Mommy Blog

I have a friend who really knows what it means to be a friend and who also happens to be insanely funny. Over on her blog, she hosts the Elsie Awards each year (I think this is the second annual). Basically, these are social media awards completely based on her opinions and beliefs. She nominates, she judges, she awards. It's a great system really. Some of the categories are Best Photo Sent Via Text, Best Reply to a Facebook Post, Most Interesting Tweet, and the most coveted award must be Best Overall Social Media Personality. You see, yesterday, she opened up a few categories to People's Choice. Woah. Hold the phone. These categories were Most Interesting Facebook Album and Best Blog That Doesn't Suck with the description that blogs with pictures of babies holding numbers on couches don't count. There goes The Kate Box. I said something to her about this, and apparently so did others. We are finally getting to the good stuff here. She announced today that a new category has been created...Best Mommy Blog That Doesn't Suck.

This post should not in any way influence the nominations or voting, but I just thought it necessary (really, I just have a little extra time today as I'm packing for husband's 10 year high school reunion and stationing myself by the front door waiting for the UPS man to deliver my new iPhone) to describe the origins of The Kate Box.

The first post was written on February 21, 2008 on an inclement weather day here in Bentonville, AR. I wrote about my new adventure as a 6th grade social studies teacher, neighborhood driveways, lawn chairs, and a dear friend's run in with a cow in those first few months. Slowly but surely, more wedding showers and baby showers were discussed, a poll on which dog we should get was posted, house decorating pics were put up, and silly teacher stories were shared. I don't know if I intended for this to become a "mommy blog," but that's where I am right now. No longer do I have silly teacher stories, but I still have incredibly beautiful days as a, a wife, a friend, a leader, and most importantly, a child of God to share with whoever reads this thing. And of course I now have stories as a mom to share.

I was telling a friend last night after about 15 of us prayed for another friend expecting her fourth child (first girl!) that I had one of those moments yesterday. I was backing out of the driveway heading to the baby shower to decorate, Wes was strolling Reese around in her wagon, and Reese just smiled as big as she could and waved to me. I smiled back, waved back, blew her a kiss, and told them both I loved them. As I was driving away, I stepped out of the moment to try to freeze that in time. I think I had always envisioned becoming a mom and had tried to pretend to know what it would be like, but because I just live one day to the next, in the middle of the action, I rarely stop to think about how precious this gift of mothering is. And how stinkin' adorable my daughter is, too. So yeah, this blog is a mommy blog, and I can't really do anything about it because it's my full time job, and my daily routine pretty much revolves around it. However, I think all of us mamas want to be looked at as more than just a mama.

Here's what I do besides mothering:

I workout at the gym for myself because I like it, it makes me feel good, and it's one way I can honor God with my body.

I spend sweet time with God daily. He teaches me how to be more like His Son, and He reminds me of His love for me, too.

I have a husband who I love, admire, respect, and appreciate. My time with him is precious, and I enjoy just being with him.

As a work from home kind of gal, I cook, clean, take care of the dog, and hang out with neighbors.

I hang out with about 20 or so high school girls a lot. We talk about cheerleading, friends, boys, grades, classes, families, and Jesus. A lot of talk is about Jesus and how to live a life glorifying God.

I have friends who I look up to more than they will ever know. These are old friends who I've known since high school or college, and these are new(er) friends who I've gotten to know in the last several years. They challenge me to be better, they encourage, love, and support like nobody's business. It's crazy how much I am thankful for them; thus, I spend time trying to nourish these relationships.

All that to say, I guess this is a mommy blog. I just never had thought about what all is involved with being a mom. To train up a child in the way he or she should go involves modeling life for him or her, and that includes taking care of yourself, spending time with loved ones, and of course allowing Him or Her to see your relationship with our Creator.

{I am pretty sure a lot of this was just rambling, but as this blog also serves the purpose of a journal at times, I am appreciative of the time just spent getting thoughts out for myself. And I also hope this new iPhone arrives before we pack up for C-town.}

**Udpdate: Got my phone. Yeehaw! Now, go Wampus Cats!