The Obligatory Monthly Post

So, here it is. My once-a-month post to prove I still have a blog! Aren't you excited? Seriously guys. I think I need a blog makeover. I feel my blog has lost its direction. I started the blog to talk about my crazy life, and I needed an outlet to write. I also needed a way to talk about teaching crazy seventh graders and pregnancy. I occasionally wanted to vent, and sometimes (let's just be honest) I wanted to write something because I think I am hilarious (like make myself cry at how funny I can be).

However, over the course of having a blog, my life has taken some rather dramatic turns. I have moved twice, had another baby, started two new jobs, and so forth. I have also been struggling with finding my voice again. I have been shedding an old identity for over a year. In fact, I still catch myself saying, "I taught English for five years, but now I stay home with my boys." I want people to understand I am "not just a mom," but I also used to have my own identity as an English teacher. I almost want to let people know how to categorize me without explaining my life story. I compare this transition to shedding my maiden name. I embraced the change, yet I still said "Kelly Duncan...er...Wiggains" on occasion. I like the new me. I really do. I am much better with my mom, wife, domestic engineer hat than I am with my teacher hat. And, let's face it...my English teacher skills are slowly deteriorating. I no longer pay as much attention to grammar mistakes, especially the subtle ones. I am out of practice, and I have a severe case of "Mommy Brain." (For instance, I frequently enter the kitchen without a clue why I needed to be there.) I also have a case of "Mommy Aphasia" where I say things like, "Do you need directions? I have a lamp...I mean map." or "Tyler, have you seen my pillow...I mean 'the scissors?'"

So, I guess I need some help heading in a new direction. I want my blog to be reflective of my new life and its joys and challenges. I am trying to be more purposeful in what I do and what I say instead of saying things only to be funny. I want to encourage and bless those around me, and I want to invite conversation - good meaningful conversation - to the table. I've been asking God for a ministry - a place where I can serve him. I know my primary direction is within the walls of my home. However, I know I can also communicate from within these walls and speak to those around me. Stick with me as I find my new place.