I am surrounded by Hot Wheels, crumbs, and sticky hands. Our home is loud, lively, and full of boys! My husband and I have four sons ages eleven, nine, four, and six months.
Even our pets are boys. Too many cats, a black lab named Kevin, a guinea pig, and hermit crabs. I often find rocks in the dryer because someone’s pockets are full of them. There are always sticks in the car because a good stick can never be left behind after an outdoor adventure.
My kids make me laugh, cry, and everything in between! It melts my heart when they help and support each other. When the fighting won’t stop, I feel like one of those cartoon characters with steam blasting out of my ears. Before starting a family, I never could have imagined the range of emotions that motherhood would bring!
At the age of nineteen, I married my high-school sweetheart and moved to Texas with him the day after our wedding. I was an army wife for the first six years of our marriage which was quite an adventure. It is a very unique way of life and full of both challenges and opportunities. We eventually made our way back to Washington to be closer to our families, and here we are fourteen years of marriage and four kids later!
I find solace in nature and joy in the garden. I enjoy reading historical fiction, poetry, drinking peppermint tea, and listening to classical music to unwind. Of course, there are times when the boys change the music from another device so while I’m trapped in a bubble bath I listen to “We Will Rock You” by Queen on repeat instead of Mozart.
I try not to wish away the mess and chaos because as stressful as it gets sometimes, these years are flying by. I love routine and organization, but I’ve had to adjust my expectations big time since becoming a mom. I haven’t given up on those things, but I’m trying to be more patient and flexible so that just maybe I’ll preserve my sanity and the sanity of those around me!
Being a mom has been more difficult and more incredible than I ever thought possible. Some days I am losing my mind and feel like a failure, some days things go a lot more smoothly and I feel like I’ve nailed it. No matter what unfolds during the day or how lonely a sleep-deprived night might feel, I find hope and encouragement knowing that I’m not alone and Jesus is by my side every step of the way.
I love sharing the successes and struggles of parenting with other moms, learning from each other, and supporting each other. We are all just trying to maintain a balance and do the best we can!
I’ve been so comforted and inspired by the words and wisdom of the women here and I hope that you will be, too! I’m excited to be part of this community of moms as we navigate this wonderful and sometimes insane rollercoaster of motherhood together!
