Being the best ME that I can be...

Amelia and I are on the mend. Did I mention that she shared strep with her Mama too? I kiss her face all day long, so really it's my own fault. I started meds immediately after waking up with a throat that was on fire. I seriously don't know how Amelia went a week without medicine...her throat had to be killing her. Poor baby.



Speaking of my baby. I love her. Oh how I love her. Several times over the weekend, I would just look over at her and my heart felt so incredibly full. I feel incredibly blessed to be her mother. She's at an age where we have to correct her a lot. Lots of "no-no", "please don't touch that", "do you want a spankin'?" I've really felt God tug on my heart while correcting Amelia. He has told me to be patient with her. To speak softly to her. To speak to her as I would want to be spoken to. I think it would have broken my heart if my mother had ever yelled at me. I don't remember even one time when she raised her voice. I loved her, respected her, and even had a healthy fear of her discipline. And now I love her, respect her, and admire her greatly for her patience as a mother to 6 children. I know I will make mistakes as a mother, but I really want to show God's love to Amelia. That's my true heart. I want her to see a difference in her Mama and want what I have. I spend more hours in the day with Amelia than Alex. I mean, if she ends up being screwed up - it's probably going to be my fault.

Kidding.

Sort of.

Alex provides for our family by leaving each morning and working outside of the home. I provide for our family by staying home and taking care of Alex's and Amelia's needs. Alex reminds me often that my job is of equal importance. Sometimes as a SAHM, you can feel like you're not "contributing" as much to the family. I don't bring home a paycheck. Though I'd much rather be paid in kisses than dollars any day.



I've struggled with taking care of myself now that I'm a Mom. I looked in the rear view mirror on the way to church yesterday and the huge dark circles under my eyes about made me cry. I've put off my yearly, my 6-month dentist appointment, my weekly chiropractor appointments, working out, getting my hair cut, getting a pedicure/manicure, getting my eyebrows waxed. I could go on and on. I've put myself as lowest priority on my many lists. Alex and I decided over the weekend that I can't continue this way. We've been living on a budget since the beginning of the year. I love it by the way! I never thought I would say that - but it's true. I love being on a budget and Alex being over the finances. It was an area that I needed to submit to my husband many years ago and finally did it. We've decided that we're adding in a babysitting line to the budget. God provided someone to take care of Amelia almost instantly after we talked about it. Two days a week/for a few hours, I get to run my errands, go to the doctor, grocery shop...all while knowing Amelia is being well taken care of in our home. I'm not big on ME TIME, but I am big on taking care of myself. I want to be the best ME that I can be for my family. I think everyone will benefit from this new-added budget line.

So how about you? Are you taking care of yourself?

"Dear friend, I hope all is well with you and that you are as healthy in body as you are strong in spirit." -3 John 1:2

Love to all,