Christmas in July, Sleepovers, and toddlers.

This week has been a huge week for our family. The biggest thing we accomplished was, Savannah spent her very first night away from Momma. Because Daddy travels for work at times, she is "used" to him being gone sometimes. For me, we have NEVER spent a night apart.

I want to say that I have absolutely nothing against time away from my baby at times. I see the value in it. I understand it is healthy for Zach and I to be a couple, not just mommy and daddy. As parents, it is hard (at times) to find your identity as a spouse when your main priority is caring for a little one. As Christian parents, we both KNOW that our spouse is to come before the children. Not that you neglect your child, of course, but that your marriage comes before anything. All of that being said, a 2 year old does not understand marriage. Or time away. Or the value of her mommy and daddy loving each other. So, inevitably, I find myself feeling like I do not have enough energy for them both. Which is unfair.

So, when we were invited to a "Christmas in July" party for last night, I was excited! I love fellowship with our church family, and I love Christmas. The only "obstacle" was childcare for our girl. The party began at her bedtime, so we knew it wouldn't be a good plan to take her. Plus, we needed time as US. We just did. A friend offered to keep her overnight for us, and I literally felt as if someone had punched me in the gut at the mere thought of someone else getting my girl out of her bed in the morning. I KNOW how ridiculous this is. I KNOW that she would be fine. But, it was how I felt.

Let me say, the friend who kept Savannah is more than capable. She has three beautiful, well mannered, well loved girls. I knew that Rooster would enjoy her time. I knew that her friends and she would have the best sleep over there ever was. I knew that my friend loves my girl like she is her own. She genuinely wanted to keep her for us. Which helped my feelings of being of away.

So, we went. We had a blast. Zach and laughed so hard and really enjoyed our friends. We picked on one another (that is our way) , we had yummy stuff to eat, and we both got time to talk with other people. It was awesome.

I got a text at 8 PM saying baby was sound asleep. And, then a text this morning of her playing dress up. We did it. We spent the night away. I was okay. Savannah was more than okay. And, when I picked her up this morning, I could not get enough of my girl. I smooched her to death and asked her a thousand questions about her night. Most of which she just answered by saying her friends names, which told me she had fun!

As the next couple of weeks unfold, we could use some heavy prayers for wisdom on our choices. <3

Mommas Piece

Ever seen the movie "O Brother Where Art Thou?"? Sometimes, when I am frustrated with Zach or Savannah, I feel like George Clooneys wife (in the movie), Penny. I want to turn to them and say "I have spoken my piece and counted to three". Done. End of conversation. Say no more.

Daddies play the major role in family life, whether they see this or not. In traditional marriages (what used to be tradition), the man was the primary bread winner. The man is called to be the spiritual leader. Little eyes watch daddy, because he is daddy. What role does momma play?

In our house, on any given day, I wear a thousand hats. That's my role. To be whatever I am needed to be. Because of that, I get overwhelmed easily (it truly is my biggest downfall: my patience and perseverance). Sometimes, by the time Zach arrives home, I am a mess. A literal mess in that I haven't made time to shower, because during nap time, eating was more important. I am an emotional mess because Savannah as plucked every heart string (both positive and negative) that I have had that day. And, I am a mental mess. Tired.

A good portion of the time, I feel like I am not living up to my role. I feel like I stink at patience. I have asked the same thing of Zach 44949494 times, and he has forgotten two more times than that. I have told Savannah to stop climbing on the table more times than I care to count, and I find her on there more than she is anywhere else.

Today, however, an odd thing occurred. I woke up not feeling well and added to the already stressful month with my knee, I decided today, I would not wear a thousand hats. I would wear one, and that would be a plain old girl. I would care for myself, so that I could feel refreshed enough to tackle a week. So, I said to Zach how I was feeling and what I needed. He turns to me and says "Why don't you go and nap? I will take charge."

Now, let me say, I have an amazing man. I do. But, he is a man. He sometimes needs things plainly stated in black and white and for me to clearly say things for him to truly get it. Today, I did not need to say that. I simply said I was wearing out. I told Savannah to have a good lunch with daddy and be obedient, and I went to sleep.

Momma had spoken her piece and counted to three.

And guess what? I woke up and cleaned for 2 hours. JUST what the doctor ordered.

Being momma to a "spirited" girl.

It has been far too long since I made the time to sit down and write. I enjoy doing it because having this place where I can look back on the previous year is pretty cool. I don't know about other parents, but I tend to get too caught up in the "now" I forget the awesome things God has brought us through.

Life with Savannah as always been amazing. Nothing short of that. There are times, however, I am SO exasperated with her that I just want to hide in the closet with my hot coffee (keyword being hot, because that is RARE). Like the time she brought me a dead snake and hissed at me with it. Or the time she found foot powder and ran down our main hall throwing it everywhere. And, how about the time she felt like my iPhone would feel better after a dip in the toilet. Also, lets not forget all the "I tol you no"s I hear daily, and the threats she gives to bite her friends, or telling me something is "uggy" and taking it off because she doesn't to wear it.

In those panicked moments, God has this amazing way of helping me remember something downright cute she has done recently to help make me smile. All the "wuv you momma"s make up for the "I tol you no"s. All the awesome dance moves make up for her rowdy running and jumping. All the times she looks to me for guidance and encouragement makes up for all the times she disobeys that guidance.

I am constantly feeling as if I am being judged by others because my girl isn't easy going. Almost as if it is a direct reflection my parenting. I have been asked "Where were you when she was unlocking the door and walking out it?" Well, I was in the laundry room, 10 foot from her "Where were you when she found the snake?" I was right there pulling weeds. I have learned she cannot be let out of my sight for long because she has this awesome brain and imagination driving her. She isn't "bad", she isn't "out of control", and she isn't a "handful", She is made in the Lords image, and He designed her just the way she is. He knows the plans He has for her, plans to prosper. I am her momma, and I am not slack in disciplining and guiding her. I am teaching her there is a time and place for running and jumping, and there is a time to listen and obey.