I had a conversation with my sister-in-law a couple years ago about raising kids. She said life was the easiest when her oldest 3 were at home with her all day (before they started school).
WHAT, are you kidding me ???
She said this to me,the mother of 3 kids (all 3 in diapers mind you).... with a straight face... and she was completely serious. I thought she was nuts. Every single day was agony (okay, not that bad... but it was difficult). I just couldn't fathom how my daily struggle was her "easiest".
Now, I get it...
And I couldn't agree with her more.
Every day I wish I could go back to the days when I had 3 kids at home with me.... all day! And when they were littler, like this...
Weird, I never thought I would say that..... but I just did. We could stay in our pajamas all day long, and we could do whatever we wanted each day.... sounds lovely to me.
Now, I feel like a chicken with my head cut off.... and I'm pretty sure I look like one too. I am running around all day. We have places we have to be, things to do... go here and there, do this and that, don't forget this, make plans for that. AHHHH! I buckle and un-buckle Reagan from her carseat 10 times a day! I feel too busy. And I think to myself... I wish I could just go back to when they were making mischief at home, really! They're getting older, look what just 2 years can do to them....
I was thinking the other day about how overwhelmed and stressed I get in dealing with my growing children/growing responsibilities.... when it occurred to me....... there is another mother right now thinking about how she would LOVE to rewind her children and live my daily life. Just like I want to rewind right now.
I could share with her my woes, frustrations, and exhaustion, and she would say, "that was the easiest time." And, I would think she was nuts!
Then, when my children got a little older I would GET IT!
The moral of my blabbering is this....
My goal is to enjoy every day! Even the days when I feel like collapsing to the floor and crying, or when Grant actually does...
Every single stage has its difficulties. It never gets easier, really, it just changes and becomes a little more complicated. I don't want to spend another day complaining about how hard things are when in fact, they are the easiest they will ever be again! And I want to look back with satisfaction instead of wishing I could go back and do it over again.
And I couldn't agree with her more.
Every day I wish I could go back to the days when I had 3 kids at home with me.... all day! And when they were littler, like this...
Weird, I never thought I would say that..... but I just did. We could stay in our pajamas all day long, and we could do whatever we wanted each day.... sounds lovely to me.
Now, I feel like a chicken with my head cut off.... and I'm pretty sure I look like one too. I am running around all day. We have places we have to be, things to do... go here and there, do this and that, don't forget this, make plans for that. AHHHH! I buckle and un-buckle Reagan from her carseat 10 times a day! I feel too busy. And I think to myself... I wish I could just go back to when they were making mischief at home, really! They're getting older, look what just 2 years can do to them....
I was thinking the other day about how overwhelmed and stressed I get in dealing with my growing children/growing responsibilities.... when it occurred to me....... there is another mother right now thinking about how she would LOVE to rewind her children and live my daily life. Just like I want to rewind right now.
I could share with her my woes, frustrations, and exhaustion, and she would say, "that was the easiest time." And, I would think she was nuts!
Then, when my children got a little older I would GET IT!
The moral of my blabbering is this....
My goal is to enjoy every day! Even the days when I feel like collapsing to the floor and crying, or when Grant actually does...
Every single stage has its difficulties. It never gets easier, really, it just changes and becomes a little more complicated. I don't want to spend another day complaining about how hard things are when in fact, they are the easiest they will ever be again! And I want to look back with satisfaction instead of wishing I could go back and do it over again.
8 comments:
AMEN!! You inspire me. Thanks for being a good example and inspiration to me.
Great post - (have Shawn get out the camera) only thing missing is the picture of you collapsed on the kitchen floor, crying. That will top it off, Sissy!
I remember talking to one of my good friends, a Mom of 5, about how all I ever did was go to the library and the park day in and day out. Her reply was, "Ohhhh, one day you will miss being able to "just go" to the park and library." And she's right! I do! We're only doing pre-school, but 4 days a week it means I have a commitment to be somewhere and have a set routine and I'd much rather just leisurely go to the library or the park. :) Why is this "enjoying the moment" thing easier said than done for me? It's a major character flaw of mine!
Couldn't have said it any better. You are an amazing mom. I am still scared of three kids in general!
What a great thought! Truly inspiring
You just unscrambled every feeling I have been experiencing in my scrambled-egg being for like the last MONTH (or maybe 4...ever since #3 came to the fam I guess)! Life is pretty crazy, but it's just gonna get crazier, so I better just buckle up for the ride and enjoy it.
I am SOOO grateful for your gift of expression! (And photography for that matter! That pic of Grant is INCREDIBLE!!! Maybe it should be up on your wall!?!)
Well said my friend! I am soaking in this baby for sure! He is a joy and his simple life is an inspiration. I know why Heavenly Father wants us to have children now... I also know why people have 10 children and homeschool! They don't want to let go of them! Neither do I! I LOVE that pic of Grant by the way!
So profound Kristina!! I keep thinking that life will get easier once I have one in school....it's enlightening and a little disappointing to hear that it isn't true! I will try to enjoy every moment... I am so lucky to have a friend who is just a little bit ahead of me! Thanks for always imparting your wisdom!! :)
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