the JOYS of motherhood

My hubby has been gone for 5 days at a youth camp with UBC, so it's been a girls week! I have to admit that I was dreading this time but it was some of the greatest days Jonelle and I have ever had together!! God truely has blessed me with this little one and I feel like my love for her grew so much deeper.

Before going into our fun-filled week, I wanted to share things that God has revealed to me. Personally, being a "stay-at-home mom" is the one thing that I told myself I would never be. (especially in my early 20s!) I am the kind of girl who LOVES her freedom and who LOVES to work and to work HARD! I love being busy and on the go and being able to plan out my time. I learned quickly that motherhood is the complete opposite. It requires you to GIVE UP expectations, free time, hobbies at times, and it is completely UNPREDICTABLE, etc. Basically, motherhood requires COMPLETE SELFLESSNESS!- which is no easy task. I often caught myself expressing to Jay or thinking to myself that I can't wait till I am involved in ministry again, and how I can't wait till I'm doing God's plan and purpose for my life. I have felt very restless and uncontent. I have this HUGE desire to work with teen girls and women, to speak truth into their lives, to be a listening ear and a godly example of a solid woman of God. I believe that the Lord knows my heart that I also believe that IS what God has for me in the future, but as my wise husband told me time and time again- I AM MISSING OUT ON GOD'S PLAN FOR ME RIGHT NOW, during this preparation time for my future (whatever that may hold!)

Being Jonelle's mom and Jaakan's wife comes 1st above all else! She IS God's plan and purpose for me right now, even as hard as I may fight it. It is selfish for me to tell God that she's not enough or that I want her AND more. For some reason, God has me HOME with her right now and I am sure that it is for a GREAT reason, for HE knows BEST! That is a truth that I have to remind myself often. GOD HAS MY BEST IN MIND!!!! All this to say, I realized that I have a beautiful daughter who looks up to me, watches my EVERY move, ADORES me, wants to spend every second with me, and who needs a Godly mother as her example!! WOW! What a AWESOME role that God has given me. He holds me accountable to raise her and train her in HIS WORD! I am thankful that He is showing me a different perspective and I am SO grateful for these past few days of quality time with my princess (God's princess!)

We spent most of our time at the pool (of course!) Had lots of fun with Uncle Najah and Grandma Kim, had some dance parties, watched lots of cartoons, ate fun junk food (don't tell daddy!), 'skyped' with Grandma in Chicago, went to a birthday party at the Bartel's house, and LAUGHED A LOT!!!!!

SUCH a great week, but we CAN'T wait to have daddy back too!!! So much to tell him and fun memories to share! :)