Balancing It All

Wow, it has been a while since I have had a moment to sit down and write a blog without any distractions or interruptions. Today, I'm talking about how I have been "Balancing It All". I will tell you one thing, I feel like I'm constantly losing my balance and dropping things, but when I look at it... I think I'm doing alright. So much has been going on and so much has changed for us and this next year isn't looking any easier! It's going to be a wild ride but, I am hanging on and we'll get through it.

Patrick got accepted into Paramedic School! I am so proud of him for working so hard and going through the testing and interview process to get into the program. I know he will do so well and work so hard to graduate from the class. So, this means, a tough year ahead. If you don't know, Paramedic school requires A LOT of time, dedication, focus and drive. He will be going to school 3 days a week and working the days he's not at school. When he is not working or not at school then he will be studying. Most likely away from the house and away from all distractions. I have been told by many wives who have gone through this that I will feel like a single parent. I am fully prepared to feel "on my own" for the next year. I am anticipating to not expect a lot from Patrick because he needs to focus and study and do homework. He will be around at times and will still see the kids, but not often. I am so thankful to be living with my in laws while Patrick is in school because it will help me out A LOT. Being such a strong and independent woman it is hard for me to accept help from others but I am having to change that because I KNOW I will need help from my family and friends.

While Patrick is in School, I am filling up my plate with things that keep me busy, energized and happy. I enjoy nothing more then spending quality time with my friends and family. I already have been spending a lot of time going to my in laws (my other set of in laws) house, and my sisters and best friend. We are settled into our church and I have started serving in the High School Ministry. We also have our community group with the church that meets every week, so I will have plenty of social time! In the mean time, I will also be working on building my hair portfolio back up and continuing to seek education and using models from time to time to try new styles. On top of making time for friends, family, ministry, my career, my hobbies, I am also balancing home life with the kids. Cleaning, cooking, shopping, etc. It is a little easier now that the kids are getting older and a little more independent. They play together a lot more often so that allows me to get stuff done around the house and make dinner. They also love running errands and do great when we are out and about. They are essentially on the same nap schedule. Sometimes Annabelle takes a morning nap and sometimes she skips it. But, for the most part, they are on the same schedule. While a few things are easier, it is also a lot harder! A lot more micromanaging and making sure they are not getting into things, punishing two toddlers for not listening or pushing/pinching each other, getting them both in the bath and ready for bed at the same time, trying to prepare meals while they are fussy because their hungry, give both of them the attention they are asking for and repeating my self A L L D A Y L O N G!! Now I understand why my mom would get so short fused when we didn't listen. It is probably the most used word in my vocabulary now, "LISTEN" I fell like I am saying that all day.

This business is what keeps me going. I don't do well when I am just sitting at home without something else to do other then take care of the kids. I think it is very healthy as a mom to find balance in my life. Be a stay at home mom and take care of the kids and also take care of myself and my marriage. Patrick and I have had many talks about how we will get through this next year and what we need to do. We have great communication and have talked about intentionally planning date days and making sure at least once a month we can get out together just the 2 of us and unplug from everything for a few hours. Depending on his schedule, he should still be able to go to church on Sunday and have family time that day and do homework while the kids nap then enjoy the afternoon together. But, that could also change.

Feeling like a single parent, husband being gone a lot, ministry, quality family time, church, business, career, self care, parenting, cooking, cleaning, shopping, raising 2 toddlers, supporting my husband through school, keeping my marriage thriving and alive, maintaining relationships and friendships, making time for myself and for God...... Im figuring out how to balance it all.