Any other Mothers out there who feel they have to be "Perfect"?

I found this amazing article as I was "blog stalking" this morning. I have been on Nelley duty and up since before 7....preparing for church and actually my first outing since the snow storm and two days off of school. I am always feeling like I am being pulled a thousand directions. I had a similar conversation with one of my dearest best friends last night and as she stated, "I feel like I am not a good enough wife, mother, daughter, friend, bill payer, project finisher....and on and on". Haven't we all been there and felt this. I wanted to share this article with my sweet mama friends and it really helped me to put things in perspective. It came from Kat's blog and I am putting credit where it is deserved. Enjoy and have a blessed Sunday!...

"I am a perfect mother.
Oh? What? You didn’t know that? I’m surprised since I try so hard to broadcast that fact to everyone. That’s why I rush my kids out the door so we won’t be late. That’s why I spit on my hand and wipe their faces so that they won’t look messy. That’s why I whisper harshly to my children, telling them to behave in public.
And all that trying to “be perfect” only increases my imperfection.
How many of us fall into the trap of believing that we need to be “perfect moms” who raise “perfect children?” That we need to mother a certain way, dress a certain way, keep our homes a certain way and discipline a certain way. That our kids need to behave a certain way, look a certain way and speak a certain way.
Those are called puppets, not children. And we are actors, not mothers.
Perfection vs. Balance
The world calls us to be “perfect” mothers, but I believe God calls us to be “balanced” mothers.
A “perfect” mother puts appearance above relationship. A “balanced” mother sacrifices appearance for relationship.
A “perfect” mother seeks approval from others. A “balanced” mother seeks approval from God.
A “perfect” mother finds reward in perceived success. A “balanced” mother’s reward is a peaceful heart, family and home.
A “perfect” mother perpetuates the lie and spreads disillusionment. A “balanced” mother breaks the lie and spreads hope, truth and inspiration.
The Challenge
The challenge for us today is to focus on being balanced rather than perfect. That every moment we’d love our children more than our clean house or the approving look of a stranger. That our confidence, strength, hope and identity would be found in God and the trust He’s put in us by giving us His perfect little gifts that look to us and call us “Mommy.”
How To Be A Balanced Mother
Here’s the problem. I can’t be a balanced mom. Neither can you. We can’t do it alone. As humans we crave the approval of others. Until we migrate our identity from this world to the arms of God, we will strive to be perfect mothers. That’s why I’m so passionate about spending time praying and reading every morning. Before the voices of others crowd out His, we need to hear from Him that He has given us everything we need to love well. We need to be reminded that we are precious, beautiful, powerful and worthy of the love of the Almighty, Everlasting God. Because once we hear that….who cares what anyone else thinks.
And that, right there, my friends is a truth that demands a good fist pump.
Simple Start
In reality, though, words are cheap. Action speaks loudly. So, here are 2 simple things you can do to take action towards being a balanced mom:
1. Take 1 minute right now to pray that God would begin to change every facet of your heart so that it can reflect His. No one tries to balance with their eyes closed. No, they have a focal point. Pray that God would be your focal point today. And, yes, you only have to pray for 1 minute. I’m all about low goals here at InspiredToAction.com. Because doing something little is bigger than doing nothing at all.
2. Download the eBook Maximize Your Mornings. Resolve to get up 5 minutes earlier tomorrow morning so that you can start your day focusing on Him.
God has called you to this journey of motherhood. Give it all you have."


I subscribed to Maximize Your Mornings and am hoping to start my new goal of exercising, praying, and reading in the mornings starting tomorrow...Join me on my journey. Signing off...Tara

6 MONTHS OLD TODAY!!! My baby girl....

Nelley Kate is six months old today! Perfect day to celebrate too....it was a snow day at school...yet no snow til 1:00 pm. What a blessing and true miracle you are to our lives! Some fun filled facts about our third precious daughter.
*You love your big sisters and smile big everytime you see them.
*You are rolling everywhere to get to places
*You are getting stronger everyday at sitting up!
*You love to be on your changing table and always have!
*You laugh when you see Lola, the cat
*You still have no teeth(your sisters had teeth at 3 months)
*You look identical to your sister Sofey at this age
*Your older cousin, Naomi, is in love with you and asks about you everyday!
*You love rice cakes and are eating baby food pretty well(thanks to Gay Gay)
*You are so loved by your family and we can't imagine our lives without you! We love you, Nelley Kate Burnett!!!

TOP 25 children's books of 2009

Here is the link to the top 25 children's books of 2009. I thought it would make great gifts for the nieces and nephews in your life!!! So here's to some book shopping!

http://www.grandparents.com/gp/content/expert-advice/you-your-grandchildren/article/sshow-25-best-childrens-books-of-2009.html?page=1