Mercies in Motherhood

Have you ever had some mommy fails? I'm not talking about the "I forgot to feed my kid a vegetable today." or even the "I forgot to re-apply the sunscreen" fails. I mean the self fails. The "crap, I should not have said/done that" fails.

I've had 2 big ones recently and I just wanted to kick myself both times.

One was being a little overly frustrated trying to get Reaghan to dance class one time. We were running 5 minutes behind and I knew we'd get there right on time as it was, but on our way we encountered a school bus stopping to let kids off, every red light possible, the shortest light in the history of man that only let 5 cars through at a time right at 5pm, and drivers that thought it would be fun to go 5 under the speed limit. I kid you not, I thought I was going to lose it. Actually, I kind of did. I grumbled, I may have exclaimed loudly "Drive people, drive!" once or twice and I think I banged the steering wheel with my fist. If that doesn't paint a pretty picture of myself... yikes. Truth is you guys, that that's not the first time I've ever lost my patience like that. but now? I have 2 little girls in the back seat. One 3 year old in particular watching my every move and asking "Are you frustrated mommy?" *face palm*

Ugh.

Mom Fail.

Ugh.

Christ follower fail.

It's so hard sometimes to remember that everything I say to my sweet girls means nothing if I can't live it out in my own life. I can't speak to Reaghan about self control when I don't exhibit it in my own life.

I am so thankful for grace. Sometimes I sit too high on my self righteous horse thinking I've got it all together and then my wretchedness comes out. My sin. My ugliness. The things that sit deep in my heart... impatience, a short temper, selfishness... they come out in my actions sometimes and I hate it. Thank God that His mercies are new every morning, which is good because that's how often I need it. More, actually.

In case you're wondering, we made it to dance class just fine. 8 minutes late, but it was fine. Because its a 3-4 year old ballet class, not the Nut Cracker. I lost my cool over being late to a 3 year old's dance class. *face palm again*

So much responsibility in raising this little ballerina. It's scary sometimes. Scary and humbling realizing how much influence I will have in her life. I know there are daily opportunities to show her how to live a Godly, virtuous life... but also daily opportunities to show her how much her mommy needs Jesus, and how much she needs Jesus too. My prayer isn't just that I would never lose my patience in front of her again{because I'm sure I will no matter how hard I try} but I think its that when I do fail, I would be humble enough to apologize and share with her my need for a savior - share with her His unending mercies for us when we do fail.

The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases;

They are new every morning;

Great is His faithfulness.

Lamentations 3:22-23

Big Girl Dates

Last weekend we took Reaghan to see her first play! A couple years ago I probably would've said it would be a little ridiculous to take a 3 year old to a play. Even as I type that I think it sounds crazy, a 3 years old at a Broadway "type" play?! But I'm so glad we went. Reaghan and her cousin Brooklyn are really into Lion King right now, it is one of their favorite movies, So when we saw through our zoo membership that the Hurrah Players {a family theater group based in Hampton Roads}were putting on this play and we could get a discount on tickets with our zoo passes, we thought it would be fun to take them!

We've been trying to have special "big girl dates" with Reaghan every now and then since Lilly was born. Usually it is a daddy daughter date somewhere... sometimes its spending special one on one time with mommy to do nails or crafts... more recently I took her to the movies just the two of us and we had a fun little girls night! Anyways, this was an extra special big girl date because it was with mommy AND daddy while Lilly stayed home with Uncle Noah. :)

Apple Orchard {2017}

We took our annual fall trip to the mountains to pick apples this past week! It is definitely a trip I look forward to every year and this year was our first time with Lilly. Every time I go on vacation I remember how un-vacation like it is with little kids, BUT at the same time, how much fun it is. I mean, what did I do on this trip before I had babies to take care of??? Yes it would be more relaxing if it were just Mark and I, but it would seem a little meaningless...

We both took more time off of work this year. Usually we only go up for a long weekend, but we stayed for 5 days this time. There is always so much to do, we are busy every day!

Saturday: Our week this year fell earlier in October than usual so we were up there for our favorite craft festival - Dayton Days. I bought homemade bibs, a cute dance bag for Reag for Christmas, and bows! We ate fried apple pies and funnel cakes! Kind of bummed that it was 80 degrees out and we didn't have crisp, chilly air.

See Lilly Grow {8 months}

I love my little 8 month old. She is fun and feisty and fearless. She's our go with the flow girl. I'm a little in denial that its been 8 months since she was born, but I'm super excited for this new season. We had a fun first summer with her and now we're heading into fall and the holidays!