Oveflowing

As I sat in the waiting room of a doctor's office tonight, I scanned a,"Good Housekeeping," magazine. The magazine was filled with advertisements, recipes, home tips and articles written about inspiring women. Women who do it all. Women who have interests and hobbies that make them happy. I put the magazine down after feeling too overwhelmed while reading it. I feel that a lot lately. Overwhelmed by the messages to women these days. Overwhelmed by what we are, "supposed to be." I just can't read it some days.

I have a whole lot of life going on in my house these days. Three very busy little boys who need my love,  care and attention all day long. A hard working husband who also needs me daily and whom I want to support. A house that somehow gets dirty the second after I clean it. A body that somehow continues to age, even though in my mind I am still twenty years old. A calendar that continues to fill up, despite my desires for us to be home and together as much as possible. And hungry belly's that never seem to stop feeling hunger! It just never ends. Blessings are overflowing in my life... I am not complaining, trust me! It just gets to be too much sometimes... I am tying so hard to daily refocus on what really matters most. My faith, My family, My home.

Although the world would have me believe that this is ridiculous. We live in a ME world. The world would have me believe that I need to have it all and still look beautiful everyday. I need to have weekly girl nights, date nights and daily work out sessions. Everyone is so afraid to, "lose themselves." I am sorry... how do these ladies in the magazines do it?? I am happy if I have showered most days! A successful day to me is when I have showered, put clothes on, played with my kids, taught them a thing or two, cleaned the house, made a nice meal, then spend some time with my kids and husband before bedtime where we say our prayers and read the bible. This makes me feel happy. This is what is important right now. I feel frustrated that the world makes me think this isn't enough. I feel frustrated that some days, I even question it? Yes, sometimes I work out... yes, sometimes I have girl nights... even date nights... sure. But, it is impossible to do it ALL and do it all well. I want to be the best wife and mom I can be while I am lucky to be alive. I want to live for Jesus and be the best version of myself as often as possible. This does not always allow me time for facials, fancy drinks and hours of exercise. If it is in my plan to live a long life... which I hope it is. I am sure I will have time for all of that... but for now, it's just me the mom and wife. Yes, I will do it in Jo fashion and not," lose myself," I am myself... I am a friend, sister, mom, wife and yes a home maker and proud to be one! It's not everyone's cup of tea, but it is mine. I am a lover of life and I am in love with mine and feel blessed to have it. I am happy with who I am . Stop judging me magazine lady!

Mothers Day in more ways than one

I had a wonderful Mother's day today thanks to my sweet husband and boys. I woke to four smiling faces handing me heart shaped chocolate chip pancakes and wishing me happy mothers day. What could be better? I ate them and then actually went back to sleep! Amazing. It was a beautiful day and all I wanted was to be outside with the boys. I wanted to play and work on the screened in porch. Jon got us pizza for lunch and take out for dinner. So, no cooking for Mama! Again, amazing. I have so much to be thankful for. I truly do. It is hard to believe that there once was a day where someone did not call me mom. I have grown so accustom to it, that I take it for granted. I love being a mother more than I could have ever imagined. I am grateful for my desire to be with them as much possible. I am thankful to God for showing me what gifts they are on a daily basis. My boys are teaching me so much about myself and the world! Love, love, love you boys. I am grateful for a husband who shows me love in such a simple, thoughtful and personal way! Love you hunny!

After a perfect day, I then made the mistake of signing on to Facebook. As I looked at the pictures of ladies with their moms, it hit me. I am so happy for everyone who has a mother to celebrate. Although, I must admit it hit me hard tonight. That's just how grief works. It hits you like a Mac truck! Missing mom big time right now. Just feeling sorry for myself I guess. Not something I allow myself to do because it feels completely crummy and foreign. However, I am wishing I could have been with her today. I know she would have just loved watching my boys play with each other. It's crazy how I can have all these feelings lay dormant in my heart and a silly song on the radio, picture in a book or a blow of the wind can just bring them right out! Feeling the need to focus on the bright side of the road for a minute as I know God would have me do...

Job 5:11
The lowly he sets on high, and those who mourn are lifted to safety.
Matthew 5:4
Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.
Psalm 88:9
my eyes are dim with grief. I call to you, Lord, every day; I spread out my hands to you.

 

Here are a few pictures updates from the week to keep me focused on all the blessings I have in my life! Help me Lord to continue to focus on the silver lining and stop yearning for the Gold. I know the Gold is yet to come.

Took the boys to a play place just to get some good ol' fun. Yes... I may pay for this when they get sick in a few days... but it was SO worth it!!

Watching a kickboxing class. I try and dress them alike when I take them somewhere busy! Helps!

Kev wore the batman cape the whole time. Love.

Will played the piano for probably twenty minutes.

Beautiful Abs from Jake's view. Abs was in for the weekend! So great to see her and her belly!

Jake got a hold of my IPOD touch... oh this boy has my heart!

Again from Jake's view. Willy always the comedian.

Mommel, Abby and Jake worked together on a tree fort sign. Love what they came up with! Jake and Ben, a neighbor, came up with the age limits. Interesting how their younger siblings are all under three? hehe.

 

 

Quick Fixes

I have been on an organizing kick lately. I think all the rain and lack of outside play is getting to me! There are a few areas in the house that I've been putting off for some time now and they need attention. So, here is a wee taste of what I have been up to lately in between playing with the boys and keeping up the house. Love organizing and love labels!

 

GAME CABINET

BEFORE



AFTER

 KIDS CUPS CABINET

BEFORE

 AFTER

 LANDING AREA/DESK AREA

BEFORE

Already emptied but you can see my old labels

The random stuff I didn't find a place for or didn't belong

 

AFTER

My NEXT Project: Pantry... My new pantry is totally awkward because it is incredibly deep but narrow. SO, I need to get creative on this one.

I've got the bins but they don't match and the system I have set up is NOT working...

 



Back 2 Life

Oy Vey People! We have had major sickness floating around over here. I came down with the stomach bug and it kept me in bed for 48 hours straight and then I had at least another 48hrs. before I could say I felt, "normal." Then, Jon got a version of it. Thankfully a shorter version! So, we have been trying to work as a team to get through our week/weekend. I had to miss MOPS(Mothers of Preschoolers), which I help lead so that was upsetting. I also had to get coverage for Sunday school. Then, Jake had T-ball twice which Jon coaches and I usually take the little guys. On top of it all... Jon had his 30 mile bike race with Urban Promise. He has been training for weeks. We couldn't do to B-more to celebrate my dad's birthday. Such a bummer! So, life doesn't seem to stop when you are sick!

I am just happy that we are all healthy again and I am praying the boys make it through the next few days and do not get sick either. Just getting a little bit of energy back made me want to do everything again! I opened the windows and cleaned/scrubbed my whole house yesterday.

Then, today started a project I have been dying to start... Project Screened in Porch! I absolutely LOVE my screened in porch. It is by far my favorite part of the house. A little piece of heaven. When we re-did the kitchen, we added ceiling speakers and put two outside as well. So, now I can have my jams with me wherever I go! Amazing. My first step to, "Project Screened in Porch," is the floor. I have tried cleaning the floor for years... scrubbing, power washing... you name it. There are still these huge pesky stains I cannot get out. So, I bought some concrete paint and hope it helps. My plan is to paint the floor a new fresh light gray color. Then, I want to paint the ceiling a mold free outdoor white so it looks like a real room and it should look similar to bead board, which I love. I want to re-spray the ceiling fan too so it is crisp white color as well. I am hoping not to spend much, but make a big difference! Lastly, I would like to add some outdoor flowers and maybe non-cheesy pool décor? We'll see... Wish me luck!

 

PHASE ONE: CLEAN UP

DO you like how Mickey Mouse came to join me in cleaning?

PESKY STAINS

BETTER ALREADY

Pulled out my strongest homemade cleaner. Works on EVERYTHING. It has been months since I have purchased a cleaner at Target. Love my homemade versions!

The new slider we had installed during the kitchen remodel.

MY COLOR CHOICE. TOP LEFT (LIGHTEST GRAY)

FIRST COAT, NOT DRIED YET

AHHH... ALREADY LOOKS BETTER

CAN'T WAIT TO SEE THE FINISHED PRODUCT