Mom n' Me Monday was created in an attempt to make myself get in the picture with my kiddos. When my kids are grown, I don't want to look through my photos only to find that I am not in any of them! So, I'm on a mission to "capture" these memories.
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It's that time again.
Time to grab my camera and throw it at my husband.
Time to gather my little flock and "force" them into a picture with their ever lovin' mother.
Our weeks are full of Mom n' Me activities. Yet, nary a one do I capture on my camera.
So I shamelessly round them up, usually on Saturday or Sunday, and beg them to, at the very least, keep their eyes open.
I love being a mom.
I really do.
But I'm not gonna lie.
It's not for the faint of heart.
I'm so tired, physically and mentally.
I'm not really sure what is up with me.
I'm in a funk with a capitol F!
I am just plain spent.
Not a penny left.
Maybe it's the lack of summer sun. Or these final days of home schooling. Or the endless chores, pointing long bony fingers, taunting and laughing at me.
I feel like I am buried in a mountain of TO DOs, all things that have been neglected due to my extreme lack of gumption these days.
However, as I look through these photos...a tear escapes..betraying the emotions I am trying to hide.
I am reminded that these little eyes looks into mine each day.
Eyes full of wonder for what the day holds.
Eyes full of trust, knowing that they will be nurtured and treasured that day.
Eyes offering love and acceptance.
Eyes looking for nothing but love and acceptance in return.
There are no demands. No orders hissed.
No expectations that the house be cleaned, or the drawers be organized.
No accusations.
Just hope.
Oh that my children would look into my eyes and see the same thing.
Oh that they would see His love in my eyes.
This thing we call mothering is not something I'm equipped to do on my own.
And thankfully, I don't have to.
I'm am painfully aware that in MY weakness, He is made strong.
He gives us beauty for ashes.
If we only let Him.
And I promise you this...
It is with complete gratitude that I'll trade His beauty for my ashes.
Any day.
And now, if I haven't already lost you...I'd like to take a minute to thank each one of you. I truly have met some of the most thoughtful, sweet, encouraging people in this thing we call blog land. Your comments and kind words have been sweet to behold! I am amazed on a daily basis.
For those of you who participate in this little meme, you know who you are...I have thoroughly enjoyed looking at your faces squeezed next to those of your children.
Truly inspiring.
But alas, all good things must come to an end. (I don't really believe that..but it fits here.) I have loved taking pictures with my children. And that will not stop. But as for this little meme...well she is going to go away for the summer. I know there will be quite a few weeks of camping and generally being away from my computer. I'm not sure I want the weekly "commitment" of a meme. I'm not afraid of commitment, but "blog commitment" is a different story! The good news is..you don't have to stop taking pictures with your kiddos. In fact, I beg you to continue. These photos, the ones D-man has so dutifully taken over these past months, have become treasures to me. Treasures that I would NOT otherwise have, had it not been for this crazy meme. So, while I reserve the right to post Mom n' Me pictures...it will no longer be a meme. When September rolls back around...I'm sure she will be back...ready to roll. And while I'm not sure that is even "legal" in the bloggy meme world, it's what I gotta do.
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I can't wait to see your pictures. You can grab the code under the button below and paste it into the body of your post. Then add your link into Linky tools below.
To use Linky tools, be sure to link your Mom n' Me Monday post, not your main blog url.
To do this, go to your blog. Click on the title of your Mom n' Me Monday post. The url in your browser window will become a direct link to that post. Copy that url and paste it into the Linky tools window, along with your name, or your blog's name.
If you don't want to grab the Mom n' Me button, just link back to the Peanut Gallery so other's can join in if that's what their little heart's desire :)!
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32 comments:
Beautiful... both the pictures and the message! If it helps, I think "overwhelmed" is in the air lately! :)
M'dear, that was an absolutely lovely post. A truer assessment of motherhood is hard to find; it is NOT for the feint of heart. No one who is worth a hoot would blame you for hanging up the meme-running hat... and you've inspired many, MANY of us to make a concerted effort to take more pictures with our kids, so in that, I'd say, at the VERY least, it's been a resounding success. Thank you for YOUR encouragement and I hope your big old raincloud moves on its way soon and your spirits brighten. We will be here - whether you bring the meme back or not!
Love these photos, and love your pure heart. It should be our hearts desire for our children to see Christ in us, what a true statement.
Cheer Up, this too shall pass, and all will be well with the Peanut Gallery again...take some time for yourself. Don't worry about the meme, it's fun and a wonderful idea from you!!! Blogging comes last to so many things, take time for you and your family!!
This post is so sweet! Thanks for this- I have been in a funk lately, too, and I need to daily remind myself that I'm not doing this on my own. And, I have to remember that I will never be good enough but He is. :)
Those pictures are so sweet of you and your kiddos!
I don't blame you for not wanting to hold the meme over the summer. I will definitely still be getting pictures of Brad and I.
Seriously, thank you so much for starting this. I KNOW I would not have the pictures of Brad and I that I have from the past few months if it wasn't for you! :)
your pics are adorable and sweet and timeless as always. and i love what you wrote! but i understand why you need to the summer break. :) i hope you soon find your gumption again.
Julie, I think the "Funk" is going around, it's catchy like the stomach bug. Very icky. It really is wonderful that we are not parenting these wonderful blessing on our own! Thanks for the months you had the meme up. You have pushed me to be in photos with my kids and I treasure the photos you have because of it. Thanks!
Thanks for reminding me I don't get to do this mothering thing alone. He is the source of my strength. May God strengthen you today.
Your pictures are great as always. Beautiful back drop you've got there!
I don't blame you a bit for taking a break. Sometimes you just don't need one more thing to be responsible for!
I'm handing the camera to Adam as soon as he gets up today. I want to participate in your last one before your vacay!
Good for you, Julie! ;)
I'm sure your readers will understand ... summer schedules are more relaxed, and they are probably spending more time with their kiddos, too! ;)
I think we'll all feel a resurgence of blogging commitment come fall!
Love you!
I love your message today! What beautiful pictures of you and your children. As for the meme, I totally understand not wanting the commitment! Have a great day!
I completely understand where you are coming from and understand that you have to put family first always! I never got to join in on Mom n' Me but it has definitely inspired me to take more pictures with my kids! I spend way too much time behind the camera that I'm afraid my kids will be looking at pictures 20 years from now and think I was never around. lol
I also know how it can feel to be in a funk and it's not a fun place to be. I will be praying that things will get better soon!
Thanks for your sweet comments on my blog as well! They really made my day!
~Sassy
Also, I noticed that you adopted your daughter...from China? This is something my husband and I are seriously considering ourselves. With everything we have been through with our own children it has taught us that we are capable of adopted a child with a special need and it is something God has really laid on our hearts. I would love to pick your brain about it sometime if you don't mind! I look forward to reading more of your blog.
I'm sorry you are in a funk. Unfortunately I am all to familiar with that feeling. I totally agree about being thankful I don't have to do it alone. There are days where I know that the strength and patience I found didn't come from me.
No worries about giving the meme a rest. I completely understand. Take a break and relax. I guarantee you we will all be ready to start it again when and if you are. It has been such a great meme and I am thankful for the pictures of me and my babies.
I hope your day is a great one!
I love that L-Boy took off half way through!!
This was a great post, and I love what you've written. I'm sure that others will continue with the meme-and that we'll see some great pics from you too :)
I completely understand where you are coming from and understand that you have to put family first always! I never got to join in on Mom n' Me but it has definitely inspired me to take more pictures with my kids! I spend way too much time behind the camera that I'm afraid my kids will be looking at pictures 20 years from now and think I was never around. lol
I also know how it can feel to be in a funk and it's not a fun place to be. I will be praying that things will get better soon!
Thanks for your sweet comments on my blog as well! They really made my day!
~Sassy
Also, I noticed that you adopted your daughter...from China? This is something my husband and I are seriously considering ourselves. With everything we have been through with our own children it has taught us that we are capable of adopted a child with a special need and it is something God has really laid on our hearts. I would love to pick your brain about it sometime if you don't mind! I look forward to reading more of your blog.
Awesome. This is what we were talkin' about, huh? :) You have a beautiful family! Enjoy them!
What a great post... and your family is gorgeous as always ;)
I hear ya', Julie!
I remember thinking when my kids were tiny, "It will be so EASY when they're older...." Well, now I've got teenagers and I'm thinking, "Man, it was so easy when they were younger!"
Truly, we've been doing some serious fasting and praying for our oldest. High school is a hard place. It just is. But when I pray for "our son", I know he's not just "ours", as in me and my husband, he's "ours" to Heavenly Father as well. He knows him even better than we do and knows ways to heal his heart.
I want to keep them Maya's age forever.
I have loved viewing this meme ~ and every week vowed I would join but forgot ~ he he ~ and today ~ I did it ~ I got my face in a pic !! yay! I will be back in the Fall !! =)
Blessed to follow you Julie!
Love the pics and this post is beautiful! I am constantly reminded I can not do it alone either! =) Amen!
What a wonderful, honest post Julie! I love that about you. I totally get where you are coming from...the mommy funk runs strong in this house too! I blame it on hormones!! Ever since having 3 kids, I am not the same. I get irritated easily and lose my temper. Of course I always feel bad and end up apologizing to the boys and my hubby. SIGH. I pray to God every night to calm me and give me peace for the next day.
Your posts always make me feel better and add some cheer to my day. Thank you for that. I'll be trying my darndest to take more "Mom n' Me" pictures throughout the summer!
I love your pictures. It's so hard to keep those little ones still!
You got such good shots to be your last before summer break! You have a beautiful family and I love the idea of putting moms in front of the camera.
I feel the same way all the time. I am spent. Some days i look at my husband when he gets home from work and tell him that I am done parenting for today. Just need a little break. BEautiful shots. Your kids and mine know that we love them...no matter how spent we are :)
YOu are blessed!
Hugs,
Mimi
I love your words...brought tears to my eyes. Whenever I am weary and wornout as a mom I just have to remember that I am not doing this alone! He is with me, in all things!
Enjoy your summer!!
Pictures and words beautiful enough to bring tears to my eyes.
Beautiful.
Awww, beautiful photos as usual :) Im known to neglect my blog from time to time! Our boy can keep me busy. A great idea to take a break and enjoy your kiddos! Im very thankful I found your blog, Ive enjoyed these mom & me's. (and the rest of the week here too) It was a good reminder to get in front of the lens once in awhile too.
I remember reading a article from a photographer, she was saying how her mom didnt like her picture taken and had dissapeared from her family photos back when she was a child. As though she was away doing time for 20 years! Too funny, my mom hates her picture taken too.
Thanks for stopping by and always adding kind and encouraging words, its much appreciated :) Your comments always lift my spirits.
NOW ENJOY!!! hugs to your precious babies--
Heidi & Jack
{life with jack}
I loved this post. I think every mom will read this and nod along in agreement the entire time.
I hope when you start up next in the fall I'll be able to join the fun :)
I love the pictures of you and your babies. They are just wonderful.
My hearts cry... that my girls will see His love in my eyes as well. You are a beautiful Mama!!!
Gorgeous picture AND thoughts! Thanks for reminding us of things we may not think about enough.
Beautiful post. I can relate to how you feel about motherhood in every way. Thank you for being honest and real about your life. It is a blessing, but it is not easy by any means. Keep up the great work! It is obvious by your pictures that your kiddos and hubby adore you. Everyone needs some time away from bloggy world every now and then. We'll be here when you come back! ;)
Love this post and the realness of it (well, shoot...you always are real)! To inspire all of us to capture more moments with our children through photos...you've done something amazing with a bunch of strangers. If you can do that with strangers, there is no doubt the wonders you are working on those gorgeous kids. Keep on keeping on, Mama...you deserve a break!
Good for you Julie!!!!
I created a post today to go with Mom and Me, so this morning as I kept "refreshing" my page to see your new M&M post and link to it,...but I finally scrolled down to see this...that you're taking a break!
I'm a little bummed, but completely understand and admire your decision! Relax and enjoy those kiddos!!!!
Julie, that is one heck of a last post for the meme. It is so well said. Your sentiments so mirror my own.
By the way...I can't believe you put "the gorgeous" Arizona Mamma!!! Others will think I am the most conceited thing ever! Thanks for that ;)
Beautiful family portrait!! I discovered you through My Two Redheads. :)
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