Momma Cliques

Did you know they exist?  It wasn't until this past summer that I noticed them and honestly, I think for a brief time I was in one.  When I was in the fourth grade, I have a memory of a classmate and I thinking it would be a great idea to write down everyone's name in our class and sort them into "cliques".  Of course that great idea turned into that girl bringing it to school and telling everyone I wrote it, which then led to having my entire class mad at me.  So, hard to believe that many years later I am once again thinking about publishing something about cliques.

In high school, I loved that fact that I was in a clique, I'm not sure why...maybe for security...maybe because I thought I was cool.  Who knows?  All I know now is that if I could do high school all over again, I would be nicer to everyone, among other things.  I'm glad those days were a learning experience. :)

Now, that I am a SAHM, I have been searching for a friend.  Maybe that sounds pathetic, but it didn't take long to learn that my colleagues, were just that, my colleagues, and they are still working.  If we didn't "hang out" before, why now?  I guess before, I had "girl talk" during the day and when the day was over and I picked up my children, I wanted to come home and spend time with just them.  Now that I am home all day,  there are times when I would like to have that person to call up and chat with, go to the movies with or have dinner at El Rancherito`or anything that gets me out of the house!  I am thankful that Jordan's cousin lives close because if it weren't for our weekly playdates, I might be a little crazier!

This summer I started noticing "Momma Cliques".  We went to the library program each week and this is when I first noticed them.  As I took my kids on other outings, to the parks, swimming, etc.  I would continue to see these groups.  I always spoke to the women, but it ended there.  Now, I won't go back to my childish fourth grade self and categorize these groups for you, but I am sure some of you have noticed them too.

I need that sense of community and I am hoping that now as we move to another town, that I find "my clique".  I am not sure what it will look like, but I do know that it won't be exclusive. :)  And, if you belong to a clique and you see that new SAHM, hanging over there by herself, talk to her, invite her to lunch with you, or to your next play date.

As always, thanks for stopping by. ~Julie

Is Your Refrigerator Running?

Then ya better go catch it!!!!!!!  Tonight I am having a slumber party with my girls and so far it has been a blast. We have eaten junk food, painted our nails, called a boy (thanks Daddy!), had a pillow fight, and Grace's personal favorite: made a few prank phone calls (to family, of course).

I had a lot of slumber parties as I was growing up, ranging from watching Dirty Dancing (gasp!) for the first time at Sarah's, to toilet papering at my own, to sneaking out at Lindsey's, to spending time with my pledge sisters the night before my sorority initiation, and I can honestly tell you that this will be the most memorable slumber party I ever attend.  I never would have guessed back then that I could have this much fun with a four year old and a five month old.

I will never forget how much Gabbi giggled when Grace and I had a pillow fight. She laughed so hard, she could hardly breathe! And then giggled all the more as we lightly tapped her with pillows! I will never forget Grace's wide eyed expression as I told her I was going to call the boy I liked and then hung up when he answered. I will never forget how Grace giggled hysterically when she called a few family members and asked them if their refrigerator was running. And, I will never ever forget when Grace told me that she wants to be just like me when she grows up!

My children are growing up so fast! I need to cherish every moment I have with them and remember to thank God for them everyday.  I can't believe that Grace will be going to full day Kindergarten next year. There are so many memories that could have been made or things I should have taken the time to do with her in the past that I took for granted or said I would do later. Two summers ago I read the book, Notes Left Behind, and it made me realize that EVERY moment, needs to be cherished. Even those times that Grace yells from her room for the hundredth time at night to put off going to bed or when she is acting silly as I try to get her dressed. Even the times that Gideon decides to be ornery all day long  or makes a huge mess during dinner. Notes Left Behind is a book of notes a six year old left her family while she was dying of brain cancer. It's a beautiful message that you will cry all the way through and really makes you value every moment with your children.

Well, I have two girls to carry upstairs and tuck into their beds (this momma is going to pass on spending the night on the hardwood floor- you can ask my pledge sisters, I left them in the main room on our floor to sleep in my own bed too!) and a boy to kiss on the forehead who is already in his bed! I'd love to hear about the wonderful memories you are making with your little ones. Good Night~Julie

A Balanced Life

After dropping Grace off at school today, Gideon, Gabbi, and I went to Wal-Mart and Hy-Vee for groceries, put them away, and have had a snack.  I have about 10 minutes to blog before we head back out to pick Grace up from preschool.  As I sit here, I can't recline the chair because Gideon has several toys stuffed under it and I can't see one of my couches under the pile of laundry that I need to fold.  Right now, my biggest goal since becoming a SAHM, is finding a balanced life.

I know that this is much easier said than done, because I have been trying to figure this out since August.  I've skimmed the FlyLady Book when the children have let me have some time to read and I think it is a fantastic system.  Although, I really doubt that the FlyLady had a 5 month old, a two-year-old, and a four-year-old when she developed her system, because I have yet to find the time to make my morning and bedtime routines!

What I have figured out so far is that: A: My husband needs my attention too and I must make sure to schedule time to spend with him each evening once the kids are asleep, B: If my house is in perfect condition, then I have neglected my family and they have been craving my attention, and C: I have to schedule time for myself.  Now, I haven't figured out how to accomplish C yet, so if any of you other mama's out there reading this have ideas, please share them!

I recently read a post from Pastor Mark Driscoll's blog from his wife, Grace, talking about his same issue.  If you have time you should read it. http://pastormark.tv/2011/09/22/finding-balance-in-a-busy-life I love how honest Grace is about the difficulties mom's face and how she deals with them.  Grace explains that as her duties pile up and her day goes on she remembers who she is serving. :)

After I took a minute to read Grace Driscoll's post for the millionth time, I know that my first step to achieving a balanced life is by remembering that I am serving the Lord first and then my family.  I'm going to take a minute to pray and then load us up to pick up Grace from preschool. ~Julie

A New Beginning

I've decided to join the blogging world.  I have recently become a stay at home mom (SAHM) and need something to keep me sane.  I don't know if this will really be a blog or just an online journal for me.  I am hoping it is a way to connect with other women in my situation and to be able to learn from them.

My Journey to Being a Stay at Home Mom
My husband, Jordan, and I found out that we were expecting Gabrielle in August of 2010 and by October of 2010 we decided that it was time for me to make a career out of raising my babies. I finished the school year and embarked down my new path. Gabbi was born on May 13th and we were officially parents of three children under the age of five! Since my husband is also a teacher, we had the summer off as a family and I feel my role as a SAHM began in August when his school year started.

I absolutely love my new life, but I'm not going to lie, there are days when it is tough! I hope my stories can be an inspiration and possibly a good laugh to others.