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It’s Mother’s Day friends and I am hitting publish on a subject that has been on my mind for some time.
I woke up at 1:30am to a baby with 101.4 temperature.
I have snot on my shirt and I haven’t showered today.
I didn’t get any fancy meals or presents.
But I was covered in more hugs and kisses than I could count.
You know why? Because this is my season. A season with small kiddos, running a business, and trying my best to brush my teeth so I can kiss my husband on the semi-regular.
Moms. This season is not easy.
I drive a minivan for heavens sake.
And I love it.
Like- I don’t like riding in any other car better than my van – love it that much.
It’s almost next to impossible to find 3 hours every 10 weeks to get my hair cut and colored. I needed a haircut so badly in this picture that I’m pretty sure I am headed to heaven with the size of my weave.
My nails aren’t painted.
And I am wearing a black bra despite the fact it was more than obviously showing through my shirt in person.
I rarely get to sit down to eat.
Or complete a sentence.
Or watch a movie.
If someone is sick, a babysitter’s schedule changes, my assistant can’t come in, or my husband has to work late, then my delicately balanced work schedule gets thrown in the toilet.
I have to say “no” to more opportunities then I get to say “yes” to.
When I was interviewed to have a television show about my business my first thought was not excitement, but worry. How would I manage a TV show and raising my kids?
I see other business owners with older kids and I start feeling like I am failing.
I worry the amount of time I can put into my business isn’t enough.
I’m afraid that my kids feel like a burden as I ask them to play together while I get some work done.
And just when I think I have mastered the juggling act of my business not running ME, then I get reminded my #1 job is to be a wife and a mother.
Those reminders come in the form of a child being diagnosed with a learning disability.
Or a husband that hasn’t had a home cooked meal all week.
Or a baby that just pulled a steak knife out of the dishwasher and has been walking around the house with it while I finish writing a blog post.
Those reminders make me stop and realize that I will one day look back at this time in our family as “the good old days”.
I know I will weep for the day when my boys need me so badly I can’t focus on anything else.
There are so many benefits to running my business alongside my kids. I mean, who get’s to make an ugly Christmas sweater for their baby as a job?
I am certain this picture will make it in his High School Senior slideshow. And he will be glad to know he was Pinterest famous the Christmas of 2015. I am sure Pinterest will be like the phonebook by the time he graduates but we all still get a good giggle out of it.
I also get to show my kids the value of working for what you want.
I pray that they learn a great work ethic and a love for the Lord will take you farther than you could ever imagine.
Do I get discouraged sometimes? Yes.
But I refuse to let what Facebook, Pinterest, or other businesses, be a reflection of what my life should look like right now. This season is messy, chaotic, wonderful, and filled with more love than I could ever imagine.
I am more afraid I will look back at these years and realize the burden of worry took every bit of joy that was right before me.
Mommin’ ain’t easy friends. Whatever your season of life is, I pray that you choose to embrace it.
Happy Mother’s Day dear friends.
Wipe that booger off your shirt and give yourself a pat on the back.
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Oh sister! You hit the nail on the head. I feel the same way and my kids are older. But, the one thing to do know is that what you and I both do is show our children that we are working hard so we CAN be there for them more often than not and that they are the priority in our lives. I quit my nursing job so I could work for myself and spend more time with my family all while doing what I love. It has made all the difference in the world. You are a great mom! I am sure of it! Keep on doing you!❤️
It is such a blessing to own a business. Glad I’m not the only one who feels this way!
One big thing to remember – this is the only time your kids will be little and you will have to go thru the anguish you are going thru right now. This is a certain time in your life as so many others will be, you will get thru it and hubs could make a meal for all of you maybe? Learn to make some one pot meals, much quicker and for while will fill all your tummies and you’ll all survive and live to remember this “phase”.
Hey wait til they’re teenagers, lol. Now that is a learning patience phase if I ever lived thru one. Had 3 teenagers at once, groan. Girls are worse, so dramatic, at least mine were. I have 4 kids, 3 of which were born: just days before I turned 20, had first baby, to having 3rd. baby not even 4 years later. Sure glad I was young then and had lots of energy. My boys are 16 months apart, first was girl.
Got divorced before was 26, got remarried at 28, had 4th. baby at almost 30. Am almost 76 now. 3 of kids have 2 kids each and oldest never married. Youngest is 46 and oldest will be 56 and I wish could do it again. Course that’s cause I can’t, lol.
Just take few deep breaths, count to 10 and laff. Happy Mother’s Day
No, it,s not easy….but one of the most precious time in life. Many women can,t have children ….so enjoy it even if it,s hard. Time flies….you,ll keep it in your heart for ever. (Congratulations for your lovely post)
It’s all hard! So grateful for my munchkins!
You are so right, and your blog always cracks me up. And you totally need to get your saying put on a t-shirt……..”Mommin’ ain’t easy friends” 🙂
I think you are on to something there Rose!
Thank you for this. All of this. My current season is one of big transition. Trying to find a more rewarding, paying job, while trying to cultivate my passion into an income. With 2 smalls, and a husband with an unpredictable schedule. I feel like “I” am hanging on to “me” by a thread, and pulling with all my might. I have tears welling because your words are the words in my heart, only I couldn’t quite pull them out. Thank you, Allison.
I feel the same way. Sometimes I feel frustrated that I have to fight so hard to work and my husband walks out the door without a second glance to head to work. But the benefits far outweigh the sacrifices. Praying for you today Fara!
I had a good cheer reading this.
I have 6 children, and have been homeschooling 20 years!
I feel like a failure nearly everyday.
I have run small business off and on over these 20 years, and am getting rely to launch a new one.
I am also a competitive athlete. (Not sure if this is stress releasing or stress enduring!!)
I have 4 children home now. 3 teen boys, who eat a lot, make a lot of noise and smell. I Do NOT go near their room…which was painted last year yet never finished.
I have 3 daughters. The oldest married 6 months ago. We had 2.5 months to pull a wedding together on a short string of a budget.
My 2nd daughter, a year out of college is home, wondering what life is suppose to be like now. (Not working in the field of her degree)
I am thankful for the other woman in the house for sure.
My 3rd daughter lives in another state ..we don’t get to see her much, she is trying to figure life out too!
Those younger years are physically exhausting. You will always feel guilt being tugged in different directions. I was always praying for naps!
The teen years and young adult years are harder! Those years require a lot of emotional energy!
Be true to who God made you. We will always be sacrificing. It’s part of the calling. This earth is not our home, so there will always be that rubber band pulling tension.
Remember you are always growing! Keep an eye on the bigger picture. The world is full of opportunity. There are many seasons of your life that will shape your life. Remember to run the race well…not giving up…depending on the Lord’s strength.
Life is a journey …not a destination!
Be sure to take a nap as often as possible!
( I still take a nap several times a week!)
Girl, SIX KIDS. Bless you!! You could definitely beat me in an arm wrestling match!