sometimes i think i miss sleeping late.
then i realize i'd rather be up at the crack of dawn, holding onto my cup of coffee like it's my lifeline, if it means having two sweet sleepy, high-pitched voices saying, good morning mama!
sometimes i think i miss being a size four
then i realize that having the babies changed my body. and that i may never look like that again. and i'm fine with that. i take care of myself, make healthy choices, and don't compare myself any more.
sometimes i miss going out for the night at ten p.m.
then i realize i'd much rather be in bed with a good book and HGTV. i always was a homebody at heart.
sometimes i miss traveling. dropping everything at a second's notice and heading off.
then i realize that traveling to the grocery store is about the extent of it these days, and i'm fine with that. sometimes that seems like adventure enough for me. :)
sometimes i miss having a social life.
then i think about my social life. raising two little girls to be kind, good women. married to my best friend. and i'll take that over cocktails and chit chat any day of the week.
sometimes i can't believe i'm thirty two, b/c i still feel twenty two in my heart.
then i realize that i'm content. happy with who i am now, not trying on who i want to be like a new outfit...not worrying about what the future will hold, not wondering what i want to do. i'm at home in my body. with the life God has given me.
sometimes i look at myself in the mirror when the girls are screaming, i'm counting to five and wondering if i'm any good at this mommy thing.
then i realize that this is where i'm meant to be. this is where i've been heading my entire life. this is my calling.
and that? blows the old times out of the water. :)
xoxo
s
love love love this.
every bit.
i may have to make a sometimes list myself. xo
Posted by: amy tangerine | 07/07/2010 at 10:54 AM
Love this post Stephanie!
Posted by: Tammy Eberhard | 07/07/2010 at 11:03 AM
You are always so inspiring. How do you do it? Be so authentic and honest about life?
I wish I were as resolved as you are... .
Posted by: Lonely Scrapbooker | 07/07/2010 at 11:10 AM
:)
Thanks for making me smile today!
Posted by: justem | 07/07/2010 at 11:13 AM
there is no better feeling that the feeling of contentment. and love.
loving yourself. your family. your friends. your body. your life.
cheers to feeling content, steph!
*
Posted by: lauren | 07/07/2010 at 11:16 AM
Amen!!!
Posted by: Debbie | 07/07/2010 at 11:21 AM
this was such a wake up call today! i wish i could get the toughts in my mind to come out as clearly as you do. it is a gift. thanks for your post this morning!
Posted by: pidgen | 07/07/2010 at 11:27 AM
Great post!!! Love it!!!
Posted by: Lori Borntreger | 07/07/2010 at 11:28 AM
Amen Sister! This is exactly how I feel...so thank you for putting the feelings into such inspirational words.
Posted by: Melissa Bennett Allee | 07/07/2010 at 11:43 AM
Great post! I find myself thinking these same thoughts, especially when I look at my DD and think to myself...is she really mine. Whoever made the quote "Life is Good" had to have been a mother.
Posted by: Icecat62 | 07/07/2010 at 12:21 PM
Awesome post! I wouldn't give up a single pound on my pound on my body or grey hair on my head to go back! Thanks for reminding me of that ;)
Posted by: Michelle | 07/07/2010 at 12:28 PM
Amen...
Posted by: Dawn | 07/07/2010 at 12:41 PM
Amen friend!!!!
Posted by: Tiffany Harper | 07/07/2010 at 12:46 PM
Excellent thoughts...I need to come up with something similar for myself. Sounds like the makings of a good scrapbook page.
Posted by: Julie, momto7 | 07/07/2010 at 12:55 PM
Beautiful. The journaling would go great on a scrapbook layout. =)
Posted by: Meghann | 07/07/2010 at 12:56 PM
I LOVE this stephanie!! you really have such a gift in expressing your thoughts in writing. This was such an encouragement to me today. Thank you for being real and honest!! xo
Posted by: Jenni Hufford | 07/07/2010 at 12:56 PM
Hope you get to scrap about this post!!
Good one!
Hugs
Posted by: ScrapbookCamera | 07/07/2010 at 01:09 PM
love this, steph. xx.
Posted by: sarah | 07/07/2010 at 01:12 PM
LOVE IT!
Posted by: rhonda | 07/07/2010 at 01:25 PM
Wonderful thoughts! My three daughters are much older than yours and you are right -- raising them to be good women is the best thing you can do with your life! Along with the rest...
Posted by: Ann | 07/07/2010 at 01:48 PM
Amazing message. Make me think about my own life and two kiddies! I'll take this baby mama belly over not having kids any day!
Posted by: Latrice | 07/07/2010 at 01:50 PM
so very true!! :)
Posted by: penelope | 07/07/2010 at 02:17 PM
oh i needed this post!! my sadie is 6 months old and my whole world has changed :) i keep reminding myself that she is SO worth it but it is such an adjustment and i don't know if i've got it together yet as a mama! thanks!
and i haven't said congrats on your upcoming twinsies...my sister and i were already wondering what great names you'll come up with for these baby girls!
Posted by: Danielle | 07/07/2010 at 02:20 PM
wonderful post!!
Posted by: Deborah | 07/07/2010 at 02:40 PM
Absolutely wonderful post! Thank you!
Posted by: Sandy | 07/07/2010 at 02:46 PM
Such beautiful thoughts. I find myself thinking along the same lines often. And I always come back to your last thoughts- I was meant to be a mama. I always knew, always felt it, even as a young child. For me, there is nothing I'd rather do. Thanks for sharing! :)
Posted by: emily | 07/07/2010 at 03:25 PM
You inspire me with your beautiful words. I love reading your blog!!!!! Thank you for being YOU. :)
Posted by: Vanessa | 07/07/2010 at 03:30 PM
i have NO idea why, but today i woke up feeling anxious, uneasy, and altogether unsure of myself...which i haven't done since i was 30, a mom for the first time.
and i'm almost forty...so why? i still am unsure. and for that same reason, i needed to rest your post, because it just all came flooding back to me. i am more than fine, in all areas of my life, because this is where He wants me to be.
bless you steph!
Posted by: erin | 07/07/2010 at 03:52 PM
fabulous.
fabulous!
I love the girl who looks back from you in the mirror.
xoxo.
Posted by: Becca | 07/07/2010 at 03:58 PM
Thanks... I know this was a pep-talk to yourself, but I almost felt like my conscience was talking to me as well. I needed that this morning... as I hold tightly to my own cup of coffee. :)
Posted by: Ashley | 07/07/2010 at 04:02 PM
Beautifully said :) Your family are blessed to have you!
Posted by: Kirsty | 07/07/2010 at 04:04 PM
Absolutely... I should tape this on my refrigerator, front door, bathroom door, etc. for those crazy days, hours, minutes, or seconds when I need a reminder. Thanks.
Posted by: Julie V. | 07/07/2010 at 04:08 PM
:)
Thank you!
Posted by: Marti Richards | 07/07/2010 at 04:20 PM
I LOVE every bit of this. And I really needed it today. Thanks for this.
Posted by: Colleen S | 07/07/2010 at 04:44 PM
I totally hear you. I could've written that myself. Beautiful!
Posted by: Kelly | 07/07/2010 at 04:54 PM
The story of my life and well said! :)
Posted by: Gabrielle Watson | 07/07/2010 at 04:55 PM
thank you stephanie. such true words that could have come straight from my heart too. thanks for the reminder. :)
(though i must admit i was instantly curious who the KOT that was cut out is ;)!)
Posted by: Kimber-Leigh | 07/07/2010 at 05:04 PM
WOW!!! Beautifully said! You are one amazingly classy lady!!!! keep smiling!
Posted by: Joan Umano | 07/07/2010 at 05:29 PM
I think you spoke for how alot of women feel today Steph. I have to agree with you on everything (except the size 4 part, that has never been me and never will!! LOL).
Thanks for saying the things out loud that most of us only ever think about it.
:)
Posted by: Jen Thompson | 07/07/2010 at 05:40 PM
Love that at such a young age you have your priorities in line.:)
Posted by: Linda J | 07/07/2010 at 07:26 PM
I just love you Stephanie! I sometimes
feel like we should be twins. You
write exactly how I feel. I'm 33 with two little girls and just had my third - a boy.
I relate to you and your posts so much. Thanks for being such a bright spot in my day. :)
www.kennyanderin.blogspot.com
Posted by: Erin | 07/07/2010 at 07:37 PM
Love it! Thank you for being your - and helping us get through the "everyday" days that we have. :) Keep posting!
Posted by: Linda G. | 07/07/2010 at 08:08 PM
You have such a gift for writing. This really belongs on a layout. Just beautiful...
Posted by: elise | 07/07/2010 at 08:36 PM
Such amazing words...I have the same types of thoughts and sometimes it takes me a little bit longer to realize that I'm happy and meant to be right where I am. Thank you for your honesty.
Posted by: Nicole Carro | 07/07/2010 at 08:36 PM
LOVIN' This one!!! I was a professional before I became a mommy. The day I gave notice my boss told me that she wasn't even going to bother looking for a replacement because I was "too smart" to be a stay at home mom and she said I'd be back within a month. It's been 13 years; I never went back and I've never looked back...this life is definitely the BEST...low pay but HUGE rewards!!
Mary
Posted by: Mary | 07/07/2010 at 09:06 PM
wow that is powerful. thank you.
Posted by: Jocelyn | 07/07/2010 at 09:09 PM
Well Said!! and it only gets better!! I have 3 girls 17, 14 and 8 and I am so sad my oldest is in her last year of highschool (which I know many moms are)but my 8 year old said a couple weeks ago "mom I don't want to be an only child" (mind you my oldest just started driving) so I said "you won't ever be" and she said "but when "they" go to college I will be the only one here" and then I thought I need more kids cause what will I do with only one??? We all think of what was and wish (sometimes, in the "moment" it was better) but then realize who am I without these "little people"!! Your lucky!! You still have a LONG time....me not so much, but these girls of mine I have raised to be with us for a long time!! Enjoy them like I know you will.
:0)Natalie
Posted by: Natalie Heisinger | 07/07/2010 at 09:50 PM
I love it when your so open and honest. Your a great person and even a better mom than what you give yourself credit for. Take care of yourself and your wonderful family. They are very blessed to have you in their life.
Danette
Posted by: Danette | 07/07/2010 at 09:53 PM
i just love how open you are!
and your sharing... i can relate. it's nice to read your post, for assurance and knowing i'm not the only one who thinks those things.
thanks stephanie for being you!! we are all better for it!
is that corny? i'm corny... oh well!
Posted by: joanne (spagirl) | 07/07/2010 at 10:28 PM
WELL SAID. I need to make this my mantra!
I have to admit that I just got a little teary and I'm not even pregnant!
Thank You! :)
Posted by: Shannon Lowe | 07/08/2010 at 12:02 AM
Wow...I totally felt compelled to tell you how great this blog post is. Everything you said rings so true to my life right now and it totally makes me feel like we have SO much in common...right down to 2 little girls saying "good morning, mama" to being married to my best friend. Thanks, Steph. :D
Posted by: Bethany E. | 07/08/2010 at 01:01 AM
This post is truly uplifting and inspirational. What a great reminder to stop and reflect...thank you for sharing this piece of your heart!
Posted by: Amy | 07/08/2010 at 03:37 AM
Oh Stephanie, I love your list! It is a bit spooky though because I have similar thoughts at the moment ;-), questions whether I will miss out on something after my first baby is born and I have waited five years for her! I guess if we really wanted to, with a bit of organisation, we are still able to do everything we want to.
Posted by: Melanie | 07/08/2010 at 04:18 AM
Amen!!! You always hit the nail on the head. Always speaks right to my heart!!
Thanks.
Me xx
Posted by: Mel brewin | 07/08/2010 at 04:29 AM
very beautiful and oh so very true. thanks for sharing this
Posted by: crystalangel792001 | 07/08/2010 at 06:04 AM
I've always wanted children and never had them,so this post touched me deeply. I'm so glad you are able to count your blessings. Children really are a gift from God. Enjoy them as much as you can.
Posted by: Kathy | 07/08/2010 at 09:38 AM
Stephanie, I am a new Mom and new to scrapbooking and I have to say I just love, love, love your Blog! I find it so inspirational in so many ways. Thank you for sharing your creativity with us, as well as your feelings, and for always being so real and open...it is so refreshing to know that we all go thru same things, and crazy enough we all end up feeling the same way (right down to the love of milk glass lol :)
Posted by: Jessica | 07/08/2010 at 10:44 AM
You are such an inspiration.
It was only today, amidst trantrums and tears that I was questioning my parenting skills and, I have to admit, missing my 'old' life for just a moment. I admire you for feeling at peace with yourself and wish I can to find that strength one day.
Thanks for your continued honesty.
Posted by: Keri Ascott-Evans | 07/08/2010 at 03:32 PM
me too...but then i never think i've been a size 4! x
Posted by: procrastination mama | 07/08/2010 at 06:36 PM
Steph I don't comment often but read your every post. I love them all and just wanted to send you a cyber hug today. XOX girlfriend, you are so strong.
Posted by: Jessica | 07/08/2010 at 07:39 PM
Love it Love it Love it! Thanks for your words! :-) Had a rough afternoon and reading your post really made me feel better and put things in perspective!
Posted by: Corey Brock | 07/08/2010 at 07:55 PM
You simply amaze me! How do you do it? You are so inspiring and always write so beautifully. I thank you Stephanie you write what I wish I could Take care and hug your little chicks!! From OKC
Posted by: Kathy | 07/08/2010 at 08:18 PM
I never would've guessed that you were bigger than a size four. I think you look amazing, especially after having two kids.
Posted by: Heather H | 07/08/2010 at 09:28 PM
Beautiful post. I need to do something like it for my life right now. You write so beautiful and have the courage to do things on your blog that I wish I could do on mine. I've been reading your blog for over a year and it seemed like the perfect time to comment on how wonderful it is. Take care.
Posted by: Craftylou | 07/09/2010 at 09:00 AM
Beautiful . . . brought a little tear to my eye. :)
Posted by: Kristi Smith | 07/09/2010 at 01:51 PM
So well said. I love your blog so much, mainly because you're so open and genuine.
Posted by: Rachel | 07/09/2010 at 06:08 PM
Very cool! LOVE this post!! :)
Posted by: Angie F | 07/09/2010 at 09:57 PM
Lovely post--so true for us all! Except I won't have to look back from 32 for another 6 months!
Posted by: Jamie | 07/12/2010 at 01:32 PM
As always another wonderful post, Steph! I love when you post these. I think I need to do something like that, something to look back on. Mine would never be as fabulous as yours though. I also wonder at times as I am counting, if I am good at this mommy thing!
Posted by: Angela W | 07/14/2010 at 10:06 AM
i love this. and i think you look 22. age is just a stupid number anyway! ( ;
Posted by: rachel | 07/15/2010 at 06:24 PM