monday — stuffed peppers
tuesday — sloppy joes
wednesday–beef vegetable stew
thursday — spaghetti with meatballs
friday — sweet potato & black bean chili
Incredible Family » Blog
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For the days we are running on empty. For the days we just don’t think we have it in us to read one more story, play one more game of Uno, wash one more round of sheets. For the days when we think everyone else has it together. For the days we’re sure anyone else would do this job better. For those days. You know the ones. Repeat after me: 1. I shall not judge my house, my kid’s summer activities or my crafting skills by Pinterest’s standards. 2. I shall not measure what I’ve accomplished today by the loads of unfolded laundry but by the assurance of deep love I’ve tickled into my kids. 3. I shall say yes to blanket forts and see past the chaos to the memories we’re building. 4. I shall surprise my kids with trips to get ice cream when they’re already in their pajamas. 5. I shall not compare myself to other mothers but find my identity in the God who trusted me with these kids in the first place. 6. I shall remember that a messy house at peace is better than an immaculate house tied up in knots. 7. I shall play music loudly and teach my kids the joy of wildly uncoordinated dance. 8. I shall remind myself that perfect is simply a street sign at the intersection of impossible and frustration in Never Never land. 9. I shall embrace the fact that in becoming a mom I traded perfect for a house full of real. 10. I shall promise to love this body that bore these three children out loud, especially in front of my daughter. 11. I shall give my other mother friends the gift of guilt-free friendship. 12. I shall do my best to admit to my people my unfine moments. 13. I shall say sorry when sorry is necessary. 14. I pray God I shall never be too proud, angry or stubborn to ask for my children’s forgiveness. 15. I shall make space in my grown-up world for goofball moments with my kids. 16. I shall love their father and make sure they know I love him. 17. I shall model kind words to kids and grown-ups alike. 18. I shall not be intimidated by the inside of my minivan this season of chip bags, goldfish crackers and discarded socks too shall pass. 19. I shall always make time to encourage new moms. 20. I shall not resent that last call for kisses and cups of water but remember instead that when I blink they’ll all be in college. … with love from one tired mother to another. Editor’s note: This piece was written by Lisa-Jo Baker and originally appeared on her blog, but I LOVE it and thought you might too. For more inspiration from Lisa-Jo check out her blog:http://lisajobaker.com/ My sweet Dash is struggling with some anxiety, manifesting in clinginess, sleepless nights, and belly aches. It’s no surprise given the magnitude of the transitions & changes headed our way. He knows he’s getting a little sister, but it’s all very unknown as to the “when”, which is tough not to pinpoint a timeframe for him. He knows mommy is going to pick up little sister and be gone for 3 weeks. He knows our best friends are moving this summer to another country. He knows school is ending and he’s getting a whole new teacher/class/routine. Lots of big stuff. As his mom, it’s my role to set the tone for how we respond and my job to teach him how to cope with the not-so-easy stuff of life. The norm in our house is open communication and talking freely about feelings, whether they’re good, bad, or scary. We focus on very simple statements and expressions. I have put a positive spin on each thing in a way he can connect with, like “I have to be gone for a little while to get Lyla, and I will be really sad to be away from you, but we are both going to have so many fun stories of our adventures to share with each other when I get home!” (since he loves sharing stories) The problem I’m having with Dash right now is he doesn’t have the capacity yet to fully express the feelings he’s having of fear and uncertainty in a way that would help him “process” them. None of us really do because we don’t know what to expect and we don’t know what the changes will look like. Of course we’re super excited to welcome a little sister, but there is a lot of unknowns surrounding it as well, especially the “picking her up” part. The result is sleeplessness and continued belly aches. Does anyone have ideas on tangible ways to help him express, or is it just taking it one day at a time as we walk through each new change? I’m sorry Dash is having a hard time right now (and you, by extension). Those are a lot of big changes, for sure. I have no suggestions…. will pray though, for your family as you all wait and adjust. Hang in there, mama! I would say you are doing everything you can do for him! The only suggestion I would add is to try and verbalize things for him as you talk it through? I’m sure you are already doing that, but perhaps if he is having a bad moment, you can stop him in the moment and try to verbalize for him. Just a thought. Maybe art therapy? If he draws what he is thinking/concerned about? I know he loves to express himself that way. I hope things get better soon and that the stress levels die down a bit. Love to you all. It sounds like you are doing a great job! I’ll keep you in my prayers! my favorite mother’s day gift, letters from my boys, parts of which made me laugh hysterically ~ Dash (handwritten by him) Jack Jack: all about my mommy So sweet! Do share your recipe for wombat soup!! ;o) Blessings! I’m impressed your “favorite” place to go is the grocery store Aw, these are precious! So adorable! I am totally cracking up about your favorite place being the grocery store! I love it! “Favorite Place is the Grocery Store” My favorite way to relax is to spend time outside in nature with those I love….this weekend was perfect…..did a few photo shoots, went to a winery (saturday) for wine & live music on the grounds of the winery with some of my favorite girls, and relaxed with a picnic lunch (sunday) in the lilacs at the gorgeous botanical gardens with my family!
Wonderful photos and a great setting! I’m so glad you had a nice relaxing day with your family. Oh, and I like the blog reboot–I was missing that owl. Beautiful photos, Emily! Always love the ones when your boys are showing love to one another. So very precious! What a beautiful spot! I adore lilacs! Is that wisteria hanging off the wall over the river. I’m sure the boys had a grand time too. Blessings! |
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I wish I could say the same.
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