Tuesday, March 31, 2015

New Season of Motherhood - Part One

Join me as I start the new season of motherhood! A 5 part series that examines how we, as mothers, can begin to find ourselves, AGAIN!

Part One: Giving Up On Perfection

Why do you call me good? Jesus answered. No one is good—except God alone. 
                                                                                                             Mark 10:18


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If you are trying to make a perfect life for your kids you will fail. You can not do it. This was a very hard lesson for me to learn. I wanted a life like in the movies. But, I kept getting let down, so I would work harder at it. Until, I was spiritually awakened one day with a sermon that my pastor preached. He said that perfection was something that only Jesus was able to obtain. We were never going to be perfect, we would fail every time. All we can be is blissfully faithful in the life we have. Perfection does not equal happiness. Strive to make your children live happy lives instead of perfect ones. 


As a mother you have dreams for each one of your children. You want them to succeed at everything they do. You don't want them to be hurt or feel sad for any reason. You are there to protect them and care for them. You want to make their lives perfect. But, I think that some where in the daily mix of life we lose the ability to see that our children's idea of perfect is very different from our's. They don't want to see mommy sad or upset because things are going perfect. They want to see mommy happy, smiling or, in my case, dancing around the house to a Taylor Swift song. We get too busy trying to make it all work that we forget to see that life won't be perfect. Did you spill that bowl of mashed potatoes you were whipping? It's not the end of the world. Did you put all your kids in beautiful church clothes only to have the muddy dog come love on them and leave her mark? Look at it like a great memory the kids will have and not a failure on your part. 



Once you are able to give up on perfection you will be able to see the ability to take time for yourself. Let the hubby watch the kids and go get your nails done. Or go get a latte at Starbucks and take a walk to just think. 

I challenge you to give up on the perfect life and embrace the life you have. You will exhaust yourself trying to make it how you think it should be. Make a life full of happiness and you will find your own brand of perfect!

Join me later this week for Part Two of my series "A New Season of Motherhood" 

Until next time...


Katie B




Sunday, March 29, 2015

A New Season of Motherhood - 5 part series


I am on a soul searching journey! The last few months I have felt crabby and uncomfortable in my own skin. I couldn't really figure out why. I have as you know been dieting. I am now beginning to realize that the food that I was putting in my body was not good for me or my thinking. It feel as though I am finally able to think clearly! 

With that said I have started to realize that I am beginning a new season of life or a new season of motherhood rather. How's that you ask? Well because my children are getting older. For 10 years of my life I have had to be the complete caretaker to my babies. They are all at an age now that I don't have to do everything for them. I am not saying that I will just leave them to do everything for themselves but, I don't have to do it ALL anymore. This was not an easy to grasp for me. As a mother you want to be able to help your children in anyway you can. You want to protect them from everything and make sure that they are completely happy 100% of the time. As they get older you can't do that like you did when they were an infant. 




So I am now starting to focus on myself again. I can honestly say that in the last week I have "fixed" my hair more that I have in, at least, 5 years. I use to wake up in the morning get the kiddos up and ready for school. Then I would just throw my hair up in a ponytail and begin my day with the 2 little ones. I rarely looked at myself in the mirror and never dressed up for the day. Jeans and t-shirts have been my wardrobe for as long as I can remember. I don't know what came over me this week but, I LOVE IT. I woke up curled my hair, put make-up on and dressed up in some "girly" clothes. I felt great! I felt like I was myself again and not hiding behind my insecurities. 

Have any of you gone through a new season of life and realized you weren't really living, just getting through each day?

Join me as I start the new season of motherhood! A 5 part series that examines how we, as mothers, can begin to find ourselves, AGAIN!


Until next time...

Katie B

Thursday, March 19, 2015

The Big "D" Update


Well, I slacked off a little. I'll admit! But, I noticed I was doing it and changed my mind set. That is something I haven't been able to do in a while. If I got into a "funk" I stayed there and was stuck in it. The Hubs and I went to the gym yesterday and he pushed me to do more than I've done in YEARS. I complained about most of it but, afterwards I was REALLY happy that I was able to do all of the workout (and didn't throw up). I am feeling something I haven't felt in a while....My muscles are SO sore! I can barely walk and I sneezed earlier and thought my stomach was going to exploded. HA!!

I am down 8 pounds! I love the number 8!


Has anyone else started a weight loss journey? I would love to hear about how its going! 



Until next time....

Katie B



Thursday, March 5, 2015

Time For The Big "D" part 3

I have lost....3 pounds!! 3! Not one, not two but three!!!



I have been going to the gym everyday. I have been eating better and eating dinner before 6 at night.
I am taking it slow cause let's face it, I am not in shape.

I am not the athletic, muscular tennis player I was in high school.


But, I feel as though I can get close now. I have changed bad habits and started better ones. Isn't that what it's all about?

Until next time...

Katie B


Monday, March 2, 2015

Book Review: "At Home In Mitford" by Jan Karon

I like to think of myself as a colorful reader. Seriously. I read anything. But, my favorite kind of book is one that creates a small community of crazy, unforgettable characters. I love the feeling of wanting to go back on vacation to my favorite place in bookville. 


Here I am reading "At Home In Mitford" on my anniversary vacation 


That is exactly what "At Home In Mitford" did to me. I found myself wanting to walk into the Local for some groceries or check out the special at the Grill. I could almost taste a Baxter apple or smell aroma of antique wood at Oxford Antiques. Jan Karon painted a beautiful story when she wrote "At Home In Mitford". 

The main character is lifelong bachelor Father Tim, a Episcopal priest. He lives a pretty placid life consumed with parish duties and community activities. Until one day when that all begins to change with the introduction of a dog the size of a Buick that he names, Barnabus. This sets his world into a bit of a tail spin. Barnabus, that is only calmed by scripture, gives Father Tim something that his life has been missing, companionship. But, this is hardly the end of the adventures when his life is quickly invaded by a dirt-covered, love-starved and ill-mannered boy named Dooley Barlowe who arrives at his church office looking for a place to "take a dump". 

In the mix of all of this Father Tim is horrified to admit that he can't stop thinking about his new neighbor, Cynthia Coppersmith. An author of children's books about her cat, that Barnabus is determined to get a bite of. 

We are also introduced to the lovable and free-spirited Miss Sadie Baxter that will change the little town of Mitford forever, a red haired God send named "Puny" Bradshaw that becomes the Father's housekeeper and friend. A group of men that meet at the Grill every morning for breakfast and a whole lot more local characters that makes Mitford a gem of a town.  

Mitford is a sweeter-than-life town with just enough reality to keep you wanting to come back for more. I recommend this book for anyone needing a vacation from the daily hustle and bustle.




Until next time...



Katie B