June 31. Your Real

(I knew of Karen, after my husband did her background check for work and told me- you’d really like this woman I just met…but I didn’t actually meet her until later- maybe through Relay for Life or through friends, there are a couple of years that blend together. But I met her and I adored her. And then they moved. I’ve enjoyed keeping up with her busy life from afar, and a while back I really felt God calling me to ask her to write. So I did, and at the time her homeschooling- busy mom life couldn’t, but finally we are blessed enough to read her real. She has great perspective and is an amazing woman. Thank you Karen for sharing your real today!)

Perspective
3 years ago I quit my job to stay home with my children after 20 years of working outside the home.

my career drastically changed

Taking care of tiny humans is not the toughest job but it is tough
some days more than others

But on those tough days I remember what my dad always taught me
to find perspective in my life
what has meaning?

where is that meaning?

how can I use this to leverage the situation to move myself forward?

not just move forward, but enjoy every meaningful moment

thank you Dad

because of you……..

I will not complain about the screaming
because one day my halls will be barren

the rooms will be silent

and I will miss the shriek of a toddler and the laughter of my young ones

I will not long for uninterrupted sleep
because one day I will lie awake

wondering what my children are doing

or if they are home safe in their own beds

I will not wish for a sparkling clean house

because one day I will find small tokens

of children grown, a rattle, a sock, a long lost lego

and I will treasure memories of messy floors in a home well lived in

I will not cry over broken dishes

because one day those cracks and chips

will become fond memories that will bring a smile to my face

I will not worry on long busy days that leave me exhausted

because one day I will be bored and take up hobbies to fill my time

while I fondly remember those days of long “to-do” lists

and days that 12 hours was just not enough

I will not commiserate during long sporting events

standing in the hot hot sun, carrying a baby on my back

with sunburned shoulders and achy feet

because one day I will only have photos for those moments

I will not shoo my children off my lap

or out of my kitchen

or out of my bed during morning snuggles

because one day my lap will be too brittle to hold them

my kitchen will only hold food for two

and my bed will seem too big for just my husband and me

I will not beat myself up over a missed run or workout

and allow my body image to warp because I enjoyed a piece of birthday cake

because my kids will remember that I was healthy

and balanced

and fun

and lived in the moment

I will live for today

I will savor each loud, interrupted, messy, broken, exhausting, hot, long day

because someday

my boys will look back and from their perspective say

“Thanks Mom”

and I will know that every minute counted

whether I can see it right now or not

My name is Karen. I gave up my professional career in 2012 and our little family relocated from Oregon to California, where I transitioned into the career of raising my 4 young men. It was by far the BEST life decision I have ever made. Though we have great days and tough days the Lord has blessed our home and our family abundantly with health, love and unity. As we continue to root ourselves into our new home we find ourselves working through every day issues of new friends, new church, new habits and I realize more than ever that we are never alone. My goal in life to find a balance between all of the things that pull me and not get lost in this crazy world. Making time for what matters to me, my faith, my family, my health and fitness journey. I hope to inspire and motivate others by sharing my ups and downs, how I stay motivated and how God helps me through each day.

This is my youngest son Cooper. Most days he is a hot mess. He came into this world screaming and 20 months later, he hasn’t found a reason to stop. He challenges me every day to be a better mother.
For more on my journey go to…