Not Just A Mommy

Needless to say, this had not been my ideal life after highschool. I did very well in school and always knew that I was going to attend our local university one day. I never did though. I worked and raised a baby. After a few years I got pregnant with our 2nd daughter, Lynlee.

While pregnant, I decided that I wanted more for our kids and myself. I had been depressed because I let myself down. I knew I was capable of more in my life. The problem was that I didn't know what I wanted to do. I started going to a community college to get a degree. Before I could finish I gave birth to our daughter and had to stop going. When I finally did go back to school over a year later, I found out that I was pregnant, yet again. Thankfully, our 3rd daughter, Brooklyn, waited until the day after my last Final to show up. I had my college degree.

It sounds great but here was the thing, I never went to work. I had no interest in what I went to school for and had no plans of working. Looking back on it now, I think I was trying to live in my past because I felt like I had missed out. I liked the idea of going to school and I also like gaining knowledge and feeling like I am working toward a goal. College was great for me but the end result was the same. I felt like I was destined to be a stay-at-home mom the rest of my life.

It wasn't till about 6 months ago that I realized that I only had two more years with my kids at home all day. After that, they are all going to be at school. What would that make me? A part-time stay-at-home mom? I can't just sit here for 6 hours a day and wait till my kids get home. I needed something, anything else. That is when I turned to the computer.

You might ask what I get out of this so I'm going to tell you. I get to feel like a grown up. After so long as a mom, that is what you identify yourself as. I am Kaitlyn, Lynlee, and Brooklyn's mom. Don't get me wrong. I love my current position as the "keeper of the cheerios" but eventually the kids grow up and leave and I don't want to be stuck not knowing who I am anymore. I want to be Jessica.

So how am I going to accomplish that? I am an articulate, smart, outgoing woman. I have a mind and I know how to use it. So I took my mind and tried to figure out what I was good at. I am very critical of myself so this was hard for me. What I did figure out is that I am a good writer, a good mother, and I love giving advice. That is how I got here. I decided to write about me and what I knew...parenting. I have written tips on household finances and tricks on parenting. I hope to get my story out to other moms who might be struggling with their own identities outside of motherhood and maybe new moms can pick up a few tips. It is okay to be a mom but also have a passion. You can read my Being The Best You page to help you.

I have loved every minute of writing and sharing. I have made new friends...moms that understand exactly where I am coming from. Being able to share my story and my limited wisdom has helped me grow personally and given me more confidence. I don't feel like I have missed out on anything anymore and I know now that the best is yet to come. I want to personally thank Squidoo for helping me find my voice.