Keeping it Real in the "Life as a Mommy" Department

Hi All! It has been MONTHS since my last post, and here's my update, in case you were wondering...

Seven years ago, after my first child (Spunky) was born, I became a "stay-at-home-mom".  Since then we have added 2 more precious little people to our family.  Then I started sewing - and blogging.  Staying at home, there is not much interaction with adults, especially if you have physical limitations and are not able to go out (most of my family is several states away).  But there was a sweet neighbor lady that came over to talk, played with the kids, prayed for me, and helped to keep me sane.  She had a key to my door and our relationship was so close that she'd come over any time.  Even if we weren't there - she'd come just to let our dog out.  She was the stand-in grandma for my kids grandmothers day events.  She was part of our family.

Two days before this past Christmas, at 62, she passed into the arms of Jesus.  She will be missed.  Much.

And, though this seems trivial in the grand scheme of things, my sewing machine died, too.

That turn of events got me thinking about creating a "new normal".  I have been very stressed with the little ones (they're entering the two and three year stages), my big kid is struggling with some things at school, and now I don't have the support of my dear friend....  I just needed a change.

 Then came one of those calls that changed my life.  I hope you know these calls, because they come seemingly out of nowhere and end up being a Godsend.  Long story short, my kids are now in daycare full-time, and I am once again a Land Development Consultant (that's what I was doing in my previous life - you know, the one before children).

I'm trying to keep it real (& short) here, and I'll just say that since January things are definitely looking up.  My consulting business is going great, the little kids are well-cared-for at the daycare and have created some great friendships, and Spunky is doing better (and will be going to a new school next year).

 I got a new sewing machine (thanks, Mom!) and though I've only made pillowcases and one dress I now have some "me-time" to use it.  I've even started working out and in general, I'm looking forward to what God has in store for me.

I'm still a mommy with all of the ups and downs, but now I have a separate job (really, when does "mom" stop being "mom"? Never!).  Playing, healing, learning, growing, laughing....  I am beginning to enjoy the days more - to dread them less.  I pray for those of you with little ones.  Overwhelmed and depressed is not the way God intended a mothers life to be.

So. At this point I'm not really being too crafty, but who knows what the future holds?

Blessings,
:) Caren