Pinterest Perfect

You know that mom? The one who always has it all together?  The one with the cute blog who posts about everything she does with her kids all day long with a smile on her face and a joyful song in her heart?  She works out daily, watches what she eats, has an awesome wardrobe - an even "awesome-er" relationship with her main squeeze, and her homeschool day runs smoothly?  Her kids are obedient, sweet, and well versed in the word.  They go to all the church functions, and never say bad words.  Her husband adores her, and proudly tells everyone who will hear.

Yeah. 


That mom.


That mom was me (more or less) a few years ago.  The thing is...that lady, who looked so awesome on the outside (check out my other blog if you have time)...was falling apart on the inside.  That isn't to say I was unhappy with my life.  So many of the things you just read were enough to make my joy genuine.  But holding that altogether, all the time?  Yikes.  One of the balls I was juggling was bound to get dropped, and then they all came crashing down.

I remember clearly saying to my husband one night, "I just can't do this anymore.  I can't be everything for everyone all the time.  I need a break."  I sobbed.  Just admitting that was the first step to freedom.

My blog has been silent for two years, and with good reason.  I needed some time to gain a little perspective on everything.  I needed some time to allow myself not to be "pinterest perfect".  I needed to let go, and find me in the chaos of everyone else's daily schedules.

I stopped homeschooling.  I know. Gasp!  Get up off the floor die-hards, I'm back at it this year, and plan to continue until they graduate.  But after six years of schooling at home, I needed a break.  I needed the school to have a turn teaching my babies.  I needed to not come up with yet another year's worth of crafts and learning games and lessons.  I needed to not fight with the my middle-little - who was put on this earth to remind me of all my infuriating flaws that have been seared into his dna.   I needed educational help with my oldest, and I needed all three to stop complaining about their school day see how good they had it at home.  So...two years ago I gave them kisses at the door and sent them off on that big yellow school bus.  And I sat. And I breathed.  And I had no idea what to do next.

Thankfully I didn't have to wait too long to figure it out.  Upon hearing of my newfound freedom, our theater company (we are theater junkies around here - performing all year long!!) asked me to come work part time.  Needing something to fill my day, I said yes.  Little did I know that this simple desk job would turn into a business management position within a year.  And yes, I'm working and homeschooling - but that's another post for another day.

The last two years have had their ups and downs, which I will share some of on this blog, and keep some to myself and family.  But needless to say, I got the break I needed.  Now, don't get me wrong.  Life is still crazy.  About the time I pushed out kid number three, I knew I was signed up for a lifetime of crazy.  :)   But having two years "off" gave me a new perspective and appreciation for the time I have with my children.  

I was going to pickup where I left off with my old blog, but then thought that it might be a good idea to just start fresh.  My homeschooling life looks so different now, and my kids are older, wiser and oh -so-different than they were even two short years ago.  

I hope to use this blog to encourage all those mommies out there who are striving to be Pinterest Perfect...to realize that while it's great to have goals, making them attainable while keeping your sanity is key.  I'll give you tips and tricks for homeschooling, and life hacks that I've found to help make your home run smoother...and in the mean time keep working on myself as an individual.  Because let me tell you, I have NOT arrived.  I could make a list of my flaws and struggles (wouldn't THAT be an awesome post?!?!?)...I'm a work in progress.   But the Lord loves me just as I am, even if I'll never be Pinterest Perfect.