When thinking about the hero, the savior, the ‘chosen one,’ one rarely pictures the tired mother. Her hair a mousy brown tied back in a bumpy pony tail. The ends of her hair sun bleached and crispy (having regulated trips to the salon every 12 months instead of the recommended three.) Her nose and forehead slightly pinker than the rest of her pale face - it’s easy to remember to sunscreen the children but not so much herself. Her eyes stand out bright blue with golden flecks surrounding her pupil, they appear quite vivid in contrast to the grey bruising from lack of sleep under her eyes. Her shoulders are slightly broad, though not nearly as broad as her hips. Hips genetically passed down from German peasant ancestors to bring big healthy babies into the world - which she has done successfully, twice, in two years. Her soft stomach makes the perfect pillow for tired toddlers and her strong arms and legs often carry their sleepy forms to bed. She is healthy, she is tired, and she is not at all ready for adventure.