Rachel Stafford Writes

"Patience is a virtue." This is a quote I've modeled a great deal of my life around. And though it's often my daily mantra, I've been finding it harder and harder lately to keep it at the forefront of my perspective. I've got SO many things that I  want to do: finish writing three books that are rattling around my head, illustrate two of those books, start new projects, buy a house, feel comfortable, lose the last twenty pounds that are hanging on. But, not one  of these things are simple. Not one  of these things happen over night or instantly. And I'm struggling  with this concept. I've always considered myself a very patient person. But it's been so difficult lately. And I think I know why: I'm holding onto it. I'm pressuring myself when I shouldn't feel like I need to. I have had a very hard time of giving these things to God. Letting Him take the reigns and waiting patiently has been a struggle. It didn't used to be...

Hello, people of the internet! I've been on vacation this week, and LET ME TELL YOU WHAT: It was glorious . I have had such a wonderful week, that I don't even know what to say. Monday was my birthday and I did absolutely NOTHING. Not a thing. I was lazy and didn't do a single chore that wasn't completely necessary. I went to my Ma Ma's house, ate chicken & dumplings and blueberry-lemon cheesecake, and had a super fun night with my family. My dad thought it would be funny to swap my candles.  Tuesday was my 7th wedding anniversary. Josh, the kids, and I went to Metropolis Public Library's Fall Reading Program night. It was SO much fun! They had a taco bar, and coloring, and prizes. I read my books to the kids, met family members for the first time, and had an all around great time. After the Library, Josh and I dropped off the kiddos and went out to watch Kingsman: The Golden Circle . We were absolutely thrilled with the movie (and even happier...

Hello, hello, hello again! This week has been super  hectic, so I'm sure you've noticed the diminished amounts of posts the last few days. Well, let's play catch up! On Tuesday and Wednesday, I worked third shift, which I LOVE 😍 but am not used to the routine anymore. I worked third shift for a few years before Jase was born, and it was my favorite shift, but I've worked mainly second shift since I moved to dispatching. I've always  been a night owl, and love both shifts equally, but it's hard to get back into it when it breaks you away from your routine. EITHER WAY, on Thursday morning, I got off work around 0645 and headed home. Got home around 0730 and my family was running around like headless chickens trying to get themselves ready for work and school. We all piled in the car around 0800, and as we were driving away from the house, I realized just how long it had been since I'd eaten. I was hungry, had had too much coffee and too little sle...