Author: Taylor Schae

More than being able to eat a warm meal out with other moms without kiddos trying to climb out of high chairs and run around the whole time, I enjoyed the awesome conversations that we were able to have. Of course, it mainly revolves around parenting and all things motherhood, but the wisdom and advice exchanged was life-giving to this tired mama. My perspective on handling discipline, tantrums, and other tough moments during the day were given a freshness that I really needed! Even just hearing that my child is going to push boundaries to really know what they are and being reaffirmed that every child is different and that is totally normal helped to quiet my heart. I felt like it would race every time Isla pushed the limits and intentionally did the opposite of what I say. Now, I notice more grace and patience in my approach to correcting her, and I’m so thankful! To me, time with these moms proved to be necessary and something I need to prioritize! I’m so grateful for other moms speaking wisdom to me and encouraging me beyond what they even know.

My husband set up the most wonderful bath for me tonight and it was one of those things I didn’t realize how much I needed until I got in and just…breathed. He lit a candle, had music playing, and the water was nice and hot—my perfect combo right there! It’s not like it had even been a particularly stressful day. It actually had been pretty good. But even on good days when I’m not stressed out, I’m finding that taking time to relax and practice a little self care can be so helpful. Normally I bring my phone with me in the bathtub, but I decided to keep it in my room this time, and I think that’s what I’m going to do from now on. Being able to just sit in hot water, smelling a relaxing candle, all while listening to my favorite piano music was bringing a smile to my face and relaxing me way more than my phone ever could. I’m so grateful for my husband setting up that bath experience for me and reminding me how to truly unwind.

Today was one of those “good” days. The kind of days where the tantrums and overall fussiness were at a minimum, and nothing but love and cuddles were exchanged between my daughter and me. These kinds of days are especially welcomed when they are followed by tough days, which was the case for us as well. Yesterday was mentally draining for me, and just when I think I can’t be a mom for one more second, I get a second wind with days like today, and I’m reminded that God knows just what we need and cares about us and our well-being. I need to remember that these good days do exist when I’m tempted to drown in the tears, anxiety, and frustration that surround my bad days and know that this is but a moment that won’t last forever, and I can choose the way I want to handle both the good and bad days. My situation doesn’t have to control me. It’s easier said than done, but no matter what tomorrow brings, I’m casting all my cares upon the Lord, because I know He cares for me.

Over Labor Day weekend, we drove 10 hours to go visit Ross’ family in Arkansas. It was such a relaxing and food-filled trip with lots of fun memories made with our 1 year old. Traveling definitely isn’t the same with a toddler! But it’s a lot more exciting in many ways as well. For Ross and myself, it also felt like a nice time to unplug. To have undivided attention with each other and family is so needed sometimes to really connect and refuel internally. Traveling can also make you excited to come back home and motivated to get back into your normal routine. Overall, I’m grateful for the refreshing perspective that can come with travel and removing yourself from your typical daily life sometimes.

I really do put myself down more than I’d like to admit. Why do I do this? I feel like it’s so easy to self-sabotage and compare yourself to others. It’s so hard for me to be positive towards all that my body has done and is capable of when all I see is extra flab or other areas that I pick apart that no one else probably notices. What I think people appreciate anyway is kindness instead of what we think looks “perfect”. It’s easy for me to be hard on myself in this area, but now that I’m a mother, I really want to only ever demonstrate what a healthy relationship with your body looks like. I’m so grateful that my body was able to give me my daughter after all!

Growing up, I took for granted that I had 3 sisters. That’s 3 people guaranteed to always be around and hopefully be willing to play with you. We turned those opportunities to play and have fun for fighting sometimes, but overall I think we’d all say that we’re each other’s best friends now that we are older. What’s even more amazing is having each other’s kids be friends too. Of course they’re cousins, but the hope and desire is that they’ll choose to be around one another as well. Thinking back on how much I enjoyed having lots of siblings makes me think about how many kids we may end up having! The more the merrier I suppose, right? So grateful to have the built-in best friends that I have today.

As I was thinking about what was going to be today’s gratefulness spotlight, I found myself struggling for a minute to come up with something. I knew that my mind was not focused on the right thing when it took me more than a couple minutes to really think about something that I’m truly grateful for. It’s crazy that the biggest thing in my life could be something that I think of last on my list of things to be grateful for. And that thing is hope. Hope is what truly has anchored my soul. It’s what I want to teach Isla every day and model that in my life—that the hope of Jesus truly creates life abundant no matter life’s circumstances because we have the hope that Jesus saves us—we need only believe that to be enough. I find myself trying to think of all kinds of solutions to the problems in my life and in the world and neglect to see that the solution has already been provided. My job is to spread that good news to people so that they have something to also put their hope in. I was embarrassed that it took me a long time of thinking to remember this wonderful thing to be grateful for, but it’s something that is on the forefront of my mind now that I want to share with everyone today, tomorrow, and as long as I live.

My husband is truly my best friend, and I realize how blessed I am to be able to say that as well. I love my husband with everything, and I know he loves me the same. My marriage to him has produced years of cultivating a love that Christ has demonstrated and continues to demonstrate to us. It is our goal to love each other sacrificially and unconditionally for as long as we both shall live. I’m so grateful for each day to serve as an opportunity to love my husband and cultivate the marriage we are so blessed to have.

Last week, for a variety of reasons, I wasn’t able to go on a morning walk like I had been doing most mornings. So being a fresh week, I wanted to start the week off right this Monday morning and go on that walk not matter what! How refreshing! These walks are more than exercise for me, it’s time with my whole family as I’m normally pushing the stroller while my husband walks our dog. So many awesome conversations are had during these walks. I didn’t realize how much I missed that morning sunshine. Since it’s been so hot lately, I feel like I haven’t outside as much as I’d like to be, and I feel like Isla could easily get overheated as well. I’m determined to keep up the morning walk routine, as it truly starts my day on the right foot!