Monday, September 17, 2012

Super Mom!?...No Way!


Well it has been just about forever since I have updated this mommy blog. I was so excited about in the beginning, but quickly fell behind with its up keep. What’s new? PROCRASTINATION is a  word that defines way too much of my life. Whether it’s blogging, cleaning, decorating, or doing the laundry, you will find that I dreadfully fall behind in many areas. I wish I was super mom. It would be a miracle if all my ducks were in a row, if the laundry was clean AND put away (that’s the hardest part for me). The house was vacuumed every 5-8 days. The bathroom was spotless, my bedroom was picked up, and I was dressed and ready for the day by 9am J. Maybe all of these things come naturally to you. But goodness gracious they don’t for me!It’s hard to be so open and honest,but it’s the truth. I usually have about 3-5 loads of laundry sitting around my house just waiting to be put away. I frequently find cheerios or other things the baby has dropped or dumped on the floor. I almost never get my shower in before 12pm, and there are always dishes around that haven’t made it to the sink yet. 
You might be thinking wow, do you get anything done during the day? Lol. I promise I do J. However, having a very curious 11 month old to chase around and take care of definitely hinders my ability. That is in no way an excuse to not get things done though. There is almost always time in the day to tidy up J. I often look forward to Eden’s nap time so that I can sit down, grab a snack, catch up on Facebook, and usually get a load of laundry in or pick up a bit. This time I know can be managed better.  But how is the question. So I ask you moms. What is your secret? How do you keep your house tidy, your children happy, and put dinner on the table every evening?
At the end of the day, if I’m still in my sweats, never got my shower in or put make up on, but my family was loved and well taken care of…it was worth it. I think that having occasional days like that is probably fine and common in many of our lives. However, I know there is a way to feel ready for the day, get much accomplished, and love my family too. So in all of our quests to be “well rounded and efficient moms” I ask you to share your 2 cents. Not just for me, but for us all!

Friday, July 6, 2012

Just 1 More Thing...

I have been thinking a lot lately about house cleaning. I have never been super great at it. I often fall very behind on cleaning, and picking up after myself and my little one. There are just some chores that never seem  to get done. Sure laundry gets done pretty much everyday around here, and I am constantly changing diapers, picking up toys, and putting dishes by the sink (eventually they will get washed!). However, things like scrubbing the bathroom, vacuuming, sweeping, moping..etc seldom get done. I am embarrassed to share that, but it is the honest truth. So when do you fit in the chores that you don't want to do, or that you feel always get left until they are just GROSS!?
I am taking a new approach to cleaning. Sure at the end of my life, I'll be more thankful for the people I have built relationships with, than if my house was neat and tidy all the time. But, a clean and de-cluttered house is also a very welcoming place for others! So there needs to be a balance. I can't let all chores go for the sake of relaxing and spending time with others. 
So in my house things pile up rather quickly ( how does this happen!? :)...So by the time I get around to cleaning things I am completely overwhelmed. So my idea is NOT to tackle all the chores in one crazy day, and then wait a month to do them all over again. It is simply this: "I can always do 1 more thing" (OR I can always add just 1 more thing to my To-do list today)...Whether it's spending 2 minutes to wipe the dirty bathroom sink that I keep looking at and thinking "man, I need to clean that", or taking 5 minutes to vacuum one room in the house. The BIG list of chores can easily be obliterated If I decide to NOT let it get so big. Sure it all sounds good it theory, but it will take daily discipline to make it happen. 

We all have our lists. There are little to-do's and big to-do's....So how do you tackle your list?

Thursday, June 28, 2012

Faithful Father

Moms, do you find yourself overwhelmed a lot? There is always too many dishes to wash, and loads of laundry to do. When will we ever catch a break? Then of course we have our kids. Many of us have children that rely 100% on us to get through the day! We are responsible to love them, feed them, change them, watch over them...and the list goes on! I am sure I am not the only one that gets caught up in the day-to-day. Or some times chooses to ignore the daily list of to-do's! Well whether you tackle each day with confidence and vigor, or just try to get through it.
Whether your day is complete CHAOS or as peaceful as could be. Remember that your heavenly Father sees it all! He is there ALWAYS. When your frustrated, angry, defeated, happy, or filled with joy. He is there! Cling to Him when the tears are streaming down your face,and when you're at your wits end! His faithfulness surpasses that of anything or ANYONE else in this world. Sure we have families for support and encouragement. God gave us others to walk this journey with us. But at the end of the day remember who your FATHER is!


Lamentations 3:22-23
Because of the Lord's great love we are not consumed, 
for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning,
Great is your faithfulness.


Mark is a wonderful father to our darling Eden, but nothing compares to the love and care our Heavenly Father shows us.

Monday, June 11, 2012

We're All in This Together!


Is it just me, or does motherhood sometimes seem like a competition? We all want to do what is best for our child(ren). But somehow in the middle of it all, we wonder what all the other Mamas out there are doing. Maybe that is the farthest thing from the truth for you, and I would consider that a very good thing. However, for me it is a constant battle. I always think other moms have it more together than I do. They have their child on the "perfect" schedule, in the nicest clothes, in the #1 rated car seat...and the list goes on and on!
Who said that was what was most important? NO ONE (just the voices in my head). Maybe you use formula, or maybe you breastfeed. Maybe you're a "type A" Mama who has all your ducks in a row, or maybe you're the Mom who likes a flexible and some what unpredictable schedule. Maybe your child goes to bed at 8pm on the dot, or you still don't know what time they'll go to bed tonight. Maybe your child eats only organic food, or your child tastes every little thing you eat.
The point I am trying to make is it's not about all the details. It comes down to loving and nurturing our children, and raising them to love and serve the LORD. Sure we all have our preferences, but they shouldn't divide us. We need each other on this journey of motherhood. We all need encouragement, advice, love, acceptance and NOT judgement. So embrace your parenting style. Don't compare! Love and care for your children the way YOU think is best. Remember you have friends and family to lean on. After all We're all in this together! :)

Tuesday, May 22, 2012

The Little Things are Really the BIG Things!

Thank you Rachel for writing this great post!
.http://www.feminagirls.com/2012/04/10/the-littleness-of-motherhood/#more-4170  .What a great reminder to us all! This goes together beautifully with the song by Steven Curtis Chapman called "Do Everything". I encourage you to take time to click the link, and read the post Rachel has written. Then look up the song by Steven Curtis Chapman. May these both be an encouragement to you today!

*These are the lyrics to the Steven Curtis Chapman song if you are unfamiliar with it.

"Do Everything"
your picking up toys on the living room floor for the 15th time today

Matching up socks
Sweeping up lost cheerios that got away

You put a baby on your hip
Color on your lips and head out the door

While I may not know you,
I bet I know you
Wonder sometimes, does it matter at all?

Well let me remind you, it all matters just as long
As you do everything you do to the glory of the One who made you,
Cause he made you,
To do
Every little thing that you do
To bring a smile to His face
Tell the story of grace
With every move that you make
And every little thing you do

Maybe your that guy with the suit and tie
Maybe your shirt says your name

You may be hooking up mergers
Cooking up burgers
But at the end of the day

Little stuff
Big stuff
In between stuff
God sees it all the same

While I may not know you
I bet I know you
Wonder sometimes, does it matter at all?
[ Lyrics from: /www.lyricsmode.com/lyrics/s
Well let me remind you, it all matters just as long
As you do everything you do to the glory of the One who made you,
Cause he made you
To do
Every little thing that you do
To bring a smile to His face
Tell the story of grace
With every move that you make
And every thing you do

Maybe your sitting in math class
Or maybe on a mission in the Congo
Or maybe your working at the office
Singing along with the radio

Maybe your dining at a 5-star
Or feeding orphans in the Myanmar
Anywhere and everywhere that you are

Whatever you do
It all matters
So do what you do
Don't ever forget

To do everything you do to the glory of the One who made you,
Cause He made you
To do
Every little thing that you do
To bring a smile to His face
And tell the story of grace

As you do everything you do to the glory of the One who made you,
Cause he made you
To do
Every little thing that you do
To bring a smile to His face
And tell the story of grace
With every move that you make
And every little thing you do

In every little thing you do
In every little thing you do


More lyrics: http://www.lyricsmode.com/lyrics/s/steven_curtis_chapman/#share
 *Every little thing I do for this little girl does not go unnoticed by my Savior and King! So thankful He has entrusted me with one of His children.


Thursday, May 17, 2012

A Child and Their Playtime

So Mama's what is your take on child play? My daughter is only 7 months old, and she can already play alone. It is certainly fun to see her discover new things and interact with her toys. A welcome relief as well, knowing that I can make lunch,  put laundry in, or just relax without having to entertain her at the same time. However, I want to make sure I am giving her "face time" each day. Lately I have been spending time with her outside in the mornings. I'll read on the porch why she bounces away in her ExerSaucer. I try and read with her at least once a day, and make a daily effort to sit and interact/play with her.
I have heard many moms simply include their child in their daily activities. Example: If folding laundry, have the baby on the floor and involve them in the task. Throw a shirt over them and play peek-a-boo. Sing. Talk..etc.Some moms I'm sure spend time playing,dancing, singing, coloring, painting, swimming,running....with their kids. Other moms have a great balance. They involve their children in productive activities, and also spend time playing with them each day.What is your method?
Keeping in mind that some independent playtime is a GREAT thing for children. It allows them to create, discover, and entertain themselves. So how do you balance your time with your kids?
*Eden loves spending time with her Daddy!

Tuesday, May 8, 2012

Comparison:Does it steal your joy?

Alright Mamas, I've been a little out of touch this week. This past week just flew by, and my husband and I were in a wedding on Saturday.The wedding was wonderful, if any of you were wondering! I'm so glad to have these 2 people in my life, and now as fellow young married friends :).
However, weddings can bring out one of the worst things in me. Others don't really see it, for the battle is in my heart. This word is ugly. It should not be in my vocabulary because it frequently steals my joy. That word is COMPARISON! I have recently read this popular quote "Comparison is the thief of joy". I 100%  agree with this. Comparing doesn't just apply to weddings. Sure I think about my wedding flowers ( Should I have had more?), my pictures ( Did I have enough poses?) my centerpieces ( Why did I do them that way?). Seriously, it has been almost 2 years since my wedding day, and these questions still float around in my mind. Don't get me wrong. My wedding day was a lot of fun. From the sweet ceremony, to fun pictures in the field with lots of friends, to good food and dancing, and cake smashing! I had a great day! God was honored, and we enjoyed ourselves, what more do you need?
However, comparison isn't just tied to my wedding. I guess that would make it a lot easier to deal with if it was!
Comparison creeps into my life on daily basis. Whether it's comparing my clothes, my parenting techniques, my babies abilities, the clothes I have her in, the house I live in...and the list goes on and on! Exhausting right? How many of you struggle with this? Am I alone?Now maybe you are not like me, in that you are constantly comparing in almost every situation, and that's a good thing :).
However, if you do find yourself struggling with comparison. What do you do?

Well this is something simple you could do when you are tempted to compare. It comes from a children's song.
"Count your blessings, name them one by one, count your blessings and see what God has done"
REALLY. If you stop when you are tempted to compare, and think of 5 things the Lord has already blessed you with, I wonder if it would change your perspective. I need to do this more often. How about you?

*As I count my blessings...She is one of them! :)

Sunday, April 29, 2012

A Balancing Act

In my last post, I reminded you all to squeeeeeze in some time for yourself each day. However, I would severely miss the mark if I did not add to that. As a wife, and a mother you have a significant role in your family. Sure you do laundry, cook, clean etc. But, more importantly you love and take care of your child(ren). You help shape who they are, and who they will become. However, you can't do that on your own. You need your spouse, and you need God.
God must always come first in your life. This is a huge challenge for me. Since Eden arrived, my time with the Lord has been scarce. So I challenge you, as well as myself, start your day with God. This is even more important than time for yourself. God is the one that gives strength to the weak, hope to the hopeless. Through His strength, you can tackle the challenges of each day. God can help you be the godly wife, and mother you need to be. Remember, each day you are being watched by your kids. You are their role model. What do you want them to model? Anger, frustration, lack of patience, selfishness? No, I don't think so...What about love, patience, kindness, gentleness, self-control. Yes, I think we could all live with this list! Dare I say, THRIVE on this list! You see just as you want your kids to model you, our heavenly Father wants us to model Him. With the power of His Spirit we can love our kids, be patient with our kids, be kind to our kids, and the list goes on!God is our ultimate strength in life! With Him all things are possible!
After God is in His rightful spot, consider your husband. When is the last time you spent quality time together,without the kids? The relationship between a husband and wife should be guarded well! Before there were little ones, it was just the 2 of you, and in 20 + years it will again just be the 2 of you. It is so easy to get wrapped up in the every day life of parenthood, that you forget to fuel the romance, and grow your relationship. ( I know I only have 1 child currently, but I can already see how much time is given over to her. This will only multiply with more children I presume. ) So whether it's a 30 minute walk once a week, a date night, or simply putting your phones and lap tops away, and sitting on the couch to re-hash and discuss how you are both doing. If you have to pencil it in on your to-do list! DO IT! God created the family, yes that's true...but He also created the institution of marriage. This relationship you share with your spouse is to emulate the relationship God has for His people, the church! God has sacrificed so much to have a relationship with you. Will you take the hint? Invest your heart into your marriage, and I promise you God will bless it!
Sooo...How are you doing with this balancing act? Remember God always comes first, then your husband, your family...and then time for yourself! God knows your deepest needs and desires. Trust Him with your heart! Give Him your first fruits, He knows more than anyone when you need a "break".


*My husband  Mark is such a wonderful spouse and  Father! He  has taken care of Eden many time when I've needed breaks . Sneaking in time alone can be  tough, but  we  are committed to each other, and  we desire to have a strong marriage. We are not perfect   by any means. I hope you all know that  I have not "arrived". I  still have  so much to learn when it comes to balancing all the things on my plate. Be encouraged, you are not alone!

Friday, April 27, 2012

You're Still You!

We are all unique as women! From a young age we begin to realize this. Our talents/abilities, hobbies, personalities,and interests are not always the same as our friends. There are different things that make us tick as women. Maybe your idea of a relaxing night is cuddling up on the couch in your pj's, watching a chick flick. Or maybe it's dressing up and going out to dinner and a movie. We all work and relax differently.Whether you're a wife, mother, aunt, daughter, teacher, receptionist, lawyer, doctor etc., It is important to remember who you are. Your titles may change so fast that it makes your head spin. But at the end of the day, you're still you!
What were you like before your child(ren) arrived? Did you have a date-night with your spouse each week? Did you attend weekly bible study? Did you have all the time in the world to... work,scrapbook/craft, do house projects/decorate,read, spend time with friends, blog,workout,serf the web...etc? I don't know about you, but when my daughter arrived, life CHANGED! :). She was, and still is completely dependent on me. How overwhelming, and wonderful! I love her dearly. But the truth is, she is a lot of work! Each baby/ child takes a lot out of you!
So after you feed, change(maybe your done with this stage :), walk, play,read, bathe,sing, and put your child(ren) to bed at night...and fit in cleaning, laundry, cooking dinner of course, when in the world do you take time to relax? Maybe you find yourself laughing at the very thought. "Time for me? Are you insane? I barely have time to shower, and eat during the day, ". Maybe you're thinking, "Actually, I have a perfectly good schedule. I Spend plenty of time with my kid(s), and fit in all of the above" (If this is you, what is your secret!?). Or maybe this is you, "I crave time for myself, and sometimes feel guilty that I'm not spending every waking moment with my kids". Maybe you are bits and pieces of the people I described.
This is my challenge to you! Take 10 minutes each day just for YOU! If you can take more, do it! You see becoming a wife or a mother adds to your responsibilities, but you're still the same person. God made you unique. Becoming a wife or a mother doesn't take away from who you are already. In fact, it adds to it.
It is a constant challenge to take time to do things we like, because we are so wrapped up in our children. In twenty years or more when your kids have grown, and your house is empty, will you remember who you are? Don't stop growing and changing. God has a unique plan for you! ( Don't worry He has your kids in mind too!).So go on that girls night-out, do that pinterest project, read that book, start that workout plan you wanted to try! I am not saying, abandon your child(ren), but I am saying don't leave yourself behind :).

*A picture of one of my hobbies. Making hair bows for Eden! Don't be fooled, I also spend a lot of time doing things just for me,on Pinterest and facebook ;).

Thursday, April 26, 2012

Your Children Want You!

Thank you April Perry for writing this.http://powerofmoms.com/2012/04/your-children-want-you/ What a fantastic article! A good reminder for us all. Remember, your family loves you for who you are! :)

So...Here is a picture of my little family! They love me for me, and I am so thankful for that!

Wednesday, April 25, 2012

Everything in Moderation

There is never a dull moment while raising a child. Whether it's them becoming mobile, teething, advancing to solids, talking, walking etc. Children are ever changing. Just ask any middle aged adult. They will tell you they still think of their grown up children, as wee little ones. They can't believe how much time has past! My mom often reminds me of what I was like as little child. Always happy, and singing about just about ANYTHING. Running around in my "spinny dresses",as I called them.
Each new stage has its ups and downs. My daughter is now into the "crying anytime someone leaves the room" stage. This is not my favorite. At first, I thought it was cute that she missed me. Now I can't seem to get much done, when she is awake. I have discovered that she likes VeggieTails! I can often distract her for at bit while I eat my breakfast. However, I don't want her to watch too much TV. I'm not sure if I have to worry about that at this age,she gets distracted too easily to watch longer than 5-10 minutes or so. But what's your take on it? I think it's ok in moderation. Maybe just as a part of our morning. Is it a part of your daily routine? Do you only watch it on the weekends, or for special occasions?

Tuesday, April 24, 2012

Embrace the Adventure!



I am exciting about starting this new blog! I hope to encourage you mamas out there! You are not alone…Each day is an adventure with a little one (or more than one). I find it encouraging to follow the journeys of other moms, and I hope you do to. I will share the ups and downs, the laughs and tears, the happy days and the “pull your hair out” kind of days, with you all! I hope to post helpful and encouraging links on here too. Whether it’s ha sale on diapers, or a story that will touch your heart.
So Wake up each day with a sense of purpose. You have the greatest job in the whole world, you're a mom!