. We grew up wild, we grew up strong but our southern mother always kept her children in line. Whether it was pulling weeds in the front yard, picking our own switch, washing the dishes (which everyone hated as a child - pure torture) or making us do laps around the pasture, mom always knew how to discipline with a lesson mixed in. For every punishment our little crimes called for, we learned a good life lesson the same way. It didn't matter how small, she always knew right, and I'm forever thankful for my southern momma.

Growing up Southern, my brother and I always got into crazy shenanigans that we won't ever forget. Riding the fourwheeler on icy days, or on hot days, we always got into something messy. Staying out until 3 a.m. at bonfire parties down in the backwoods, or even venturing into a sinkhole in the desert despite the dangers (oops, sorry mom) - only to come home the next day to a heated momma bear ready to bust some tushes. We always made great memories. Shooting guns at targets in the backyard and arguing over who was the best shot, nearly every other day. Riding in the back of a pickup truck singing at the top of our lungs to any current hit country singers, throwing mardis gras beads at mudding conventions and even gaining knarly bruises from mixing those two experiences together (Tristan Haggard's truck bed, Mud Daze 2014, R.I.P to my thigh), we always had fun and laughed the whole way.

Growing up Southern, as a girl, I had my heart broken many times. Lesson learned? Boys with blue eyes and jacked up pretty trucks, wearing cowboy boots and a crooked smile that melts your heart? Yeah, run away. As fast as you can. They're definite heartbreakers, a force not to be reckoned with. However, they make great friends, and are always fun to be around - just not romantically. Our southern woman charm unfortunately reels in all the cowboy casanovas. We're beautiful sassy wildflowers, but we sure as hell know how to pack a punch too. Boys, remember that.

Growing up Southern, I became who I am today, and I love myself for it. I could wear makeup any day I want, but I can also rock the no makeup look and still feel beautiful. I can make a mean pitcher of sweet iced tea, or a delicious batch of mexican cornbread. I can drive a big jacked up truck easily, and I don't mind hard work one bit. I'm an independent woman who knows how to have fun and still come home safe, and I know how to put any disrespectful man in his place. Growing up Southern, I learned to love everyone just how they are and know that God's word is always the best way. I appreciate the fact that I grew up Southern, it's my personal blessing.