Have you ever wanted to try something new but were too afraid to start for fear of failing? Yes, I think we’ve all had those moments. But by starting to write again I’ve been reminded that the hardest part of succeeding is taking the first step. After that a whole new world opens up and that nasty fear gets swallowed up. So here, in this blog, I’m creating a little place to share my heart when inspiration strikes. I hope it makes you laugh, smile, and gives you a moment to breathe. This first entry is dedicated to all my mommy friends.
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Let me start by catching you up on my current situation. As of a few months ago, our family of four has, well, grown. We have become part of an organization called SafeFamlies. As part of SafeFamlies we open our home to kids who are in need of emergency fostering. These kids may be with us for a few days, a few weeks, or a few months while their caregivers get their lives in order.

For the past few months we’ve had one-year-old twins in and out of our home. Yup! You heard that right. Two one-year-olds. Like, at the same time. And yes, we are still alive. In fact, these babies have rocked our world . . . for the better. Since they have come into our lives I’ve learned a few things about myself: 1. Because my kids are teenagers, I no longer have baby muscles; 2. Taking a shower and getting dressed by yourself should never be taken for granted and 3. I’m really glad car seats are super-duper safe but good grief they should offer some kind of installment service with those things.

As mentioned above I have learned a lot lately but here are the TOP 10. Actually, nobody has time for 10, let’s just do 5. Better yet, 4 sounds perfect.

4. Focus people. Focus.
I learned this lesson quickly. I mean seriously. With small children around, this is not the time to be doddling around in my head. These kids want things. Like constantly. Food. Drink. Diaper changes. Naps. Playtime. Snacks. It’s a never-ending to-do list. And if constantly feeding them isn’t enough, they also need a clean highchair to sit in. And when I say clean, I mean no meatballs or chewed graham crackers sticking to their seat. If you don’t focus they will run you over; I’m talking flat on your back with little baby footprints all over you. So focus. Stay in the game and look alive. There will be time to doddle in your head later, like naptime and bedtime.

3. Your new favorite word is HELP!
Ok, so if you are single mom here is a well-earned standing ovation!!! GOOD GRAVY woman, you are my hero! You are doing it alone and that is deserving of all the applause the internet can muster. But whether single or married we all need to agree none of us is getting out of this alive if we don’t admit we need each other. I’m sure you’ve heard the saying, “it takes a village to raise a child.” Well that saying is packed with truth. It takes many pairs of hands to get the job done. But those hands, that village, has no idea you need them until you say “Hey, I’m drowning over here. Can you please–fill in the blank.” Can you and the kids come over for a playdate? Or, I’m throwing up can you get me some Pedialyte? . . . sad but true story. Don’t feel bad, and don’t be embarrassed that you need help. We ALL do.

2. Can we talk fashion?
First and foremost, let’s all give thanks that the “messy bun” is in style. Unfortunately, wrinkled clothes that don’t even match is not. All I have to say is that if you manage to get out of the house feeling good about what you’re wearing and how the kids look, then girlfriend I applaud you. For the sake of transparency, here is photo proof of fashion mayhem. This is what happens when you make the mistake of thinking there will be time to change out of the clothes you slapped on because the babies spit up all over you. There wasn’t time. I went out like this.

I know what you’re thinking. I look like a Duggar. Jenna, Jill, Jessa . . . I’m your long lost Peruvian sister.

1. Time for a savior
I’m not talking coffee. Actually, let’s not dismiss caffeine. It has it’s place. But for now, I’m talking about Jesus. This new season of little ones–actually all the seasons of life–are going to need some amazing grace. The thing is, there really is no magic season where time to spend with God and His word just appears. Time is always in short supply. When the kids are little you’re busy catering to their needs. When they go to school the time you thought you’d have gets consumed by a thousand tasks and the new interests you’ve taken on. For me, finding time with God is different every day. If I am able to wake up before everyone else, then the morning is where I find time to read my bible or a devotional. Sometimes I put in my ear buds and listen to a message or sermon while I go about my daily routine. Sometimes I devote precious naptime and bedtime to my even more precious relationship with God. Often I simply meditate on God’s word and promises as I do dishes, or laundry or wait in line at Target. God always takes the time I give and multiplies it. Which is great because did I mention I now have twin one-year-olds in my home?

God is good.  🙂

[P.S. I want to briefly thank my sweet friend Barb, who never stopped encouraging me to write again. I Love you for that. Thank you.]