Become a subscriber and receive my “Mealtime Magic – Biblically Based Conversation Cards” FREE!
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer

Happy Home Fairy

Helping Moms Build Happy Homes

  • Home
  • Blog
  • About
  • Advertise
  • Privacy
  • Contact
  • Crafts
  • Freebies
    • FREE Printables
    • Giveaways
  • Recipes
    • Breakfast
    • Lunch
    • Dinner
    • Sides
    • Soups/Salads
    • Appetizers/Snacks
    • Treats
  • Celebrate
    • New Year’s
    • Valentine’s Day
    • St. Patrick’s Day
    • Easter
    • Teacher Appreciation
    • Mother’s Day
    • End of School Year
    • Summer
    • Father’s Day
    • 4th of July
    • Back to School
    • Fall
    • Thanksgiving
    • Christmas
    • Birthdays
  • Faith
    • Comforting in Crisis
    • Fairy Thoughts
    • Motherhood
    • Marriage
    • Parenting
    • NICU Mommies

Things I Wasn’t Prepared for About Motherhood

Like It? Share It!
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Linkedin
  • Print

things I wasn't prepared for about motherhood at happyhomefairy.com

I mentioned HERE that the books you read during pregnancy really don’t adequately prepare you for what’s coming.

So I thought I would jot down a few examples of things I wasn’t prepared for about motherhood (from this past week alone – ha!).

  • I wasn’t prepared for the giant bottle of unknown liquid that someone spilled in the back seat of a newly leased car.
  • I was not prepared to deal with the public tantrum that happened over something as bizarre as the mere thought of having to get his fingernails clipped.
  • I was not prepared for the way bedtime takes 3 hours.
  • I never thought I would get impatient with my kids, often feel like I am not disciplining them well, or make decisions about whether or not it’s okay to just let them pee in the parking lot of Target (it was an emergency).
  • When they voted me, “Most Likely to Succeed” in high school, I thought that meant becoming a well-known author or speaker.  As it is, I never thought that one day my success could be summed up as “Professional Puke Catcher.”
  • I didn’t see it coming that one of my kids would accidentally break my favorite plate and then color on the white fridge with red Sharpie.
  • I never thought I would become so knowledgable about how to get poo out of carpet.
  • I was not prepared for the utter humiliation of having an incredibly honest son announce to everyone after hugging me that my armpits smelled bad.
  • I never thought I would have the kids that like to wake up at 5 am.
  • I was not prepared for all. the. whiiiiiiining.
  • I did not imagine that one day I would be driving home from work and feel so tired and overwhelmed that I would have to call my mother-in-love to ask if she could take the boys to dinner so that I could have a few minutes to just breathe.  And get caught up on laundry.

If I can be completely honest (which, if you’re new here, is something I am very good at doing), I have struggled on weeks such as these with a feeling of disappointment with certain aspects of motherhood.

I think it kind of started with the 4 years of infertility that the hubs and I experienced before we got pregnant with Happy Buddy.  During that season I believe I put having children on a bit of a pedestal and conjured up in my head this notion that motherhood was only craft-making and laughter and healthy kids around the dinner table happily eating whatever amazing meal I had all kinds of time to prepare that day.

So of course when I was given kids who only eat 5 things and frequently throw up all over the carseat cover that I have no idea how to take off and wash, I have found myself, on occasion, to be a bit disillusioned.

Over the last couple of years, however, the Lord has been working out the fussy spirit in me that feels entitled to an unruffled, perfect life.  He is opening my eyes to see that everything above – everything about motherhood is an opportunity to worship Him, know Him more, and pour out His love on my precious kiddos.

And isn’t that what we want, sisters?  To be made more like Jesus?

  • When I am depleted, I find strength on my knees (1 Chronicles 16:11).
  • When my things break or get colored on, I remember that stuff doesn’t matter – He is all I need (Philippians 4:19).
  • When I am coming undone at the end of the day, I rest in His grace that is sufficient (2 Corinthians 12:9).
  • When I am tempted to grow discouraged, I reflect on the daily bread He gives me (Luke 11:3).
  • When I am so, sooooo tired, my heart is encouraged by the truth of Psalm 73:26.
  • When I need a rescuer to take the boys for a few hours, I remember that my real Rescuer is Christ (Psalm 91:14-15).
  • When I bend low to wipe spills or scrub out stains, I am reminded of the position that Jesus preferred (Philippians 2:5-11).
  • When the whining makes me bristle in frustration, I remember that training children is both a process and a privilege (Deuteronomy 6:6-7).
  • When I am tempted to long for my pre-kid days where life seemed easier and filled with more opportunities to go to the gym, I see that the challenges are causing me to bear fruit (James 1:4).
  • When my kids are sick, I am pointed to Christ who came to be our healer (Psalm 103:1-5).
  • When I want to do great things and be known and have the praise of man, I call to mind that my greatest accomplishment is actually in the quiet, faithful work of lovingly serving the ones that He has entrusted me with (Colossians 3:23).

The other day as I was rocking my poor, ill Happy Baby and he was clinging to me so close we were practically a peanut butter and jelly sandwich, he pressed his lips to my ear and whispered, “I love you, Mommy.”

As we sat there together, tears filled my eyes and pleasure filled my soul and suddenly the cleaning and changing and wiping and things breaking and Cloroxing and the holding and cooking (and often the holding while cooking) and driving and almost-losing-my-minding and praying and sacrificing and serving, all felt like an absolute breeze – a JOY even – in light of the gift that is motherhood.

So sweet mama who sometimes feels disappointed by motherhood, I pray He gives your heart a fresh perspective today.  A perspective that can see beyond the poo in the carpets and the sleepless nights and into the eyes of a Savior who considered it pure joy to give YOU everything He had.

Motherhood is teaching me this.

And I’m pretty sure that nothing else could have prepared me for the transforming power of that glorious truth.

– Julie 🙂

Fairy Thoughts, Motherhood, Popular
Faith, Jesus, Mommy Encouragement, Prayer
24 Comments

About Happy Home Fairy

Julie Brasington is a Preschool Director, wife of a South Florida Worship Pastor and mom of 3 boys. She writes at Happy Home Fairy where you can find easy craft ideas, FREE printables, simple recipes, holiday fun, thoughts on raising kids, and encouragement for moms.

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • Twitter
  • YouTube
Like It? Share It!
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Linkedin
  • Print

You May Also Like These Posts

5 Fun Ways to Use Bible-Based Coloring and Activity Books for KidsSecrets to Successful BreastfeedingGIVEAWAY – Favorite Christian Board Books3 Phrases That Will Change Your Marriage

Did you enjoy this post? Never miss another!
Encouragement and fun ideas delivered to your inbox.

Prev Post Creation Book – FREE Printable!
Next Post That Time I Was In a Talent Show With My Kids

Reader Interactions

24 Comments

  1. Tracy Pons

    April 19, 2015 at 9:05 am

    WOW! Thank you! I need to read this one every week! Love and many more blessings to you!:-)

    to Tracy Pons" aria-label='reply to this comment to Tracy Pons'>reply to this comment
  2. Jadie Jones

    April 19, 2015 at 9:19 am

    Love this blog thank you for your honesty and encouragement

    to Jadie Jones" aria-label='reply to this comment to Jadie Jones'>reply to this comment
  3. Ashley

    April 19, 2015 at 10:20 am

    Thank you for being most likely to succeed in blogging :). Every post I read is always timely and on point! Your writing is a gift from God straight to me! Thank you kindly for being true to yourself and sharing all of you with all of us! Forever blessed by your writing!

    to Ashley" aria-label='reply to this comment to Ashley'>reply to this comment
  4. Kate Hatch

    April 19, 2015 at 10:32 am

    Thank you so much for that post. I totally understand what you are dealing with. Conceiving our twins became a chore to the point our marriage began to suffer. And lay night the three hour screaming bed time was least desirable to say the least. But his morning when all your 12 week old twins do is smile from ear to ear the blessings from God truly shine! Thank you for your post

    Love Kate and the Hatchlings

    Sent from my iPhone

    >

    to Kate Hatch" aria-label='reply to this comment to Kate Hatch'>reply to this comment
  5. Jen

    April 19, 2015 at 10:43 am

    Beautiful!! Thank you! I needed this reminder after a long week:) I love your blog/ teaching. You are an inspiration:) big hugs!!

    to Jen" aria-label='reply to this comment to Jen'>reply to this comment
  6. Rebecca Eskew

    April 19, 2015 at 11:10 am

    Julie, I am so happy that I found your blog months ago! Your words are so inspiring to me as I relate to so much that you talk about. I too was crippled by fear when my first child was born, but through faith have persevered. We now have 2 children, 6 and 3, I can’t say those fears are gone but I have learned to rely on the higher being in my hardest times. It is so nice to know that their are others similar to me with some of the same struggles, so thank you for your words and great ideas!

    to Rebecca Eskew" aria-label='reply to this comment to Rebecca Eskew'>reply to this comment
  7. lynn

    April 19, 2015 at 11:37 am

    Julie, i love your honesty. This post came at i time when i really needed it. I had a horrible-worst-mom-ever day yesterday and your words and the scriptures provided help re-fill my soul. God works in amazing ways. Thanks!

    to lynn" aria-label='reply to this comment to lynn'>reply to this comment
  8. Melanie

    April 19, 2015 at 11:51 am

    I am right in the thick of it as well, thanks for this godly encouragement!

    to Melanie" aria-label='reply to this comment to Melanie'>reply to this comment
  9. Grace

    April 19, 2015 at 3:35 pm

    Oh Julie, this was absolutely amazing! Just this morning I was laying in bed and telling my husband that I felt like I was failing as a mommy, that I wasn’t doing anything right. And then 2 hours later I opened my email to your words and almost began to cry. Thank you for sharing and reminding me that my messy life is still beautiful and perfect.

    to Grace" aria-label='reply to this comment to Grace'>reply to this comment
  10. Megan Oliver

    April 19, 2015 at 6:57 pm

    Julie, your posts always come at the time I need them most. God has definitely worked over us for this to be so. Thank you for another honest, beautiful post.

    to Megan Oliver" aria-label='reply to this comment to Megan Oliver'>reply to this comment
  11. Brenda

    April 19, 2015 at 8:51 pm

    What a great post! I really needed to hear this tonight. I love your blog and your writing. You bring encouragement to me in every post. Thank you!

    to Brenda" aria-label='reply to this comment to Brenda'>reply to this comment
  12. Diane Kucmerowski

    April 19, 2015 at 9:23 pm

    I was not, am not prepared for the teenage years which snuck up out of nowhere!!! Great post!!

    to Diane Kucmerowski" aria-label='reply to this comment to Diane Kucmerowski'>reply to this comment
  13. Sarah

    April 19, 2015 at 10:56 pm

    Thank you so much for sharing your love and your wisdom here. Often your posts come at just to right time to encourage me or redirect my prideful heart. Your work is such a gift.

    to Sarah" aria-label='reply to this comment to Sarah'>reply to this comment
  14. Kari

    April 20, 2015 at 12:08 am

    I needed this today! Thank you, Julie!

    to Kari" aria-label='reply to this comment to Kari'>reply to this comment
  15. France

    April 20, 2015 at 2:52 am

    I wasn’t prepared (and felt guilty for) actually plotting to give my three year old away to another mother after she woke up one midnight not liking the pajamas she had on and screamed loud enough to rouse the neighbors’ and their dogs for TWO HOURS….I never knew a tiny body can hold so much resentment! Thank you for the inspiring post and the scripture….I print them out and read whenever I feel like resigning from motherhood. Lots of love.

    to France" aria-label='reply to this comment to France'>reply to this comment
  16. Andrea

    April 20, 2015 at 12:05 pm

    I just love your heart for mamas, thanks for sharing this encouragement today!

    to Andrea" aria-label='reply to this comment to Andrea'>reply to this comment
  17. Liz Lacy

    April 20, 2015 at 1:07 pm

    Well said, my friend.

    to Liz Lacy" aria-label='reply to this comment to Liz Lacy'>reply to this comment
  18. Lindsay

    April 20, 2015 at 1:23 pm

    I am so thankful to have found your blog earlier this month. I definitely needed to hear these words today. Your honesty is so refreshing. Such a blessing! Thank you! 🙂

    to Lindsay" aria-label='reply to this comment to Lindsay'>reply to this comment
  19. Mariam

    April 20, 2015 at 8:53 pm

    Really needed to read this right now. THANK YOU! Love the Bible verse references.

    to Mariam" aria-label='reply to this comment to Mariam'>reply to this comment
  20. Lydia

    April 20, 2015 at 11:37 pm

    Thanks for the humble encouragement! So recognizable and a great reminder to stay focussed on the Rock and that what truly matters. Have a great day!

    to Lydia" aria-label='reply to this comment to Lydia'>reply to this comment
  21. April

    April 22, 2015 at 6:56 am

    Thank you – such a blessing

    to April" aria-label='reply to this comment to April'>reply to this comment
  22. Veronica

    April 23, 2015 at 3:39 pm

    LOVE, LOVE, LOVED this. Thank you SO much for this post!

    to Veronica" aria-label='reply to this comment to Veronica'>reply to this comment
  23. Jen

    February 18, 2016 at 7:49 am

    You are always an encouragement. Your website and Instagram always cheers me up and reminds me to keep my eyes on the Lord. 🙂

    to Jen" aria-label='reply to this comment to Jen'>reply to this comment
    • Happy Home Fairy

      February 21, 2016 at 9:25 pm

      Thank you, sweet Jen. This encouragement blessed me tonight! <3

      to Happy Home Fairy" aria-label='reply to this comment to Happy Home Fairy'>reply to this comment

Leave a Comment Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Primary Sidebar

Loving God Loving Others and Having Fun

Hey there! My name is Julie, the Happy Home Fairy. I am married to a Worship Pastor, we have 3 boys, and I am a Preschool Director. I love sharing easy, fun ideas to help moms build a happy home! Here you will find simple crafts, FREE Printables, yummy recipes, stories about my journey to trust Jesus with my family, and encouragement for your mama's heart. You can read more about me HERE!

  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Instagram
  • YouTube

My eBook!
AVAILABLE NOW!

book-sidebarThe Kindness Antennae is my brand new eBook packed full of uplifting stories, fun ideas, printables, and truths to help you (and your kids!) live a life that makes a difference – one act of kindness at a time.

BUY NOW

Subscribe Now and Get a FREE Gift!

Preschool Crafts and Ideas

Preschool Classroom Reveal

Creation Book – FREE Printable!

Brown Bear, Brown Bear Handprint Project

Preschool Morning Meeting Ideas

More Preschool Ideas

Popular Categories

  • Printables
  • Winter
  • Spring
  • Summer
  • Fall
  • Recipes
  • Preschool
  • Encouragement

Footer

JOIN THE CONVERSATION ON
Facebook

SEE WHAT I’M PINNING ON
Pinterest

PEEK BEHIND THE SCENES ON
INSTAGRAM

  • Things I am grateful for today... ✨Baby Z laughing and chasing me around the house with a giant oven mitt on his hand. ✨Having a plan for dinners this week. ✨The book I can’t put down. ✨Chocolate peanut butter banana smoothies before bed. ✨A church that observes Lent and desires to honor God with this season. ✨Clean sheets. ✨A backyard covered in sports balls. ✨This cute top from @roolee! #roolee #rooleeambassador #yesroolee #modestfashion #gratitude
    by happyhomefairy 2 weeks ago
    Things I am grateful for today... ✨Baby Z laughing and chasing me around the house with a giant oven mitt on his hand. ✨Having a plan for dinners this week. ✨The book I can’t put down. ✨Chocolate peanut butter banana smoothies before bed. ✨A church that observes Lent and desires to honor God with this season. ✨Clean sheets. ✨A backyard covered in sports balls. ✨This cute top from  @roolee !  #roolee   #rooleeambassador   #yesroolee   #modestfashion   #gratitude 
  • I saw this fun idea by my friend @melindaagriswold - can you guess who’s who? Comment below! Person 1 Love Language - Quality Time Pizza Forever Most Embarrassing Moment - Accidentally left a pair of their underwear on a cubby in 3rd grade and members of the opposite sex made fun. Adamantly denied ownership and abandoned that pair of underpants. Starbucks Order - Pike Place with cream, no sugar Person 2 Love Language - Words of Affirmation French Fries are life Most Embarrassing Moment - Once had a video published on YouTube and fly was down the whole time. Had
    by happyhomefairy 2 weeks ago
    I saw this fun idea by my friend  @melindaagriswold  - can you guess who’s who? Comment below! Person 1 Love Language - Quality Time Pizza Forever Most Embarrassing Moment - Accidentally left a pair of their underwear on a cubby in 3rd grade and members of the opposite sex made fun. Adamantly denied ownership and abandoned that pair of underpants. Starbucks Order - Pike Place with cream, no sugar Person 2 Love Language - Words of Affirmation French Fries are life Most Embarrassing Moment - Once had a video published on YouTube and fly was down the whole time. Had
  • I find myself spending more time looking at the world and the problems instead of looking at these 4 heroes right here. This is what needs our attention. This is where change begins. Spend time praying for them instead of scrolling vanity. Spend time memorizing God’s Truths instead of dwelling on flawed opinion. Spend time laughing and playing and breathing deep the smell of their necks. Spend time teaching and training and living in the ✨light✨. This is the future. God has great things coming.
    by happyhomefairy 2 weeks ago
    I find myself spending more time looking at the world and the problems instead of looking at these 4 heroes right here. This is what needs our attention. This is where change begins. Spend time praying for them instead of scrolling vanity. Spend time memorizing God’s Truths instead of dwelling on flawed opinion. Spend time laughing and playing and breathing deep the smell of their necks. Spend time teaching and training and living in the ✨light✨. This is the future. God has great things coming.
  • Life Updates >> Ryan - This weekend I broke the garbage disposal for the 14th time in our 17 years of marriage and he has not yet given up on me and my lack of understanding of what NOT to put down there. Love always hopes! Noah - Playing on the school basketball team and totally killing it this year! I have no idea what is happening on the court most of the time, but I know enough when the ball swishes through the hoop! Jethro - Creative, funny Jethro. He loves to make people laugh. And he loves to
    by happyhomefairy 3 weeks ago
    Life Updates >> Ryan - This weekend I broke the garbage disposal for the 14th time in our 17 years of marriage and he has not yet given up on me and my lack of understanding of what NOT to put down there. Love always hopes! Noah - Playing on the school basketball team and totally killing it this year! I have no idea what is happening on the court most of the time, but I know enough when the ball swishes through the hoop! Jethro - Creative, funny Jethro. He loves to make people laugh. And he loves to
  • Baby Zion is now officially acting like a toddler! We have mastered the words “No” “Mine” and how to go boneless when you don’t want mom to pick you up. Gearing up for this season of parenting with some truths >> ✨It is kindness that leads us to repentance.✨ It is love that covers over a multitude of sins.✨ It’s funny how doing this the third time isn’t as angering as it was with the first 2! Either I am more tired and not caring as much OR God is helping me to share His beautiful grace more as I
    by happyhomefairy 1 month ago
    Baby Zion is now officially acting like a toddler! We have mastered the words “No” “Mine” and how to go boneless when you don’t want mom to pick you up. Gearing up for this season of parenting with some truths >> ✨It is kindness that leads us to repentance.✨ It is love that covers over a multitude of sins.✨ It’s funny how doing this the third time isn’t as angering as it was with the first 2! Either I am more tired and not caring as much OR God is helping me to share His beautiful grace more as I
  • I got to wear a crown and a tutu ✨ and eat sweet potato fries for lunch AND dinner. ‍♀️ So far, 38 is pretty great.
    by happyhomefairy 1 month ago
    I got to wear a crown and a tutu ✨ and eat sweet potato fries for lunch AND dinner. ‍♀️ So far, 38 is pretty great.
  • I went to church today. It was so good and so needed. I haven’t been in weeks. It’s funny how I let myself get comfortable with that. I tell myself it’s easier to just watch church at home online. Which is not true because basically every time I do that the children start a wrestling match in the living room while I am trying to listen to the sermon. Or the baby poops during the opening song. Or someone is inevitably injured. But I tell myself how nice it was to not wake up early. How lovely to stay in
    by happyhomefairy 1 month ago
    I went to church today. It was so good and so needed. I haven’t been in weeks. It’s funny how I let myself get comfortable with that. I tell myself it’s easier to just watch church at home online. Which is not true because basically every time I do that the children start a wrestling match in the living room while I am trying to listen to the sermon. Or the baby poops during the opening song. Or someone is inevitably injured. But I tell myself how nice it was to not wake up early. How lovely to stay in
  • We got fancy last night for our neighbor’s wedding. ‍♂️The wedding was about an hour drive away, so we had lots of time for car conversations without kids. This usually means that I vomit all the stuff I have been trying to process on my own and Ryan swoops in with a few ultra wise one-liners that talk me off the ledge. Things I learned on the drive... 1. Stop watching the news. Our souls were not made for so much information. 2. Never stop dreaming. Even if your circumstances are hard and you feel all your creativity and hopes
    by happyhomefairy 1 month ago
    We got fancy last night for our neighbor’s wedding. ‍♂️The wedding was about an hour drive away, so we had lots of time for car conversations without kids. This usually means that I vomit all the stuff I have been trying to process on my own and Ryan swoops in with a few ultra wise one-liners that talk me off the ledge. Things I learned on the drive... 1. Stop watching the news. Our souls were not made for so much information. 2. Never stop dreaming. Even if your circumstances are hard and you feel all your creativity and hopes
  • When I had covid, this precious mama of mine called me every day. She dropped groceries on our doorstep (and even decorated them with Christmas lights ). She had food delivered to our house. She wore silly Christmas glasses and FaceTimed me to make me smile. She watched every single one of My ABC Truth Tree videos and liked them. She texted me every day to make sure I was taking medicine and drinking enough water. She prayed for me and reminded me that it would all be okay when I called her in tears on Christmas Eve worried that
    by happyhomefairy 2 months ago
    When I had covid, this precious mama of mine called me every day. She dropped groceries on our doorstep (and even decorated them with Christmas lights ). She had food delivered to our house. She wore silly Christmas glasses and FaceTimed me to make me smile. She watched every single one of My ABC Truth Tree videos and liked them. She texted me every day to make sure I was taking medicine and drinking enough water. She prayed for me and reminded me that it would all be okay when I called her in tears on Christmas Eve worried that
Instagram

Copyright Happy Home Fairy © 2021  •  All Rights Reserved  •  Site Design by Emily White Designs

Privacy & Cookies: This site may use cookies to customize your experience. Learn more by reading our Privacy Policy.