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Mom Needs a Time Out Too

Posted in Blog, Parenting

Day 12-11:41 pm: It has been one of those days. Moms, you know what I’m talking about. First thing that happened this morning-my toddler got out of bed, walked down the hall, and slipped in a big puddle of dog pee. Yup. Our dog is supposed to be house trained! So I spent the morning mopping the floors. Then my toddler’s had a cold so I kept her home from school. And it’s been raining so we are all a little stir crazy.

Have you had “one of those days”?

The rest of the day proceeded with toddler pouring water all over the floor-more mopping-then pouring her smoothie out-more mopping-then she missed the potty-more mopping-etc etc.

By 1:00 I was looking forward to her nap. But did she? Nope!

2:00 rolled around. Nap time? No way!

By this time I was feeling completely unproductive, the sink was full of dishes, the house was a mess, the heater was out, and I felt like I wasn’t able to spend quality time with my toddler.

I was going crazy!

So, I put myself on time out.

I gave my toddler my phone to watch YouTube Kids, and then I took a shower. Yes, I was still in my pjs at 2:00 because I had spend all morning cleaning up messes.

Let me tell you, the shower felt amazing. It gave me a second to recollect myself. To relax for a minute. To organize the million things swarming around my thoughts. It was just what I needed.

I came out refreshed, re-energized, and ready to be a better mama.

And guess what-my toddler took a nap!

So I was able to get some things checked off my list and feel better about my day.

If you are feeling tired, overwhelmed, or unproductive, give yourself a permission to take a time out. It’s ok. Take a shower, get dressed, lie down, watch a funny video (of your choice), look at a magazine with a cup of tea or coffe, just for 15 minutes. (Obviously make sure your child is in a safe place and easily accessible)

You will feel like a new person and ready to be a better mommy. Everyone will be happier.

Spend Quality Time with Your Family

Day 11-10:51 pm: It’s amazing how quickly we can get caught up in things. We get so busy doing dishes, making dinner, doing laundry, scrolling through Facebook, that sometimes it’s easy to miss out on magical moments. Let’s take this moment to remember to stop and spend some quality time with our family.

It all started after the storm.

Remember I talked about the crazy storm we had here? If not, check out my post. So we were cleaning up after the storm, and pumping water from under our house. The outside was a mess. My hubby was outside putting up gutters on our house while I was inside trying to clean up the mess. You know the mess. It’s the dishes and toys and papers that pile up when it’s raining outside and you’re stuck in the house. Sound familiar?

So as I was cleaning the dishes I was letting my toddler play in the living room. And just as I completed that task, I went into the living room and it was a mess! One step forward. Two steps backwards.

So after I cleaned up the living room it was time to make dinner. So, I brought my toddler into the kitchen with me, gave her a big pot, and let her get water from the fridge and pour it into the pot to make “Soup”.

But, then the kitchen was a mess!

There was just a constant mess inside and outside our house.

Do you ever feel you just can’t keep up?

But, then I got to thinking. During this whole time I hadn’t really spent any quality time with my family. My hubby was outside cleaning up, and I was inside cleaning up. My toddler had been great about playing independently, but I wanted to play with her.

So after dinner, we left the dishes in the kitchen, and I sat down and played with my toddler. We did play-doh, read books, played with dolls, then watched a movie together. It was so nice for all of us to take a breath, and just enjoy each other’s company.

Even my husband came and read some books too. It was nice to have family time.

I realized how important it was to take time out of cleaning, and work, and craziness to just be with your family. Spend some quality time together. The other stuff will get done, eventually, I promise. The dishes will be fine.

Everybody will benefit from spending some quality time together. Really.

 

  

When a Storm Brings You Together

Day 10-11:35 pm: As I sit here typing, a crazy storm rages outside. Like, a literal storm. The wind is howling, the rain is beating down on the roof, and under our house has 6 inches of water. I feel like at any minute the power might go out! But, to tell you the truth, I love it! I’ve always loved a good rain storm. I love the sound the rain makes, the feel of fresh air, and the fact that all my plants are getting watered!

Do you like the rain?

I have to admit, though, that it’s not all relaxing. If you have to drive in the storm it’s a pain, and my anxiety goes way up. I drive like 10 mph. Going to the grocery store is ridiculous because your bags get soaking wet. So, we have been eating whatever we have in the house that includes a pot of vegetable soup thrown together with random ingredients, and spaghetti.

It has also meant that instead of working on my job search or my business, I had to stand in the rain with my favorite large cooking pot and scoop water out of our crawl space. Super fun. My back is going to be so sore!

But, it did feel good to be helping my hubby out. We are first time homeowners and first time home owners in a storm, so to be out there together siphoning water was a real bonding experience. I love that we could do that together.

Lately we have felt a little disconnected because we have different ideas of what I should be looking for in a job. I want a job where I can have the flexibility to be at home with our little one and work virtually at off hours. He wants me in a more traditional job.

It’s hard when you and your hubby aren’t on the same page.

The love is still there, and there is a solid foundation you have built over time. But when you don’t see eye to eye on big important issues it could feel like you are drifting apart.

So, here is my advice. Do something together. Anything. Siphon water from your basement. Go to dinner. Make time for each other. It really is important to do it.

And don’t talk about the “issue”.

I know, I know, relationships are all about communication. But for that hour or two, just have fun. Enjoy each other’s company and remember why you got married in the first place.

So let the storm bring you together. You’ll have time to work out the hard stuff later, but take some time to do something together and you will be a lot happier for it. The storm provides. 🙂

Speaking of storms, there’s some crazy thunder and lightning! I’m going to head to bed!

Juggling Everything You Have to Do

Day 9-11:59 pm- Yes, I’m up late. I’ve been applying to jobs. This afternoon I was working on something very exciting for my blog. So, I have come to the realization that I’m just not going to sleep anymore. Trying to find harmony is proving just as tough as I imagined, and I feel like I am far from it.

How are you doing on your Journey to Harmony?

Balance. There’s that word again. It’s just not possible! I think my world right now can be described in one word. Juggling. I am constantly throwing more balls in the air then I know what to do with.

Work at my toddler’s preschool- ball.

Writing blog posts- ball. (Love this)

Looking for a job- ball.

Playing with my toddler- ball. (My favorite)

Keeping the house clean- ball.

Spending time with my hubby- ball. (Favorite too)

Walking the dog- ball. (Fun)

Starting a very exciting piece for my blog- ball. (Yeah!)

Eating??- yeah right.

Sleeping?? – yeah right.

Self care??- what’s that?

Does any of this sound familiar?

If so, I get it. I get that your head is pulled in too many directions. That at times you want to throw your head in a pillow and yell curse words so your kids can’t hear them and start repeating them at school. I am right there with ya, sista.

But, before we check ourselves into an insane asylm, let’s all just take a deep breath. There. Let’s remember that it won’t alwyas be this crazy. Maybe for a little bit, but something will give. You will get a breather. I promise.

Something I find that will help me a lot is scheduling. Planning is so important to get everything done in your day. By planning, you can feel more organize and less scattered. You can feel more in control. I love to do lists, especially when I can check things off. Often times I even put tiny things on there like “Go to the bathroom” just so I can check it off the list! Though, I only have time for that once a day. TMI??

Anyway, because I love you guys, I have decided to put together a daily planner. This is something I think we could all use that will make everything just a little bit better. If you’re on my email list, I will send it to you as soon as it is complete. If you’re not, then why not? 🙂 Join! And I will send it to you.

Trust me, you will love this!

So, ladies, I believe in you. I know we have a lot going on, but let’s find peace in unity. Send me an email, or find me on Facebook or Instagram. I promise I’ll write back and we can talk about all of the balls we are juggling.

Here’s to being expert jugglers.