What's it like?

I've had a lot of friends wonder what my life is like.

The life of a stay at home mom.

It's a mystery unknown to many, but those who are in the same boat know all too well what goes on all day.

It's a glamorous life. I enjoy plenty of alone time. I shower each morning and dress in my prettiest outfits. I take plenty of time primping, meticulously styling my hair and applying my make up. I work out each morning and have a healthy breakfast. My day is filled with important household tasks that never go unnoticed. I, of course, make time for Oprah and Bon-Bons. I await my husband in my dress, apron, high heels, and pearls with a four-course meal on the table - with our nicest China set out, of course. I love my life.

Oh wait, no, sorry. That was a dream I had last night.

Mine is an unglamorous life. The only alone time I have is when I hide in my shower for 15 minutes while Bree plays in her bouncer watching Veggie Tales. Sometimes there's no time for a shower until after bedtime. I dress in the same outfit everyday. Jeans and a nursing tank top - it just makes life easier. Often, I will get thrown up on and change clothes multiple times a day.

For instance, yesterday I was thrown up on so I changed pants, and I was thrown up on again 5 minutes later.

My hair has made its peace with never getting attention. It's either in a pony tail or pig tails - I try to at least vary between the two. It doesn't matter anyway; it is seen as a toy however it's styled. Forget make up. The only work out I get is walking up and down the stairs changing poopy diapers and the new game of walking around the house holding Bree's fingers. Rather than toning muscles, I am developing scoliosis. I pray she walks soon.

I pretend the food I actually eat is healthy. For my sister's sake, I will leave out what my diet consists of. The only TV shows I watch are on PBS: Word World, Angelina Ballerina, or Peep and the Big Wide World. There are never any Bon-Bons - even though I keep checking my pantry hoping they just materialize for stay-at-home moms because that's all you hear about.

My husband comes home and asks how my day was and what I did. He falls asleep listening to my account of washing clothes, cleaning the fan blades, and dusting. He does take notice if there is a delicious meal prepared for us - because there's usually not. I fall asleep looking at the clock, counting how many hours of sleep I will get until 3 am, when it all starts over.

I guess the only part of my dream that was real is that I love my life.

I love the craziness. I love the new things I learn each day. I love the challenge to grow and become a better wife and mom. I am never without trials - giving me daily opportunities to show patience, grace, love, and kindness. I am always reminded of the blessings God has given us. I treasure the little things Bree learns each day. I anticipate my husband's return home because I love watching him give Bree a bath. That little girl loves her daddy, and that man loves that little girl. I love our nightly games of Carcassone after Bree is asleep, which is also when we eat cookies or ice cream or -let's be honest- both. I love my snuggle time with Giselle each night while I do my devotions and Bible study homework on the couch. I love crawling into bed with the man of my dreams and tickling him until he commands me go to sleep. I usually take this opportunity to practice my monologue, which is the first 20 minutes of the movie Megamind. I've got it down. Before I fall asleep I thank God for the life He has given me and pray I can appreciate it the next day in the midst of trial.