"Simplify" is one of my favorite words. This word can be applied to so many different things. You can simplify your schedule, simplify your relationships, your projects, your work load, and in general, your life.
I am a mother of three. My two boys attend a charter school about 25 minutes from home. My husband drops them off by 8:30, I pick up our kindergartener at 11:30 and our second-grader at 3:15. Twice a week they have martial arts class at two separate times. Our oldest has piano lessons and cub scouts. Between school, homework, and extra-curricular activities there is cleaning, cooking, spending time with my daughter, squeezing time in with my husband, and volunteering, if I have any time left I can do some sewing.
During the week, I feel that I'm in a river and the current is just taking me where ever it wants to. I just can't seem keep up with life. Has anyone felt that way? I don't think there is any room to simplify my schedule. Sometimes I get frustrated and I get sad if I don't get things done or accomplish my own goals. Now, don't get me wrong, I want to do things for my children, I want to spend time with my hubby, and I want to be me! I wish I could clone myself and get everything done by bedtime.
Tonight, I did all the bedtime routine; reading, singing and praying and tucking my little girl in to bed. At the same time I was thinking to myself, "Oh, it's almost over, I can relax and do something that I want", just then she looked into my eyes and said "I love you mommy." I don't know why, that almost made me cry. I guess it is because I get up every morning and go through the same routine and do mommy duty. It was just simple "I love you".
I hope I can be the mother, who passes on everything I know and have experienced to my children. More importantly, I want them to know how much I love them and I appreciate them. After that I felt like my soul was cleansed and strengthened for tomorrow.
I learned something today, even though I can't change the situation we are in right now in life, I can at least slow down and evaluate myself. Where am I and why I am doing this and where I want to be in the future? That, will simplify my life in some way. My schedule won't change but my state of mind will. Of course, I have to keep reminding myself to do that too.
At last, I found this quotation and wanted to share it with you all...
People often say that motivation doesn't last. Well, neither does bathing--- that's why we recommend it daily.
I completely understand what you mean. Being a mother is often the most thankless job but those moments when you hear I love you mommy make it worth it!
ReplyDeleteI'm so glad to know that those crazy mommy schedules are normal. I do agree, the word simplify is a great word and has many meanings. You're one amazing and awesome gal! It was so nice to spend time together with your family on Saturday! I'm thankful for your friendship! Have a great week!
ReplyDeleteI feel ya on the Mommy-ing. I have two (3.5 & 4.5) and with ballet, soccer, tee-ball, church stuff, and just normal life things (grocery store, birthday parties, etc.) I feel like I'm going to lose my mind!!!
ReplyDeleteLove the quote. I may nick it and use it on my blog, too - I NEED some motivation here in the middle of the week!!!
Sing it sister! That's being a mom. I feel the same way so many times. I hardly have my kids signed up for anything because of that. Life gets too crazy and I don't want to just go through the motions. I think you're right about just clearing your mind not necessarily your schedule. The burden becomes light even though nothing has changed. You cherish life instead of just survive it. I think I've spent the last several years in survival mode hoping to make it through another day. We need to endure joyfully not just endure. People say these years with young children go quickly. I don't believe them, but I know one day I'll look around and wonder what happened to all of these kids, and I'll be sad. There's a cute poem by Erma Bombeck called Oatmeal Kisses. I'll see if I can find it. I'll post it on my blog. Thanks for the inspiration.
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