So what is a Realistically Imperfect Mom?

Since becoming a stay at home mom 2 years ago this month, I have learned that I HATE to read other stay at home moms' blogs. All those moms not only seem to live perfect lives full of homemade treats, hand sewn clothes, time to do sickeningly adorable crafts with their kids (who are most likely home schooled), and perfectly organized and spotless homes, but they also have time to brag - er - blog about it all under the guise of helping other moms do the same thing. I felt (and feel) totally inadequate in comparison. I probably feel so inadequate, because those are the visions I had in my head when my hubby and I decided for me to give up my regular paycheck and stay home with our kids. Boy was I disillusioned!

I have two beautiful and brilliant children. My 6 year old son is one of the most precious kids you’ll ever meet, and my 16 month old daughter is as rotten as she is cute. A good day for me is getting a shower AND making sure my kids eat all three meals (sometimes at the same time). Every once in a while I even feed my husband and myself. How did these moms with 5 kids, all of whom are home schooled, have time to bake and sew and do crafts and clean their houses AND blog about it? And why don't I have the time? And, more importantly, why don't I have the DESIRE to know how to do those things?

Very recently I had a sort of epiphany, if you will. I realized that Colgate is still in business, meaning millions of people buy their own toothpaste. Keebler still sells cookies. Baby Gap still sells clothes. Millions of kids are in public schools. So why did it seem like the only blogs I read show perfect moms making their own EVERYTHING and happily taking care of their kids all day while still finding time to take care of their husbands AND blog?! Because not everyone is like them! The realistically imperfect moms in this world are actually the NORM, the MAJORITY. Why isn't that ok with us?

Well, it's ok with me now (and I'm working on it being ok with my husband - hehe). I hope you'll find solace in that and that it'll be ok with you, too. :-)

I plan to use this forum to offer tips that work for me and to be realistic and candid about my struggles and strengths. I plan to show you pictures of my house on a normal day, if you all promise not to call child protective services on me. I plan to show you pictures of my failed baking attempts. I’ll also show you when I’ve successfully baked something delicious AND presentable. If I post a tip on here for you, it is in no way to make you think I’m a better mom than you. It’s to show you something that YOU can do, too. Because, believe me, if I can bake it or create it or accomplish it, a blind three-legged dog probably can, too (no offense to any blind three-legged dogs or their owners intended).

Thank you for joining me!