( Yes, this is me in the bath as I am writing this…just roll with it. I know it’s not my best picture. But it’s real and real is beautiful.)
Why do we as wives and mothers criticize ourselves to the point of not seeing our beauty and strength? I could go on and on about all the things that I do wrong and all the things and people that I fail. Trust me, the list is long. But you know what?
I. AM. STRONG.. and so are you.
I have been doing a 30 day challenge for a calm mind and strong body. It’s been hard. But I am almost finished and I realize that it’s ok to not be perfect. Strength comes in all different packages and sizes.
It comes in the form of being exhausted and taking care of your family anyway. It comes in the form of trying and failing and then trying some more.
Strength is being terrified of heights and stepping into that hot air balloon anyway. 
(Yes, this was me crouched down in the basket of the hot air balloon in Egypt trying not to pass out. My legs weren’t working and I was so shaky and dizzy…a nice thank you to my mom for capturing one of my weakest moments 😂)
Strength is sacrificed time for those you love. Cooking, cleaning, sitting in the car or bleachers for hours to support those amazing humans you created. It’s not always fun. In fact, it’s rarely fun. But it’s strength and it’s love.
(Me in the car waiting to pick up a child from practice)
Strength is crying. It’s being sad and weak. It’s recognizing that you can’t do it anymore and taking a break: talking to someone, writing, painting, drawing, reading, playing guitar, playing piano, singing, exercising or dancing…(those are all things that I love to do for myself when I need a break.)
( Me playing the piano.)
Strength is doing the hard stuff. It’s holding back the mean words and thoughts that you want to say, but don’t. to save someone’s feelings. It’s closing your eyes and taking a loooooooong breath when you’re about to lose it.
It’s no make up, pajamas, drinking some herbal tea to get through homeschooling your children.
(Me drinking my positive energy tea sitting at the table while kids are doing their work…I will be honest, I don’t know how well the tea works.😂)
Strength comes in the form of cheering someone up when they are sad, holding someone close when they need it, laughing, teasing, kissing, loving and loving hard. It’s walking in the sunshine, walking in the cold dark night all bundled up. It’s being terrified and awestruck at creating a life or six lives…and bringing those lives into this world. Being a mother and delivering my babies has shown me the strength I am capable of.
It’s sitting on the couch watching a show with your son that’s about to leave home. It’s letting that boy take your heart with him even when you’re not ready. It’s watching your daughter make the winning shot at the last second of the game. It’s watching your kids ride and play outside together. It’s braiding your girls’ hair and realizing they are taller than you and it won’t be long until they don’t need you to braid their hair before their games. It’s snuggling on the couch and falling asleep even when there are a million other things that need done. 
(No, I am not, and have never been a napper, I have taken approximately 5 naps in my whole life and here is one of them.💛💙)
I am realizing that a lot of my weaknesses are actually my strengths. I am seeing myself through different eyes and I like most of it. But I accept all of it. Even the things I don’t like.
Things I see about myself… I am really fun. People like to be around me. I absolutely love people! I love to laugh and I love making people laugh. I love a good prank and I love to scare people. I read into everything and get my feelings hurt easily. I forgive easy. I am sweet and I am wild. Seriously, I try hard to not be wild, but I can’t control it!!! I think it’s the red hair…😄 I am a good dancer. I am really artistic. I draw and paint. I am pretty musical. I love hard…I love deep. I am very spiritual. I love God. And knowing God loves me gives me strength. I love being barefoot. I am kind of a hippie. I LOVE being naked! I should have been a rainbow person. I am very fearful of heights and small spaces. I can be a worrier. I am a dare devil. I am really flexible. I am a good listener. I am a very physical person. I love to touch and be touched. I am passionate and love to debate people. I also love to help people when they need it. I have never esteemed myself higher than anyone. I love all people. I make friends easily. I get angry easily. I love even easier. I laugh and tease more than most..especially to drive someone I love crazy. I love sunshine and I love rain. I hardly ever cry. But when I do cry it feels terrible and then good. I am a good wife. I am a good mother. I love being a woman. I am weak and I am strong.
All of these things, good or bad, make me who I am. If I know you, I love you and you have helped me to be stronger somehow. So thank you! And remember that you are pretty awesome yourself! I see all of you and I love all of you. 💕
Some random photos of myself on good days and bad…
My daughter’s birthday. I was too busy to get ready for the day
I climbed into a pyramid when I am really scared of small spaces
I got married 💕
A good day of homeschooling
Hugging my son after a loss
Playing guitar when I needed a break
Late at night, tired, but finished one of my 30 day challenges
I got ready for the day
I love you
Having a tired day
Going on a date with these two
A good day
Stressed day
Lunch with some of my kiddos
My kids’ biggest fan
Holding my babies when they’re sad
Birthday girl lunch
Good day
Peaceful day
Great day
Better believe I love a caramel apple
Tired and hot after a long day
Good night to snuggle
No color…just me
Bringing life into this world after a very hard labor all night
Not happy, not sad
Flower arranging
Lipstick in black and white
Practicing singing for my church when I don’t have a mic stand…
Not the best day
Sunshine ☀️
Holding my baby
I just went on a roller coaster…I made it out alive
Happy
A funeral arrangement I made with sunflowers 🌻
I love sunflowers. 💛🌻
I am learning to love my flaws and and my stressful, hard, sad and lonely moments because those moments are the ones that make me who I am. And I am learning to like and accept who I am. Who am I to say that God made a mistake? He didn’t make a mistake with me or with you. Start loving yourself. Those broken hard moments turn out so beautiful. Just remember God loves you and I love you.💕
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