Today is my youngest brother's birthday. Happy Birthday, Jeff! He came into our family by way of adoption...literally dropped off at our doorstep back in 1977. I remember being so happy {I was 4 years old} as I was totally in love with babies and puppies at that time in my life. I still can picture myself holding him and thinking about when I would be a mom myself someday.
So here we are...years later and I am still very much in 'mommy-mode'. I am 16 weeks along in my pregnancy with baby #6 and the weeks just seem to be going by so quickly. I've decided to take a few pictures of my 'progress' this time around, and if you really want to follow this journey you can click over to my gallery and view the picture here. If I don't get too enormous, I just may post a couple of pics each month from now til the baby arrives. =)
This morning we were back to our normal routine as spring break had to come to an end. The alarm went off early and with that came the reality that if I'm not careful, the monotony of life can quickly become a drudgery.
I am trying really hard as a mom to NOT let that happen- even though it does at times. I was happy to come across a little notebook yesterday in which I had written random thoughts and journaling around this time last year. It seems fitting for me to post...and hopefully the words will encourage and challenge some of you who find yourself in this same place in life. Loving the routine and 'calling'...yet sometimes feeling overwhelmed and uninspired- this is for all of us.
"The perspective needed to guide and shape my parenting is this-
When I begin to see the day to day as a delight, rather than drudgery...
When serving my children is seen as a privilege, rather than a chore...
Knowing that my actions are slowly and through repetition shaping them for the rest of their lives...
Then it [parenting] becomes a task of enormous and lasting consequence.
It becomes a 'higher calling' and the reality sinks in that
giving it my all, demanding my best and expressing love in ALL that I do, is the least I can offer to those who mean the most to me."
May you find joy and purpose and affirmation in the relationships that YOU touch today...they matter so much!
So here we are...years later and I am still very much in 'mommy-mode'. I am 16 weeks along in my pregnancy with baby #6 and the weeks just seem to be going by so quickly. I've decided to take a few pictures of my 'progress' this time around, and if you really want to follow this journey you can click over to my gallery and view the picture here. If I don't get too enormous, I just may post a couple of pics each month from now til the baby arrives. =)
This morning we were back to our normal routine as spring break had to come to an end. The alarm went off early and with that came the reality that if I'm not careful, the monotony of life can quickly become a drudgery.
I am trying really hard as a mom to NOT let that happen- even though it does at times. I was happy to come across a little notebook yesterday in which I had written random thoughts and journaling around this time last year. It seems fitting for me to post...and hopefully the words will encourage and challenge some of you who find yourself in this same place in life. Loving the routine and 'calling'...yet sometimes feeling overwhelmed and uninspired- this is for all of us.
"The perspective needed to guide and shape my parenting is this-
When I begin to see the day to day as a delight, rather than drudgery...
When serving my children is seen as a privilege, rather than a chore...
Knowing that my actions are slowly and through repetition shaping them for the rest of their lives...
Then it [parenting] becomes a task of enormous and lasting consequence.
It becomes a 'higher calling' and the reality sinks in that
giving it my all, demanding my best and expressing love in ALL that I do, is the least I can offer to those who mean the most to me."
May you find joy and purpose and affirmation in the relationships that YOU touch today...they matter so much!
20 comments:
great post!
love the 16weeks shot...precious
xo
OH my goodness, that was so for me today! Every word was like a drop of water, refreshing my soul in my "mommy purpose".
Thank you Jodi, thank you!!!!
So glad you're doing well in your pregnancy, I have yet to go look at the pic, thanks for sharing with us, I LOVE that kind of stuff.
So again.... I pray the Lord's blessings on you for just being an open vessel for Him to flow through and work through. Thanks for your obedience to Him, be blessed today!
~HUGS!
cute pic of you pg, but i only see one arm. is it me??
:)
Thanks Jodi,
I needed that.
Holly N
Looking good! I got The Belly Book to keep track of my pictures. You should check it out - you would love it! Thanks for the sweet note on my blog. It was good to get away - for me and Ang too. We both decided to go last minute. I think she will be blogging about it soon. xoxo
Jody,
Your post is just what I needed! Lately I've been in a bit of a funk, and the monotony of the day to day has been wearing me down, (along with the 95* weather here in AZ), and it's been showing through in my mood, especially towards my family. Thanks for the reminder that no matter what, I should give it my all!
Angie
thank you for sharing this...your words were more encouraging than some sermons I have sat through in past churches I attended! No children here, but I have a husband, who needs my attention just as much as if we had children. Ouch...my toes hurt! Thanks :)))
Happy Birthday Jeff....dropped off on your door step...can you share more about that some day? I realize that it is Jeff's story to tell, but I would so love to hear it.
happy week to you!!!
just checked out your photos... you are one of "those". I now no longer want to read your blog! you skinny girls make me just sick. God's sense of humor is NOT fair!
You look great! keep the pictures coming.
Oh Jody you don't know how great ti was to read your post today. I hope you don't mind but I want to share it with my 37 y/o son. He is a stay at home dad (SAD, horrible abb.) to his first born son who is now 9 months and his two "bonus" children from his marriage to a wonderful woman who has the better job. He was all for it but now at times finds it very difficult. I think reading what you wrote last year is just what he needs to hear..so thanks again. You inspire me so much..hugs Susan
Happy birthday to your little brother! and thank you for sharing your notes - wonderful reminders!
When serving my children is seen as a privilege, rather than a chore...
WOW did I ever need to hear THAT today.
Thank you,
Laura Solomon
That was for me too today Jody. You are such an inspiration!!
I have recently discovered your blog and it has been a blessing to do so.
Your reflections about motherhood in your most recent post are just beautiful to read. Sometimes it is too easy to get caught up in the mundane and then focus on negative things. But, you're absolutely right - there is usually a positive spin, you just need to choose to see it that way.
It's wonderful to read that your pregnancy is going well. I'll have to check out your belly shots.
Ok, so I am sooo thrilled for you adn you look adorable, BUT... I'm so totally annoyed that you still look thinner than me!!! :) I can blame mine on all the prednisone, but no one makes a tshirt for that (like the ones that say I'm not fat, I'm pregnant).
Hope you continue to feel well!
Thanks for your inspiring post! And for the great photo editing site! Wow, now another addicting site for me..
Jody,
Wow! TFS your journaling thoughts. How awesome! I'm definitely going to share this with my small group tomorrow night as we continue to discuss The Five Love Languages of Children(This is my third time studying it! LOL)
Happy BD to your little bro-hope you both enjoy the day together!
Suz
i've been reading your blog for a long time and always enjoy your posts and following up what's going on with your family but have never left a comment. Your post today really spoke to me and I had to leave you a comment. it lifted my spirits as i have been lately worn down from the day to day sameness of my days. Thanks!
I stumbled upon this blog today. Your family's journey takes my breath away.
Great post! The topic of parenting has been on my mind a lot lately. If I decide to write a post about it, I am definitely including a link to your blog and this post. Thanks so much for sharing!
What an AMAZING SWEET GIFT!! a brother.. I ALWAYS WANTED a brother!!! You're a lucky girl!!!
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