Mamma Monday: Juggling Act

Life can often feel like a juggling act ... amen?!!

We are constantly balancing ALL the things and working hard not to let anything hit the ground. No pressure! I don't know about you but I wasn't given any magic powers and while some days feel like they deserve a standing ovation, some feel like I'm right in the middle of the circus ring.

I feel that as women & particularly as mothers, the number of responsibilities, tasks and things we are constantly thinking about is as long as a child's Christmas wish list! 

Personally, I'm a wife, mamma, daughter, sister, gal pal, Sunday school teacher, Junior Leaguer, blogger, chef (lets be honest more of a defroster), house keeper, errand runner, gardener, playmate and overall concierge. Oh and I need to squeeze in exercising, grooming and just maybe a little down time because every circus act needs an intermission! We have things to juggle and the show must go on.

So how are we supposed to do it?? 

Here's how I'm trying to juggle ....

1. Determine the Nonnegotiable 

My family is #1! That means quality time and investment into them. Dating Ryan, caring for & playing with Vivian with minimal distractions or attempting to multitask. Then my extended family such as my sisters & Mamma, gal pals, daily exercising and a tidy home.  These things are a MUST. 

Sometimes the chores happen later, the schedule is shifted and that I skirt the rules for fun #noregrets

2. Choose the things you can keep & let go of (even if temporary)

I feel called to minister to teenage young ladies as a Sunday school teacher. I absolutely love writing this blog in efforts to encourage & inspire you gals and being involved in my MOPS group adds so much value. So I've chosen to continue pouring into them.

But since I can't do it all gracefully, I have taken a break from my career, decided to be an inactive member of the Junior league and step back from volunteering at 3 nonprofits.  I will still support them in other ways. These decisions were hard to make but they make life easier. I'd be lying if I said I didn't crave a spreadsheet or team meetings in the conference room on a regular basis. The suits still hanging in my closet are a reminder of those days. 

This does NOT mean that I am less than. It means I'm MORE to what matters most at this time in my life.

Confession:  I battle with this and have to say it over and over all the time!

3. Do NOT Compare

What you're juggling isn't the same as someone else's. 

Limits make room for more joy.  When there is less you can be more at ease and better for others & your priorities.  It takes practice and daily effort to have contentment. I often feel like there's an element of failure or inadequacy if I'm not meeting the standards I've created.  The truth is, the standard is what God wants of me. 

Meal prepping, chore charts, and calendars are all tools that can help you juggle. I also make a lot of lists. Leaning on others I find lightens the load and fills you with love.

Focus on quality over quantity when it comes to the things you invest your time in to.

With less you can have so much more!

Dress Beautifully Juggling 

XOXO Sarah-Louise

Mamma Monday: Cheer Squad

They say it takes a village to raise a child, I say it takes one to raise a mother. 

Friends are important. Call them a tribe, gang, village, posse, homies, or what I use, cheer squad! We aren't made to journey alone but rather God gave us one another to bear each others burdens, celebrate the blessings and to love as He loved us!

When Vivian started preschool at just 21 months old I heard about a group called 'MOPS', Mothers of Preschoolers. It's national so if you're a mother of young children, I encourage you to look to see if there's one that meets near you. I was hesitant but knew deep down I had to try. I was LONELY! I was LOST! I had decided to take a break from my career to be with Vivian and had no clue how to navigate this new season.

I remember picking out my outfit to meet these new gals for our first meeting, being nervous about what I'd say and what they'd think of me. Turns out they're all Mammas doing their best just like me.  We are all so unique that it makes for well rounded perspectives and lots of laughs! 

It's been 2 years now with this group of Mammas and despite the circumstances we've stuck together meeting virtually, in backyards and even in a parking lot. 

I want to share with you just a few pieces of encouragement I've received from my MOPS cheer squad ...

1. Have Fun 

Life is to be enjoyed. Make sure despite the responsibilities and to-do's you have fun. Children are a lot of work but they're also a lot of fun. Do the things that make you smile and laugh. 

2. You're Doing God's Work

Raising children is challenging. Give it ALL to Him for strength, patience, endurance and guidance through it!

3. Chose Joy Over Perfection

Let's be real, I'm a type A person that thrives in control and within my perfectly defined schedule. I'm literally giggling because life just doesn't go they way I plan it to. It's not picture perfect, but it is perfectly & purposefully designed for me. A happy Mamma who chooses to do things that bring joy over an expectation of how & what things should be shares that joy with her family. 

4. Give Grace

Give grace to yourself, your children and to others! 

5. Do it ALL in Love

Whether it is the chores, errands, playtime, or fellowship, fill your words and actions with love and gratitude. Think about it with the perspective that you 'get to' rather than 'have to'. Be a blessing to those around you. Share God's love!

Dress Beautifully with Your Cheer Squad

XOXO Sarah-Louise

Mamma Monday: Mothers Day Gifts

 Happy Monday! Mother's Day is 6 days away and to me it's not a 'Hallmark Holiday'. I believe that it's a wonderful act of love to take a day to honor and bless the women that sacrifice so much for the well being of their family. 

When it comes to blessing our Mammas/Grandmas it can be a challenge to purchase something when they tend to already have it all. Nobody needs more junk to store and dust.  I like to print and frame pictures so that they can see beautiful smiles of the ones they love so dearly throughout their day.

Note: I encourage you to frame candid photos b/c those memories are like sunshine to a home!

My Mamma & Ryan's are receiving these framed portraits of Vivian for Mothers Day.

They will also get a stack of printed 4x6 fun pictures of Vivian and our family to look through in an album.

Note: I will also be mailing cards that include printed photos to the women that encourage me throughout my motherhood journey with sentiments of gratitude.

The digital age can be overwhelming for them and we tend to store images on our phone rather than display them. It doesn't do us any good on the cloud but in a book and in a frame, they're within reach and view so that we can enjoy them as we live out our days. 

To me, displayed memories are the most beautiful way to decorate a home. 

Ryan & I chose this darling smile to hang in our home.

Now, here are some fabulous things that you can purchase ... I may or may not be sharing these as a hint to Ryan :)

Here's what I'd love to give or receive *wink ...

Pearl Hoop Earrings I also love these & so many pieces by Nicole Bathie

Clutch

Keepsake Trunk

What a precious piece to hold your child's sentimental treasures.

Mama Jewelry & Charms

I love this line of jewelry - And would love it if Ryan started a charm bracelet for me.

My Mamma made one for me when I was a teenager.

Nothing beats a handwritten note. #Priceless

Heartfelt words can be cherished and encourage forever.

I send them. I save them. I encourage you to give them.

Dress Beautifully Honoring the Mammas in Your Life

XOXO Sarah-Louise

Mamma Monday: Terrific Two's

 Happy Monday Gals! It's Christmas week and time to sit back and enjoy the wonder around us. Now that school is out, the presents are wrapped, cards mailed, and the to-do's are almost crossed off I'm ready to celebrate our many blessings with my family. 

One of the greatest is our 2nd year with our darling Vivian Louise. One week from today she will be 3!  She's as happy and joyful as she can be.  She fills our world with great laughter and love, the very things that make life great. 

There are so many stereotypes for each stage of life but I've chosen to go into each year, month and week with gratitude for where we are. I like to assume that every stage is great.  Sure they may have their hard times but they're still awesome! Toddlers are growing and learning every minute and it's been nothing but fun experiencing all the new things.  

Here are some of the terrific things about two ...

1. Make-believe 

2. Gardening

3. Potty Training

4. Pretty Pretty Princess

5. Playing Outside

6. Reading

7. School

8. Pool Days

9. Art

10. Friends

Dress Beautifully at Every Age

XOXO Sarah-Louise