Turning our weaknesses into strengths

Today I wanted to get a little personal...

One of the things I have noticed about the many blogs I read, is that we all try to portray the very best of ourselves. When we tell a story about our day it is like we are in an interview trying to form our weaknesses into a strength, so that others will think we know how to manage in our daily lives properly.

We GOT THIS right?

I often find myself defeated after reading through these daily musings. And Pinterest... Seriously. How do these moms with 4 children have the time to bake, home school, clean, sew, make weekly meal plans, blog, COUPON, renovate their own space, while looking amazing???

Am I lacking some super mom button that morphs me into an exotic mom creature with 10 hands and the creativity of Picasso??????

That must be it.

Then I remember I am following more than one blog and more than one mommy. Sometimes the projects they are working on have come to fruition after MONTHS of hard work and dedicated hours. Also, would I want to take a picture of my messy house and post it for all to see??

Not likely!

The truth is we are all striving to be our very best. There is nothing inadequate about who you are. You woke up in the morning and accomplished your day. No one else can do it better than you can. I believe that Dr. Seuss said it best;

“Today you are You, that is truer than true. There is no one alive who is You-er than You.” Dr. Seuss

So my message to you (and to myself) is to be thankful for what you have and try to enjoy the day ahead of you. Take ideas from those who are "rock-in it" and give it a go! Be present in the moment and try to enjoy it. Who cares if your gingerbread house doesn't look like Martha Stewart's. It all tastes the same (especially when you buy it from Costco. HA!)

A mom of three...

I OWN that title?

I still feel like that little girl born and raised in eastern Oregon. The same girl who used to go outside and sing to her puppy when she was mad at her parents. How can I possibly be responsible for another life, let alone THREE!
But here I sit with my eyes a little droopy from late night feedings and marshmallow fluff on my cheek from the kiss fest after the girls lunch yesterday. Yes, I said "lunch YESTERDAY".

I have started a new blog, I like to call it a fresh start to defining who I am. I hope that through my musings you can find a little strength in your own walk as a wife, mother, friend. At least you can read this and feel like you are not alone in this big crazy world.

So who am I?
My immediate answer to this question is always, "I am a mom." and yes, I would say that defines me very well seeing that there is always a child attached to my hip/back/leg. But I would like to start re-defining what that means. Of course I have to do this with a list:

I am

* Sarah -

- I am a Christian - Jesus means a whole lot to me. I do not preach at people, I love on people. If you get to know me I hope you can see Christ through me and the way that my household is run. I am not perfect and I never will be but there are so many things that have happened in my life and I know it is only by the grace of God.

- I try to be funny and at times it actually works out.

- I am a people pleas-er to a fault

- I love to be creative (Darn you PINTEREST)

- I used to sing a lot and I need to get back to that.

- I am a photographer (want to hire me?)

- I have a Bachelors of Science from Concordia University in Healthcare Administration.

- I love to read about healthcare. Women's health is so fascinating to me. We create life inside of us, how amazing is that!?

- I avoid conflict - believe me with 3 kids under 5 I have enough conflict in my life. I do not need it from grown adults.

- I also avoid political conversations - I always feel like I have to explain myself on this topic. I am educated, I do have stances on issues, I VOTE. That is all.

- I drink lots of coffee

- I eat more than my fair share of chocolate

- I smile A LOT

- I have dimples (EVERYWHERE EEK!)


* wife -

- I am married to an African. I love saying that, I feel like my life could be made into a lifetime movie JUST because of that statement.

- I cook for my man. Most of the time it works out. (I try not to think about the burnt, smoke filled times.)

- I am supportive

- Best friend

- I try to be submissive (HAHAHAHA)

- This whole cleaning house thing... I do it

It is funny how cooking, cleaning, and submissive are what comes to my mind when I explain the word wife.

* mother

- I am compassionate

- I am loving

- I am teaching and they are actually learning! Hooray!

- I can build a tower with blocks that is unheard of.

- I love to snuggle

- I like to dress up and do make-up with the girls.

- I have THREE girls

- I am learning to braid

- I can comb out a fro in 3 hours... jealous much?

- changing a diaper with one hand tied behind my back and blind folded... No problem.

- I make a lot of mistakes. I call my mom a lot.

* daughter

- I LOVE being a daughter as an adult. My parents are the foundation of who I am. I have learned so much from them and I there is still so much more wisdom to glean. Both of my parents are remarkable people.

* friend

- I like to laugh

- I love girly movies and girly drinks

- I wish I had more time for friends

- The best friends are the ones that you can go months (or even years) without seeing, but the moment you re-connect it is like no time has passed.

So in a nutshell: I am currently a stay at home mom of three beautiful little Diva's. They are my main concern at the moment. I do a little photography on the side (that website is coming soon).

I wanted to re-define my blog so that I could start getting REAL with people about my life. I want to share with you my heart, my story, as well as the funny things my kids do during the day. I hope I can at least make you smile.