Los Porchs

It's not lost on me that when Charlotte came into our lives, I started using "Mama Porch" and abandoned the good old fashioned "Mrs. Porch." This is an issue for me as a mom, a wife, and a human being. I have many official titles to go with the roles I have in my family and work life.  I don't know why I feel I have to use Mama like it's my only role. I struggle so, so much, friends, with the idea that I am something other than (more than?) Charlotte's mom. I love my Mama Bear status, there's no denying that, but I can't help but feel like it has cast a shadow on other, equally important roles. How do you all balance the roles? I'm not talkin' "get a good organizer" or "have a date night" -- to me, this is a deeper conflict. Maybe this doesn't make sense; maybe you're reading it thinking Damn girl, go grab your coffee and get yo' shit together .  Or maybe, just maybe, you're reading it and wonderi...

I am by no means the most religious person you'll ever meet.  I cannot quote the Bible with you.  I was confirmed in the Catholic faith, married by a Lutheran minister, and seemingly lost my faith later down the road while I struggled with the loss of my cousin and my own health issues.  I started to find my way again when I started IVF.  I fell in love with the Pope's 5-finger prayer.  It calmed my nerves as I spent every quiet moment wondering if Charlotte was okay in there, if I would have a true success story, not wanting to jinx myself by being too happy. Lent is now upon us and while I very much struggle with the concept of giving up meat on Ash Wednesday and Fridays during this season, I had a great conversation with my sister-in-law who pointed out that it's really more about the mindfulness.  That's a word I hear more and more in conversation lately and that was something that made sense to me.  Not that it made me want to give up meat o...

Mondays are hard for everyone (babies included), especially after a weekend spent with family in the north woods. Armed with that knowledge, I spent a few quiet moments reflecting on my job and what I'm doing within the context of my position. I jotted down some notes of reflection in my journal and did my best to gather what Charlotte and I would need to be successful today & have it ready for the morning. Somehow, this day almost seemed serene. For real! I didn't feel crazed or rushed at any point & actually see myself making progress on some big projects this week. Maybe those few moments spent reflecting and preparing need to be incorporated into my normal end of the day routine! How refreshing to finish a Monday with a sense of accomplishment & drive! Here's lookin at you, Tuesday. Xo Mama Porch