Sometimes you just have a bad mommy day . . .
Between my 3 boys - they had 7 tests at school today! So most of last night was spent reviewing and studying for spelling, vocabulary, science and math. Hmm . . . not a fun night.
- Did I mention that Donnie had a board meeting last night and didn't get home until after 10pm? So he wasn't home to help with the studying.
- Did I mention that Allie and I have a terrible cold? So while I was trying to study with the boys my head was pounding and Allie was clinging to me while I constantly wiped her poor nose.
- Did I mention that I had to fix dinner with a sick baby on my hip, while calling out spelling words, while checking math homework, while explaining the water cycle, while fixing a bottle, while answering the phone?
- Did I mention that the boys were silly last night - finding it more important to have thumb wars than pay attention to their schoolwork?
- Did I mention how hard it is for a boy to concentrate on science while his little sister is constantly trying to climb in his lap?
- Did I mention how hard it is when I have 4 kids calling for me at once - needing my help and my attention?
- Did I mention that I was frustrated and my patience was wearing thin?
CALGON TAKE ME AWAY!!
I really needed a mommy time-out last night! Ever have a day like that? Please tell me I'm not the only one! ;)
Some days are definitely more stressful than others. Some days you just have to look up to the Heavens and say, "Help me, God, get through this day." But as I was feeling overwhelmed last night - I thought of the long, hard days we spent in the hospital with Jacob and I immediately realized that my day wasn't really that bad after all. In fact, I realized how very thankful I was for the day I was having. Thankful that we just had a cold and nothing more serious. Thankful that my children were home and healthy enough to be acting silly. Thankful that I had a baby on my hip. Thankful that my husband is home to help with the chaos most nights!
Sometimes we all need little reminders of the blessings in our life. Sometimes it is easy to forget that our struggles could be so much worse. Sometimes we need little reminders that everyday is a gift and God helps us through life's struggles - big and small. Needless to say, I was greatly humbled when I realized this. So when I got in bed last night, I thanked God for this day, for my children, for His grace. I prayed for each of my kids and I also prayed for a little more patience next time we have a busy night! :)
We all have bad mommy days - but the good news is that we don't have to do it alone. God is with us - embracing us tightly on difficult days. We need only to tap into His resources: His grace, His mercy, His love, His strength, His peace to help us. Isn't it amazing how God can use a bad day to make you more aware of the blessings in your life? To make you humble and thankful? To make you realize that your children are growing up way too fast and one day you will miss these crazy days? To make you fall to your knees in prayer? To make you fully rely on God?
Here are my favorite photos for this Friday. As I look at these pictures I know that I am blessed abundantly. Each child is so different - yet so very special. I adore all of them. I am so lucky to be their mother and I love them so much - bad days and all!
I was playing around with my camera settings this week. I love the black and white!
Playing with the portrait setting
And just some Allie Sweetness!
And a reminder that Everyday is a Blessing!
~Mildred B. Vermont
Unfortunately everyone in our family has come down with the cold - including Grandmom! And Devin even came home from school early today with a fever and cough. He feels awful and is currently curled up in my bed - sound asleep. This has been a bad winter for colds in our house. We just can't help but to share the germs! UGH! But thank goodness it's Friday. I see a lazy, relaxing weekend ahead . . . watching movies and snuggling on the couch!
I have to send a big thank you out to Susan from Forever His for honoring me with my first ever Blogging Award! You are too kind and I can't thank you enough for your sweet words and for thinking of me. I encourage you all to visit Susan's Blog - her site blesses me greatly and I am so thankful for her friendship and spiritual guidance!
Thank you all for the wonderful advice on my "TIME" post! Some of you had such great ideas - thanks for taking the time to share!
Ending with a scripture . . .
"We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help us develop endurance. And endurance develops strength of character, and character strengthens our confident hope of salvation."
Romans 5:3-4
Strengthening my character,
21 comments:
Heather you are such a blessing to me.. I have followed and read your journaling for years. I had just had a mommy day! I have 3 children 9,6,&2. And my husband is an CPA so I am alone until April
15th! lol I came to the computer tonight stressed and tired and read your entry with tears in my eyes. It was just what I needed to hear and be reminded of. I am very blessed with a wonderful husband and 3 healthy beautiful children. Our son Drew on 2/1 will be 7 years since he was dx with Leukemia. A very long road but I am very blessed. Thankyou for reminding me today of my blessings even when they are all calling my name at the same time. lol!!
Blessed in Maine
Erin mom to Drew, Madi, & Rylee
I've never heard such normal mommy comments from you and then . . . how to "come off of it" and appreciate what we have ! I needed to hear the last part, as I was thinking, oh no, Heather is going to get in a bubble bath and maybe cry - as I have done once in a blue moon ! Not to be though, you taught another lesson to all . . . how to avoid Calgon until it is really time for bubbles !
I so hope everyone feels better, including grandmom and that it is a peaceful, loving weekend for all.
Much love,
Sandy D
Atlanta
Hi Heather! I realize that you do not know me just yet, but I have been following Jacob's caring bridge site for a long time now and since we have just gotten the internet in our home, I thought I'd stop by & read your Faithful Froggers blog since I have heard about it on Jacob's page. My name is Kristi & I am a 35 year old mother of 3 beautiful children. Payton just turned 13 last week (WOW, she's a teen..soo hard for me to believe), & 2 boys...Hatton is 6 and Campton is 4. I work with children in the local school system here. I am a registered Occupational Therapist. I'm sure you're wondering WHY I'm writing you my life story, but I just wanted you to know just how much your words touched me tonight. I was married to their dad for almost 14 years...he was my college sweetheart...he was my best friend...we had so much in common..we laughed together, played together, we had so much fun...but life with 3 kids just started to become more & more stressful & In my heart I knew he wasn't happy anymore..so on Dec. 6, 2007..19 days before Christmas, he came home & informed me that he would be moving into his own apt. the next morning & he already had the furniture in place. So, just like that, he walked out that cold morning & just like that, life as we had known it for so many years was OVER...I couldn't breathe...I felt like I was drowning...I still do on some days...it was like a death to me! THe death of my family, of my childhood dreams, of my children's dreams! He was a christian, had been youth director @ our church @ one time & had @ one time also announced his call to preach! He went to church with me & the kids...what went wrong..how could this happen?? Even though he walked away from me, he is still a good father. He has them tonight actually..he picks them up for school & WE are trying our best to talk & remain "friends" for their sakes...but even that makes it more difficult for me on the inside..how do you go from loving what you thought was your partner in life to being "friends"...but through your blog tonight, I realized ALL the blessings that I have to be thankful for! You see, my nightly routine is a lot like you were describing...very chaotic and WILD..but unfortunately, I can no longer look forward to a husband coming home to help me...it's just me...but YOU helped me to see that I have 3 precious GIFTS sitting right beside me everyday & that I need to stop being consumed with all my problems & feeling sorry for myself & be THANKFUL that I can still hold them, hug them & kiss their little cheeks..I know you have lost Jacob & I wouldn't DARE even begin to think that I could understand your pain & grief...so depsite your loss..you continue on..you have a smile on your face, & thankfulness in your heart! Your on your blog bringing glory to God & bringing a message, whether you realize it or not, to people like me! So, THANK YOU SO VERY MUCH for the joy you brought to me tonight! For the reminder that I DO still have a life & 3 gifts that are depending on me to show them God's love! Keep on blessing others...your ministry is special! THANKS AGAIN! May God richly bless your family! CARRY ON! (by the way...your babies are GORGEOUS!!)
In His love,
Kristi
How refreshing to hear that I am not the only Mom whose patience wears thin. My kids usually know it is time to back off when I say, "Mom's going to loose it" You are right, we all have Mommy Needs to go Away days!
Homework is hard when a sibling is distracting them. That is always a challenge here.
The craziest of night are always wehn the Dad's are gone. I have to work hard to not resent him those nights when he comes home and says, "I had a rough day" DON'T GO THERE!!:>)
Hope you are all feeling better soon.
Heather,
Thank you so much for your post today!! You are always such an inspiration to me, and I never really thought you had BAD Mom days!! Just kidding, I know we all do. Life is a blessing and I thank God for it every day. Hope you all have a nice relaxing weekend.
"This is the day which the Lord hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it." Psalm 118:24
Rita
Oh Yes! I have those days quite often. I homeschool my 3 boys and then I have three toddlers to deal with on top of that! I don't know how I make it through a day some times! I too have had sick kids actually since New years! Once I get a meal made and things situated I do it all over again. HAHAh I know how you feel. But we would not trade any minute of it right ? :)
Hi Heather,
You are so kind. I think you got things mixed up. I look to YOU for spiritual guidance!
But thanks for what you shared.
Your post was precious, and oh, how many days did I have like yours.
I'm just so sorry you are feeling bad and grandmom too. That does not help things out.
Mom's are supposed to stay WELL.
Praying you finally got your "Calgon moment" when Donnie got home.
Have a blessed weekend.
I was just positive you read my post from last night when you typed this. My hubby didn't get home until almost midnight last night. Joshua has a terrible cold and is only content if I am holding him. Then the oldest two had more homework than they have ever had I think, and Maria...well, she just wanted to chat...and chat...and chat. Throw in the dinner...Seriously, your post was so right on. It also reminded me that it is okay if I have those moments, but that they are temporary...they won't last forever and in the grand scheme of things, they aren't what is important in my life. I don't know how many times I have prayed (as I sighed BIG sighs) thanking God for the terrible day we just had...
Wow...what a great post! Thanks for making me really stop and count my blessings. The next time I am stressed and having a bad mommy day I will certainly think of you and your words of wisdom. It's so nice to know that you have these stressful days as well!!
Heather,
I hope you all get to feeling better soon.I can't get over how much Devin, Brandon, and Kyle have grown, they are so handsome, and Miss Allie is beautiful. I love her big wide smile, you can just see how happy she is.You deserve an award, you are such an inspiration to all of us :) and so was your sweet Amazing Jacob :)
Carmen
I pray daily for the gift of patience, it wasn't until I saw the movie Evan Almighty that I realized it is those mommy days that God is answering my prayers. I just kept waiting for God to swoop down and give me the patience I need when he is really testing me on those mommy days so I can work on using my patience!
Oh my goodness Heather this post is exactly what I needed this week. Thank you so much for grounding me back to where I need to be. What a beautiful post. I dont know a mother alive that can't completely identify with all the craziness that comes with the day to day. It's what most of us struggle with most. You are SO right. We ARE so blessed. We truly should be thankful for all the craziness. It's what I've waited all my life for and prayed so hard for. Thank you. Your family is so beautiful!!!! What a wonderful family you guys are!
Thank you for reminding me that everyday is a blessing even on those bad mom days. I have had those too and then am reminded when I check in on the kids in battle against the beast how blessed I am. Thank you!
Hi Heather. I just wanted you to know I was having one of those days recently too. I have 4 boys also. Anyway during that day we were in the kitchen and landing right on the tree by the window was a cardinal. I immediatley thought of Jacob and thought it was his way to tell me to count my 4 blessings, and I stopped and did! Thank you for sharing Jacob and your wonderful family. I hope everyone is feeling better.
Heather... it is those Calgon nights and moments that make us appreciate the moments with our children that aren't so chaotic, that help us to realize the bleesings in our lives. Thank you for sharing and venting with us and allowing us a chance to support you in such a small way!
(((HUGS))) my friend... I hope that all of you are feeling better very soon and can use this weekend as a way to recuperate and grow strong and healthy as a family!
Sarah
PS.... To your commenter, Kris... big huge hugs to you. Don't downplay the loss of your dreams and the bubble bursting on what you thought your life was going to be like. I too, have been in your shoes... it has been almost 9 years since my husband walked out on me and my children. It takes time to faith to get through this very difficult time. I hope you have family and friends to support you as you will really need them to be able to heal yourself. God Bless You and I will keep you in my prayers.
Heather ~ as usual you put things into perspective for me. I am struggling with the same mommy issues. And the Lord led me to your blog for a reason. I am trying very hard to be more like Him and more like you - the GLASS is half FULL!!!
Now for an admission on my part. There are days, and I'm not saying I'm proud of this - but there are days that I hide in the bathtub to read a book. I learned this trick from another mommy. There - I said it and I own up to it. We have a teeny tiny house so I am usually found before I finish one chapter!
Peace and Hugs!
Becca
Hi Heather - this is your WV friend, Susan and I just wanted you to know that there isnt a mommy in the world who hasn't experienced bad mommy days - the only difference is that I believe you probably handled it with more grace and kindness than most of us ever have. You continue to be an inspiration to multitudes of people. Hang in there, and I hope your cold and Allie's cold get better quick! Much Love, Susan
Heather, I don't know how you do it. I only have ONE child and I have my mommy days. I can only imagine how crazy it would be with 4 children running around ;)
Do you know what gets me through my mommy days? JACOB!!! Yep, a little boy that I have never met but I know his story and he helps me realize how blessed I am and what a gift even the crazy days are.
I can not tell you how Thankful I am that you shared Jacob's story. He lives on through your words.
I hope everyone gets rid of those nasty germs soon. It's been a crazy winter up here too in Minnesota with colds/flus. I am ready for Spring.
Kristine
Minnesota
So many times we don't understand what's going on in this life. The Lord ALWAYS knows and has everything in His Hands! Praying!
Proverbs 3:5-6 Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.
Hi Heather, can I just say I've been there! You're exactly right though even though times seem tough, it is a blessing to have healthy children and a messy house and all the things that go along with having little ones at home. Believe me, there have been many days that I've had to call on God to help me through and there have been times when I've had to go back to my boys and ask them to forgive me for my impatience - so you are NOT alone. Thanks for sharing your heart and making me stop and count my blessings.
Hope you're all feeling better soon!
If we did not all have "bad mommy" days, they never would have come up with the idea for the Calgon commercial!
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