Real Life

There have been times when people have mentioned how simple and romantic living as a stay at home mom and homesteader must be.

You know? It really is.

The simple beauty of digging your hands in the dirt offers peace that reaches deep into your bones. Seeing your children learn and grow, knowing you are able to shape and mold them while they’re young is something I will never think back on with regret.

But don’t be fooled that everything is sunshine and roses all the time.

The expectations held upon stay at home moms (although, many of you may be experiencing this during our current circumstances) are high. Children are supposed to be well mannered (but active in countless activities), the house kept spotless (but not too clean, or you’re neglecting the children), fresh, home cooked meals prepared three times a day, we have no reason to be tired, frustrated, and should be welcoming with open arms to guests.

*sigh*

That is not my house. And while I do struggle with these expectations, I have accepted that that isn’t anything I can live up to while keeping peace in my home and my heart.

Solidarity, momma.

At any given time if you come to our house you may find:

• Dirty dishes
• Unrecognizable crust on the table.
• Tufts of dog fur
• The boys doing special projects with daddy
• Children running around without pants
• Children covered in mud, sand, some sort of food they snuck out together
• Stirling cooking eggs for us
• Too much TV time some days
• And there’s a possibility I haven’t had a full nights sleep in 18 months. (That’s not a possibility. That would be a fact.)

You know what?

It’s okay.

My boys know that they are safe and loved. And isn’t that what’s most important?

Please don’t think your alone. Reach out to your community (just stay 6 feet away. Better yet, just Skype them), join a book club, take up a new hobby. Let the dishes sit in the sink and put your feet up at the end of the day and know that you are doing exactly what your children need no matter what anyone else thinks.