Things a SAHM Needs

     Stay at home moms (SAHM).  They are the envy of most working moms, am I right?  I remember when I worked.  All I wanted to do it see my kids grow up, watch all of their "firsts", and basically just play all day long with them.  Now that I have the privilege to do that, I wouldn't trade it for the WORLD!  But sometimes, there are things about being a working mom that I miss.  I miss adult conversation;  I miss the chance to lock myself in the bathroom stall and "go potty" by myself. 

I was really thinking this morning, while attempting to tune out the whining of my threenager (a new term that I LOVE), that sometimes there are things that SAHMs need that people don't really think about doing.  PLEASE, please do not read this as a complaining post.  It is NOT intended at all to be that.  This is just me writing my crazy jumbled thoughts down.  I applaud all working moms, because I know where you are too.  You need these things too, maybe even more so. 

     We need help.  We need help, and we don't like to ask for it.  See, SAHMs are supposed to be super heroes (and I know I RARELY feel like a super hero), but truth is, there are so many days when I imagine what it would be like to have someone entertain my children while I do some dishes, or fold some laundry.  I KNOW that I can do those things WITHOUT help, but the thought is nice!

     We need time away.  I know that most SAHMs get that, but it is becoming SERIOUSLY hard to try and get away, because as much as I LOVE my three munchkins, they are a HUGE handful.  Yes, we have family in the area, and yes, they help, but I wonder if they DREAD hearing the phone ring with me asking AGAIN if they can watch the kids.  I love them for always being willing, but I know my children.  And they are exhausting.

     We need a hug.  A non-sticky, understanding, you're-doing-a-great-job hug.  We get hugs from our kiddos all day, and we LOVE that.  But having someone else just walk up to you and give you an encouraging hug just means the WORLD!  WARNING: we may cry.

     We need affirmation.  As mentioned above, we like to know that we are doing a good job.  Its good to hear, and does WONDERS to lift spirits!  When I see mommas in the store struggling with children, I try (when I'm not chasing down my own kiddos) and smile and tell them they are doing a good job.  Being a SAHM is a thankless job.  Yes, it is rewarding, but many times that affirmation gives that mom all that she needs to make it through another day.  

     We need prayer.  I know that I struggle ALL THE TIME with feelings of doubt, lack of strength, and just plain exhaustion.  But I believe in the power of prayer, and knowing someone is praying for you gives unbelievable reassurance, strength, and hope. 

     So next time you see that mom int he grocery store, trying to get what she needs with two kids running around the cart and another one in the cart crying (oh wait, it's probably me).  Say a prayer for her.  Tell her she is doing a great job.  And watch her face light up and her shoulders straighten. 

 

Being a Mom is TOUGH...

So I came across this wonderful website called Proverbs 31 Ministries.  They have online Bible Studies, and I am starting one today called "Am I Messing Up My Kids?"  I IMMEDIATELY signed up for this study, thinking "YES!  YES I totally AM messing up my kids!"

First day:  write a blog post about how being a mom is tough....oh boy.  I mean, seriously, I could write ALL DAY on that subject!

It IS tough being a mom.  I have three BEAUTIFUL children...(Brianna, 5; Carter, 3; and Makenna, 1) and I LOVE being their mommy.  But let's face it--life isn't all about bubbles and rainbows and hugs and kisses. These three precious children are HUMAN.  They were born sinners.  And they cry and whine and complain (alot!).  They do bad things, and drive me CRAZY, but through it all, I wouldn't change my life for the WORLD.

Another tough part about being a mom (at least for me) is that I ALWAYS second guess myself.  Am I doing what is best for them?  Am I making sure they have the best possible chance of being successful in their grown up lives?  Are they safe?  Are they loved enough?  Those thoughts alone can be so overwhelming at times!

There is one other aspect that I bring up that may or may not apply to some moms.  I hope and pray that it does not apply to you.  Another tough part about being a mom is not having your child with you.  We have an angel in heaven, and it is so tough feeling that empty spot so many times as life goes on.  I know God had a reason, and I know my family would not be what it is today if Malachi had survived, but believe me, that hole is still there.  If that has become a part of your life, know that my prayers are with you, and feel free to visit my page on Facebook ( HOPE Healing Our Pain and Enduring).  I am still in the building process of this new ministry, but know it is a safe place to honor you and your child.

So reading over this post, I think that I could say that YES, being a mom is tough.  But it is also the most rewarding thing I could have ever chosen to dedicate my life doing.

Launch Team!

I got the coolest email this morning!  It may become somewhat annoying to my friends, but I am VERY excited to be a part of the launch team for Karen Kingsbury's new book The Family of Jesus.  I am so excited to read this devotional!  So apologies if I am annoying about posing about all of this, but Karen's books have been such an encouragement to me, and I am excited to see how this one will do the same thing!