Thursday, September 23, 2010

That's my head: just above water

I want to make this clear:
I am NOT whining.

I'm more just a little shocked. And I feel the need to record this for family history's sake.

I have truly never been busier in my life. Getting the kids back in school has done nothing but crazify my schedule. I am kind of blown away by the

Physical needs of my kids:
Doctor visits
ER visits
Back to school shopping
Food for 7 people's breakfast, lunch away from home and crazy dinnertime

Emotional needs of my family:
Emma's desire to unload after middle school
Seth's whininess due to less sleep and more time away from home
Faith's huge struggle with out schedule change
Ryan and I trying to connect with the 24/7 demands on our life

Monetary needs of my family:
Stitches, violin repair, soccer gear, antibiotics, ASB fees, broken retainer, etc etc.

Scheduling needs:
3 different departure times
3 different return times
3 different bedtimes
Webelos, soccer, swim team, piano, violin, activity girls, counseling, doctor visits

I'm not sure why this is all feeling so sudden. Maybe it's 4 kids in three different schools? Maybe it's a challenging toddler? Maybe I'm just starting to feel Ryan's absence due to his schedule?




Anyway. It's not bad. This is what I chose because this is what I want. I just have to write it down. I think Seth was on to something when he said last week: "mom! We have 7 people in our family. That's ALOT!"







- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone (of

Location:S Mirabeau Pkwy,Spokane Valley,United States

20 comments:

Jeanelle said...

That is a totally crazy schedule and I do think Seth is right on. AND it's why the world stops at 1 or 2 children. I'm glad you know you can do hard things because I think otherwise you'd be crying non-stop. I would be, anyway. (p.s. I have not yet figured out how to blog from my iphone. Is there an app I need?)

Rochelleht said...

Wow. That is nutty! Sometimes, I have schedules like that too and it is totally overwhelming. Right now, we are doing ok, but I SO get the crazy. If anyone can do it will, it's you!

Rochelleht said...

well, not will.

Hate typos!!!!!

katie said...

Does Seth go to a different school for kinder? This post makes me stop and think - seriously. My soon to be 4 children will be in the exact same grades as yours in 6 years (we have similar child spacing ideas, I guess)

Anyway, I already think life is busy with my one kindergartner. Makes me think about more children...though I've always wanted more than 4. Hope things settle down - especially with Ryan's busy calling.

Erin said...

I have three--two of whom are in the same CLASS and I am still drowning over here. You're amazing.

♥Shally said...

I feel ya, sista.

I am in FOUR carpools.

Four.

And they save me. And I don't even have my girls doing anything extra right now because it was just getting too much.

I don't know how you do it all!

Annemarie said...

I hear you loud and clear (hence the no blog posts on my part.)

Take a deep breath & get a hug from your husband!

diane said...

Your post brought it all back to me. You are in the trenches of parenting and it is tough. Try to make time for yourself. Just think af all the exercise you are getting by treading water.

Kara said...

I can totally relate!

Elizabeth said...

When Bear started high school in Jan I posted something similar... It all felt too crazy (and I am a slacker with only 2 kids).
My friend gave me the best advice ... give it time it will all get easier... and it did and I so so hope it gets less crazy for you.
PS you are a great Mum!

Margaret said...

Amen. I think you and I are on the same soundtrack...minus a kid.

I'm SUPER impressed that you can still blog. Everytime I sit down to do it, I remember all those things that need to be done.

ibshell said...

I am SO with ya! It shocks me every fall and every spring how crazy the turn of the schedule buzifys my life! Funny 2, I have a son that reminds me almost daily "Mom, you do have 7 children"...I don't have the same response each time! Hang in there, it's good to know we aren't alone! ;-)

J'net said...

OK,
just homeschool 'em on an island n play volleyball every morning on the beach as a family team w/ their dad as the coach n only do church endorsed activities plus violin/piano/guitar. Maybe Karate... Get an EAGLE by 15. SIMPLIFY!?
THAT'S what our KAUAI Jungle Patch friends did w/ their mainland life... THEY took a vacation of 6 weeks to Kauai n ended up LIVING THERE for 10 yrs. n we hooked up w/ them n LOVED life... !
Their dad was bishop for 6 yrs. n then he was called into the St. Pres.
The kids took the GED at 16 n started Jr. College after n have their AA before they go on their mission... 5 BOYS n 1 girl.
I keep telling them to write a children's book series, 'cuz we WATCHED it happen n it was BETTER than the Bernstein Bears!!
OTHERWISE, hang in there n pretty soon one of 'em will drive SO that will help?

Lauren in GA said...

I hear you loud and clear, my friend. I think it is such a great idea that you posted this for posterity.


Sorry about the ER visits. Going the the ER takes so. much. time. One time we went for Mike's sprained ankle...and we had to wait a really long time. He laughed and said, "Good thing I don't have a knife in my back." Yeah, that isn't very funny...I guess you had to be there...

I do think it is wonderful that Emma unloads her feelings after school. It is draining, I'm sure, but so great that you are there for her.

Yipe...next year I have a high schooler, a middle schooler, an elementary schooler, and a 2 year old. I thought I already lived in crazy town...it is gonna get worse.

Tristan said...

My life has gotten crazier too which is also why I have been blogging less. Everyone keeps telling me it only gets more crazy the older they get. Yikes!

Camden said...

I am feeling the same way. I only have one at home this year and thought that would really slow things down. And in some ways it lightens the load, but I have to be super productive because at 3:00 the day is no longer my own.

BTW, packing lunches is NOT my favorite. We should all share tips and lunch ideas.

Christie said...

I feel you, my friend. Am trying to tread water myself over here. Hang in there. :-)

heidiram said...

Yeah, I hear you. This year I should have MORE time since I am not in school full time, yet if I manage to be home long enough to cook dinner it's a MIRACLE. My son Mateo is reading your blog post over my shoulder and is fascinated that you live in Washington. He wants to know if you ever visit where the volcano is. I'm sure you have plenty of time to fit that into your schedule. :0)

Brooke Romney said...

Sounds full and crazy and busy and fun. We're not there yet, but I'm feeling it too. BTW, thanks so much for getting me those book suggestions. We are reading TAle of Desperaux and loving it. Good luck keeping up!

Tammy said...

Yeah, I hear you and I feel like my life is absolutely insane sometimes but a totally different version of what you describe. I am a workaholic, adventureaholic, socialaholic trying to enjoy life, find a potential mate, kick butt at work, stay healthy from my frequent plane rides, and suitcase living and not let time fly by.......we all choose the life we have in some form, and we have to make lemonade!! We are both good at what we do, CHEERS