Mom Bloggers

Have you noticed how many mom bloggers are out there today? Many different takes on things, different ideas on what their blog should be or represent, reviews, laughs, family, trials .... you name it, it's out there. And this is what people are reading today! Not just women, but men too. What draws people to the sites of mom bloggers? Why do so many people want to follow the thoughts and happenings of moms?

Here is my take on it. All moms, whether stay-at-home or working, have a different perspective on life. Even different from the perspective they had before becoming a mom. Why? Children! Children forever change the way you look at and handle anything and everything. Life becomes a jumbled heap of dirty laundry, complete with about ten new job descriptions to uphold, and it is now our job to figure out how to juggle it all.... or not. To leave a mess on the floor in order to create a memory. To forget about the dishes in the sink in order to laugh. To realize that the "perfection" you maintained before is no longer a reality. In the midst of all of the adjustment, we have come to realize a new perfection. One that includes being covered in food or other things, being able to laugh in the midst of the storm, learning how to juggle more things than you ever imagined you could. Learning how to write blog posts like this while being asked a zillion questions by your husband and 2 children and intercepting before fights start between the kids! Yes, that is what I am doing right now. The glamorous life of a mom is now the hottest topic on the block!

What else do moms bring to the table? Too much to reference! Here are a just a few thoughts: Moms are some of the most creative and successful entrepreneurs. We have some of the best product ideas, become more creative in terms of how to make and save money, develop increased business knowledge and skills.... all due to busy schedules, the need to make things easier, ability to multitask and handle so much all at once and 24/7, first-hand experience on what kinds of things are needed and wanted. Thus comes the mom motivation. We understand first-hand how much it costs (financially and emotionally) to raise children and it creates motivation to be creative! Creative shopping and selling, playing the coupon game, creating charts, menus, sewing, crafting, etc. and blogging about it! Selling it! Utilizing the talents we have been given to generate income, fulfill needs and add another thing to our already full plates. Living life and blogging about it.

So kudos to all the mom bloggers out there. We have the perspective on life that everyone longs to know, understand and live. Okay, maybe they don't all want to live it but let's face it. Everyone is entertained and intrigued by the life of a mom. As well they should. It is by far the hardest job on the planet, yet THE most rewarding. If everyone can "experience" and begin to understand how someone who is pulled in so many directions and juggles so many different hats can still laugh in the midst of the dirty diapers, mountains of laundry, secretions of all kinds on their clothing, unending dishes, days full of whine and overall feeling of a shlump-a-dump, then maybe we would all experience less stress, take time to breathe, enjoy each moment, feel more free and understand that everything is a season. Enjoy where you are. There is purpose, even in the worst of it all. Even when you can't see a light in the midst of all the darkness. There is a way out. Learn to love where you are, the season that you are in and love who you are becoming in the process. OH! And the most important part .... REMEMBER TO LAUGH! It does a person good.

Goofy Lu

So, last night I was trying to keep the exhausted mood light (for both Abi and myself), so when Abi wasn't being obedient I tried to turn it into something silly. So that we could both sleep better since it was bedtime. It was more to keep me from flying off the handle - I was POOPED and so out of patience. Abi was testing boundaries, something she does WAY too well, and wouldn't finish her bathroom/ bedtime routine. I said to her, "Come on, Goofy Lu. Let's go." She giggled and said, "Mommy, what's a Goofy Lu?" I answered, "It is someone who is SOOOO silly." Her response? "And sweet..... and wonderful.... and precious.... and beautiful......" I smiled and replied, "Yes. You, my dear, are all of those things." She smiled, giggled some more and finished her routine.

Today I caller her a "punkin."

Abi: "Mommy, what's a punkin?"

Me: "Someone who is sweet."

Abi: "And cute..... and wonderful..... and peaceful..... and beautiful..... and ALL those thing!"

As she smiled, I told her that she was indeed all of those things!

We have had some VERY trying days with Abi. She is 3 1/2 and is really pushing closer to every line to see how much she can get away with. One of the hardest parts of being a parent is discipline and follow-through. Even this morning, after we got home from the mall, I had to put her in her bedroom and close the door until she could stop screaming so that we could communicate. It was about 30 minutes of all out, full blown screaming. Just when I think I am the worst and meanest mom on the planet, out pop reminders that I am also a loving, nurturing and encouraging mother. For Abi to be able to speak all of these wonderful and true adjectives and traits about herself is fabulous! And in recalling those adjectives herself, she is reminded of how sweet and wonderful God has created her to be. So am I. It is hard to see through and past the tantrums, but God has such a sweet way of reminding us that we are indeed doing a good job. That we are encouraging and nurturing. He has such a sweet way of speaking to us.... to me. I am thankful that He speaks to me through my children.

Part 2

Okay, so I have been thinking and praying about my last post. And as I was praying, an email popped into my inbox that was supposed to be filtered to another box. I opened it, read a few blog posts that were listed and all of a sudden ideas flooded into my head! Thank you Jesus! It is all jumbled at the moment, but I can say that I am excited about the possibility of being able link a few of those gifts and passions together.... writing, adoption, working from home.... I'll keep you posted! I am researching right now and getting letters together, but I just had to share the news. Stay tuned.

What to do....

I have been struggling lately with discovering what kinds of things I could do from home to bring in some money. I am not a sales person, so selling some kind of product is not for me - I have tried it. I used to sell Pampered Chef and while I LOVED doing the shows and totally believe in, love and stand by their products, the paperwork just about did me in every time. So, back to the drawing board.

Maybe I could sew! I would love to sew! Wait... I don't have a sewing machine. Can't knit, can't crochet, not really into scrapbooking..... hmmmm. Let's change thought patterns. What CAN I do? Ummm.... sometimes I can write, but as we can see here I sure don't seem to have the time. Maybe I could work more on that. I could. I can edit. I can sing. I can listen. I can cook/bake. What kinds of things am I passionate about? Passionate about orphans, foster care, adoption, worship....

You thought this was going somewhere, didn't you? HA! I can see hear the puzzled wheels turning as you read this strange list of can-dos and passions. I am just as puzzled. I find myself asking God what in the world I can do that incorporates these things so that I can look to potentially bring in some money to contribute to our household income. Something I could do from home. Yes, I think that was the sound of a big ol' wrench that stopped the wheels from turning. He has created me with a purpose and gifted me with these talents, so He must have something in mind. He has blessed me with two beautiful little girls to mother, so I believe the "at home" piece is possible too. So now I throw it all out there to see what you have to say. Hear your thoughts and see if you might help me loosen this wrench. And if you know me and I have left something off the list, please do remind me.

OK! Forum OPEN! :-)

Reviews?

So, I am starting to think this may turn into a blog of reviews... at least for a little.

As I mentioned in my last post, I am trying out different diapers. I tried the Kidget Diapers from Family Dollar Store and while they were softer than many (more of a fabric feel on the outside), they didn't hold overnight and my sweet girl has had a rash since we put them on her. I will say that they are true-to-size though and seem to fit well. They are bigger in the waist than the Pampers Cruisers, but they were still tight enough for my slim girl. What they are lacking is the piece that keeps moisture off the baby's skin. I think this may be something only Pampers has. At least from what I have found so far. I feel I can now check this one off the list.

I am now trying out the Target Up & Up Brand of diapers. I have read a ton of reviews on all kinds of diapers and it seems that many people have a problem with the pastel blue and green polk-a-dots on the outside. Here are my thoughts on that. Who cares? Almost every diaper has some kind of pattern on them and they are going to show through fabric. Everyone knows that baby's and toddlers wear diapers, so I really don't care what the diaper itself looks like. Now on to the diaper appearance and performance. I have not yet used it over night, but from first glance the construction and feel look exactly like that from the Family Dollar Store. I have a feeling they will perform about the same. The waist is about the same size as the Kidgets and again, the Up & Up are true-to-size. My sweet girls still has a rash, but I will continue to use these until this small bag is gone. I will just put Aquaphor on her tush.

Now onto Aquaphor. If you haven't hear of this product or used it, you need to go buy it and make it a staple in your home! I think I could also write a blog about diaper cream reviews since I have tried them all.... including prescription. I can honestly say that nothing works like Aquaphor! And we use it for everything. My older daughter used to have THE worst diaper rashes. Her skin is so very sensitive. After trying every cream and seeing the pediatrician for a prescription that didn't work, we tried this. It cleared up overnight!! We also used it on the face (cheeks, nose and mouth) when we lived up north to block wind and cold. Worked like a charm! I use it on my dry feet and hands overnight and by morning, you wouldn't know I had dry feet or hands. I use it on my lips when they are chapped too. When my children get little chapped places on their fingers or face, I put it on and everything clears right up. It is a bit expensive, but well worth every penny. If you have a membership to Costco or BJ's, go ahead and splurge on the giant container. We had one on each floor of the house and in the girls' room. It lasts forever since you only need to use a little.

I will continue to post on diapers as I try them, and I think I will begin posting on other things too! Please let me know what you are wondering about. Maybe I have already tried something or am about to and can let you know the verdict! Today I encourage you to go out and find some Aquaphor. I now live in the south and never have super cold weather, but still use Aquaphor daily. Buy and enjoy!!!!

Money Challenge

Today I decided to "step away" from certain brand names that I have been devoted to for a couple of years. Pampers being one of them. I know! I have tried all kinds of less expensive diapers and really none compare. However, between the sate of our economy and our wallets, I figure it is time. So, off on a mission I went. Off to pick up a few necessary groceries for less than $19 and some change - including diapers.

While I was out, my gas tank was on empty. So I stopped to get gas and prayed that God would provide everything I needed for what was in my wallet. I was only using cash today. As I was standing in line to pay for my $5 of gas (some of it in quarters), there was a man in front of me buying all kinds of lottery tickets. Every kind you can think of. The line behind me was growing by the second and this man just kept saying, "and why don't you give me one of .... too." I was thinking, "really? I am paying for my gas in quarters and you are spending more than my day's allowance on lottery tickets? What is wrong with this picture?" Then I found myself praying for him. Maybe he had a gambling problem. Or maybe he felt more desperate than I did. Maybe he didn't have the Lord like I do. WOW! As I finally paid for my gas and headed back to my car, I held my head high, thanking God that I have Him in my life to trust and rely on. Thanking Him for the cash to get gas and whatever else I needed today. Trusting that He will indeed provide for all of my needs.

After getting the gas, I went to the dollar store for diapers. They had a coupon in this week's flyer for a brand I had not hear of and I figured it was worth a shot. Worst case is that I have to do more laundry than normal this week. PLUS, with the dollar coupon it was only $5.50!!! What a steal! Then I picked up some toilet paper and checked for milk, but they were out. I checked out and paid $8.48. Then off I went to the grocery to get milk and coffee creamer. I know the coffee creamer is a luxury, but my husband doesn't ask for anything and he is so easy-going. This I will make sure stays in the house :-)

Got to the grocery store and made a change in decision regarding milk. I have always purchased organic for my girls since the first time Abigail went to milk. However, I just can't pay for it right now. So, knowing Amanda is only on whole milk for another month or so, I went half way with the grocery store's all natural milk (no hormones) and will just have both girls on the same thing. Then I picked up the creamer and went to check out. Total = $6.09. Score!!

Then I went back home, enough gas for errands this week (I think), milk, diapers, creamer and toilet paper. All for a total of $19.57. I went out not knowing that I needed gas and God provided even that! I still can't get over that total including diapers. I usually pay $40 a box every couple of weeks! And toilet paper? Yes, I changed brands on that too. Can't believe how much I have been spending on that too!

Now I think I might start to potty train Amanda a bit early. She's ready, and I am tired of paying for diapers :-) But above all, I am so very thankful and humbled that I serve a God who is so compassionate, loving, caring and provides each step of the way. I just have to remember to give it to Him and trust. He will not disappoint! He is so faithful, gracious and merciful.

Moments

Really? It's been almost a month since I have been here? I often think so much about "blog material" during the days I guess I think I actually write them down. Darn! Lots of material now forgotten! I will seriously try to be better about it all. I know, I know. Been there, said that... but really want to try.

So.... moments. I have really been low on patience these past several weeks.... maybe even months. I used to have boat loads of patience. I don't know what it is, really. Although I have started on birth control to try to figure out what may be causing all of my discomfort since having my second c-section. That could very well be the culprit! In any case, I have noticed how quickly I just run out of patience with my sweet girls. They are so smart that I think I expect way more from them than their little 1 1/2 and 3-year-old selves can take. I am trying to make more teaching moments than discipline moments, but man is it hard. Sometime you just lose it. I raise my voice, they get upset, tears are coming from both sides and what have we gained? NOTHING! All that has happen is that we have lost a moment (or a few) that we can never get back.

Last night we were at a party to celebrate a friend who is moving back home. I was talking to the host, someone I have only met once, and we were talking about taking advantage of the moments we have with our children. He said to me, "these are times we will never get back. Cherish every moment!" He has been talking with his wife about these very same things. She is a sweet friend and a GREAT mother. She is also a stay-at-home mom right now. As I continued talking with her husband, he shared that he has a 16-year-old daughter and he thinks back to some memories with her and realizes she is now too big to have those same experiences with. However, he has those memories. He cherishes those memories and moments shared. He doesn't want to miss anything with his son and new baby girl. And he is such an encourager to really find your patience with your children, understanding first-hand how quickly time really does go by and how there is no way to get lost moments back.

Then I find out that my sweet friend (his wife) attended a seminar on "Intentional Parenting." Okay, just the name is enough to make you step back and think about what how you are raising your children, how you react to situations and what your goals are. Is it survival? Or are you in it to really teach them to love God and people? What life is really about and how to live as Christ? What are your parenting goals?

WOW! I went to celebrate a friend and in the process, God has shown me that He had additional plans in my attendance. I can say that I am MORE than excited to have a play date with this sweet friend and to hear about her 8 pages of notes from her seminar. I don't think you can ever have too much information or ideas when it comes to parenting. I am reading a book on parenting right now that I will write about when I finish and I will say that while I don't agree with everything I read (outside of the Bible), I think that anything that makes you think about the reasons why you do things and process through what really matters is worth the read. More on that later.

In any case, take some time to really consider what your goals are as a parent. How you can achieve them. And try to remember to cherish and enjoy every moment with those sweet children. It is not always easy, but I have begun praying for that very thing each morning and throughout each day. Why am I surprised by how much easier it is to take a breath and work through it when I pray? Jesus is with me and in me, and He will continue to guide me through this awesome journey and privilege. What an honor to be called to parent my two beautiful, smart, sweet girls. I really don't want to mess this up. Especially now that I am discovering what tweens and teens talk about these days. That's a story for another entry....