I have never felt “normal” ever since I was a kid. Isn’t it funny that most of us feel that way? Just like the Red Robin coaster I saved from a few years back, “You’re unique, just like everyone else.”

Finally, I would add that Jesus is the only “normal” human. The rest of us are all screwed up, so we really should only look to him, not across at each other to compare.

-elise

With the help of great friends, your words, and meditation/relaxation podcasts, I’m managing to enjoy going through a HUGE transition in life right now. For the first time in 9 years, I have 8 hours of silence M-F. Gwen started full-day kindergarten. Karen Buckley and I talked about “redesigning my life” now…the freedom is wonderful and I too find that the kids and I enjoy our evenings together in a totally different way after being apart. It’s really cool. At the same time, in the past six weeks I’ve had a “Me Ra” schedule, getting flown out for my first 2 out-of-state weddings!! I raised my prices (which I was afraid to do) and clients are calling, booking, and things are really starting to unfold in an amazing way! But with this brings of course new challenges, responsibilities, and fears to conquer. Which reminds me, I have to share the most awesome quote ever… “Worrying is basically praying for what you DON’T want to have happen.”

Is that a mindblower or what!? Where you focus your attention and energy, is what manifests. Practicing putting yourself where you want to be, and you WILL get you there when you are ready, when it’s the perfect time for you. That’s what is so ironic…having gratitude for each moment of the journey you choose will soak you in joy and satisfaction that you imagined was only at the end.

Now I’m going to clear that sink full of dishes…lol

MeRa you have a great way with words. You are gifted in so many areas, not just photography. I’m so thankful for your blog and blog readers

I can completely relate – busy, busy life – husband, 3 kids, work from home mom (just started photography biz), church, dance practice, ball practice, etc., etc., – just like many of you. It’s hard to find balance and not feel rushed all the time. I love what “golightly” said in her comment – “God has to be in the center otherwise I spin out of control” – so true!!
That is what gives me peace at night – not knowing that I’m doing what I want to do, but knowing that I’m doing what God wants me to do. Some nights are more peaceful than others still working on that.

And Denise – I find myself saying the same things to myself (about the dishes and laundry). I try to remind myself about Colossians 3:23 – “And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men” – it’s still hard mopping that floor, but that verse helps me get through it with a better attitude

Thanks again Me Ra for sharing – you so ROCK with your organized chaos

I agree with Carey – your grandmother looks great!

‘I cleaned the kitchen’ and a voice inside my head says ‘it’ll be dirty by morning again’.

‘I did the laundry’
‘the hamper is already half full’

‘I mopped the floor’
‘the dog already tracked mud all over it’

Yes I love love love my son and Eric and we somehow have fun together despite all the stress that’s pressing in on us from every direction.

I hope that more IS revealed to us soon – our next step – I didn’t know how much I could use a blog post like this until after I read it. Thanks MeRa.

I like Michelle’s comment. I’m the person that hasn’t figured out the fine balance of working part time (at home and away) and being a full-time mom, then throwing the rebirth of an old love into the mix (photography) My husband works from home and owns a DJ business here in SoCal. I think he is an awesome MC (that’s his niche) and has some great DJs working for him. On the weekends he works outside the house. Our life isn’t “normal” either and I wouldn’t change it. But I have have been out of balance for a while – well since my 3-year-old came into the picture. Partly the pressure of doing the “mom-thing” right. Pottery Barn home, not here. But chaos (i.e too messy of house) makes me nuts.

I will say that we started going to a new church a couple of years ago and in January we started going to a home-group. That has brought me much more peace. Amazing for me, God has to be in the center otherwise I spin out of control. I haven’t been content at the end of the day in the last few months, I haven’t felt happy at times; but I’m praying and trusting and passing that on to my son.

My husband would love for me to get into photography, soak up all the learning I can and start my own business (or add onto his) Eek, overwhelming. I start to think, I’m not that good, I’m just another “mommy photographer-wannabe”, this field is too saturated (especially where I’m at) I live in SoCal…

But how I love my husband for believing in me, eh?

That makes me happy. That brings me peace. That makes me strong.

Hmm, I better go do some more weeding in my garden.

BTW, if your grandma’s partying with you til 2am, what else could we expect from you? Go Grandma!!

ANNUAL MARTINI PARTY!!!! Girl, I’ll have to just celebrate from where I am since I can’t be there, BIG WAH!!! Or eat more kale…hmmm let’s see, what would be better right now?

after about 10 minutes in my house, any one of my single or kid less (which is about the same thing) friends will look at me and ask….how do you do this?

but for all the crazy, fast pace, stressful, non-stop, never ending shenanigans that make up ‘the sossaman’s'…there is an always sensed…always understood notion that there is peace and constant love inside the eye of the storm.

kind of like that scene in ‘twister’ when helen hunt and bil paxton are on the ground in the very center of the tornado looking up….outside, people look at the twister in fear…but inside….it is silenced and calm. are you with me?….yeah…that’s my house. looks like a class 5 tornado from the outside…but seems peaceful on the inside. i’m sure some of you can relate.

but you know…every time sharon and i talk about this…we come to the conclusion that we wouldn’t want it any other way. i guess we’ve figured out how we function.

thanks for the play by play and the pics….and the post….take care.

Great post! But it was your fabulous Grandma that got me to post a comment & be a few minutes late at school pickup today! hee hee!

~Carey