Monday, June 22, 2009

One overwhelmed mom...

I wanted to be a mom my entire life. I loved babies, always wanted to babysit, carry babies around at church, etc. And I love the fact that the only thing I ever wanted to do, I am doing right now.

I do not take my job for granted. I do not take the responsibility of raising my kids lightly. But right now, I am so overwhelmed. My house is a mess, MESS, there are no groceries in the house, my car is a mess, I don't feel good about myself physically, blah blah blah.

I know that there are millions of moms who feel the same way, but today, I feel alone in my struggle. How do you all cope with getting everything done, when really, all you want to do is lay down and watch a TV show without having to pause it 27 times? Please don't get me wrong, even with all the struggles, I still wouldn't want to be anywhere else. Just one of those days.

3 comments:

Anonymous said...

I have never posted a comment on any blog, but felt compelled to respond to you today...
You are not alone. Most of us have messy houses, I personally have nothing decent in the house to prepare for dinner tonight, and my car is the continued laughing stock of my family and friends. I have two children, ages 9months and 8 years. On a daily basis, though I have a stream of nieghborhood kids to watch over as wel...hence the lack of food and messy house! But you know what? It doesn't bother me. I used to really suffer over my lacj of ability to keep it all perfect, it really dissapointed me that I saw other people who seemed to have it all together, yet I couldn't manage. You know what? No one is managing. You said you are a christian, so you will understand that we need God in our lives because life IS unmanageable. The most important thing is to instill in your children's lives what is most important to you....then you tackle the rest one thing at a time. You know why I think that the nieghborhood kids reside at my house after school? Because they are comfortable here. They are attended to, there is not an argument that gets too out of hand, because I am always somewhere, listening, and ready....they have boundaries, guidance, and expectations. I always thought that being so involved would make our house the least desirable....but it's the opposite. Now, I have been to the houses of some of these children, and they are all very clean, orderly, and their moms hold down careers, and look fantastic on top of it all. But where are there kids? With a mom who might have a cluttered home, who is strict, and always around some corner listening, and who CARES. I have learned that this is most valuable. And from what you wrote, you care very much. You my dear, are a fantatic mom.
As for the routines, and the day to day home management, I am not one to hand out advice, but I have found that minimizing what I keep in the home has helped. I have done some major, major decluttering, and it really helps. I do not keep every school paper, instead I keep certain things, in a designated box, and recycle the rest. I have taken many of the knick-knacks that have been with me for years, and packed them away in boxes, to see if it really bothered me to part with them-- it doesn't. I love walking into my sparsely decorated, but sane home. Calendars help me not to miss appointments....attractive toy bins have helped....what else? I go to others homes on a regular basis with my 9 month old for play dates and watch others. I can usually learn one thing from everyone on how to keep it all under control....I also see many things which I realize I do not have a problem with!!
You are ok, I am ok, and your messy car is ok. (mine smells right now because a bottle spilled, and it's over 80 degrees today....oh well!)
Hang in there mom, you have FOUR kids. Your house is supposed to be lived in!!!

Elizabeth S said...

Thank you, anonymous. ;)

Anonymous said...

Hey, thanks for blogging again....
I love hearing about you and the kids. YOU are not alone.....we all have (had) those days. Before you know it-- you will be like me and your mom..... Home alone. Wondering what the kids are doing. Able to watch all the tv shows you want, but you will want to see those beautiful kids. It is life! SO enjoy it. Your are beautiful inside and OUT. Love ya, Dar G.