The day I realized I had FINALLY won the “Mom of the Year” award!

The day I realized I had FINALLY won the “Mom of the Year” award!

When we found out we were expecting Ellie, I had a long list of the ways I’d rock as a mom! I didn’t write them down but my list made me the Mom Of The Year. In my mind anyway! I thought every other mom was doing it all wrong and I’d show them how to really win at motherhood. Do I have any other mom friends who thought they had it all together? Then, Ellie was born and that invisible list in my head no longer mattered. I quickly realized I had no idea what I was doing. I was merely trying to survive. Have you ever taken a step back and realized your list was missing an important component. Here are three things I said I never do as a mom…

1. I would NEVER buy the good2grow juices from the convenience store:

Do you know the ones I am referring to? They have cute characters as caps! However, they cost almost 4 bucks a bottle! Ellie gets excited to collect the different characters. They are at the very bottom of the fridge so she gets way down on her hands and knees to make sure there is not one far back that she cannot see.

We try to find them on sale or in bulk and we definitely don’t buy them each week but we do let her get one when she finds a character she doesn’t have yet. We also now use them as game players. They work perfect with Ellie’s new DIY board game. Before Ellie I was convinced they were a waste of money. The truth is they are a waste of money. However, its her first desired collection and she is getting some reuse out of them as well.

2. I would NEVER Let my kid go to the gym daycare:

Guys! Most of y’all know how hard it is for me to just drop Ellie off and not give her a second thought. Well… it happens everyday now. At our local gym they have this really cool program. They have kids play in the gym. Ellie loves it! She gets so excited to go and play with all her friends. I get to walk on the track while she plays below me in the gym. They have a safe check in and check out system and all the teachers know Ellie by name. In Texas I went to the mall everyday on my lunch break to walk. It was my hour to refresh mentally, emotionally and spiritually while Ellie was napping at school. I was disappointed when moving here that there wouldn’t be a mall as close. However, we now live less than five mins from the gym and I’m there as much as I can to get my power walking on.

3. I would NEVER be a stay at home mom:

Now you know why it’s a MUST that Ellie goes to the gym daycare. I need that hour! I’ve always said staying at home is not for me. However, it’s just what I need now. I work part time but Ellie is with me all week. She helps me set up the rooms for the weekend by doing the craft so the kids have a sample. I only have a few years left before Ellie goes to kinder (if we don’t homeschool) so I’m soaking up as much time with her as possible. I won’t lie, we are more annoyed with each other then ever before but as she drifts off to sleep each night (finally quiet and still) I can’t help but be thankful for this extra time I do have with her in this season. God knew we needed this time. I’m slowly learning that He always knows what we need in each season of life. Ellie is my mini me and every moment she’s with me is a treasured moment.

Here’s the thing! We all judge as mothers! You might not admit it or even be aware of it. But we do! For example, just know if you feed your kid hot dogs I’m totally judging you. I really like you. I think you are a phenomenal mom. You probably even cause a little jealousy In my heart. However, hot dogs are from the devil! I try really hard not to judge but as a mom who fears her kid choking, I do. I’m sorry I love you but I judge you too. Im working on it!

We should just stop! The truth is we are all trying to survive motherhood! Let’s support one another!

Can I say this though? I’m so thankful for God’s Grace! I have made so many mistakes as a mother. Get ready to judge yall!!! Here I go!

My top 4 mom fails:

I Lost Ellie in the mall! Yep! Straight up LOST her. I was screaming at people to call the cops. I’ll never be able to truly thank that sweet little wise lady who saw Ellie making a dash for the exit and alerted me just in time. Guys! Worst five minutes EVER!

I was recently driving down the road. We were about fifteen minutes into our drive when I hear Ellie shout “MOM! YOU FORGOT TO BUCKLE ME UP!” Guys that was the second time that month that I somehow forgot to buckle her up. No worries! I have sticky note reminders EVERYWHERE now!

I sent her to school forgetting to feed her breakfast.

When she was 6 months I was so tired. I literally stood up from the couch forgetting she was in my arms and straight up dropped her. Don’t worry. Jessie is a ninja. He caught her… BARELY!!!!

I’ll stop there. No need to shame myself more.

There are countless small and big mistakes I have made and I’m so thankful that God had his hand on Ellie in all of them. Becoming a mother has taught me that I need Jesus more than ever before. I need Him. You need Him. That mother we judge needs Him. We all need Him. In all my mistakes I try. I try my hardest to be the best for her but I can’t be perfect. I need Him. I need Jesus! I just can’t mom without Him. This is when we truly win “Mom of the year!” When we realize that we can never measure up to the mom we are called to be without Him.

“Don’t be afraid, for I am with you. Don’t be discouraged, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will hold you up with my victorious right hand.” Isaiah 41:10 NLT

What is something you said you would never do as a mother?