Motherhood Musings

I know childhood doesn't last and someday I'll miss this phase, but sometimes being in the thick if it is really demoralizing. If it weren't for Ryan we'd be in a world of trouble. I have friends whose husbands don't know where things go in the kitchen and can't put the kids to bed alone, and I am so thankful that Ryan isn't like that.

I had grand plans this summer. The kids were going to do chores, practice the piano, and have a little learning activity every day. But it quickly became clear that I don't have the energy for those ambitions right now. The one thing I'm grateful for is the library's summer reading program. This year they asked families to set goals to read a certain number of books and do a certain number of activities. So all summer I've been writing down activities as we did them, and now I have a list of about 20 things that I did with the kids. I think if I didn't have that list I would probably be looking back on this summer feeling like a failed parent. Also, Kevin just earned his wolf badge in cub scouts, so that's something.

Sleep's been an issue. Even when we put them to bed early, the kids are still restless for a couple of hours. And Ruby cries a lot between 8 and 12 before finally settling down. I like to have that hour or two after bedtime to unwind and get some time for myself before going to sleep, so it's hard when everyone's finally asleep and I don't have any time to read a book or do some family history.

The mess is completely insane. Some days I feel super discouraged about it. I feel like everybody tells me to enjoy this time in my life and not worry about the mess, and I do try to treasure those good moments, but I also feel like it's my responsibility to teach my kids good work habits, and it's really frustrating that I can't get them to pick up even simple habits like putting their clothes in their hamper. or putting the crayon back in the crayon box before getting another one. The problem with having toys and paper all over the house is that I can't clean. I can't sweep the living room because first I have to either make my kids clean up all their stuff or clean it up myself so the floor is clear enough to sweep. And it's dangerous. Dress-up clothes are slippery and legos hurt to walk on. Toys everywhere are a tripping hazard. It's just hard because they make messes so fast.

On the other hand, there are a few things they love to do to help me. They love helping me cook. Sometimes they love helping with the laundry and cleaning the bathroom. So I try to give them credit for that and let them help when they want to, even though sometimes that means another mess or things aren't done the way I like. Really I would just be thrilled if they would willingly pick up their toys and books, but I guess there's something to be said for taking what I can get.

Hopefully nobody's judging me for being a horrible housekeeper now. I guess I can't stop you if you are. I'm trying really hard to raise good and helpful people who aren't slobs. At any rate, I'm looking forward to the kids going back to school in a couple of weeks. I really admire homeschooling parents, but I honestly think I would be suicidal within a year if I tried it.