I Have Learned.......

As a mom I have learned so many things. I have learned that you can't find all the answers in a book, schedules never really go as planned, and time goes by way too fast. I have learned that the floor is meant to be flooded, the new nic nacs are meant to be played with and the hand soap will end up all over the window sill and carpeting. (where else!?!) I have learned that food that is supposed to be hot doesn't really taste that bad cold, that make-up isn't really necessary before leaving the house and that a shower is definitely a luxury.

I have learned that I can change a diaper, make a bed, do the dishes and laundry and even paint a room with one hand while nursing an infant. I have learned that my kids will get sick every time we have established a sleep schedule or when we have big plans. I have learned that trips to the emergency room at one a.m. are inevitable and that maybe I do worry too much. maybe.
I have learned that my husband is my best friend and my biggest supporter and becomes more of both with each passing day..........even if he doesn't remember to change the empty toilet paper roll.

I have learned that my kids don't have to be clean to be cute and that they will live if I don't give them a bath every night. I have learned that I need to find balance instead of perfection and not get my feathers ruffled when things don't go smoothly. I have learned to be a more cautious driver, pay more attention to strangers when we are out and about and have become more aware of just how dangerous the world can be.

I have learned that as soon as you buy them that long awaited toy that they will be into something else entirely and that shoes will be outgrown within a month. I have learned that little ears hear everything- even from a big distance.

I have learned that I can make mistakes, get frustrated and even cry in front of my children and they will not only still love me but that they are learning from me and my emotions and how to deal with their own . I have learned that a band aid (or ten) can make any boo boo feel better if it has Diego, Dora, or Blues Clues on it and that Monsters really do live under beds.

I have learned that spills happen- and are expected, markers will become body paint and coffee filters make great art project materials when you are out of paper.

I have learned to always pack more for an outing than I know I am going to need because the time I forget the extra outfit is the time I'm going to need it and that toilets can flush a lot more toilet paper than you might think.

I have learned that the phone will ring or the kids will scream as soon as I get the baby to sleep.....or that the baby will cry as soon as I get to sleep. I have learned that it's okay to feed my family instant mashed potatoes or other prepared foods and that peanut butter and jelly sandwiches are okay to serve for dinner...........sometimes.

I have learned that my home doesn't have to look like a magazine to be a beautiful place to be in and that the hallway can be a perfect place for the kids to ride their bikes.

I have learned that I fear death more- not because of death itself but for fear of leaving my children without a mother. I have learned to think more and plan more for their futures as well as my own. I have learned that I am a lot stronger than I ever thought and that I will do anything to protect my children. I have learned that I can be having the worst day- and with just one hug or one smile from my kids- all the negative can disappear.

But the one thing that I have learned that outweighs all else? I have learned that I LOVE being a mom! I really believe that this is my calling.............this is what I was born to do.

~Heather :)

Time

You hear the word "Time" used so much throughout an average day. It's time to wake up, time to go to work, time to make lunch, dinner, time to take a shower, time to go to bed, time is of the essence, time to plan for the future, time to think about that serious decision, time flies by and time to go................................

What about forgetting about Time for awhile. I am a planner. Always have been. I always come up with a plan and when things don't go according to my plans sometimes it seem to mess up my whole world. Throwing me off of my center of balance. Within the last couple of months I have learned that even the best laid plans can go amok. I have realized through this that I can only plan so much............but the best laid plans are actually created by God. He is on his own time, He has His own plans for our lives and we need to trust Him more and listen to what He is telling us or asking us to do. I think He has been speaking to me a lot lately...........saying "Trust in me. I know what you want, but I know better what you need."
I have become more faithful and have prayed more within the last year than I have before. Things have been chaotic for some time now but I have been leaning on God more and it has been very moving to see how He is working in my life.
With so many things going on lately-things that are out of my control- I have decided to give it all to the Lord. And I have decided to focus my attention on more important things...........

My husband and my children. My life as it is now. I have a great life that I am so grateful for. I am taking the "time" to enjoy it more and see all of the blessings- both big and small............

I moved the clock so as not to constantly be checking it. For the last few days it seems as though time has been standing still. Bella said a new word yesterday and my heart lept! One word brought me so much joy. Cali's belly button/umbilical cord was bleeding yesterday so I took her to the Dr to have her checked out. She was fine and later her cord stump fell off. What was so great about all of that? I took all 3 kids to the Dr by myself and the outing went extremely well! I was so pumped! I can do it- and I did! Kyle built an amazing structure out of his blocks last night and made up a cute story that went along with it.

Cali seemed oblivious to all of the noise and chaos and laid in Marc's arms for a long time. She looks like an angel when she sleeps and it is amazing to watch my husband hold our new bundle of joy. I watch him with the kids sometimes and I just want to cry because he is such a blessing to me I wonder how I got so lucky.

I have been so uplifted already this week, so encouraged. It's amazing what can happen when you allow time to stand still. The things you see, the things that happen everyday that you may have never paid attention to. Everyday little miracles and blessings happening right before your eyes................if you just take the "time" to see them.

There is a sign that used to hang in my son's room that says:

"Cleaning and scrubbing can wait till tomorrow, for babies grow up- much to our sorrow. So quiet down cobwebs, dust go to sleep.........I'm rocking my baby and babies don't keep."

How very true that is. But I think we can relate that saying to any aspect of our life- not just babies. Take the time to enjoy life's little miracles................whatever they may be for you!

~Heather:)