The only title that suits this post is “Just WOW!!” I feel like that right now and wonder how I’m going to form words for you to read tonight. You all need to know just how much your comments, posts, tweets, emails, etc, etc, etc today mean to me.

I even leaked some tears quite a few times. No joke or exaggeration. Many happy tears for the joy and confidence I could feel from your posts, but also a few sad tears for things some of you turned to me for. My prayers reside with each one of you in hopes that this brings the positive changes I know it has the power to conceive. I cannot convey my thanks to each of you enough. Now let’s continue this self-love fest tomorrow and for the remainder of September. We need to keep this spark lit in order to see it reach its fullest potential working in our hearts and lives.

I don’t quite know how to segue my way from that awesomeness into my normal day to day living. I have no super witty or fun post today mainly because my mind is still shell-shocked by this morning and seeing something I feel so strongly about accepted so openly. I still have stuff I can share though so here we go.

Boys. They are quite the different species, huh? Love the men in my life dearly, including little man B in my belly, but dear goodness they require some special care.

I watched my 2 nephews for a few hours yesterday and about went insane. Little M plays so calmly and sweetly. Then, her little cousin enlightened her on how to cause a raucous. That may be an understatement. The non stop running back and forth, climbing on tables, screeching as a pretend car, and so much more left me blinking in that 3 year old’s dust. “Ohhhhh boy!!!” ran through my head on repeat.

Keeping with today’s confidence theme– I know I am a good and loving mom, so I will make parenting two work…but it’s going to be different than just hanging with this little face.

On top of that, yesterday M discovered how to climb out of her crib. In the morning she greeted me at 6 am with a “Hi mommy! Awake!” proclamation. She had to tell me just in case the thunk overhead from her jumping out of the crib didn’t give me the hint.

So I guess you could say yesterday was a long one. I ended it nicely though. We made some Almost Meatless Sloppy Joes for dinner. This recipe never fails! So easy and delicious. Thank you Katie for posting it awhile ago!

I also had kale chips for the first time. I really liked them. I think next time I need to cut them into smaller “chips” and bake a bit longer since some parts were a bit chewy instead of crunchy. Overall, I will definitely have them again. I don’t know why I take so long to try things sometimes.

Now I must relax my body from the kick, spin, and Power classes I’ve done this week. Yay for a rest day tomorrow! I need it. `

• What food have you tried that was inspired by bloggers? Did you like It?
• When do you take your rest days? Mine are Thursday and Sunday. I love them!
• If you posted about the 30 Days on your blog or shared it in some way today please let me know with a comment. I meant to keep a running list to post as a thank you but got a bit overwhelmed with everything and lost track. I don’t want to leave anyone out who shared! Thanks.

Back in the day, I never anticipated staying at home with children. I enjoy working and seeing my thoughts and actions accomplish something. I thrive on many things related to the work atmosphere – the community, the sense of self, the pursuit of goals, etc. Turns out, my current “work” situation surpasses anything I could find elsewhere.

Constant Entertainment
I certainly receive a daily dose of laughter from M and her antics. Like today when she stole my wallet and proceeded to take all the cash out saying “Kenzie’s moneys”. Oh boy!

Perfect workout time
I won’t deny that a huge perk of staying at home lies within my gym schedule. I have the option to wake-up early, accomplish things on my to-do list, have breakfast, and relax with M all before hitting up the gym. I love not having to feel rushed or tied down to going to the gym when I’m exhausted.

Easy eating
I have an entire kitchen of options for meals. I don’t have to eat something simply because I packed it. I can change my mind on a whim. Today I served M up a plate of pasta + broccoli, swiss cheese, and grapes. Instead of going for leftovers myself, I had a hankering for the Amy’s burrito in the freezer. Thanks to staying at home…I could eat it. 😀

Work in workout clothes, sweats, etc
I think this speaks for itself. How nice to not have to dress in slacks every day! Added bonus – you get to feel extra special when on a random Wednesday night you have to get dressed for a meeting at church.

Ability to pursue true passions
I love teaching. I do not, however, love teaching in an overly bureaucratic school system. Now, I can still teach, but through new and more fulfilling manners. I lead an adult Bible study, tutor high school Spanish, share information through my writing, and support the growth of knowledge in my daughter. The opportunity to develop my blog and writing by being at home provides me a perfect creative outlet and a defined sense of self. I love being a mommy, but I also love doing things like promoting self-respect.

I believe this aspect serves as the biggest benefit. I need an identity outside of “mommy” and I thrive on developing myself in new ways. We all need to find some way to develop and work on our passions. Life wouldn’t sparkle otherwise. If we make the time for things we love, not only will we experience a greater sense of satisfaction but we could also change our lives to paths unforeseen.

Don't ask yourself what the world needs; ask yourself what makes you come alive. And then go and do that. Because what the world needs is people who have come alive.
-- Harold Whitman

• What is the #1 perk you would most like to have in a job?
• What is your passion?

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