Day in the Life...of a "crispy" mom: Meet CML member, Laura Polk

Have you had one of those days? You know, when you see yourself coming and going? When your to-do list is longer than your ability to get it done? When the joys of motherhood just seems overwhelming? Laura Polk is a CML member, but also a textile designer, a mom, a wife, a believer, a blogger----and sometimes a mom just a little "crispy" around the edges as she tries to do it all. She lets us glimpse into a day in her life.

Suzie:What is a “Crispy Mom”?

Laura: A Crispy Mom is any mom that is pushing herself past burn out in her life. She is forcing herself beyond her limits and trying to handle everything thinking “If I can just work a little harder… I can get it all done.”

The definition I have on my blog is:

Crispy - Definition: Firm but easily broken or crumbled. Tender and brittle. Something that quickly loses the ‘taut’ equilibrium of its material.

Synonyms: Beat, bleary, bone-weary, bushed, dead tired, done for, drained, had it, limp, outta gas, played out, sapped, shot, spent, weak, wearied, worn out…yep. Crispy. That’s me.

SE: What do you offer overwhelmed moms on your blog?

LP: I try to offer someone that they can relate to. Someone who makes mistakes and doesn’t always make wise choices. Someone who is doing the best she can, regardless of how others view her. But most importantly, someone who is relying heavily on God during this time in her life. Someone who is partnering with Him knowing that it is only through Him that she can truly raise her family in the best possible way.

I want other moms to know that they can rely on God not only to get them through this season of their lives, but to flourish during it. They don’t have to put their relationship with Him on hold, or wait to further their relationship with Him because of time constraints. That choosing Him during the busiest times of our lives is the best way to handle the overwhelmed feeling they have.

SE: Tell us about your family.

LP: Well, I’ve been married to my husband Brooks for 11 years. We have a daughter and two sons (ages 9, 5 and 2) that I truly feel are the most wonderful thing I have experienced in my life. God knew the lifelong desire of my heart to have a strong family and He showed up with it!

I wasn’t raised to be a Christian, although I often was told that I was. I never understood it all and struggled a lot in my faith journey because of that. It took many years for me to find God. Now, it is amazing for me to watch my babies grow closer to Him, to know things about Him that I didn’t learn until I was an adult. I especially love watching my nine-year-old daughter. The confidence that she has in her relationship with God is incredible. It is just part of who she is.

The one prayer I pray each night is that He come into my children’s lives. He is answering that.

SE: When you aren’t giving out great advice, writing blogs, or being a mom, what are you doing?

LP: Wishing I could sleep! LOL. But seriously, I have a full time job as a Textile Designer. I’ve been in that industry for 15 years but shortly after becoming a Christian I had a burning desire to start writing. God has given me a deep passion for it and I’m currently working on editing my first novel and writing my first book for moms entitled “Confessions of a Crispy Mom: One Moms Ally”.

My ultimate goal is to become a full time writer and speaker. I really want to reach out to others that are on the cusp of a relationship with God, but just don’t know how to get there. People who are so close, but can’t seem to find a way. Just as I was for so many years of my life.

The goal of “Confessions of a Crispy Mom” is to teach others how they can come to know God during one of the most harried times of their lives. That they can grow in Him even when they feel that they don’t have even the tiniest moment to spare. And that a growing relationship with Him is the key to getting this gig called mothering right.

SE: Can you describe a typical day in your life?

LP: My days are crazy! I get up WAY too early and stay up WAY too late because I have so much that I need to get done and even more that I want to get accomplished. My kids are all in school or daycare while I’m at work, then we have dance classes, soccer practices, church activities, sleepovers… a million things a week it seems. I try to fit in my writing every day, but it can be a struggle at times.

I don’t have several hours a day that I get to spend on anything. But, I make sure that in the midst of the craziness that I am spending time with God each day. I grew to know God during a very busy time in my life through small pieces of time throughout my days. Two more children later, I’m even busier, but I make time for Him even if all I have are moments to offer. You would be amazed at how close you can come to know God in those small moments.

SE: Ladies, I first met Laura when I was her roommate at a writers' conference. I never get sick, but I have to tell you that I was as sick as a dog that trip. I had traveled from OK to CO on a plane, walked through 10 degree weather to find my room, and I dreaded how I would tell my poor roommate, who I didn't know, that I was most likely contageous. She was a great roomie, kind and compassionate. I had a chance to read a few pages of her writing, and loved it. I hope one day to meet Laura again, and for her to meet the real Suzie, not the feverish, hacking cough, grey version she met in Colorado Springs!

Stop by and give Laura a warm welcome to Christian Momlogic. Add her to your friend list. Check out her blog. She's a great potential friend.