As is very obvious, I have been slacking in the blogging world. We need to add Crew to the header and sidebars. Posting on a semi-regular basis would be nice too. But who has time? THAT is the question that I'm posing to all the parents out there who have more than one child. Seriously. I don't know if I'm simply incompetent, disorganized or something else but I seem to be incapable of getting things done. I have several major accomplishments that I get done on a regular basis...my kids are fed, their diapers are changed (note the plural: that's because I haven't made the time to potty train Mia yet) bills are paid on time and doctor visits are attended. Dinner is NEVER prepared, the house is occasionally clean and I, myself, am rarely presentable.
I always envisioned myself with 4 happy kids, a spotless house, personal time to read a book or practice the piano, dinner on the table at 5:00 while I greeted my husband with my hair styled and makeup applied. I gotta say, I'm falling a bit short in my expectations. (Although despite the madness I'm pretty sure we're all still pretty darn happy.)
The point of this post? Not sure. Just maybe to wonder aloud how on earth people have more than one child and maintain a semblance of organization and sanity. I hope it's not just me.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
10 comments:
I know I can do it better now than before, my littlest sleeps for 2 hours, and my 2 oldest kids are in school for most of the day, if they weren't then I would be failing for sure! It gets easier the older they get I promise.
It takes time to adjust. You find yourself being more productive with less time. Plus, Crew is not the average baby with all of his special needs, hospital stays, doctors visits etc. Don't be so hard on yourself. I know you, I am sure things are more under control than you say, but you are a perfectionist.
Managing chaos is what Mom's do best. I don't think anyone has that picture perfect life, (even if we all thought others did or do). Hang in there. Love ya!!!
No your not going crazy...When I blog it's at 10:00 at night. When I respond to bloging...throughout the day, when children are napping most of the time. I think it will be a lot harder when Kendra doesn't nap anymore. But that won't happen for another year or so I hope :) And now that it's nice outside nap time is the only time to get it done! So I guess just keep doing what your doing and fit it in when YOU have time :) (p.s. Kendra isn't potty trained either. Can I say I'm scared?)
Uh, no. Not just you. In fact, I should just copy/paste this great post to my blog, because your sentiments are mine exactly. Except that sometimes my kids don't get fed as often as they think they should, and my house is RARELY clean, and I am HARDLY EVER presentable. I haven't had a haircut in nearly 8 months, if that tells you anything.
You always seem so pulled together, so another thing you should add to your list of major accomplishments is that you put on a good front. :) Seriously, I think that you are wonderful and are doing an amazing job with everything you've been faced with over the last seven months.
I totally relate to how you feel and I don't even own a kid...I think you're pretty amazing, lady!
Yay! Someone to whom I can relate! I laugh when I hear stories about supermoms who have 12 kids, are PTA president, give charitable service 10 hours a week, and homeschool all their kids. Either underneath all that they are slowly going insane, or they are already. She and I would never get along!
Here are my coping strategies: 1)Movies are a great babysitter. 2)If nothing else, just apply mascara (and if possible, try to get a bra on). 3)Chicken nuggets for lunch three days in a row never killed anyone and isn't considered child abuse. 4)Prioritize the screaming children -- who is in MOST dire need of food, a bottle, a story, a lap, a hug -- and who can cry for a bit longer until you can get to them? 5)Use a broom to sweep up the toys, candy wrappers, crumpled mail, binkies, etc. into a big pile in the middle of the floor. Then you can sit right down and sort it all into piles without having to bend over and pick up five hundred times.
6)Try to remember that 25 years from now, with your manicured nails, surrounded by your spotlessly clean house and a gourmet meal on the table, you will miss the chaos like crazy. (At least, that's what I've heard!)
Hi Nat. This attached quote is from Pres. Monson's conference address called: Finding Joy in the Journey. It's what gets me through- along with Pres. Hinckley's quote: "Do your very best". ( So enjoy their inspiration for us moms and you'll find the 'okay' that you're doing your best- I KNOW you are!! love you sis.
Pres Monson shares this story:
“When I was around thirteen and my brother ten, Father had promised to take us to the circus. But at lunchtime there was a phone call; some urgent business required his attention downtown. We braced ourselves for disappointment. Then we heard him say [into the phone], ‘No, I won’t be down. It’ll have to wait.’
“When he came back to the table, Mother smiled. ‘The circus keeps coming back, you know,’ [she said.]
“‘I know,’ said Father. ‘But childhood doesn’t.’”2
If you are still in the process of raising children, be aware that the tiny fingerprints that show up on almost every newly cleaned surface, the toys scattered about the house, the piles and piles of laundry to be tackled will disappear all too soon and that you will—to your surprise—miss them profoundly.
i've only read the title to this blog and the answer is: put on a letterman jacket, a cheerleading outfit, get a car with a big back seat (like a PT cruiser or something) and maybe a bottle of alcohol. sure fire way to have another baby. it didn't work for us but for most people it works every time.
Natalie, first, you're so beautiful without make up-Own it! Second, cleaning can be done when you feel like it because they are just going to mess it right up again so might as well spend that time playing with them. Third, You amaze me! What you have been through with Crew and yet you are still at church, attending R.S. functions & happy & smiling... many people would have said "why me" & "I can't do it". You are stronger & braver than I think you realize! All that being said we ALL feel inadequate but at least you aren't trying to "front" about it. Just remember......"Life is not to be endured but enjoyed". Hang in there beautiful, you're doing AWESOME!
Nat,
I think you are wonderful in every way.First of all I married you becuase you are so beautiful you don't need make up. The house always looks great or can within minuetes, The kids are amazing and you are the best mom I can imagine for them or anyone. When I want you to cook you do, but I am figity and often eat cereal, My choise not your inability or lack of time. I love you and you are sexy. Thats right, Sexy.
Love Shawnie
Post a Comment