“Life is better being a mom.”
Surviving 10 Days Without Dad
For the last 10 days I caught just a glimpse of what life is like for single mothers as my husband went out of town to take the last class for his doctoral program. I am such a proud wife, but I knew a week and a half with our four girls and none of his help would be interesting to say the least. Here we are, 10 days later. It wasn't easy, but I survived!
The Best Parenting Advice
As a mama of four girls, I have received my fair share of parenting advice. I have gotten advice from others who are also parents, grandparents, and even from the moms who have never had children. You know, the women who have the perfect non existent children? Aren't they just well behaved?! One thing from all of them alike though is that the advice typically comes from a very loving and helpful place. But from all that advice I have received over the years, what exactly is my best piece of parenting advice for you??
Don't listen to others!
I Am a Great Mom
Have you ever had that horrible sinking feeling creep into your head that you are a bad mom? Well, you are not alone! I have yet to meet a mom that doesn't feel that way about herself from time to time. Us moms tend to be constantly feeding into the lies that we are no good at what we do. We focus so often on our negative qualities that sometimes it doesn't allow for the good ones to shine through.
Any Transition In Parenting Is the Hardest Transition
As a mom of four girls, I am constantly asked by people expecting a new baby, the question of "which transition was the toughest?". My answer is always the same....every single one!
For those who are new readers or don't know my story, here's a little background. I met my husband when my oldest was 2 months old. We fell in love FAST and we got married just 11 months after meeting.
Raising Kids Really Does Take A Village
I would like to sit here and tell you that me and my husband have got this whole parenting thing figured out. I would love to tell you that my children need us and only us. I'd love to even say that when they need help with something, they automatically want to come to us, and whenever they have a question, we are their first choice of people to ask. However, I'd be lying if I said that. My daughters and all kids everywhere need other adults to come alongside of us parents as we raise our children. Okay, so me and my husband are extremely lucky!
Dear Parents, Quit Trying To Achieve Perfection
While sitting in Starbucks the other day, I notice a family of four waiting for their coffee. I hear the mom angrily say to her son to tuck his pants into his boots because his pants are high waters and he's making her look bad. Then I had a rush of moments just like this run through my head. Moments where I've seen and heard parents force perfectionism onto their kids. Often for the sake of themselves.
The good lies
Growing up we were all taught that lying was wrong....okay, so maybe it actually is, but I'm pretty sure it doesn't stop us parents from doing it anyways.
Being a parent at Christmas blows
I'll admit it. Being a parent at Christmas blows. Christmas is a beautiful time of the year. All the decorations. All the caroling. All the cookies. All the family. All the presents. And you know....of course Jesus. Hallelujah! So why on earth is Christmas a nightmare with children?
Hang in there tired mama
If you're a mama, you're tired....so tired. Sometimes you'll wonder how you're gonna make it through the day, and then you realize it's not even noon! Sometimes you'll be on your fifth coffee and you're still thinking you need tape to keep your eyes open.
Sister best friends
If you're a parent, I'm sure you feel the same as me. Our heart desires for our kids to become the best of friends! We want them to go to each other when they need encouragement, want to have fun, need advice, but most importantly....when they need love.