When you find yourself many years from now in the thick of life, remember the blessings that got you thus far.

When your eyes are begging for rest as you hold that sweet baby close in the dark hours of the night, remember this to shall pass.

When you reload the dishwasher or switch the laundry AGAIN remember you are modeling servanthood for the sweet ones under foot.

When you listen for the fourth time about how the ant crawled over a rock, just smile and know how blessed you are they choose you to tell.

When dinner time sneaks up on you and you would rather just say the kitchen’s closed, remember your feeding and nourishing the next generation for God. Feed them well.

When the reading, writing, and math overtake you. Take a deep breath, grab their favorite story and get lost in their book.

When the shoe isn’t in the box and the sock match is missing, just grab the first sock you find and start the shoe scavenger hunt.

When the sound of, “mommy” rings in your ears, just know some never get the chance hear the sweet sound.

When you want to give up and lock yourself in the bathroom, rest assured every momma does.

When you want to go back and crank up the country music, pull them close and dance the day away.

When you wonder what happened to your old self, remember she is there, only now you are a better version.

When time seems to disappear into thin air, make every. moment. matter.

When the regrets of yesterday blur your eyes for today, remember His mercies are new.

When that man who promised you forever walks in the door, make sure you love him well.

When the runny noses and upset bellies come to linger, grab blankets, movies, soup, and chocolate for yourself.

When you messed up and feel like you crushed their spirits, make a batch of my chocolate chip cookies.

When your planning birthdays and feeling pressure to make them special, don’t look beyond your four walls.

When your clothes feel a little snug, be grateful for health and unconditional love.

When you start to feel that you’re not good enough, don’t forget that YOU were called to do this.

When your eyes start to linger to long on the sparkle of the world, remember the grass isn’t always greener sweet girl.

When things don’t seem to be going so well, keep your grass watered.

When you wonder if all your efforts of being a good, Godly woman to your husband,  a good mother to your children are worth it. I am here to shout from the rooftops that they are. Your labor is producing fruits that will spread from one generation to the next for lifetimes to come.

So for my girls…It is my privilege to watch you grow, and give you my all, and watch the fruit of your lives bless me and all the people who God has in store.

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I have a vivid memory. I remember it just like it was yesterday. I was pregnant with my first baby, my daughter, Willow. I was on my way to the hospital for my night shift as a nurse jamming to Chris Brown’s, “With You,” with the windows down and wind blowing through my hair. Though that song is meant for his girlfriend, in that moment it became me and my girls song.

“And you mean to me what I mean to you and together baby, there is nothing we won’t do

Cause if I got you, I don’t need money, I don’t need cars, girl, your my all.

And Oh! I’m into you, and girl, no one else will do. Cause with every kiss and every hug,

you make me fall in love”

I remember feeling hot tears of thankfulness fall down my cheeks as I rubbed my hand over my belly. Not just for my sweet Willow, but for this gift of motherhood.

It’s all hard, oh so hard, but never in my life have I ever felt more complete. This is my purpose. She made me a momma.

I have been having the time of my life ever since she was placed in my arms and all the sweet ones thereafter.

This is quite the beautiful mess I’m in. I’ll linger as long as I can and praise God for the privilege. Even if it is through a Chris Brown song:)

Oh My! Can y’all relate? LOL!

I am still in survival mode as I write this. My sweet #4, baby Easton, whew..that boy. I’m still learning him. Learning his personality and all of his quirks. For now, I’ll share my survival tips that have carried me thus far in case your in the crazy boat too:)

1) Let go of the guilt. Yes, you love your baby, but yes, they are difficult! That’s OK! Just accept it. “Hello I’m Brittany and I have a difficult child!”

2) Love on that rotten baby like there is no tomorrow. I mean it. They simply require more of us. We are their mothers, so let’s be what they need. Hold them, sing to them, cuddle them, whatever they need be there for them. You aren’t spoiling them!

3) Surrender. They say this wont last forever. I feel much more sane when I let go of my own agenda and plans for the day. This is only a season.

4) Speak positive words to them and about them to your other children. Pick one or two people you can vent to, but leave the rest of the words to uplift your sweet one even as an infant. Words hold power.

5) Pray. all. the. time. God knew exactly what He was doing when He hand-picked your children. He called you to this task and He will help you survive it.

6) Have some super quick dinners ready to throw together when they are screaming at your leg. One of my go-to favorites is this: I warm up several cans of black beans. I then throw a handful of tortilla chips on each plate, cover with warmed beans, shredded cheese, sour ream and salsa. There you have it. Nachos! That meal has saved me more than once.

7) Get the breaks when you need them, ask for help. If you have no one available then stick them in the car seat and go for a little drive. Sometimes, the change in scenery helps.

8) I have found that the outdoors does wonders. I recommend getting outside as much as possible. If they are old enough, a sandbox is very helpful too. Most of our days this summer have been spent in the yard with some bags of sand with a book in my hand.

I’m not going to lie, I had planned to give you 10 tips, but this is all I have. Hang in there, love on your baby, and remember you are being refined and sharpened into an even better and more patient mama! You’ve got this because He has this!

Any one else in the crazy boat too? What helps you cope?

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