Show Your Real: Casey

I met Casey at The Influence Conference, (which she just so happened to be co-hosting...you know, no big deal) and was struck by how different she was than the typical blogger. She definitely has a strategic side, she's not Internet-famous for nothing! But more than that, she has the most sensitive, deep spirit that longs to share her story while being desperate to hear yours. She finds meaning and significance in things many people (myself included) pass by. I'm inspired by how fully she loves her children and invests in her family. And I'm so grateful she's willing to share in this space today. 

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How does the idea of "Show Your Real" resonate with you..why did you want to participate and share?
It resonates really well with me. I tend to process a lot of raw emotion all the time and writing it and sharing it for me is a really good outlet. Sometimes I am unable to say these same feelings and thoughts out loud but when I sit down to write, they often just pour out :). I think it really helps to show the real. Because we all feel a little less alone to know that others have been there or are there now.

What misconceptions might people have about about your life at first glance?
I think with ANYONE on the internet it is really easy to forget that we are just putting out snippets of our lives... often people think this is the whole picture and that just isn't the case at all. I think it's easy to make assumptions about people on  the internet, it's easy to think that you know someone when really often times just a few pieces of the puzzle. 

What are some of your patterns and routines for a “typical” day?
I am sort of anti.schedule / anti routine! We wake up,  many days hit the park or the pool, eat dinner as a family, play, bath/prayers/bedtimes, then I start working when the kiddos are down!

What does the balance/mix of work/chores/family time/rest/etc look like in your home?
I only work when the kids are asleep and I try to incorporate the kids in chores or household jobs. My husband works from home so if he is fixing something or building something, he has the two older kids out there with him helping every step of the way. Same with me...they love to help with dinner and if we need to cleanup the playroom, we will make a fun game out of it! 

What things have become “your real” now that the you from the past would be surprised about?
I used to love things really really clean. (I mean I still do deep down in my heart) but with three little kids, two dogs, a pet lizard and a pet bunny....I let it go :).

What are the hardest parts of your current season of life? And the best parts?
The hard part for us is that Chris & I are both freelance and so we literally month to month just trust that we will bring in enough jobs & income to cover everything...there are moments that is incredible overwhelming. I experienced faith in a really different and amazing way- having to rely on Him like that month after month. The best parts I would say are just this sweet fun season of raising little ones- we are having the time of our life! 

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Show Your Real is a bi-weekly series of guest posts centered around the concept of authenticity. The goal is to encourage each other to expose the reality of our lives- good and bad- and to foster a sense of community that goes beyond the often suface-cy interactions of social media. We invite all of you to participate! Please comment, link, and hashtag to spread the showyourreal love. If you would like to contribute a guest post in this series, please email me!