I bake carrot cake. At least that's how it went today. I was tired again. Wyndham had one hour of therapy and then cried hard this afternoon and took a nap. Bella started running a fever. Plus we're in the middle of a big snowstorm- 10-12 inches of white stuff expected by tomorrow morning. {Does this paragraph sound like a broken record or what?!}
To top it off, as I was emptying the dishwasher- after just throwing in my second load of laundry before lunch, it hit me. We're basically going to be 'The Brady Bunch' in a matter of months. Minus Alice the housekeeper and Tiger the dog.
It was like a lightbulb moment for me...with a twinge! I know. They say to blame the hormones at this point in the whole process, but still, at some point the mind sort of starts to catch up with the body and there is no denying. That's what happened today.
Not that it's bad. It just means my mind has some grasping and redefining to do. Soon. I know I can't do it all, and sometimes I think that is my biggest struggle. I have this mental list of things I feel I need to do, to live up to, to give my hubby and kids, to give to God, to give to others, and even a few things I demand of myself. To know that some of my own expectations may have to be modified or even 'let go of' for awhile takes some mental getting used to.
So, as all these thoughts started going through my head today, I decided I just wanted to bake a homemade carrot cake. I wanted to eat it warm. With a glass of cold milk.
A few minutes ago, that's exactly what we did. I feel much better now. Wyndham even had a few bites and seems a bit happier too. Bella's Tylenol kicked in for now...and if the snow keeps falling, we just may have a snow day tomorrow.
The perfect day to reflect and watch Brady Bunch reruns- should that happen. You can bet I'll have another piece of cake too. Yep. Reality hit...and still things turned out okay.
15 comments:
You are such a wonderful mother. One more blessing is being added to your life, because God knows you can do it, and that you will love your new baby just as much as all the rest of your sweeties. Listen to the voice of TRUTH. The rest is just hormones! :) Wyndham is adorable with her missing tooth!!
DEar Jody:
You're right...a good slice of homemade carrot cake eaten warm may not solve problems, but it sure does do a good job trying! And....I really think that the Brady bunch needed a pet hamster....if you need one for your kids, I know where you can find a really cute one for free!
Continuing to pray for your strength in this adjustment period...
Nicole
The cake sounds great, think I will have to try and make some myself tomorrow - my daughter loves it. All I can say is hang in there. I am thinking of you and your family and will keep you all in my prayers.
Hope all feels a little less overwhelming tomorrow.
Ilona in Ohio
Oh I loved this post today!!! It was very uplifting!!! and who doesn't LOVE the Brady Bunch???!!! I had the "I have to bake today" attitude too.. I baked Sunflower Bread!! sooo YUMMY!@!!
Jody,
The Brady Bunch did not have a little angel from Heaven looking over them ... and Carol could have never raised precious Wyndham with the joy and giftedness you so generously bring to the challenge.
So let the aha! moment settle and remember that nothing comes your way that God and you together cannot handle. In the meantime, may you be abundantly blessed with equilibrium:
A Blessing for Equilibrium
Like the joy of the sea coming home to shore,
May the music of laughter break through your soul.
As the wind wants to make everything dance,
May your gravity be lightened by grace.
Like the freedom of the monastery bell,
May clarity of mind make your eyes smile.
As water takes whatever shape it is in,
So free may you be about who you become.
As silence smiles on the other side of what’s said,
May a sense of irony give you perspective.
As time remains free of all that it frames,
May fear or worry never put you in chains.
May your prayer of listening deepen enough
To hear in the distance the laughter of God.
~ John O'Donohue ~
(from Benedictus - A Book of Blessings)
Fondly,
sarah, rsm
Well, as a follower of your blog I am happy to see your Wyndham smiling :>) and to hear of the news of your pregnancy. Well, speaking as someone who has 7 kids (and 2 step kids) I can totally relate to your Brady Bunch concerns.
A wise woman once told me, "There is never enough time.. or money... but there is always enough LOVE". And while Alice and Tiger aren't in the picture... you and your husband have plenty of love to go around. I know with your love and your faith... you will be fine...
Additonally, once you have 5 kids... 6 is really no different (sigh)
All my best,
Laura Solomon
Apart from the light-bulb moment...go to the snow that you're forecast to get. We got it here today!!! It was horrendous...with wind and about 10 to 12 inches of the white stuff. Hard to think "pretty" anymore...this is getting to be really old! So let us know how it's going when you're in the throes of it. I wish I'd thought to go to the store so I would have had baking to do as you did! The heat from the oven plus the smells would have been heavenly!
Congrats on the pregnancy...what an exciting surprise!
Wanted to let you know I chose your blog for an Excellence Award. See mine for the details.
jody, congrats again on the new little one that will soon be coming into your lives! Don't let the overwhelming moments get you down. Remember, He has already "overcome the world." Looks like you already have a great attitude about it and some yummy carrot cake to boot! :)
hi! i came across your blog a few weeks ago. and even tho I don't know you at all beyond what you write in here, ever since I started reading, you've been on my mind a lot, and I'm praying for you!! Hoping that you get peace of mind. :)
Hey Jody, maybe Alice is available?!! A bit older, of course, but what a woman!
Regards
Jane
i think all mom's get that twinge.
whether we have 5 kids or 2.
you are a shining example of what i should do
when i start to feel the impact.
no self destructive thoughts- just bake!!
xoxox
praying for you, sweet jody. enjoy that cake!
Yummy! Any carrot cake left? And can you send me a piece? As you know, that ranks right up there on the list of stress-relievers for me:) Hang in there- you're an awesome mom, you're excelling at one of the most important jobs in the world- and your kids feel safe and secure, loved and happy!
Jody:
Wow! I haven't read your blog in a while and I went back through and read your beautiful news! Congrats to your entire family! I really admire your energy! I can barely keep up with 3! You not only manage it, but you soar with it! What a blessed family to have you! I will have you in my prayers in the coming months!
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