Encouraged

As I started today I felt a bit overwhelmed. A sick little boy at home, a little girl who is into anything and everything, and a 3rd little firecracker on the way. SInce I found out we are expecting number three I have had many days of wondering HOW IN THE WORLD AM I GONNA DO THIS! I don't feel adequate as a mommy to the two God has already blessed me with. Then I read an encouraging article that spoke straight to my heart. (Posted on my facebook if you are interested) 

When I was a little girl playing dress-up and house I always imagined myself as the wife who always greeted her husband with a kiss and dinner perfectly on the table. As a mom I would always have time for my kids and there was no question if I had enough patience because of course I did. My pretend time as a little girl consisted of me being the PERFECT stay at home wife and mommy. Everything would always be clean and tidy, dinner would never have a "weird taste", and of course it would be on the table promptly at 5. Ohh the dreams of a little girl who didn't know that the "S" truly was not painted on my chest. 

Let me tell you how life is wearing my big girl panties... I did marry my prince charming, I am a full-time working mommy (which I do love), dinner often has a funky "opps I forgot 5 ingredients" taste, I  often forget to look at my husband a greet him with a smile let alone a kiss, and somehow the laundry multiplies with the simple act of closing the closet doors. But, I wouldn't trade my life for anything. Yes it is nowhere near perfect and it never will be. Some moments I want to lock myself in the bathroom just to have a piece of chocolate in pure silence (I have done this). But, at the end of the day when I see the joy in my children's eyes... I am BLESSED.

Excuses

Ohh the excuses we have as moms...
I went to Women of Faith last weekend and one of the speakers talked about how as moms we will always have the excuse "I don't have enough time". Those words often come out of my mouth when it comes to my God time and working out. This can no longer be an excuse for me. There is enough time... God desires us to take care of our bodies as well as spend time in His word. If He desires us to do those things then why would we not have enough time?
I came back from Women of Faith and have made my quite time/ Life Journaling a priority. As well as starting this last Sunday I started running again. I love how refreshed and renewed I feel after spending time basking in His presence. I also have tons more energy after I workout.
I am learning I do have time as a mommy to take care of myself.
I challenge you to stop using the excuse you don't have time!

You might ask why the title "Chutes and Ladders"... let me explain:

Life as a wife and mommy is not all smiles and giggles as I am positive you all know. So it only seems fitting to name this blog after a fun children's game filled with uphill climbs and downhill spirals. 

I am often reminded that I am far from perfect. I will never be the perfect wife and mother but, I am called to be the wife and mommy that God desires me to be. I will fail I will be less than perfect but, at the end of the day my imperfections are made into something beautiful by the grace of God. 

My goal with this blog is just to be transparent and hopefully through that someone somewhere will be encouraged. I have began reading through "Parenting Wild Things." At the end of each chapter the author challenges the reader with a task in your parenting walk. Each Monday I will post my goal for that week and do quick posts throughout the week to update you on struggles and successes! I will also be attending a parenting class at Asher's Montessori school so I am sure you will get updates and tips from that!