Raising Youngins

May 2025

Ok! Fine! You’ve got me. Having 3 kids and working full time is harder than I thought it would be. I’ve dealt with more anxiety, purchased bigger jeans and consumed a LOT of caffeine. I would not say I’m acing it, but… I’m working my way through a weeklong sinus infection, still pumping 3 times a day at work and we’ve only missed the bus one time this entire school year. I call that a success!

I have my moments when I reevaluate everything I’ve ever done and wish I’d done a few things differently, usually when I’m completely overwhelmed, most likely hungry and I can’t find any burb cloths. Where are the burb cloths?! Ever been there when you think you’ve done something wrong as a parent when your kid won’t go to bed. Like – please give in to the sleep buddy. The slow blinks are coming every two seconds. You’re tired. I’m tired. Yelling at my kid to PLEASEE GO TO SLEEP and stop asking me questions that don’t relate to anything at 9pm. You know why that picture is in your room. You know why the baby is in our room. You already went potty. No, I’m not talking about when we’re going to the park next. Hmm, one-star mom moment.

I was prouder of myself than my son was when he accidentally left his stuffed puppy in the car before daycare and I took Puppy on a field trip. I showed my son pictures that evening: Puppy on the steering wheel helping me drive, Puppy sitting in Mr. Carl’s chair, Puppy helping Mommy at the printer, Puppy eating lunch at Mommy’s desk… yeah yeah… I thought it was creative. His response to the cool day Puppy had at mom’s work didn’t quite meet my expectations. Five-star mom day (at least in my book).

If I’m being honest, I’m a bag of mixed reviews right now. I have moments where I’m bitter because of travel envy or guys nights or freeeeedom. Or I’m tired and allow those feelings to get the best of me and treat those around me poorly. One-star mom. I have my moments where I am patient and kind and a great encourager. Five-star mom. Or days when my daughter and I have fun together then start arguing then fight and then forgive each other. Three-star mom day.

No matter if I’m closing up a two-star or five-star day, I’m learning to reset my mind and heart each night as I reflect on being a daughter of the King and not a daughter of the world. God made the happy days and the sad days. He sees me and loves me whichever way I show up.

Discussing motherhood is often a sensitive topic. I believe it’s because all moms have our way (guilty!) of raising kids and/or we hang the banner of entitlement over everyone’s head because of motherhood’s mental and physical loads. Right now, I don’t have it all together. My dependence on God is at an all-time high. I’m grateful my relationship with my husband is the best it’s ever been. And my kids are sanctifying me on every level… yikes!

Instead of reviewing your day based on what you didn’t accomplish, what you don’t look like or the current state of your kitchen, I challenge you (and me!) to positively reflect on your day, give yourself grace, accept that grace and thank the Lord for another day in the life of one busy and blessed mama.