To all the Moms

Isn't motherhood exhausting? I. Am. Tired.

And I have a bone to pick with social media.  Facebook, blogs, and Instagram have made it so easy for us to post all the wonderful things we do.  The fabulous meals we cook, the fun crafts we make, the perfect outfit we wore, the kid-friendly outing we went on, how much weight we've lost, the perfect thing we've sewn...the list goes on and on.  How easy is it to be discouraged when we see a continuous news feed of all the perfectly perfect things others have done, and we have not?

You know what picture I'd like to see on Instagram?  A mom in sweatpants eating Oreos while her kids are watching a movie at 3pm still wearing their PJs.  You know you've had days like that before.  Let's not be ashamed to admit it.

We are too hard on ourselves as moms.  I know I stress over the smallest things sometimes.  I get so embarrassed when Jack throws a tantrum, or I find myself worrying about Fisher not speaking yet.  I look at my house and tear myself down for it not being as clean as I'd like it to be. I compare myself to others who are "such better moms than me". 

Because there really are moms out there who look beautiful and put together everyday.  They make every meal from scratch using only organic ingredients.  Their house is spotless. They never let their kids watch TV, and they never use their smart phone while their kids are awake.  Their kids are perfectly behaved, well-mannered, smart, obedient, healthy eaters, and freshly bathed 100% of the time.  Right???? 

We all have our strengths and weaknesses.  We all have good days and bad days.  Sometimes I am Super-Mom.  Sometimes I am Lazy-Mom.  But I know overall, I am a good mom.  Say it with me, "I AM A GOOD MOM."  We are too hard on ourselves. We are our own worst critics.  So stop tearing yourself down, and celebrate the little victories.  Tomorrow is always a brand new day.  Improve yourself where you feel the need, set goals for yourself, but don't drive yourself crazy about it. 

Being a mom is the best job in the world, I am positive of that.  It is so fulfilling and rewarding to be responsible for another human being.  It is a divine role from God, and we are so blessed to be given the opportunity to raise these sweet, innocent children. I am grateful for my kiddos.  I love them so much, I might even have me some more :) 

Sincerely,
A happily exhausted mother of two.

P.S. Please keep posting all of your awesomeness on social media. I am in no way saying we shouldn't be able to showcase our talents and achievements!! :)

Deployment update

Okay, it's been four months since my last post. Life gets pretty busy around here.
We're coming up on 5 months since Harrison left!! Finally closer to the end than the beginning.
He is doing well over there. Staying so busy, loving his job, his men, and the work they're doing there.
Pictures from the last few months:

Harrison reenlisting a soldier from his platoon

Attack Company leadership meeting. (H is the only one not in his camo)

Harrison briefing his guys before a mission

H is the one standing up in the middle with the radio and antenna

1LT Smith with 1SG Johnson

Isn't Afghanistan beautiful...?

H is on the right...just in case you weren't sure...

H (far right) with some of the men in 1st PLT. (see the other PLs in the truck?)

During a convoy

View from the trucks they drive

My studly man

H bossing more people around (just kidding, honey)

My view on Skype.  I love him.