Welcome to our Simply Serve recap for January! If you are new to Simply Serve 2014, read here to catch up.
Sometimes it can be overwhelming to figure out where to start, who to serve, when to serve. Each month we will pick a person to serve. It can be as simple as once a month, or doing service for the whole month. We’d love it if you joined in with us and shared your experience at the end of the month during our link up.
Our theme for January was Serve Yourself.
Follow along:
Nat (Take the Cannoli)
Sadie (Simply Sadie Jane)
Corrine (Mint Arrow)
Tiffany (Rue Rococo)
Summer (Munchie’s Mama)
Alissa (The Printed Palette)
I was talking to my best friend at the beginning of the month and she kindly interrupted the story and said, “You need to let the mommy guilt go. Let go.”
A few days later my husband volunteered to take the kids to a fun, activity filled evening at our mall.
My translation-He must think I’m failing miserably at everything around the house and that I can’t get anything done with kids. He’s worked all day and now he has to come save me and entertain our kids so I can accomplish something at home.
I helped get the kids ready and out the door. I started moving around the house picking up clothes strewn all about, cheerios & pretzels smashed into the carpet, and stepped on more Legos than I thought was possible. I cleaned dishes, started laundry, and spent some time talking to my mom.
A little while later I got a text from the hubs. My son was rock climbing for the first time and he was doing so awesome. My first thought was to drop everything and rush to the mall so I could watch him and cheer him on. How could I be at home doing menial chores? How could I be missing out on this?
I know my husband sent me the video to let me know that all 3 children were still with him and he was surviving, but I just couldn’t stop thinking that I should be there for that “first.”
It then hit me. I needed to let go, ease up on myself a little bit. I’m not going to be able to see each and every first of each of my 3 children.
I might miss a rock climbing adventure. I will more than likely miss most adventures that are outdoors. I’ve missed some sport outings with the family. I didn’t get to see the first time he went surfing (on a wave simulator) with his Uncle and all of his college buddies. I’ve missed a trip to the ER. I’ve handed a child over to a nurse to be taken behind closed doors to be put under for eye surgery. I will not be able to attend every class party for every grade during elementary school. I’ve waited in the front room during a dentist appointment that ended with a lot of laughing gas. I will be a split second too late and not be able to catch my baby’s fall.
My hope is that I will be the one they come running to to tell all about their latest adventures, new found talents, and when the time comes their biggest crush.
I know that I will not always be able to be present for every waking moment, but I’m working on being present for the moments that I do have with them.
While I’m used to having my kids around, because I’ve had a husband who has worked long hours with long commutes, I do need a little bit of a break for me.
When I have a break for me, I’m not wanting a break from them.
I made 1 simple goal this month:
Finish a book, read something that interests me and it couldn’t be a parenting book or magazine.
I woke up one Saturday morning, didn’t even get out of bed to get the kids going, and told the hubs he was in charge.
I picked a photography book from True Atelier Shop.
I love pretty pictures! I’m curious and love to learn more about it.
Chantri & Nicole are an amazing team. Their Instagram pictures are beautiful so I knew I’d be in good hands.
I finished the book! I totally need to go back through and study up because they helped give such great instruction.
I begged them to offer a deal in case some of my readers are interested in photography.
Since they are so awesome, they are offering 75% off!
Enter: SIMPLYSERVE75 at their website True Atelier Shop
You will love it! I promise!
If you are looking for a few other ideas:
I got a pedicure with a dear friend.
I went to Target by myself for an hour.
I treated myself to grocery shopping by alone, it was amazing how little I spent without little hands grabbing at everything.
I got a few too many Dirty Dr Peppers with sugar cookies from Swig.
I had dinner with a friend.
I took a bath.
I feel so rejuvenated and feel better about myself. My husband has taken the kids on more errands this month and I’ve been able to get more done around the house. I appreciate him so much more for offering to take them and not resenting him for not offering to take them. I know after a few errands with kids he’s more aware of what my days look like. It’s been a win-win situation.
What did you do for yourself?
xo,
