If you’re like me, you read lots on the internet everyday. Some things are good. Some aren’t. I was thinking about it the other day and was overwhelmed by how often I see negative things. I want my blog to be a place where you come and are encouraged, hear positive things, and maybe find the perfect vest. (haha-just referencing yesterday’s post) So today, Mamas, I’m speaking to you. From my Mama heart to yours, here are some encouraging words for you…
Last week, my friend, Ashley, shared a post for all the Tired Mamas. I completely agree with her every word. I’m not knee deep anymore in sippy cups and baby food, but trust me…that stage only lasts a quick minute. If I could go back to those days I would in a second. Those days were hard but they were sweet, sweet times. I’d love to sit and rock baby Nixon, play peek-a-boo with baby Ebby Lee, or hear baby Bowen make the “moo” sound just one more time. Mamas to littles, ENJOY these moments.
I can already promise you that these moments will get easier. My kids are getting older and they can get their own snacks, brush their own teeth (kind of-we’re still working on that), and help put away their own clean laundry. HUGE, huh?
It’s not like the children growing up is a down hill thing by any means. Young elementary school age kids are fun! They get jokes and even make their own (SHOCKER!). They play games and can sit through an entire movie that isn’t animated. Holla! I’m guessing that each year will continue to get to be even more fun…until they become TEENAGERS! ha! I kid.
My point today is that all too soon they’ll be graduating high school and leaving our nests. Enjoy this time in the middle of the chaos because all too soon our nests will be quiet and empty. I’m definitely not saying I have this whole motherhood thing figured out, but I am trying my best to enjoy it all…every little moment. Francesca Battistelli’s song, “This is the Stuff” says it best when it says, “In the middle of my little mess, I forget how big I’m blessed.” You’re blessed, Mamas! Let’s do our best to enjoy all the moments…the peaceful ones and the crazy! Let’s make today a great one! XOXO
Can I just say that not only is your blog a positive place BUT YOU ARE TOO! You are such a positive person, always a good listener and encourager and always uplifting. I loved these quotes and completely second what you wrote…it goes by quickly, appreciate every day.
Mix and match mama I hope everything is OK! Missed you for the last two days!
Thanks for the encouragement!
Well my goodness!!!! What a sweet post! Wouldn't it be just the best if we could go back for a bit? I would in a heartbeat! And I'm so lucky to have you as a positive light in my life!
Super sweet and so true!! Xoxo
Thank you for this post. It was much needed.
WHY OH WHY does it go so fast? I don't know if I know that song by her…I sat in the Costco parking lot listening to her Holy Spirit song with Kylynn, just holding her yesterday, thinking, don't grow up!!!
Such true words Ericka! I just sent my second one off to university this year! It went by in the blink of an eye. My third is already in grade ten & I know from experience how fast the high school years fly by.
Thanks sweet mama! We all need this reminder often to soak up these days! 😘
This was especially timely for me today. Last night at about 1 am I was washing puke out of sheets and a rug and then holding a bucket for my little guy (4). Not once did I wish for anything else, I was happy to do it.
I don't normally comment, but I read your blog every morning. I need to print this post out and tape it around my house! I have three little ones just like you…girl, boy, boy…ages 6, 3, 1. And it's hard… but you're right, it's getting much easier. Two years ago I was up to my eye balls in poopy diapers and nursing and potty training and bottles… how quickly we've closed those chapters…(well, not the poopy diapers) My boys will both have birthdays next month, my youngest is sleeping in a toddler bed like a pro. I never thought there'd come a time when we didn't have a crib in our house, but we're almost there. This post set the tone for my day- thank you!!! I think you're wonderful! (and thanks to you I have a new vest on its way to my house!)
It feels so tiring and so long when you're not sleeping well and those babies are so needy, but I too would go back in a hot minute. Now my boys are 5 and 6 and I love them and how funny and smart they are, but I sure miss those lazy days of babies at home with me!
The number one thing that has transformed my mommy-ing kind of sounds trite, but it WORKS! Every time I'm doing something I don't like- cleaning the boys' bathroom or cleaning another mess, I pray for whatever I'm doing- so during the bathroom cleaning "Lord, thank you for these two boys. How healthy they are and how they're growing. I praise You for giving them to me to raise. Please help them at school today to make good choices and learn and be kind to everyone…" And the next thing I know the chore is done and I feel so uplifted and encouraged! The Lord blesses our faithfulness- even in the day to day!
Thank you so much for this post! We're halfway through football season, and it's the exact time of year that I start to get frustrated with DJ, and overwhelmed with working full time, managing a home business, having three young girls, all of the after school activities, laundry, house cleaning, and meal preparing. I definitely needed to read this post this morning!
You are a sweet mama…and I always find your blog a positive space or I wouldn't make sure you are one of the daily must reads! I can tell you first hand they will be gone before you know it and the saying little kids, little problems…big kids, big problems…so true. Still such a gift every day and my biggest hope is they always know I'm a safe place to come with anything they face.
So encouraging!! Love this and thank you for sharing!
LOVE the encouragement. 🙂 Keep on shining!
My oldest daughter just got married to a wonderful man on Sunday. She is 26. My youngest daughter is graduating college in May. Trust me….DONT BLINK.
I survived last year and now I'm loving my boys close!! They are starting to play together and are so fun!! But man the first year was challenging. Love this encouragement.
Oh man!! Way to bring drippy droppy tears down my face mama!!! I love this – you are a light in a dark world and I pray your piece of the internet is an encouragement to many more, just as it is to me!
Oh boy was this post written for me today. I have a Senior in high school and an almost 3 year old. And let me tell you how fast it goes!! Friday night is senior night for football and I can't even barely think about without crying that this is the last game my son will ever play on that field again. I have been so emotional all week! It just seems like yesterday he was in kindergarten, really it does. I am so proud of the young man he is turning into, but I would give anything to just have one day back to when he loved to snuggle with his mama. Thanks Erika for this post, I hope every mama takes this true to heart. God bless you and your family
I loved this post, I was just saying the same thing the other day to one of my friends. I loved the "baby" stage with both of my kids but I'm really enjoying this stage they are both at (ages 13 and almost 7 years old) its really a reflection of your parenting I think as you watch your children grow you can really see them as their own little people.
I've always enjoyed your blog and this post was one of my favorites!!
Hey! I just wanted to let you know that I emailed you about some R+F. I just wanted to make sure you got it.
Amanda
So sorry I haven't written you back! My email isn't working on my phone. I'll respond tonight. 🙂
I know first hand they grow up way too fast and leave the nest. I tell every new mom I meet, don't rush the little stages because in a blink they are gone and one day you'll be really missing the diapers, the sleepless nights and toys all over the house. I've loved watching my children grow up to be wonderful adults however the years have flown by and it makes me sad! Love love love this post !!!
Great post…thanks for sharing your Mama thoughts!!! It goes by way too quick. Blessing to you and your family!!!
Okay, crying. Whenever I need a mama pick-me-up, I'm coming back to this post. You are such a light!!!! Thanks for this, friend. xx