Dear mom of littles

When you feel exhausted and close to tears, when you feel like you haven't sat down for a meal without constant whining from your kids in days, when you are sure that one more whine fest form your toddler or one more cry from your baby will make you snap, when you aren't sure the last time your truly had an hour of uninterrupted peace, hold onto these words...

So let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. There we will receive his mercy, and we will find grace to help when we need it most. Hebrews 4:16

Dear mom of littles

I can't be the only one shoving food in my mouth while my toddler isn't looking. Now that she knows the sound of a bag or package opening, I can't just hide, I also have to distract her with something loud so she doesn't hear me. I can't help that I am hungry, but I don't want her to just snack all day (like her mommy) or she won't eat lunch or dinner. I am sorry to say I haven't found a solution to this problem. Maybe you have?! If so, let me know.

Sincerely, 

A fellow hungry mommy

Dear mom of littles: grace upon grace

May this week be filled with grace upon grace. May you find comfort in the little successes and grace in the failures. Remember that God not only makes us new each day but each moment. So if you feel like they day is full of failure, start again. Ask your kids if it is okay if you start over, ask God for a fresh outlook and ask yourself for forgiveness. Don't worry about making the right choices as a parent for the whole week or even the whole day. Just worry about making the right choice for the next moment. 

Sincerely, 

a mom covered in grace 

Dear mom of littles (sorry on vacation)

Pathetic, I know, after only 5 posts, my blog is already on summer vacation. I am pretty sure if this was a real job, I would not have any vacation days yet, but it's not, so I decided to take a little break. We went to the beach for a week and are now headed off to visit with my husband's family (sans husband, boo). So when I return I will continue to write you letters.

In the meantime, remember to give yourself grace, and though we don't get vacation days as moms, remember to take time to care for yourself, a hot shower, painted toenails, coffee, lots of water infused with yummy fruit, a run, whatever makes you happy, take a few minutes to do that each day.

Sincerely,
The 'vacationing' mom (we all know there is no such thing-- see this article about a Beach Vacation for moms)

Dear mom of littles (3)

Who hasn't had a meal alone in forever and and just shoved the cut off crust of the peanut butter and jelly sandwich in your mouth and called it lunch.  I know they say we will miss these days, and we probably will.  But here is what I say, next time someone says "you will miss these days" ask them to watch your kids for a few hours while you get a pedicure, so you can test out their advice. 

Love, 

the fellow hungry mama. 

Dear mom of littles (2)

Whose kid(s) just woke up from nap time early again.  You may be exhausted, you may be frustrated and you may be out of ideas to entertain your littles for the day, but remember they aren't interrupting your day, they are your day.  It is possible the rest of the day will be filled with tears (from both you and the littles) due to a lack of sleep.  Embrace the moment.  Put on a show and don't feel guilty, or take them outside and let them play in the dirt.  Whatever you do to get through the extra hour (or two) is OK.  Give yourself a little extra grace and don't worry about who is judging you.

Love, 

a fellow overtired mama

What do you do to get through the days when naptime is cut short? 

Dear mom of littles

Who just got back from the store with your daughters hair clip in your hair holding back your bangs at an insane angle. You rock it mama. Don't worry about the stares you got from the store clerk, they probably just wanted to know where you got the awesome hair clip. I am sure it had nothing to do with the way your bangs are sticking straight up in the air. At least you made it to the store. Slap on some more mascara and you will feel better.

Love, 

the mom with the extra wavy bangs 

What is your favorite beauty trick?
Mine is mascara (and washing my face), slap on some mascara and I feel a little more human, no matter how crazy my hair looks.