Jessica and "Life As Mom"

Allow me to introduce you to my big sister Jessica. Five years older than me, Jessica has been a HUGE influence in my life. Our friendship really began when she left home for college in Santa Barbara. Initially, I was excited that she was leaving because it meant that I'd get my own room. But pretty quickly I realized that along with my own space, I also inherited a bit of her role in the house...something that I wasn't so happy to have. I finally got a taste of what it was to have such responsibility in our house, and I regretted what a brat I was to her while she lived at home. In the years that followed, we began writing to each other (the pre-email years) and became very close. You might say, I started following in her footsteps...I began studying French like she did, and I went to college at UCSB like she did. Because she was still in SB while I was in college, I had the joy of living close to her and her husband for two years. They provided lots of rides (to Bible Study, church, around town), wonderful home-cooked meals and encouragement. I feel very blessed to have had those years with them.

Jessica is a wife, stay-at-home mom to five (almost six) children and a part-time freelance writer. She is my go-to girl whenever I need advice, and she always has some great advice to give. Last week, Jessica launched a new blog called Life As Mom. It is a great resource for mothers -- feel free to pass the address onto other mothers that you think might benefit from it. She usually posts at least once a day, sometimes more. I highly recommend it...and not just because she's my sister.

But, I'll let her finish the introduction in her own words. Below I've reprinted a post from her blog (with her permission). I hope you take the time to check out her new site -- http://www.lifeasmom.com/.




Me as MOM

I am a mom.

To some I am Jessica; others call me FishMama. My husband, God bless him, calls me "Super Ultra Lightning Babe."

But, for most of my day, Mama is my name.

After God and my husband, my children are the most precious to me. It's a good thing, too, since I have five of them! My husband and I are so blessed by each of these little people. We have four sons, whom we affectionately call the FishBoys, aged 10, 7, 5, and 3, as well as one daughter, the FishChick, who is 18 months. We are expecting another little girl late this summer.

Yes, my heart is as full as my minivan!A teacher by training, a full-time mom by profession, I've learned a lot about myself and motherhood over the last decade. And there have been plenty of bumps along the road. During the last few years, I've enjoyed writing for regional parenting magazines as well as blogging about my experiences. While I have in NO WAY "arrived," I do have a few years under my belt in this home management scene. The typical big sister, I have always made it a habit to help those who came after me avoid all the mistakes I've made. And there have been a lot. Mistakes, that is.

My hope in launching Life as Mom is to help other moms do the best they can and enjoy the journey called motherhood. No one's life is perfect -- despite what you imagine. Each of us has struggles that she must conquer. May this be a place for you to be encouraged and refreshed in your pursuit of one of life's highest callings. Motherhood is like being on a roller coaster. There are ups and downs. But, with the right attitude, we can enjoy the ride!

God bless you as you pursue being the best mom you can be!