The Mommy-Files: Becoming A Single Mommy
In 2008, I created The Mommy-Files. At the time, I was a stay-at-home mom and wanted an outlet where I could talk about motherhood, post pictures, share recipes, and make friends with other moms online. Although I had a Bachelor’s Degree, I chose to take the opportunity to be at home with my 3 boys instead of pursuing a career. We started a family blog, updating friends and family on the boys, but then I had the inspiration to start my own personal blog.
Life presented many challenges to me and I found a way to express my challenges in motherhood through my blog. I found friendships and a feeling of success with my blog. This is a feeling of success different from the feeling of success you get as you see your babies turn into boys and then young men. Both are feelings of success and positively effect me in different ways.
In March of 2010, the boys and I moved from Seattle, Washington to Nipomo, California. It was a difficult decision and a life-changing decision, but it was the right decision. I wish my ex-husband success and happiness in life, as I strive for the same thing in my life.
In June of 2011, I moved into a home – just the boys and I. It was the first time living on my own – with 3 little boys to take care of. From the time I was little until I graduated, I lived with my mom and stepdad. After I graduated, I moved in with my dad and stepmom. I went to college and stayed in the dorms for one semester. Then I got married and lived with my spouse. This was going to be the first time to be living on my own and it was a scary thing. It’s always scary at first – just like going through childbirth for the first time. It’s scary because you’ve never done it before and want to do it perfectly, with no flaws.
The first few nights on my own, I cried myself to sleep. I was on my own. Yes, my boys were in their beds in their rooms, but it was just me – no adult interaction, not even a cat to pet. Then I remembered….there was my blog. There were those friends who were there to listen to me when I called up crying or emailed them during my struggles. I never completely turned away from The Mommy-Files, but when I was starting a new life, I did put it on the back burner, so I could give most of my attention to our new life.
Being a single mom can be challenging, but I know I can do it. I have family and friends there to cheer me on and help me when I need it. I have 3 completely amazing and loveable little boys that I am so thankful for each and every day. Although the experiences I’ve gone through are not ones I would want, I know that they have made me the person I am today. A new chapter on The Mommy-Files has started – The Single Mommy.
This is a non-compensated post. All opinions expressed in this post are 100% mine.
Awesome Shannon, I am so excited for your new adventure as single mommy files. I think you are going to be an inspiration to many more women especially going through what you have gone through. Keep being you.
Thank you for sharing from your heart… I hope and pray I can some day be just as ‘brave’ to share from mine. Okay, that may not have come out right, but I hope you know how much you truly ARE cared for! Love ya, friend! 🙂
Shannon… you are awesome! 🙂 I know life puts us through trials that we wouldn’t choose ourselves, but what you’ve done with yours is beautiful. I’m glad to see you confidently squaring your shoulders and continuing on. You are beautiful inside and out. God loves you, your family loves you and all of us blog friends love you too! You just keep proving you can make it through anything… and I for one will be here to cheer you on! 😀
You are so much stronger then you give yourself credit for! Your boys are lucky to have such an amazing mom!
You are such a strong woman, Shannon-Seriously, I know living on your own is a new experience, but I have no doubt you’ll take that experience by the horns so to speak and thrive in it!
I love you Shannon…you have been so strong through all of this and you are an amazing mother….you have to know that…..I’m here for you always….XOXO
I cant imagine doing it with 3 kids. I lived on my own with my daughter when she was still a baby, and it was hard, and very scary. I commend you and wish you all the luck, it does get better as the days go by.
Love your blog and so glad you stuck with it through the hard times! 🙂 Wishing you all the success in the world!
Thank you so much for your thoughtful and loving comments. I am so thankful for all of you and for the positive impacts each of you has had in my life. Love and hugs to you! 🙂
Welcome Back!
You are an inspiration. I can’t imagine how difficult it was to make your big move with three small children in tow. Life can be such a challenge and you have embraced your challenges with grace and dignity. Be proud, girl! 🙂
You are a wonderful mother. A beautiful woman. You are such an inspiration to so many out there. I enjoy reading your posts and seeing your photos. You have grown and matured in so many ways since you left and moved back to California. You have a great family who supports you and I know you have many many friends who stand beside you. 🙂
Your sons are so lucky to have such a strong and amazing mom!
Your boys are lucky to have you! Hang in there – sorry things with your marriage did not work out.
I have NEVER truly been on my own all by myself… from parent to a marriage back to Moms and into another marriage. What you have done is brave and I am so glad you have family and people you can go to!
Single moms rock! And they don’t have to be single forever.. but I know that it takes some great determination and lots of love!
A lovely read. Sometimes when you get caught up in life it looks like everyone has a better life than yours. It is good to see a sensative and personal side of a fellow mom. Thanks you for sharing. 🙂