The Mom Workout!

I share this secret with friends that are about to have a baby, or welcome an additional lil' munch to their family,

When you wake up in the morning, if you don't have anywhere important to be, just put work-out clothes on!

Seriously!

There is something mental it does to your brain and well-being, as if you're half-tricking your mind and mirror that your are indeed, wearing real clothes, clothes you may actually use for their intended purpose sometime today!

But let's be honest. Us moms wear work-out clothes, not because we got up at 4am to run 12 miles {although some of my dearest friends are those people, and God bless them!}, nor do we model for Nike, or have lofty goals of mountain biking after dinner.

Nope, we do it because it's comfy, and the closest darn thing to staying in pajamas, and maybe, just maybe, it allows us to avoid showering or washing our hair for yet another day, and who needs to look "hot love" when hanging out with adorable children?

Wearing work-our attire, can definitely work to your advantage. Others may think that you happen to be wearing shorts, tennies, and a neon sportsbra because you actually worked out today!
My thoughts?  
More power to 'em. Let them think that. For all they know, you have worked out.

Because being a mom is the most challenging workout I know!

Washing chubby fingers for the 70th time that day.

Clasping those same hands to thank God for the yummy lunch and dinner.

Joining toddler dance parties, or tracing letters with your pre-schooler.

Reinforcing the whisper voice in the library {I was literally scolded by a 9 year-old last week, who scowled at my boys, then asked, "Do they know where they are?", to which I replied, "They sure do, and they are loving every minute," then gave him my most mature, chubby-face-scrunch-smile, and continued perusing the Fiction section.

Pulling a step-stool to the kitchen counter, and showing eager faces how to add ingredients, and mix bowls.

Taking extra moments to explain why, even though it means being late to your next destination.

Throwing another load in, while mentally taking note to pick up more detergent at the store.

Closing your eyes, after wiping down the kitchen table again, and transporting yourself to the nearest pedicure spa where no one is touching you except the nice lady rubbing your feet.

Being a mom.

It's mentally, physically, emotionally, and spiritually exhausting. Not to mention, it reeks havoc on your wardrobe selection these days.

But you're over it!

Because you're dressed, and your kids are loved, and you are doing the best you can in this moment. Don't look around at other moms in their casual business work attire, and covet their schedules, their accomplishments, or their car.

Don't get down on yourself for barely leaving the house because all you do is nurse and wipe spit-up off your shoulder.

Take heart that you have been chosen by God to love, protect, enjoy, model faith, and create memories with that little person.

Remember, those hands that mix bowls, and wrap around yours to pray for lunch, those ears that hear your encouragement, and eyes that watch you take a deep breath before reacting, those belong to your sweet child, and your sacrifices do not go unnoticed.

And if you see me in the grocery aisle laughing with my curly-topped boys, wearing my work-out clothes, and rocking a stylish ponytail, please smile at me, or maybe even give me a hug, or better yet, hand me a gift card for a spa pedi, because this mama thing is quite the workout! :)

Oh Happy Day!

Taking a Strengthsfinder pause to celebrate two very special occasions today.

First off, it's my Dad's birthday.

And my dad is simply THE BEST!

On a free day, you'll find him at the beach, possibly perusing an old car show, green ice tea in hand {unsweetened please}, and stopping to eat at El Ranchito or In-N-Out.

With my dad, what you see is what you get. He doesn't play games; he's a straight-shooter. His objectivity and discernment gift him in professional and personal settings.  His ear for piano-playing and passion for music have pleasantly rubbed off on my two boys, who, when with their Papa, request "Sweet Baby James" {aka James Taylor}.

The older I get, the more I desire to emulate my dad. I admire his calm demeanor, and steadfast faith. His loyalty to my mom and our family is unwavering. He's consistent. When I close my eyes, I play the Dad reel and see him chuckling, shoulders rising and falling, taking off his glasses to wipe away the laugh tears. Oh, his laugh!

And his wisdom. When he speaks, my inner ears perk forward to catch each word, even those unsaid. To this day, I can recount his take on the following topics...
on failures... don't look back, move forward.
on family roadtrips... we'll be there in 15 minutes!
on dessert... it has to have chocolate either in, or on it!
on people that are hard to love... just love them!
on life... love God, love your family, and do your best!

So it's no wonder, he used his noggin' and got married on his birthday, thus celebrating today's second celebration... my Mom and Dad's Anniversary!
41 years to be exact!

41 amazing years of  joy, commitment, serving God together, modeling love and friendship, and exercising compromise!
I'm amazed after all these years, how much they enjoy spending time together. Because they do it often. Like every day! Get up together, drive to work together, work at the same Middle School together, and encourage the same group of teachers together. Every Tuesday night their home is open to their Church Care Group, praying for others and soaking in life with old and new friends.

Beyond the fact that they are still married after all these years, the kicker for me, is how much they stinkin' love one another. After four decades, they've coursed through career changes and simultaneous jobs, miscarriages, and room additions. They've shared sorrows in burying one or both parents, while rejoicing at the birth of their grandsons and grand-daughter. Legacy-builders is what they are. And they do it with class!

Oh, Happy Day, Dad {Pops}! and Happy Anniversary to you and Mom! Today, I gift you with a Prayer of Blessing. A blessing is what you both are, and may these words ring in your hearts as a reminder:

Father, bless Mom and Dad today. Bring boundless episodes of shoulder-raising laughter. Renew in them a sense of their calling, both individually and as a team~ a calling not of doing, but of being. Whisper peace to their hearts regarding the concerns they don't voice, and surround them with people that are life-giving and encouraging. May you multiply their years ahead, and continue to open opportunities for them to share You with their neighbors. Remind them they are loved. They are valuable. They are priceless~ to us, and You. Bless them today Lord, and every day that follows.