My daily struggles

Hello friends that read my blog. I know there aren't many of you out there, and that's ok. This is mostly just me sharing my daily struggles... My time to let you peep into our lives and no holding back...

As a wife, mother of 2, homemaker, and 1 day a week (usually) speech-language pathologist, I feel rather short on time.

I have so many "wants" during my day.

Typical daily "wants":

1. Wake afreshed, showered, dressed, and ready to start my day! Time with the Lord to renew my mind so I can be the best wife and mother only through the Spirit leading me.

Reality: waking to sounds of my children and throwing on some random outfit I can piece together in 2 seconds. And, looking like a hot mess usually.

2. Easy peasy mealtime:

Reality: Well, with Fulton, I really don't worry (for now) He will eat whatever is in reach.

Ridge (typically still a good eater) will find any way not to feed himself. Yes, he's 3. He fed himself better at 18 months old. And, he is so so so slow. Why are we reversing?

Is this even real??

3. Plan multiple educational activities, structured physical activity, bible story time during the day (and not just before bedtime)

Reality: playing with whatever toys are lying around, nothing very structured while I'm washing clothes, cleaning kitchen, etc. I'm still acting like I'm in survival mode and Fulton is 1. Ouch. I said it.

Super mom and teacher

4. Exercise, yes, that unfamiliar word of something I used to do before children.

Reality: Chasing after children does require work inside and outside, but, again, nothing is structured in this area AT ALL. And, I'm not much of a morning person before 7. If it's before 7, it's still considered the middle of the night to me. So, how do you stay at homies do it? Where does it fit in? And, early morning is not an acceptable answer. Do I need to get over that?!?! I NEED my sleep.

5. Me time

Time with myself,  a book, my bible study, my laptop, shopping, girl time.

Time to refresh myself.

6. Alan time

Not just an hour or two before we pass out on the couch because we are both exhausted. Quality time together as husband/wife, motivating each other and praying for each other. Daily.

7. Cleaning house/creating a safe haven for my family.

I'm a little OCD when it comes to a few things around the house. But, for the most part, I'm trying to catch up on laundry when I have time, cleaning kitchen when I have time, cleaning bathrooms when I have time, you get the picture.

Am I the only one who feels these expectations and by the end of the day you feel like the day was wasted again and you've failed at your job???

I need to remind myself that this list is quite a list. But, with time management and daily strength from You, it is possible.

 

Lord, help me be intentional. Help me use my time wisely. Help me focus my desires and wants to only things of you! Help me to be SELFLESS in my desires. Help me be a picture of Christ to my children. Help me disciple my children thoughout the day in many teachable moments. Help me realize my beauty is in YOU and not of this world. Help me respect and love my husband through you. Help me take care of my body. Help me maintain my frustration during mealtimes so we can enjoy family mealtimE. Help me manage my time wisely so I'm the best wife and mother for my children.

Lord, I cannot do this alone. I need you. Everyday. Every moment of the day. Please keep my expectations realistic. Lead me and guide me daily Lord. I can't do this alone like I've been trying.

Help me remember my purpose during this season of my life. Lord, use me to teach my children daily the sweet Gospel of Jesus Christ. You are all we need.
Help me fight these daily struggles and lean on You.
Lord, thank you for the sweet cross, your death, burial, and resurrection!
Let us live to glority YOU!

*For all of you supermoms who have it together or who are also struggling with these same struggles, please leave comments of ideas, thoughts, suggestions!



One year pictures... *sniff sniff

Thank you (as always) for being our family's professional photographer!

You are loved and appreciated Lauren Tuggle!

Seriously, it so so hard to choose my favorites because they are all so good and spectacular!

But, here are a few ok, many of my favorites...

My old wagon



This picture makes me laugh. He started pushing the wagon down a small hill and the wagon is rolling faster and faster and he's holding on pushing faster and faster and starts crying! Ha! (It really was funny!) Lauren and I were glad you didn't end up in the creek like Ridge did last November :)

Oh, you little charmer!

Awesome! You put me on a table?!?!

 dirty boy :)

Yes! One of my favorites, crawling up the slide!

I think I'm 3

Determination.

I can only imagine what you'll be attempting at your 2 and 3 years pictures, son.

Love you little pookie!

Momma



Fulton's little red wagon 1st birthday party

I chose the little red wagon theme because it's classic and the little guy loves to ride in our red wagon around our neighborhood while Ridge is running or riding his bike.

Here's the invitation I purchased. And, I'm too dumb to figure out how to white out or black out our address and phone number on the jpg. I'm still learning and google did not help me out much. So, just pretend it says Fulton. :) Oops, just realized I forgot to add Ridge's to his birthday party post. :/

Inviation found at this etsy shop here

I, again, used the turquoise and red theme. Well, because that's the invitation I found on etsy and because Ridge's party were the same colors and i saved some money! Since Ridge's first birthday party, I really enjoyed planning birthday parties. But, these two kiddos back to back was a little harder and Fulton's snuck up on me so fast! Procrastination is my specialty. Inspirations for our party featured at blog.amyatlas by One Stone Events, and this one at Baby Lifestyles (unsure of origin). And, this precious party at The Life and Times. Thank you all for your clever ideas found on pinterest so this momma isn't required to think as much :)

All of these AMAZING pictures are by my friend Lauren @ jlaurenphotography

Thank you sweet friend for capturing my children's special moments! Check out her amazing work on her blog too @ Our Beautiful Life

photo collage of 1 year pics Lauren took. Love them.

Favors- powdered donuts, aka "wheels"

Thanks Lauren for the precious idea. I had "planning a party fried brain" by this point.

thanks Lowe's for still keeping el cheapo astroturf!

Cupcakes/cookies - Adrianne Richards at Glory through Sugar

Sweet cousin and does an amazing and yummy job! Red velvet and cream cheese icing cupcakes were AHMAZING! (I'm sure I've gained 5 lbs in this week after the party consuming thousands of calories eating those awesome cupcakes!)

I bought one radio flyer wagon here, I had one already as a gift, my sister had one, and Lauren let me borrow her super cute miniature one that held the dip

These are awesome! I bought them for Ridge's party from World Market and they were a hit!

They come in a variety pack. I love the vintage look. And, they are good for you too. Not! This is a birthday party. Not cutting any corners here! (Black cherry is my fav!)

1-12 month banner

photo booth fun!

Nonnie looks like she and Fulton are in deep conversation

Sweet Sommer and baby Isaac! His first birthday party to attend!

Brothers and cousins

Getting lots of loving from Aonya and Lauren

 Aonya kisses

Ruthie, Jeremy, Lauren, and Harris Tuggle!

Ridge loves to hold babies! He says he wants a sister, I wish I could make that happen for ya bud!

Grandpop (Alan's dad)

Granna (Alan's mom)

The birthday boy is ready!

no surprise he destroyed that cake

Ready for the wagon parade!

which turned into a race. And, of course, Alan won. A friend from our neighborhood joined in.

Jeremy declined the race so little Ruthie wouldn't fall out :)

It was such a fun and laid back 1st birthday party!

We love you little buddy!!!!!

You are so much fun and you have brought so much joy to our lives!

We thank God for you daily and we pray we celebrate many many many more of your birthdays!

Love, Momma

coming soon: one year pictures and my homemade laundry detergent scorecard!