Don't Believe Everything You Think
When you read my blog sometimes do you get the idea that everything is easy for me and I have some sort of perfect life? I have people tell me that all the time. I don't know how anyone could think that because I post often enough about my struggles. My house is a mess, my kids are difficult, and I have pimples. Actually now that I mention it my life doesn't sound that difficult. Hey you're right! I do have a perfect life! Not!!! I don't tell you everything you know. There are a few details that I keep to myself.
Like today. I don't even want to talk about what happened today with the kids but they will both be grounded for the rest of their lives. Right after Stranger takes them water skiing tomorrow. Yes, after that they are in so much trouble!
Seriously though. We were about ready to turn in our parenting cards today because we realized we can't teach our kids anything and there is no hope for any of us. At least that's what it feels like sometimes. How are we supposed to be raising kids to become competent adults when we can't even get our own lives in order?
Deep down I know that none of us is perfect and life is one big learning opportunity but some days it seems too much to face. We are having a hard time with one child in particular. I was so frustrated that I went into his room and starting cleaning. I thought that his life was hard enough and he didn't need all the clutter and junk in his room making it even more difficult. I boxed everything up and hauled it out of there. Then I scrubbed and vacuumed every corner from top to bottom.
I didn't do it to be mean. I really wanted to help him but I knew it wouldn't come across that way. I knew he would look at it like a punishment. When I was done he came in and sat on his bed and looked around. He got a big smile on his face and said, "It sure looks great in here! Thanks Mom!"
Imagine that. I said, "It does look good. I wish someone would do this for me. Just come and take away all the clutter so I don't have to think about it or deal with it anymore." Any volunteers? Does next Thursday work for you?
Labels: My Life, Sweet Little Troublemakers
posted by The Lazy Organizer @ 11:34 PM
15 Comments
15 Comments:
I am right there with you! We actually have a lot in common. I just had my fourth baby (5 months ago)and I have really had a hard time getting back in the groove. It is getting better, though. We even did some home organization yesterday (I posted about it in today's blog) and it definitely did not go as I planned. I often tell my husband I just want a life manager. If he ever gets me one...I'll share! :)
You have a parenting card? Nobody ever issued me one. I guess I've been doing all this without a license.
I never imagined your life to be perfect, but having met you and read your ideas for two years, I do have to admit that you are amazing and talented and brilliant and oh so very gifted in rare things like common sense and competency. If you were running a corporation instead of a household, you'd be worshiped as a genius and by now, you'd think you WERE perfect. But instead, you get to be humbled by short people who can't keep their offices/rooms clean without an intervention. Not fair.
Sending hugs and happy mommy vibes in your direction...
It looks like you are doing something right. If a 10 year old will thank you and compliment you. He sounds like a special young man.
Keep up the good work
I feel the same way. Especially when I am trying to be patient with my tween and teen. And I end up NOT being patient. :(
That's one of my favorite things about your blog. You are so honest and don't come across as I have it all together and never have any problems!
So did you get rid of your boys stuff or just box it all up? I'm having the same stuggles with my boy's room. They are in "cleaning" their room right now! I know my mom had the same trouble with me;) She gave up and just kept my door shut. But as I think about it now I had way more stuff then I had a place for. I didn't get rid of anything. I'm have been learning now that if you don't have a place for it, you don't need it. I wish I would have know that then;)
Again thanks for your inspirataion!
Tam
Love the title of this post. So applicable to so many different situations in life!
Being a mom can't be easy. It's not possible. I don't think any parent out there has an easy life.
Umm...speaking of, someone's shrieking. Pretend I wrote something profound, 'kay?
Well one reason I always think you must be perfect is the beautiful pictures you take of your beautiful children and beautiful house! ;)
I have those days--and then end up weeping in bed at night because I'm ruining my wonderful children. Sounds like you found something to show some love and support to your son.
After someone comes to clear your clutter, will you send them to my house next? I'm actually about to reboot my work table so I can actually use it to work.
I think sometimes kids get overwhelmed because of clutter, just like we do. I love reading your blog because of your honesty and the feeling that we're all in this together. I wish you a good rest of the day.
Sorry, can't help you w/child-rearing, but I can help you with the cricket problem in a low-tox way: sprinkle boric acid powder around your foundation [where neighborhood pets won't walk through it/get it on their paws & ingest];also from Lowe's in their "organic" lawncare/pest control section, get a bag of "diatomaceous earth" and also dust around where the crickets are getting in. This should not hurt any creatures larger than the insects you're trying to get rid of. Note that there are 2 types of D.E.; pool filter grade and lawn care grade; do not get the pool grade. You want the lawn/pest grade. It kills by mechanical/physical means rather than via pesticides/toxins.
I have seriously (if only briefly) considered lighting a match to this place and then starting over -voila! instant decluttering.
I love the way you write, I think you have great perspective. And we all have those days.
I have been wanting to turn in my parenting card on an hourly basis lately.
And even though I know your life is not perfect and you have your fair share of struggles, I still think you are one clever, remarkable, full of an amazing amount of common sense and loving mother.
Is it even possible to be a great mom without feeling inadequate? I mean, we're trying to do an awfully big job here.
ugh. those times when we feel like banging our heads against the wall (it never occurred to me that we could turn in our cards) are so tough. hang in there. it must have felt great to have your son actually appreciate what you'd done.
I too could use someone to come to my house and get rid of the clutter. I'm really thinking of asking a friend to come over and help me with the front portion of my house. We'll see if it happens.
I'm glad to hear of other women who don't have perfect homes, lives or families. Those are the women I want to have as friends not the perfect ones.
Elaine
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