I have decided to put together a list of some of the things that help me to survive with my four little ones. In my recent travels some moms have said "I can't believe you take all your kids with you, everywhere!" or "you are super mom" and " I just don't know how you do it"
Well rule number one is don't fear it-- plan for it! I frequently get teased about the GIANT bag i carry. This is a MUST. I have cars, diapers, wipes, make-up bag with various meds/thermometer,extra panties for the girls, changes of clothes for the boys, snacks for me and the kids.... and the list goes on. I think some of you would prefer to carry a minimally stocked diaper bag just for the sake of not breaking your back. But if i get somewhere without it, I am going to wish i had it! My darling husband even order clips from "J.J. Cole" to attach my bag to my stroller in a more accessible way. They were only $15 and offer a great solution to digging in the bottom of a stroller and not being able to focus on your kids at the same time.So remember ITS ALL IN THE BAG!
Number two might scare some of you off, but hear me out. Sometimes if it cost more than we originally budgeted we deem it unnecessary. However with four little ones as close together as i had them, i needed some convenience helpers. We shopped for months for our stroller and it was seriously the best money we have ever spent. My first double was great- it survived our Disney trip- and was a great asset when the girls were little. I LEARNED A LOT FROM IT! things like when you go stroller shopping take a large diaper bag with you, even if you have to borrow one from a friend or take your biggest purse. "Basket space" is a huge factor! Most strollers add a disclaimer that warns against bags on the handles, this is for risk of flipping your stroller--- this WILL happen! most of the high end strollers are weighted but mine still flips. We did spend more on a stroller than we would have even considered, but mine can with the attachments accommodate ALL of my kids, so we decided since i am a lone ranger often that it was worth it for the safety of our kids.
Number three: Don't be afraid of returning things. I just mentioned two of the most used mommy essentials, and if you take these things home shove all your stuff in that bag and hate it, TAKE IT BACK! it doesn't matter if you have looked at it online for two months while you were waiting for the price to go down, if it doesn't work for you, you don't need it! I have gone thru several bags before i found the one i LOVE. I won't tell you how many because i kinda have a bag weakness, but this is one of those things that falls under the spending where it counts factor. And strollers can be returned if they haven't hit pavement! If you walk a mall with a new stroller, chances are that it won't show wear and tear too bad. So load up or borrow a friends kid for a day and test that sucker out! I am always amazed at how different a stroller feels with an infant in it than with a toddler-- these are things the manufactures don't want you to consider!
There is a great website called babygizmo.com where a mom of three kids orders every baby gadget on the market and reviews it on tape. She does things like the diaper bag fitting, kids of different ages/weights in a stroller and even reviews high chairs. it is a great blessing if you live in a smaller town like i do as far as your shopping options.
I NEVER PACK LIGHT! Rule number four: if it fits in your car-take it. I have been hassled about the "drawers" in the back of my suburban. Well in them i have an extra car seat cover( vomit never smells good baked in a car for eight hours), socks (for when you get to the jumpy place in flip-flops), spare outfits for the girls (my bag is only so big), a spare shirt for me etc. I think some of you might be freaking out now but seriously if you don't have it you will wish you did. I recently invested in a Fridge for me car. It is a coleman cooler that plugs into the cigarette lighter jack- i have one in the trunk so if works nicely- and it has made traveling much easier. You can then opt for a rest stop with a park and pb&j to save a little money. Capri suns and a sandwich sound pretty good after three hours in a car-- this way you can spend the time you allotted for eating running in the grass at the rest stop... you know with the soccer ball you always have in your car :)
Rule number 5: always build in extra time. If you know me well, ok if you know anything about me you know i am LATE. I can't blame that on my kids because i was late before kids too. But if i have to be somewhere like a dr that i will lose my appt
Okay these are my first five. It is midnight and all my kids are sleeping so i should be too, so i will post more later. In the mean time, tell me your tricks and little secrets that help you survive in the hectic life of being a mommy!
"I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me", even one handed with a baby on my hip! Phil 4:13
Tuesday, July 26, 2011
sneak peak
Monday, July 25, 2011
Grateful Hearts
MY kids can easily be defined as not wanting for much. Maybe even spoiled. Some might put me into that same category. I will sheepishly admit that my husband, dad, big sister, mom and my in-laws all provide my hearts desires regularly. That brings me here. I HAVE really everything a 26 year old broad could ask for. Why am i still sad?
Well after a jam packed, adventure filled 4 weeks in Texas i can answer that. Although i am on some medicine to help i truly believe being surrounded by my support system is a huge factor. People have begged to spend time with my kids these few weeks-- i love that. My mom is a huge help in Savannah and my dad and sister have both taken week-long shifts this year to help me as well. I am truly grateful for all of those times, but its the grocery trips, and quick errands that are made easier as 1 person rather than five that I relish. I will miss you all more than words can explain.
There have been three specific occasions that i was allowed to sleep in while someone else cared for my kiddos, I got almost a whole day with a grown-up-girlfriend (by default as we headed back to trinity pines) but we talked and had actual CONVERSATION! My tank is beyond full. Might even be sloshing over the top :) There are several that i wish i had been able to spend more time with, but it seems like that is always the case. No matter how long i am here i wish i could stay longer.
School supplies are purchased, new tennis shoes and soon a "first day of school" outfit will be carefully assembled. It is time to head home-- back to reality. I am reminded how much my life will soon change. Encouraged about meeting other young moms through the kinder programs; I pray that this is the case and that this new chapter brings a welcome "world change". Excitedly Lexi and read books about her first day at the book store and with a heavy heart I anticipate so many fun times while watching her grow this year.
The washer and dryer run quietly in the background as I begin to pack for my journey home. We carry with us memories in the capital city, VBS at our "home" church, an AWESOME week at kids camp, and lots of individual moments with great friends. Texas our Texas you will forever hold our hearts. Joel commented several times about how nice it was to come "Home" for a few days. No matter where we live or however long we reside in another state this will ALWAYS be home.
On my list to purchase today is a Texas Flag, But at the moment Georgia is on my mind....
Well after a jam packed, adventure filled 4 weeks in Texas i can answer that. Although i am on some medicine to help i truly believe being surrounded by my support system is a huge factor. People have begged to spend time with my kids these few weeks-- i love that. My mom is a huge help in Savannah and my dad and sister have both taken week-long shifts this year to help me as well. I am truly grateful for all of those times, but its the grocery trips, and quick errands that are made easier as 1 person rather than five that I relish. I will miss you all more than words can explain.
There have been three specific occasions that i was allowed to sleep in while someone else cared for my kiddos, I got almost a whole day with a grown-up-girlfriend (by default as we headed back to trinity pines) but we talked and had actual CONVERSATION! My tank is beyond full. Might even be sloshing over the top :) There are several that i wish i had been able to spend more time with, but it seems like that is always the case. No matter how long i am here i wish i could stay longer.
School supplies are purchased, new tennis shoes and soon a "first day of school" outfit will be carefully assembled. It is time to head home-- back to reality. I am reminded how much my life will soon change. Encouraged about meeting other young moms through the kinder programs; I pray that this is the case and that this new chapter brings a welcome "world change". Excitedly Lexi and read books about her first day at the book store and with a heavy heart I anticipate so many fun times while watching her grow this year.
The washer and dryer run quietly in the background as I begin to pack for my journey home. We carry with us memories in the capital city, VBS at our "home" church, an AWESOME week at kids camp, and lots of individual moments with great friends. Texas our Texas you will forever hold our hearts. Joel commented several times about how nice it was to come "Home" for a few days. No matter where we live or however long we reside in another state this will ALWAYS be home.
On my list to purchase today is a Texas Flag, But at the moment Georgia is on my mind....
Wednesday, July 13, 2011
Titleless
i am sitting in the quiet of my cousin's house. its two am and everyone else is sleeping. yet here i sit... well wallowing.
i clearly have issues but now is the time to sort thru them, ask God to walk with me thru them and to lead me out of this hole i sit so comfortably in these days. I am on the medicine that is supposed to "help" and haven't given it a fair chance yet so we will still see how that pans out. I still can't seem to figure out why being here makes me happy.
Well lets sort thru a few of the obvious.
Comfort Zone: Clearly these people know me as i am. lol and they tell me they love me as is-- haha not sure why but they stand firm in this decision. In Austin and in Houston there are people that have loved me through the roughest of times in my life leading to this one, and still remain steadfast my support system. I long for them now. Being able to have a quick last minute lunch with a friend or plan an impromptu dinner with the whole clan fills me to my brim. Hearing the constant words of encouragement and feeling like "all hands are on deck" helping me with my kids. It makes me feel wanted and normal.
Easy: Moving is never easy. Moving as an adult is a whole new ball game. As a child you are thrown into a school, whether you like it or not, and have to form relationships just because of who has the locker under you. Adults who work can sometimes fall into this category simply because you have to acknowledge the person that shares your cubical or "borrows" pens and never returns them. A stay at home mom however, misses all of these opportunities. There are great organizations that you can be a part of, don't get me wrong, but making a deep connection with someone while toddlers talk over you is far from easy. These-my insiders- are established, solid friendships-- that started in early parenting stages or even before... when i was a person first and a mommy only in my dreams.
Alone: i struggle not being able to be with people that lift me up daily. I need the words of affirmation from my fellow women. I quickly said tonight that "i have four children it takes a lot to get on my nerves.... well unless you are one of those children-- it only takes them 4 seconds" I need to be reassured that this is an OK feeling. I have been away from my kids for a week and no lie on the way home from picking them up they drove me BONKERS! I crave the candid responses from those walking in my shoes. I am in mops-- it helps-- but i want my people back. I know it is terribly selfish of me.
I also understand that the outlook i give for others to follow Gods plan is not good. I believe that God wanted us in Savannah for this season. I believe that i have a great deal of self discovery to do on this journey. I also believe that career wise for Joel this move was a must. But i do not believe that "cutting ties" and building a new foundation is for me. I am all for making new friends and starting new relationships, but what sustains me is the encouragement i get from the people that i don't have to spell it out too. The folks that know from just my silence in a car ride that something isn't right.
I had the pleasure of spending a week at camp this week with an amazing crew of staff, councilors, and campers. There are a good many of us that return year after year to enjoy the amazing kids, hungry for Christ, and i love getting to see each of them. they openly spoke about a noticeable change in me. Where in the darkness did i lose who i have been? I typically come away from this week in an indescribable place. this week i did a lot of reflection, and spent a good bit of time in prayer. watching the girls interact with pals- that end up being lifelong friends remind me that it is OK to be lonely for my friends. it is OK to cry out to my Father for help. He wants me to ask him what is next and how to claw my way out of my hole. He wants me to be confident in who has made me to be and the purpose he has given me.
These are all things i know and have known since i was little. But believing in yourself isn't something that is taught--no matter what the infomercials say. It is something you can feel, and slowly embrace. The greatest thing is knowing that even in the darkness tonight while i sit all alone, He is here. Stroking my hair, choosing my thoughts, guarding my heart...embracing me.
Song of Soloman 8:3 "His left arm is under my head and His right arm embraces me"
Psalm 16:11 "You have made known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand."
Isaiah 51:11 ... "Gladness and Joy will overtake them and sorrow and sighing will flee away"
completing the ropes course was amazing. it encouraged me as much as it encouraged the young girls that did it with me. Remembering to praise Him for the small joys.
i clearly have issues but now is the time to sort thru them, ask God to walk with me thru them and to lead me out of this hole i sit so comfortably in these days. I am on the medicine that is supposed to "help" and haven't given it a fair chance yet so we will still see how that pans out. I still can't seem to figure out why being here makes me happy.
Well lets sort thru a few of the obvious.
Comfort Zone: Clearly these people know me as i am. lol and they tell me they love me as is-- haha not sure why but they stand firm in this decision. In Austin and in Houston there are people that have loved me through the roughest of times in my life leading to this one, and still remain steadfast my support system. I long for them now. Being able to have a quick last minute lunch with a friend or plan an impromptu dinner with the whole clan fills me to my brim. Hearing the constant words of encouragement and feeling like "all hands are on deck" helping me with my kids. It makes me feel wanted and normal.
Easy: Moving is never easy. Moving as an adult is a whole new ball game. As a child you are thrown into a school, whether you like it or not, and have to form relationships just because of who has the locker under you. Adults who work can sometimes fall into this category simply because you have to acknowledge the person that shares your cubical or "borrows" pens and never returns them. A stay at home mom however, misses all of these opportunities. There are great organizations that you can be a part of, don't get me wrong, but making a deep connection with someone while toddlers talk over you is far from easy. These-my insiders- are established, solid friendships-- that started in early parenting stages or even before... when i was a person first and a mommy only in my dreams.
Alone: i struggle not being able to be with people that lift me up daily. I need the words of affirmation from my fellow women. I quickly said tonight that "i have four children it takes a lot to get on my nerves.... well unless you are one of those children-- it only takes them 4 seconds" I need to be reassured that this is an OK feeling. I have been away from my kids for a week and no lie on the way home from picking them up they drove me BONKERS! I crave the candid responses from those walking in my shoes. I am in mops-- it helps-- but i want my people back. I know it is terribly selfish of me.
I also understand that the outlook i give for others to follow Gods plan is not good. I believe that God wanted us in Savannah for this season. I believe that i have a great deal of self discovery to do on this journey. I also believe that career wise for Joel this move was a must. But i do not believe that "cutting ties" and building a new foundation is for me. I am all for making new friends and starting new relationships, but what sustains me is the encouragement i get from the people that i don't have to spell it out too. The folks that know from just my silence in a car ride that something isn't right.
I had the pleasure of spending a week at camp this week with an amazing crew of staff, councilors, and campers. There are a good many of us that return year after year to enjoy the amazing kids, hungry for Christ, and i love getting to see each of them. they openly spoke about a noticeable change in me. Where in the darkness did i lose who i have been? I typically come away from this week in an indescribable place. this week i did a lot of reflection, and spent a good bit of time in prayer. watching the girls interact with pals- that end up being lifelong friends remind me that it is OK to be lonely for my friends. it is OK to cry out to my Father for help. He wants me to ask him what is next and how to claw my way out of my hole. He wants me to be confident in who has made me to be and the purpose he has given me.
These are all things i know and have known since i was little. But believing in yourself isn't something that is taught--no matter what the infomercials say. It is something you can feel, and slowly embrace. The greatest thing is knowing that even in the darkness tonight while i sit all alone, He is here. Stroking my hair, choosing my thoughts, guarding my heart...embracing me.
Song of Soloman 8:3 "His left arm is under my head and His right arm embraces me"
Psalm 16:11 "You have made known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand."
completing the ropes course was amazing. it encouraged me as much as it encouraged the young girls that did it with me. Remembering to praise Him for the small joys.
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