Hi.
Um, remember me?
Of course a dead blog can live again! It totally can. Right? I checked Google Reader, and some people are actually still subscribed here. It might be an accident, but still…. (Does anyone even use Google Reader anymore?) Plus, whether they actually mean to be or not, there’s still a handful of people that subscribe by email, so hello there long-lost inboxes.
Wow. So where do I start? I have so much to tell you. Really. Let’s transition carefully back into blogging, shall we? I think I’ll start with a bunch of mini blog posts just so we can all get used to each other again.
Mini-post #1: Guess What?
Remember how I only occasionally popped in during the summer to beg you to vote for me in that video contest? Well, I don’t know how to tell you this without a formal plan to compensate you for your goodness, but I won!!! I’m not even kidding– I won a cruise. Matt and I are going in October and I’m very excited about that. It took a little bit of manipulative creative negotiating to convince Clark that even though it was his story that won the trip, it would still be better for Matt and I to take the trip together. I’m sure that with the passage of time and maybe a small amount of therapy, he will find it in his heart to not feel completely ripped off. And I will find it in my heart to sit on a ship deck and read books and drink virgin daiquiris.
Mini-post #2: No, Really, Guess What?!?
This part is almost too exciting to say. I’m truly afraid that by embracing it, I may somehow curse it. The reason I took a blog sabbatical in the first place is because I, honest to goodness, felt down in my soul that I needed to write a book. I had never before in my life imagined myself authoring a book, but I felt (select the word that you’re most comfortable with here–>) prompted/compelled/pushed/inspired/obligated to write a book about my testimony concerning motherhood. I have spent a good part of the last decade of my life studying motherhood in a gospel context, and I felt the pieces coming together little by little in ways that gave me new insight and purpose. Motherhood was still hard–it’s always been kind of hard–but I felt like I was starting to get it. And then I felt like I should write it all down. So I did. And (here’s the exciting part) I recently got word that it’s going to be published. As in, printed by someone else in an actual book that will appear in LDS bookstores next Spring. I’m not the type of person that writes things like *squeeee!* or “yippee! yippee!,” but if I were, I would write that here right now. Other than the fact that I feel a tiny bit terrified, plus an equally tiny bit inadequate, I love the thought and hope that maybe, just maybe, my book might help some mom out there (especially a mom of young children) “get it.” And by “get it,” I really mean get herself–see herself and what she’s doing as she really is and how much it really counts. So, yes, yay for that.
Mini-post #3: In Which a Mom and Her Kids All Grow Up a Little.
Something unbelievably amazing has happened. Perhaps even more amazing than a cruise or a book deal. (I realize that this would be the easy place for anyone who’s having a bad day to hit the delete button real quick before my life gets any luckier, but please don’t. I promise I’m not bragging. And I think this next piece of news just might be some kind of balm for your weary soul. Maybe.) When I started this blog, all three of my children were in some stage of diapers. It is with no small amount of shock that I announce to you that last week, they all started school. All of them. From morning until early afternoon. Look! Look at this picture and tell me that they are not the cutest people you’ve ever seen. Just try.
Anyway, I’ve blogged a lot over the years about the stages of motherhood, and how sometimes times and seasons must be endured-slash-appreciated for what they really are. When my oldest went to kindergarten, I felt like I had entered Stage 2 parenting. There were glimpses of my children’s growing independence, and I found random bursts, no matter how brief, of “down” time, where I could choose to read a book, or nap, or hang up my clothes, or nap. Now, my friends, I think I have entered Stage 3. Yes, they are older, and make bigger messes, and more noise, and have developed some snarky habits, but trust me when I say: It is glorious. Do you know what I did yesterday? I did a workout video in my family room and then I cleaned my bathroom. I cleaned it for three and a half hours, and it is a masterpiece. I have not cleaned an entire room from start-to-finish in years. After that, I went to the library by myself and picked out books in peace. Then I went to 3 stores in a row and quickly returned some items, stopped at one more store, and picked up a few groceries. I came home and made chocolate chip cookies. When I got home, my house was just as clean as it was when I left in the morning. It stayed clean; do you get what I’m saying? When my kids got home, I hugged them and gave them cookies and helped them with their homework. I still got annoyed sometimes, but I felt ready to be there for them. I. am. loving. it. I am not trying to rub any of this in your face if you still have small children at home and you feel entirely drained. Nor am I trying to knock anyone who feels terribly sad when their children go to school. Not at all. All I’m saying is that toddler and preschool mothering were quite challenging for me, and now I feel like I’m hitting my stride. I’m not foolish; bigger kids will mean bigger challenges, but if you are wondering if there’s any light at the end of the diaper tunnel, I’m here to tell you: Good gravy, there is! I can hardly believe it myself. Stage 3 just feels like it fits so nicely right now. Carry on, good moms everywhere, the stage that fits you best will come in good time.
Mini-post #4: More to Come.
I’ve got fun summer stuff to tell you. I’ve got some giveaways of things I’ve been saving up for you. The September celebration of The Family: A Proclamation to the World is coming up, and that will be epic. Basically, I’m excited to be back. This party ain’t over yet. Please say hi. I missed you.
Diapers and Divinity 
Well I missed you, too. What a happy post to return to with such happy news. Looking forward to more.
We are glad also for the return.Happy! Happy! Happy!
Wow, well done you! I’ve been taking a break from blogging too, but don’t have any exciting reasons like you 🙂
Oh Stephanie – you give me hope that I I will find a better stride in motherhood, perhaps when I hit Stage 3. Just today I was really starting to doubt …
BAM!!! Steph is back!
I’m so glad you’re back! And with all that great news…..love it. I’ve got my boys in school all day with my 2 year old at home and I’m already loving it. I can see the light…….. and I’m so glad you’re blogging again. Maybe I’ll come back to it, too.
Congrats on the cruise win! I warn you…cruises are totally addictive. And I’m so jealous of your second piece of news that I can’t even see straight. 😛
So glad to see you. Can’t wait to hear about your cruise, because that’s awesome. And can’t WAIT to read your book! Love that it’s slated for spring aka “BUY IT FOR MOTHER’S DAY!” primetime. 🙂
Welcome back!!! First off, congratulations on the cruise! I watched several videos during that contest, and yours was the funniest, hands down! As a mom of 8 children ranging from 1 to 15 (including 2 sets of twins), I wonder sometimes if I will ever hit stage 3. But I think I will hit 2.5 next year when my 4yo twin boys start school, and I am left with one child at home. The last time that happened, I only HAD one child! I love having my children around, and I always dread sending them back to school, but oh, to have the house stay clean after you clean it seems like a wonderful dream! I can’t wait to hear more about your book!!
Good for you on all counts! Your long-lost blog readers are all so proud of you and happy for you! 🙂 Welcome back!
Well what do you know?! Happy surprise. As my kids would say: raise the roof.
So nice when great things happen to great people! I had a glimpse of stage 3 last year, but then we had another baby;) I know it is out there waiting for me in 5 more years! Also…what mysterious/better alternative is there to google reader?
Glad to have you back too! I know I have missed your posts! So excited for you and your cruise, and your book being published! That is so awesome. I am really looking forward to reading your book. (And if you take anther blogging sabaticle, I can just read your book!) I almost experianced stage 3 too…it was so close, I could just taste it…ohh, it was going to be sooo goooood! Ooops! Another baby came and now I must patiently wait another 6 years. (At least I have all this wonderful time to spend with him while all the others are at school, and it is still sooooo quiet…ahhhh…)
So glad you are back. And a book?! Yay! I will honestly tell you that yours is the first book by someone whose blog I read that I actually want to buy. Buy and read and buy some to give away.
Enjoy that cruise – I can’t wait to hear about it!
So glad you won the cruise. Enjoy!! Happy for all your awesome news.
Can’t tell you how excited I was to see an email from “Diapers and Divinity” again. Yeah! Congrats on all your good news. I seriously started crying when I read about your 3 1/2 hour bathroom cleaning job. Who knew that could drive a girl to tears? So glad you’re loving stage 3. I look forward to it. And I look forward to your book! Awesome. So glad your blog is back!
Hi! Good news all around. So glad to see your type-written self here again. XO
Wow! Congrats to you on all three. Such exciting stuff happening for you.
Welcome Back!! You are amazing and I’m SO grateful to know you 🙂 Looking forward to your posts.
Welcome back! Glad that there are so many good things happening for you.
I’m hoping mine can live again. I’ve said so little as of late, but I’m finally starting to feel the words rolling around in my head, asking to be blogged. I still use reader, but only in modified form. Most of the blogs I read I follow through facebook and so click over from there. It isn’t always the most effective way, because I do often miss things, but my reader is a little overwhelming when it says 184 unread, ya know?
And YAY for all your happy news!! So excited about your book. Yours is a perspective that needs to be shared for sure. I hope it is widely read and hugely successful. 🙂
I’m not quite to stage three. I have four kids in school and two here at home with me. It’s worlds easier though, even just having the two. I actually get excited about going to the grocery store with a newborn and a toddler, because I’m NOT going to the grocery store with a newborn, a toddler, a five year old, 8 year old twins and an 11 year old. This two kids? It’s a picnic!
Glad you’re back. I enjoy reading your blog.
We just had our 4th baby a few weeks ago, and yesterday the ups man delivered 3 giant boxes of diapers in 3 different sizes. It’s good to be reminded every once in a while that the diaper stage won’t last forever.
Yay! Thats all. Yay!
Sounds like you’ve had an eventful summer! Enjoy the fall 🙂
Hello! Enjoy the cruise, revel in the book deal, yay for clean bathrooms, and I’m still readin’!
Missed you! Sounds like you have had an awesome summer!
And yes, I still use Google Reader. It’s even better on a smart phone! 🙂
I’m so glad you’re back.
Due to your recent increased activity in other areas of the wide web I wondered if you would be back here soon. 😉
Welcome back! And I also love Stage 3. But I am now in Stage 4. My oldest is in middleschool. And I had no idea of the terror and worry that penetrates my soul . . . as I’m playing tennis near the ocean with a friend (still some benefits of Stage 3.) Can’t wait to buy your book! Will you sign it for me?
Awesome! Congrats on the cruise.. and the book… and reaching “Stage 3” of motherhood 🙂 Sounds like a whole new adventure awaits!
Yipeeee! Sounds like you have been doing some great things, but I am so glad you are back! I’ll be first in line to buy your book! 🙂
I just started reading your blog as you took a sabbatical, but yes I’m still here. I CANNOT wait to read your book! I say that w/soo much excitement & hopefulness (sounds weird) but I’ve been searching for a book about that exact topic. I’m a mother of a 2 1/2 yr old & 8 mo. Old (& still want more…. I think! 😉 ) & I’m also a convert to this glorious gospel. So parenting is new and so is my worship of the Savior. combining the 2 is something I was not raises w/study to learn from the Savior on how to not only be a mom but raise these boys to desire to return home. Anyway sorry for the ramble, but can’t wait! And an excited to follow your blog!
I’m so glad you’re back! Congratulations on your cruise, your book, and your “freedom”! 🙂
Welcome back and I’m happy for all of your exciting news.
Wow! What happy news all around. I’m thrilled about the cruise, but even more excited about that book. I can’t wait to read the finished product. I have to admit, as well, that I love back to school time. Stage 3 sounds promising, yet I sit here, sweltering, 37 weeks pregnant, anticipating a return to stage 1. I’m grateful and excited and everything, but the promise of stage 3 will give me the strength to endure those long sleep deprived years ahead.
Stephanie, that is so awesome….all of it! I am so jealous of the cruise but I think that most amazing part is that you wrote a book. I will be excited to read it when it comes out. Great job!!
I’ve missed reading your posts – so glad your back! :))
Wow, congrats on reaching stage 3. Maybe that gives me a glimmer of hope that someday I will too. (Mom to a 4-year-old, 2-year-old, and one on the way). I will watch for your book to come out, I’d like to read it. I can use all the hope and encouragement in this parenting thing I can get right now.
Can’t wait for the book! I am loving the stage I am in too. It’s really weird. Mine are 15, 13, 10, and 8. Steve and I can totally have date night and leave them for a few hours. I could clean for 3 hours but wait…the kids are totally capable of cleaning and doing an awesome job! Well…that is if I check and recheck and nag…but that’s another story. Take care.
Hooray, and welcome back! What wonderful news, and I am SO EXCITED for your book! Let us know when we can pre-order. Seriously.
Hooray again!
Congratulations with everything, and welcome back! 😀
muy lindo quisiera leer ese libro… como lo puedo tener
Hi! I missed you too! I stop by every few weeks, hoping to see something new from you, and then ta-da! I got on today and saw not one, but several new posts! Glad to have you back. You are so inspiring (and funny, gotta have that).
I believe you about phase 3 and I just can’t wait til it’s my turn! I have 4 years to go. I sort of fell off the blogging map, too, but my reasons are not quite as glamorous. Perhaps we’ll see more of each other online. 🙂 Yay for Steph.
Thank you, thank you for mini blog post #3! I have 4 little ones ages 10 years old and younger. My youngest is 2. Um. . .I think that should say it all. I NEEDED to hear that it gets better! I get so tired and weary of people telling me that I should “cherish every moment of this phase of life” or “it’s over sooner than you think,” or my personal favorite: “it doesn’t get better, it just gets harder.” Those comments don’t help me at all, they make me feel guilty for not loving every minute of this, and I feel discourged if this is as good as it gets. I can’t even go to the grocery store by myself unless I go at 6:00am on a Saturday morning! I love to hear from an intelligent, articulate, thoughtful, and spiritual woman, that it does get better and that it’s not all roses all the time to have little ones. You made my day. Thanks!
Yay! I’m glad you won the cruise! I went and voted for you several times, and I’d been wondering how that went. 🙂