Saturday, February 7, 2015

Hope for the Weary Mom

It starts early 5:15 a.m. with the blaring alarm...one day it blared the song, "I wish that I could be one of the cool kids," but in my mind I wished it said, "I wish that I could be one of the cool moms..." and then "What day is it?"

I haven't been this tired and so weary in a LONG time.  Days blend together, my Google calendar keeps me on track and my forever to do list is always getting items crossed off and added. The laundry piles are endless and the dish washer is either full or being filled.

I am so happy for my favorite author Stacey Thacker and her friend Brooke McGlothlin to republish their book, "Hope for the Weary Mom." They added 4 new chapters...and one that speaks to my heart about mom guilt.  I have mommy guilt every day as I rush Olivia to daycare, rush to work, try not to think about what she is doing all day- Does she miss me?, then rush to pick her up to spend time with her.  My favorite moment this week, "Mommy, can you teach me how to read this book?" I was so tired but I said yes.

When I get quiet moments I pick up the book- like gymnastics practice after I am done grading papers, writing this while Brendon took Olivia to the craft at Home Depot, it gives me time as a mom to know that I am not the only one who feels like they are epically failing at this mom job.

I have learned a lot about myself, especially Chapter 2, I learned that I am somewhere in between being an introverted doer and relater.  Probably my favorite quote is at the end of the chapter:

"We weren't created to be good at everything, but we're great at some things.  So let's vow to let God use us effectively in those areas, and fill the gaps with His grace and good friends. Don't complicate your life wishing you were someone else.  Be good at who you are- who God made you to be.  Know who God says you are, and trust him to fill in the gaps. Let go of what you're not, and hold on to what you've got."

I have to say this week this became real at work.  Our grade level was a bit stressed- lots of deadlines, lots to do.  A coworker of mine said, "I wish I were you, you are so together, you never stress." I told her it may look like I am all together on the outside but on the inside I am a hot mess...I try to not let things at work bother me, they will get done, lessons will get taught, and children will learn.  But we were all tired this week and we all had our fair share of tears, one thing we had in common is that we are moms, teachers, and friends and all a little bit tired and weary this week.

Looking forward to this week and choosing more hope in my little realm of the world.


I have to say I bought this little stone a few years ago when I needed some hope in my life...needless to say it comes in handy some days...

Saturday, January 31, 2015

Why can't I have a baby sister?

Last week our friends Mark and Michelle welcomed their baby Emeri Kate into the world.  We have been so excited for her arrival and Olivia has been very interested in Michelle and her growing tummy and when Emeri Kate will arrive.

We were so excited to go visit them last weekend and I talked a lot about Ethan being a big brother and how we have to be gentle with the baby and that she can't really play yet.  Then as we pulled into the Wal-mart parking lot she looks right at me, "Why can't I have a baby sister?" I was stunned and then I really didn't know what to say. But we both blurted out, "That's just not going to happen." and of course we got, "Why?"

How do you explain to an almost 4 year old that we prayed for her so long, waited patiently, and we tried to have another baby and God's plans were just different than ours? One day when she is old enough for me to explain it, I will. I hope that she understands and doesn't go through that whole ONLY child stage.  She is our miracle baby and our only baby and we are thankful and blessed every day for her.




Car Funnies

We had a very long ride back from the airport last week... Olivia had a good time with my phone...














Pre K already???

A few weeks ago at dance class a mom asked me if I had signed Olivia up for Pre K....ummm...no!!! I thought I had to do that in February!! She said that I need to go sign her up like...yesterday!!! Ahhh...I panicked.  So the following day I stopped at 2 places that have Georgia Funded Pre K....first place...Olivia was like 20th on the waiting list..ugh!! I thought that was crazy.  Stopped at another place...and the lady says, "Actually we have one space left!"  I about cried and started filling out the paper work.  Then another man came in and he started filling out paper work...ahhh...I felt like I was in a race to fill out all these papers!!! But last week Brendon and I were able to go back and take a tour, and turn in more documents that were needed.  They said she did have a spot. =) So happy and VERY happy it is close to home!!

But I can't believe that she will be going to Pre K! Craziness!!


Not being a good blogger

I apologize that I have not been a good blogger lately.  I give myself a big frowny face for that.  Life has been crazy busy the past few weeks.

A few days before Christmas we got a very early Christmas present of Brendo being asked to transfer to a different position and to go to day watch.  We were very excited because we knew in the long run we want him on days so he can see Olivia at night especially when she starts PreK. 

So life has been turned upside down since the beginning of January.  Olivia now goes to daycare 5 days a week which means we are up very early and we are very tired when we get home, especially on meeting days. 

But it has been wonderful to have Brendon home at night.  We take turns with baths and putting Olivia to bed.  Which gives each of us a break at times.  Having my parents here for a week was great too because then we got to sleep in. 

As I looked at the calendar at school yesterday...70 days left...we can make it...I hope!


Sunday, January 25, 2015

A week with Mema and Pepa

Mema and Pepa came to visit last week.  We had so much fun!!

Friday


Lots of playing!!

Pizza with friends




 Saturday


 Sunday



Monday- INK Gainesville
 Monday


 Tuesday




Wednesday







Thursday
Bowling at Stars and Strikes




Friday- Rainy and cold day =(





Olivia was so sad to see them go =( The house is so quiet...