a day in the life - ashley

I'm pretty dang sure my next blogger needs no introduction, but if for some crazy reason you haven't stumbled on to her blog I am so happy to introduce you to Ashley from Under the Sycamore.  I may not know her personally, yet I can tell she is an amazing woman with a big heart.  Her diy projects are awesome and her kids are adorable.  She motivates me to want more out of daily life.  Sit back and enjoy a glimpse in to her day! 

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Hello! It is an honor to be sharing here today. I'm Ashley and I write a blog called Under the Sycamore. It is a hodge podge mess of things that make up my days. My husband (Chris) and I live in a constant state of motion with 3 boys (ages 2, 4, 6) and a 1 year old daughter. As people at Target like to point out to me 'my hands are full', but I wouldn't want it any other way. When Ashley asked me to share a Day in the Life post I thought "sure...but it won't be all that interesting!" I read through some of the previous posts that others have shared here and was blown away that they could keep such detailed notes from each hour of the day. I hope you don't mind, but my notes are much more general.

I try to begin the day before any of the kids wake up...a cup of coffee, my Bible and my computer are typically a part of this time.

My morning time alone is often cut short by little people ready to begin the day.

Breakfast together as a family....I'm usually still trying to wake myself up. My personality prefers that no one talk to me at least for the first hour of the morning. I had to let go of that when I became a mom. Bummer.

Schoolwork, watering the Christmas tree, getting everyone dressed, sweeping the floor, cleaning sticky hands, picking up random toys already accumulated on the floor, picking up breakfast and folding laundry often follow breakfast.

Eventually I try to get back on the computer to answer emails, work on blog posts and other related things. I am constantly battling my daughter to stay away from my computer.

On a good day I can manage breakfast before lunchtime. I love breakfast....if only my dad could come over everyday and fix me his pecan waffles.

The majority of the rest of the morning consists of lots of playing and keeping my daughter out of things. I also spend too much time with my broom and gathering Lego men and cars from random locations around the house.

After a quick lunch with the kids, it is off to naps for the younger two.  I try to get a little creative time for myself mixed with learning time for my 4 year old.

After naps we take advantage of any warm weather to be outside. My goal is to get my kids to play so hard they are exhausted at bedtime. I am not a fan of cold weather and being stuck inside, but I am a fan of running wild outside with my kids.

We spend most evenings together at home as a family eating dinner and doing whatever random thing the kids think up. Right now we have several nativity sets under the Christmas tree. The boys think the stables make great homes for Lego men. At night Mary, Joseph and baby Jesus are entertained by Lego men hanging from the stable roofs and riding the camels.

Then it is off to baths and showers, lots of books, last drinks of water, bedtime prayers, sleepy cuddles & kisses.

I get to wrap up the day with Chris. I can't imagine spending the final moments of everyday with anyone else more perfect for me. So there you go...a glimpse into a mundane, normal day for me. Nothing glamorous - usually not even a trip to Target. I intentionally try not to plan to much outside of our home during this phase of life. I imagine it won't be that long before my kids are each running a different direction and not so hungry for my attention. I want to take advantage of this time when they want nothing more than for me to sit on the floor and play.

And now I'll answer Ashley's questions!

1.  What is the most surprising thing to you about being a mother?
How every nook and cranny of my life is impacted by motherhood. Every emotion, every decision, every passion, every perspective some how relates to the fact that I am a mom. I can't escape it, nor would I ever want to.

2.  What are three tips you would give to new moms, or soon to be mommas?

"This too shall pass." Whether it is good or bad...it will pass. With the knowledge that days are fleeting, be fully present with your kids and soak up the daily stuff with them. It is the daily stuff that makes up their days, don't live just for the big moments. Take time to really know your kids, not just provide for their basic needs. Not sure how many that actually is!

3.  What are your top three baby products?

Baby wraps
Swaddle blankets
A good camera

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Thank you so much Ashley, for letting us peek in on your day!