If you’ve followed along with us, you know that over the past couple of months, my world has taken a turn. After practicing as a nurse and having our third child, I put down my stethoscope and embraced my new title of stay at home mom. This gig is not easy. I am finding myself in need of a tribe and for that reason, I started a club for newbie stay at home moms, like myself on Instagram with the hashtag #steadymotherhood. I am also in desperate need of advise for this new season in my life, and I am seeking out wisdom from more seasoned stay at home moms.
The truth is that I have no idea what I’m doing. Ok. I know the kids need to eat and wear clothes and the dishes and laundry need to be washed, but what do I do about my child’s heart? how do I impart Godly wisdom? how do I go about teaching them the word of God, and how do I keep it together and not lose my marbles every time they all start screaming… at the same time??
Honestly, I don’t know. But I do know some amazing women who are raising godly children and are doing an incredible job at it. This week, I want to introduce you all to the sweet Mary Beth from Annapolis & Company. Mary Beth is a mother of four and lives in the suburbs of Atlanta. She is a writer, photographer, an encourager at heart and is launching her very own children’s clothing company soon! I have been reading her blog for years now and Jesus is at the very core of everything she writes and of who she is. She was kind enough to share some of her steady motherhood wisdom with us and I know you are going to love her!
- How long have you been a stay at home mom and to how many kids?
I left my job at a doctor’s office when I was 3 months along with my first baby. Call me a chicken, but I hated dry-heaving over a public toilet every day so I told my boss I was pregnant and I wanted to go home. We ended up having 3 kids in 3 years, a miscarriage, and then our fourth baby made for 2 girls and 2 boys and that kind of rounded things out for us. Although, we’re the type of people who never say “never”….so….
- If you could describe your parenting style in one word, what would it be?
Laid-back
- If you could offer some advise to a brand new stay at home mom, what would it be?
I’d hand her a book called Steady Days, A Journey Toward Intentional, Professional Motherhood and I’d tell her that first of all, she can do it! Our culture will tell her she can sit in her sweatpants all day watching TV, forgetting to brush her teeth, and letting Elmo babysit, (those things all have their time and place – believe me!) but I’d tell her that motherhood can and should be an intentional position of leadership. Being a mom is like being a guide. We show our kids what to value, where to spend their time, and how to take care of themselves and their surroundings by what we model. Yes, motherhood will be all of things people tell you it is – messy, full of mistakes, and selfless – but after you’ve gone to the bathroom and had a good cry about that, tell yourself that it is not an excuse to just survive every day. Create good, intentional habits in your home. These don’t have to be Pinterest-mom-perfect. I’m talking a Word document with some chores printed out and stuck to the refrigerator. Or a ritual of nightly prayers with your kids. Or family dinners (we love pancake night!) at 6. But be intentional.
- What’s your one tip for getting your day started on the right foot?
I always, always get up before my kids. Having a little quiet time to read and drink my coffee before the household comes alive is the oxygen I breathe from all day.
- Do you have any book/movies/pod-cast/IG feeds recommendations to help us on our journey?
How much time do you have?! Just kidding. My favorite podcast that has to do with flourishing in motherhood is The Simple Show by Tsh Oxenreider. She has many of the same values our family has and I find myself coming away inspired.
- If you had one whole day all to yourself what would it look like?
I’d book a hotel around the corner, bring my stack of books, and order room service for dinner.
- What do you enjoy most about being a stay at home mom?
I love just being here for my kids. I get to be the one to pull my baby out of his crib every morning and give him a hug. I get to be the one in carpool to pick up my kids from school and watch them run to me with big smiles, talking all at once. I get to be the one who hears their stories and their creative ideas. These tiny moments are the ones that build up over time and create the memory I will have of them and they will have of me.
I think that’s beautiful.
You may have missed:
I have been a huge fan of Mary Beth ever since I discovered her blog a couple years ago, and she’s had a big influence on my own attitude towards being a SAHM! I’m so glad you chose to feature her today in your blog (which I’m also happy to have found!).
Great family pics! I’m also a SAHM, thanks to Marie Beth! http://www.supersimpleways.com
Author
I’d love to hear more about that! Did she encourage you to be a SAHM?
Author
Thanks Torrie. I too have been following her and have been blessed by her for quite some time. Thank you for stopping by!!