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Brief Thoughts on Motherhood

sillyraiger

motherhood2

kitchen2

Nehemiah 8:10 “for the joy of the LORD is my strength”
be. right. back.

August 11, 2009
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  • christy
    August 11, 2009 at 2:42 pm

    These are great pics! Keeping it real. 🙂 Love the diaster pics.

  • gertrude
    August 11, 2009 at 2:45 pm

    Thank you so much… your picture was just what I needed! It has been one of those "two steps backwards" days at my house also… and now I feel so much better about it.

  • candace
    August 11, 2009 at 2:49 pm

    oh my goodness – i remember those days. my children are now 15 and 13.

  • chelle
    August 11, 2009 at 2:57 pm

    Been there done that, crazy but doing it again with my grandgirls. Maybe since I didn't die the first time I will live through it again. What's up with 3 yr olds wanting to tear up paper. My house as little specks of white stuff everywhere and no it's not snowing in Alabama today.

  • Jessica Ranjbari
    August 11, 2009 at 2:57 pm

    that's how I feel…I can't keep up with everything! I clean one mess and turn around and there's always another one.

  • Joel and Lee-Anne
    August 11, 2009 at 3:08 pm

    I so needed this laugh!!! Dealing with mono and pneumonia (I have both)…my poor children. Too bad yo don't live closer, Naomi could join you with her (many) poopie diapers and Nate would love to play dress up (you know, spider man, firefighter)…..Much love

  • Anonymous
    August 11, 2009 at 3:11 pm

    Honnnnnneeeeee! With a two year old and a five year old, I can relate! God bless you….
    Ashley in Tennessee

  • Surrounded By Boys
    August 11, 2009 at 3:19 pm

    How is it your kitchen STILL looks good, even with all that chaos???

  • Anonymous
    August 11, 2009 at 3:19 pm

    love that you can take a step back, let the kiddos be kiddos, and enjoy their world

  • Amy
    August 11, 2009 at 3:25 pm

    So nice to see that my house isn't the only one that's a disaster most days. And I only have 1 kid (and 1 on the way)! I LOVE your posts on sewing and cooking and photography how-to's, but it's always nice to see the "everyday" as well. Enjoy those adorable children!

  • Tammy of Yarborough House
    August 11, 2009 at 3:30 pm

    Ahh thank you for showing me that I am not the only one who somehow has lost control of my ship. 🙂
    There are days I just want to scream or cry but usually end up sitting down and laughing – probably a bit too much like the Joker laughs but it is laughter all the same 🙂
    Love your blog..keep it going.

    tammy

  • Jenna
    August 11, 2009 at 3:32 pm

    Oh, girl…. I'm feeling your pain!
    But it's worth it all, isn't it? 🙂

  • Rebecca
    August 11, 2009 at 3:43 pm

    Thank you. I needed that verse today as I am contemplating selling my one year old to the gypsies.

  • Melissa Stover
    August 11, 2009 at 3:43 pm

    i'm in the trenches with you.

  • Amber
    August 11, 2009 at 3:59 pm

    I love it Darby! You make me feel better about my house being a disaster and me feeling overwhelmed! Love your blog 🙂

  • Hillary @ The Other Mama
    August 11, 2009 at 4:04 pm

    hilarious and so true.
    Were those hot dogs???

  • Becky
    August 11, 2009 at 4:13 pm

    and we thank you for that. cause i should totally show yall my kitchen counters. i've been painting and am waaaayy too lazy to take things out to the garage when not in direct use…like the afore mentioned paint! did nagrom start school yet?

  • Courtney
    August 11, 2009 at 4:30 pm

    Thank you so much for sharing that. You have know idea how much I needed to see that.

  • WhitneyG
    August 11, 2009 at 4:33 pm

    Darby,

    Those pictures are awesome, and so funny! I'm glad to see that your house is not always spotless! What a great verse too!

  • MyLittleHappyPlace
    August 11, 2009 at 4:34 pm

    OMGoodness – I am SO cracking up right now…sorry it at your expense!

  • Carly Winborne
    August 11, 2009 at 4:35 pm

    boy, did i need this verse today. perfect timing.

  • kandace
    August 11, 2009 at 4:47 pm

    OOOh.. My.. too funny!
    So, this is why my sister keeps telling me I have no idea what life's like with kids.
    I've got to send her this – she'll understand.
    Love the photo's – so great.

  • Beth
    August 11, 2009 at 4:52 pm

    AMEN!!!!!!!!! This is totally and completely the way I feel 7 days a week! Thanks so much for the encouragement! It's so nice to know I'm NOT the ONLY one!!!!!

  • Yevette
    August 11, 2009 at 4:53 pm

    I hadn't had my "Fly Through My Window" fix yet and I'm so glad I did! This is what I needed-laughter and a good encouragement for being a mom.

  • Ashley
    August 11, 2009 at 4:56 pm

    Hilarious. I laughed out loud. I mean, that mess?! What in the world were you doing 🙂 Your kids will remember all these fun things you have done for them and with them. That's the best part of motherhood…investing in their little lives and loving on them! Keep the posts coming!

  • Michele
    August 11, 2009 at 4:58 pm

    AWESOME! That's what I call being transparent 😉 How about a weekly installment of normalcy? You could call it a 'shout-out' to all the mommies :0
    Thanks for keeping it real!

  • KayleneLanae
    August 11, 2009 at 5:22 pm

    I love the honesty of this entry 🙂

    even with all the mess and craziness, I am still jealous.

  • The Wood Family
    August 11, 2009 at 5:23 pm

    My kids are 5&1/2, 3&1/2, and 2. I have days like this often. Sometimes it feels like more than I can handle; like I don't even know where to begin, which mess to start with.

    You are right, the joy of the Lord IS our strength. I also try to remember that they will be grown and out of the house before I know it. Then I will be sad!

  • Brittny
    August 11, 2009 at 5:43 pm

    thank you for showing that! it's awesome and hilarious at the same time! my back patio looks like that, but with trucks, dirt and flowers everywhere. thankfully it was the smallest pot and i ave a much bigger one of the same kind somewhere else.

  • Melissa
    August 11, 2009 at 6:16 pm

    Thanks for sharing these! I'm so glad to know I'm not the only one whose house gets a little upside down sometimes! Well, truthfully, a lot of the time…

  • Sarah @ Fiddledeedee
    August 11, 2009 at 6:17 pm

    Ahh, this makes me feel better 🙂 Great post, I loved it!

  • annek
    August 11, 2009 at 6:22 pm

    I think it was in Mary Poppins…when she "would make a swoop" around the room to clean up….that what I used to tell myself at night…. I was making a swoop.

  • Amy
    August 11, 2009 at 6:32 pm

    I love reading your blog, I think this is my first time posting!

    Those shots are perfect and just what I needed today.

  • Dianne
    August 11, 2009 at 6:37 pm

    Have you warned Erika? LOL
    I loved it!!! Enjoy those kiddos mess and all.

  • The Wilsons
    August 11, 2009 at 6:42 pm

    LOVE IT!~ so true:-)

  • Julia
    August 11, 2009 at 6:53 pm

    did she eat the dogs after she wore them as earrings?

  • alyssa
    August 11, 2009 at 7:07 pm

    Were you in my house this morning, b/c it sure looks an awful lot like my kitchen!
    On a side note, and perhaps this should have been a question for the photography post, but anyways…how do you get your pictures on your blog to be so big? Just wondering, b/c I love the size of your pics, just don't know how to do it myself. Thanks so much!

  • J
    August 11, 2009 at 7:16 pm

    i. am. so. there.

  • Ashleigh
    August 11, 2009 at 7:20 pm

    So encouraging to know that I am not alone in this journey to selflessness! For some crazy reason after 2, I thought I had "arrived" and was totally selfless (or pretty close). However, with the addition of #3, I quickly came to the realization that there are parts of me that I have yet to give up.

  • Cara
    August 11, 2009 at 7:33 pm

    In the midst of potty training here, and it's going less than spectacular. Thanks for the honest and thoughtful reminder — I needed it!

  • Jamie
    August 11, 2009 at 7:39 pm

    Oh, thank you! I thought I was the only one. Sometimes I really feel like I am, it's great to see that it's pretty normal 🙂 and a compliment that someone like you has similar days.

    Hang in there!

  • Susan
    August 11, 2009 at 7:40 pm

    I can't wait until we reach the phase where they don't have to make messes to be entertained . . . or is that even a phase we will one day reach? I sure hope so!

  • Cstargel
    August 11, 2009 at 7:44 pm

    I just love you and your blog….glad to know we are in the same boat!

  • Kat
    August 11, 2009 at 7:57 pm

    These are so hilarious! How do you put the text on the pictures? Too cute.

  • Lisa
    August 11, 2009 at 8:06 pm

    Do you have any idea how wonderful it was to see these pictures?
    Thank you for your sweet transparency.

  • Mandy
    August 11, 2009 at 8:21 pm

    Ha…mine looks like that very often and I only have two! Precious kiddos! Mandy

  • Sharlotte
    August 11, 2009 at 8:45 pm

    I LOVE your photos…so crisp and clear. I also love your blog!

    I know being a young mother gets very tiring… believe me, I know exactly how you feel. My two beautiful boys have now grown into handsome and wonderful men.

    Everyone is right, it really does go by too fast…before you know it, your children are grown and making their own way in the world.

    So, enjoy them! Play, cook, eat, tear paper, change diapers…it's all worth it!

  • viky
    August 11, 2009 at 11:17 pm

    Hihihi sorry for laugh but so nice to see that my house isn't the only one that's a disaster most days, my 2 boy let toys all around and some time you have to jump for pass, my sewing room is a camp of battle not happy they go in dining room…and now out in the garden….but at the enad of the time they are kids and need to play….we are moms and need to have a bunch of patience!!!
    Have and happy day
    Laura from Italy

  • Liz
    August 12, 2009 at 12:57 am

    Thank goodness it's not just me who has this!And I only have 1!Made me take a breath and realise I'm not alone!Kiddos are so cute..even though I haven't slept in 3 1/2 years 🙂

  • Courtney
    August 12, 2009 at 2:07 am

    That top photo is absolutely priceless!!! And I love the disaster shots, complete with costumes. Hilarious Darby. xx

  • Shireen
    August 12, 2009 at 5:05 am

    Great post…I love how you've shared Scripture in REAL life!

    Amen, sister!

    (and what a mess! 😉

  • Brandy
    August 12, 2009 at 5:22 am

    this is great!

  • Kellie
    August 12, 2009 at 5:24 am

    my.life.every.day – just amazed that you have time to blog about it!

  • Jenn
    August 12, 2009 at 5:24 am

    Love your blog…I have been reading for a while now! Quick question…how do you get your photos so big on your blog? Thanks so much!

  • aedozier
    August 12, 2009 at 5:45 am

    Thanks for the reminder to die daily! I forget that…a lot! Sometimes I just have to forget the mess and just enjoy my girl. The mess will always be there, they won't always be this age!!!

  • Kristen
    August 12, 2009 at 6:37 am

    I love your candidness! Those pics are so funny! Thank you for sharing!!!

  • The Tale of Two Sisters
    August 12, 2009 at 6:48 am

    What a blessing to see this AM!! I so needed the reminder of "dying to self". Also made me evaluate if I've been a Mary or a Martha lately. Thank you.

    I've finally joined the blog world, so I won't just be a stalker anymore 🙂 Thanks for your email response…your new friend from Southern Illinois!

  • Ariel
    August 12, 2009 at 7:01 am

    Thank you..it's a great comfort to know that we aren't the only ones keeping up with the kids.

  • stewart and james
    August 12, 2009 at 7:13 am

    love it!
    kristen

  • Rachel
    August 12, 2009 at 8:15 am

    this. is. hilarious. and. i. love. it. Thank you for keeping it honest – I appreciate that about you!

  • paige
    August 12, 2009 at 8:17 am

    i'm cracking up
    i just posted yesterday about my intimidation of the blogland. so many times i feel a little in over my head compared to so many talented obviously very gifted women. you amaze me.
    i'm so glad to see a cutipie post like this…i love that you keep it real, even if your "real" is much cuter & well dressed than my "real"
    xo

  • No.35style
    August 12, 2009 at 9:18 am

    love this! and so glad i get to finally become a mommy in February!!

  • Victoria
    August 12, 2009 at 9:58 am

    LOL I can soooo relate! Love the pictures.

  • Becky Brodbeck
    August 12, 2009 at 11:24 am

    "Some days dying is easier than others" very well said!!! today I have prayed Lord please help me have patience with my toddler several times,I am feeling a little stretched and I only have one. May the Lord continue to give you grace as you parent those babies:) Love ya!

  • The Howe Family
    August 12, 2009 at 12:20 pm

    Thanks for the encouragement! 🙂
    Love that verse – need that verse!

  • erika
    August 12, 2009 at 12:36 pm

    hey, if it makes you feel any better… my office looks like that and there aren't any kids in here. luckily no one has pooped in their pants!

  • the dowiaks
    August 12, 2009 at 12:41 pm

    oh my can i relate! do you go crazy when your house likes that b/c i do! thanks for being real. thanks for the scripture. and, thanks for reminding me that as a mother i have to die to myself. i needed that today.

  • Jesse
    August 12, 2009 at 1:27 pm

    Girl can I so relate!

  • Mommy Harris
    August 12, 2009 at 1:46 pm

    Oh LOVE it girl! Keep it real keep it real! That mess has been in my house many a time. Right now there are chip crumbs beside my bed I'm ashamed to say have been there since my toddler dumped them there on s-u-n-d-a-y!

  • warriormom
    August 12, 2009 at 2:27 pm

    Great verse and adorable post!! I'll have to share this with my baby who's having her first in two months!!

  • Ashley Eiler
    August 12, 2009 at 4:06 pm

    that post got a really loud audible laugh…thanks!! much needed today as i weed through the hours that i call my life!!

  • Lana Mitzel
    August 12, 2009 at 6:03 pm

    That first pic is THEE CUTEST photo I have EVER seen. Love it!

  • melissa richie
    August 12, 2009 at 6:37 pm

    amen.

    thanks for sharing!

  • pylant clan
    August 12, 2009 at 7:24 pm

    Wow, were you in my kitchen tonight…..except the poop wasn't in the diaper, instead on the floor…but don't worry she covered it up with a cup from a previous tea party..then baby sister picked it up. I wouldn't trade being a stay at home mom for anything. Love your blog.

  • Lindsey
    August 12, 2009 at 9:39 pm

    Are you sure you didn't take this pic in my kitchen :)? Had this pulled up and Av saw and was so excited to see pics of all the kids, but wanted to see one of you too. We were outside recently and she identified a skink and let me know that Mr. Justin likes skinks. Miss you and the fam

  • Britt
    August 13, 2009 at 6:42 am

    This is hilarious. But probably only because I'm not a mother yet, so I haven't experienced the chaos firsthand. I remember my mom walking around the house singing "I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength…." Now I understand why!

  • Dana
    August 13, 2009 at 8:16 am

    I so feel your pain….some days I want to crawl back into bed and let them have the house!

  • Bill, Misty, Will, and Laura Ann
    August 13, 2009 at 8:42 am

    Thanks for the scripture!!!

  • Anonymous
    August 13, 2009 at 9:52 am

    wow…i have been reading your blog for a little while now…but with 3 boys around the same age as your precious one's I can't comment very often BUT today this post was so me…Thank you for keeping it so real…many of us are in the same shoes!!!

    God Bless…Carmela

  • The Ridge Family
    August 13, 2009 at 12:32 pm

    Thanks for making my house feel normal… I am constanting cleaning up messes and never can seem to get ahead. I have a 3 yr old girl and a 9 month old boy… so the messes have only just begun for my baby boy. I really enjoy reading your blog (this is the first time I've left a comment). I quote that scripture often. 🙂

  • Anonymous
    August 13, 2009 at 12:33 pm

    Love the pictures! I have a 4 and 2year old so I totally understand! The question I would like to know is, was it harder going from 1 to 2or 2 to 3? I love reading your blog! Keep up the good work!!
    Kelly

  • Teresa
    August 13, 2009 at 2:07 pm

    Came across from Layla's blog. Love this. Wow, I have 2 boys and I know the feeling. My kitchen seems to look like yours all the time anymore.

  • Tiffany
    August 13, 2009 at 2:13 pm

    Looks familiar!

  • Aura
    August 13, 2009 at 5:38 pm

    I just found your blog and I love all of your beautiful pictures. I am a huge picture lover, and recently gave up trying to be interesting and just started posting more of them.

  • Cora
    August 13, 2009 at 5:59 pm

    Love this…so cute with the truthful humor!

  • Beck
    August 14, 2009 at 9:26 pm

    Oh Girl. Favorite.Post.Ever.

  • Christie
    August 17, 2009 at 8:03 am

    I totally feel your pain…and joy! Three kids can be so frustrating at times with all of their messes and fits, but they are so worth it!

  • click here
    August 30, 2009 at 10:13 pm

    click here…

    Long- time followers of this blog – you rule – the people make the blog!…