Tuesday, May 09, 2006

Realization...

I had a couple of kids in the tub and two more to go when I realized tonight that most of what I do isn't all that difficult. What is tough is the ongoing maintenance involoved in keeping a big house and four kids and a husband clean, fed, groomed, and entertained- in a fairly educational manner...sometimes all of these simultaneously! I guess it can be difficult- but for me it's more of a mental challenge than a physical one most of the time.
The biggest challenge is to not think of each day in terms of a whole, but instead, I have to constantly break tasks and routines down into their separate little jobs and time slots. But the trick is to not break it down too much or I find myself overwhelmed even more. There's a fine line here- that's why it's a mental challenge for me to be the mom in my house. Like clippping nails, for example. Sounds simple when I say I clip the kids nails. But if you take that one step further it actually means I am responsible for keeping my own nails clipped (10 fingers/10 toes) and that of four kids (40 fingers/40 toes). If you're good at math that adds up too 100 nails!
So, I keep life in perspective the best I can. I encourage nail-biting and that helps keep me on top of some of my weekly chores. (I'm just kidding!)
It must be the fact that Mother's Day is not far off. I'm still amazed and humbled to be the mom of so many great, busy little kids. They could do me in on most normal days. Instead, I pray every morning before I roll out of bed and so far I'm still sane and fairly content most of the time. I may not be up for any Mother-of-the-Year awards, but I have to admit I'm pretty good at what I do. Just go ask my kids!

2 comments:

Laura Williams said...

as i sit here and type at 3:15am, while my 17 month old SCREAMS in his crib, i understand mental challenges!! he is FINE, he is just MAD, but it is sooo hard to not give in to what he wants. urrrgh! thanks for giving me something to think about this FINE night, and something to blog about on my own blog if he doesnt fall back asleep SOON!!

ashlee said...

well said jody well said!