get fresh... refresh... refreshed.

 

Paige, two days before her 1st birthday.

 Lena is 1 month old today.

Photos above: my little daily devotions.

So when the day is screaming (or is that the baby...) to get WILD... you best pull out the zebra print. & Believe me... we've got PLENTY.

Well Good Late Night to you reader; now why are you not in bed? *dramatic pause* Now before I go on a topical rampage, I have to justify all my crossing out. I just found that button, I love it, it's great, it's like when you say something out loud you wish you could just shove back in your mouth because why in the world would you say what you just said.. so cross it out. that button is a privilege.

Last week a few of my girlfriends and I joined forces by way of extraordinary mini van, took a day trip to North Bend to hit up the "Baby Store Infested Outlet". You think I'm joking. Maybe I haven't been to too many outlet malls. Not the point.            It was an amazing trip. Not because I spent all my husbands hard earned money on baby clothes (which I didn't) or my shirt that says "team vampire" (I got that shirt for a mere 2 bucks, deal!)

But because 1. I was able to leave my children with my mom. Gives me total peace that my babies are taken care of. 2. No diaper duty for a day. 3. It is such a blessing to have such a sweet group of girlfriends. I am so blessed. 

As a mother, stays at home, devoting pretty much 24/7 to her kids. I maybe see the shower 50% less than before I had kids. When was my lunch time between getting the highchair ready and the bottle... and  what is sleep... and you know what, it's all good.  ... wait for it....    as long as I can cherish a little bit of Me time, a little time to collect myself, restore myself to something my husband wont run screaming from... to regain the strength that keeps me caught up with my kids day after day. And YES that is what this blog is about... it's about me, or you. *laughs*

 This trip to North Bend, really spoke to my heart about how important it is to refresh and regain my identity. I am a mom yes. Do I love my kids, yes. Does their screaming make me want to pull my hair out most days, yes. And do their needs go before mine, yes. So day after day after day of their needs, maybe you get like this too ... uuuhh Grumpy. So you snap at your husband when he gets home, you snap at the kids when they are grumbling, and if you are like me... you will even knock on the window when the dog looks too happy. 

For the sake of your family... and my dog apparently. It is important to absolutely claim a break. 

 ...

What good am I to my family if I am going to contradict my role as loving wife and mommy by falling into this scowly monotonous role. So I am always appreciative of just having a shower for a break or running to the store, so you can imagine a day trip pretty much knocked my socks clear across the yard. ( though I missed my girls & my husband like crazy)

It was a pleasure laughing as much and as hard as I did. Seeing the breath taking scenery was more than a privilege. Being responsible for just myself made me realize just how "boring" I was before the husband and kids. When I was returned home, my heart might as well just lept out of my chest. I was so greatful to be home to my motherly duties. I went upstairs to kiss Paige goodnight and she stood up in her crib immediately when she heard my voice and hugged and kissed me. Is there anything more precious than that? My husband was pleased to see me, hugged and smooched me, listened to all the stories from the day. Lena, totally passed out, smiles in her sleep when I give her a hello. My heart screamed REFRESHED.

To sum it all up for now, since it is.. way too late. You mommies out there, do not be ashamed to ask for a break. To be the best mom and wife you can be, you need to have your identity, you need to be refreshed. Your kids. Your husband. Need you to be refreshed... so you can continue to bless you kids and husband.

God is Good.