Living With Intention

A couple weeks ago I felt God give me a little nudge and a thought for a potential name change for my social media identity. I guess what I have now is too boring? ;) 

I feel there have been so many changes that I've made in my personal growth in these last few months, that maybe it is time for a name change. 

6 1/2 years ago I became a mother and thought I would be able to remember all of the memories we created. Fast forward to now and I can't even remember last week. I remember the big things, but not the little things that make up our days. Those little things is what makes up my life. 

The new words that the twins have learned how to read. How M got over her fear of riding her bike, how C is saying a new word everyday. How T taught herself how to shoot hoops. I want to remember them. This is now. 

Staying home and raising 3 kids all while homeschooling is no easy feat. God doesn't give twins to be parented by the fainthearted, much less homeschool them--together. While I'm not a single parent, I'm still the one doing 80% of the parenting around here, since I'm the one with them 24/7. It just comes with the territory. I'm totally okay with that, because this is what I've been led to do...but somedays we are in the trenches. Deep. I'm not going to hide it. What's the point? Why would I want to give the perception life is peachy keen and my house is always perfect? Uh. Not hardly. 

We still have days where I count it a success that all three kids are still alive when I shut their door at night. Can I get an Amen? 

There is more to this everyday life than just making it through the day-and sometimes trenches. There is purpose. There is purpose in the good, bad, and the ugly. There is purpose in the trenches. There is a bigger picture. There is growth to be had. 

I want to live my days with intention. I want to go to bed at night and know that even in the midst of the good, and the bad days, I did my best. I have been called to do extraordinary things. I want to be intentional with what God has given me, and I want to remember the moments. All of them. 

I want to spend my days more focused on my daughters' hearts than whether or not the dishes are put away. I want to feed their interests, and their self esteem. I want to grow with them. Everyday we have the opportunity to grow and change. I don't want to stay the same. I want to be an intentional mother. Focus on the now, today. This is it. 

This is a process. I can't just make it happen overnight. I wish I could, but that's not the way life works. I know we're still going to have good and bad days because that's life, and it's a beautiful messy life that I wouldn't trade for anything in the world.

I decided that I needed to document my days so I can reflect back upon them later. 

I ordered this cute little Mom's One Line A Day memory book from amazon. I can jot down a quick line before bed about the most memorable and most important moment of the day. I really like that it doesn't need to be much. Short and sweet, just how I like it. 

The next two things are a planner and a journal. My intentions for the planner is to write down the scripture I read that day that spoke to me the most. It's already dated, so I will be more eager to pick it up and write a quick note. The journal is just for anything else I need to write about. I'm TERRIBLE at journaling, but I have hopes that these two tools will help me to stay on course. 

Back to the name change idea....

I've been a little skeptical of the name that was put in my head. I wasn't sure it made a lot of sense. I've thought a lot about it these last couple weeks, and the more I think about it, the more I think it seems fitting at this point in my life. 

          Intentional Erica 

Give me some feedback....what do you think? 

I would also really love to know if you journal and what you use. Anything specific to make it more fun? 

Until next time..XO 

Erica 

A New Leaf

I'm so sorry I've been absent from the blog. I just felt like maybe the blog world wasn't for me anymore. I have plenty to say, but that doesn't mean others will want to read what my thoughts are. There is a reason my blog is called Ramblings of a Redheaded Mama...you never know what I'm going to talk about!

I've had several people encourage me to get back into it. I do my best blogging when I just start typing when the thoughts are flowing. That tends to happen at the most inopportune times...like mid workout! Not the most ideal time to start blogging. Ha! 

Since I have deleted my Facebook, I wasn't sure how my posts would reach any readers. I didn't want to invest time and energy into blogging...just for cyberspace. I also don't blog about one topic in particular. I have a variety of interests, so I don't want to pick just one and only talk about that. 

I had previously thought about deleting all my old posts, because they are just that-old; but then I thought maybe I needed to leave them. They are a part of me, and my growth as a woman, wife and mother, and it may be good for me to reflect upon that later on. 

So I'm asking you a favor. :) If you read something you like, hit that share button at the bottom of the page, and drop me a line. I love to hear from my readers! 

I have a few fun things up my sleeve. A couple DIY tutorials, and a few other topics that are already on my mind. 

You can also read my posts on nobellagrace.blogspot.com, as I'm a guest blogger for her there. Fun things lie ahead and I'm wanting share the fun with y'all! 

Until next time...XO 

Erica 

Putting On Your Oxygen Mask

I want to let you in on a little secret that has revolutionized my life....

You know when you're on an airplane and the attendant tells you that in case of an emergency to "put on your oxygen mask first, before assisting others?"  Let me tell you how this applies to your everyday life! 

While this post isn't about me, it's about YOU, I feel the best way for me to paint you a visual is by telling you my story. 

Last year I had come to a conclusion that it was time I started making time for myself. I found myself overwhelmed by my days, my weight, and I just couldn't seem to find time to do anything that I wanted to do. We were just beginning our first year of homeschooling, and it was a bit freaky. How would I get it all done? It being, taking care of 3 kids, a house, 5 acres, schooling, and fitting some time for myself in there. 

My days were full of taking care of everyone but myself. I had been trying to heal from bulging discs in my back for almost a year by this point. It was defeating to be in pain everyday. 

I came to the realization that in order for me to have time for myself, I was going to have to MAKE time, and that meant rearranging my day. Sometimes we get so caught up in all the hats that we wear, that we forget to meet the needs of ourselves first. I have been so guilty of that! 

Now, we are all different, our lives are different, so our days look different, but one thing remains the same for all of us, we are all women, and we are the only person who can take care of us. 

We spend our days taking care of everyone else, whether that be your boss, your significant other, children, parents, etc., when do YOU make the list? 

In my case, it was maybe later. Maybe after the kids are in bed. Maybe after the laundry is done. Maybe. Maybe. Maybe. 

No more maybes. NOW! It starts now. You are SO important, and you matter more than you think you do. 

Perhaps you're thinking, "when would I be able to fit me in?" "I don't have time to do anything for me." Uh, yes you do! It just has to be of importance to you. If you're waiting to "find time," it's never going to happen. You have to MAKE time. We all have 24 hours in a day, it's all in how you utilize that time. 

For me, I decided to start my day at least 2 hours before my children wake up. Now, I'm not a morning person. I would much rather lay in bed until I have to get up, but clearly that wasn't working for me and my happiness anymore. I had to make a change. For me. Because I matter. It matters so much for me to be Erica first and foremost. I don't want to lose site of that person.  These children are only in my house for a short amount of time, and while I adore being a stay at home mom, they deserve to have the best version of me possible.  

A woman who loves herself enough to take control of her life-body, mind, and spirit. A woman who says, you are so important. If you want something bad enough, you'll make it happen. Even if it means waking up before most and doing something to empower YOU! 

I'm not saying you have to start your day two hours earlier than your norm, I'm just sharing what has worked for me thus far. Somedays I could get away with starting 3-4 hours early, but getting enough sleep is just as important to me. 

So write down a few things that are important to you that you can't seem to find time for, and take a look at your day and rearrange it so you can make time! I highly encourage focusing on growing your spirit, mind, and getting a little exercise in. You seriously won't regret the decision! 

My decision to make time for myself first thing in the mornings has made an incredible impact on my day. I fill my tank first and foremost, then I'm able to fill everyone else's. When I don't fill my tank, I'm left dry and cranky. Anybody else feel that way by the end of the day?? 

You have to put your own oxygen mask on before assisting others. I leave you with this...