I realize this is a bit much to ask. But I seriously might lose my marbles. And I would have no clue where to find them. They are likely under a pile of laundry.
For the record, Jason is trying. His schedule is a bit much right now too. I am hoping that things get better soon. I cant handle this much. I am not designed to spread myself so thin.
The weekend didn't go as I had envisioned. Jason and I both had to work Saturday AM. And he needed to be in for a while so was unable to take littles with him. Friday night when I was working(again) he took them all to my in laws for a sleepover. I come home to an (unexpectedly)empty house, and I'm instantly sad. It was a rough night, I feel sad not being home, and no ones here when I am. But I am so grateful to my in laws for making things easier for us. To make a long story short, Summer was in a fishing tournament in Whitehall on Sunday. So Bob and Joan kept the kids all weekend since I was working. We all spent Saturday evening at their house, but its hard to leave them behind, when I know I am just going home. But I needed to work AGAIN on Sunday. So it was leave them behind, or drive back up to drop them off. Really really really, we are so lucky to have family that helps so much, I just wish I didn't need the help.
PITY PARTY OVER-I think.
Jason and I did exchange fun Valentines. I got him some sweet aviator sunglasses and olives. He got me a Biggby Coffee gift card and flowers;) And we spoiled the kids like we do... the bestest was sharing tons of Bernie-Os at Bob and Joan's! Nummy....OH and Summer got 3rd place in the fishing tournament! She caught a pike that was like 28 inches long! Crazy kid.
And here is something cool that I stumbled across when I was out blog stalking. Its a kids ATC swap. ATCs are Artist Trading Cards. Tiny pieces of art(2.5x3.5 inches) that you make and trade. Its been a hot thing in the crafty world for some time now. But I never noticed a kids version before! What an awesome idea! So each of the girls are making 5 cards to send out to 5 other kids in their age group. Apparently there are over 900 kids involved. Summer even has an Aussie in her group! We are so excited and have been practicing on paper cut to size, just to get the feel of working on a small scale. I am using really heavy chipboard(like what you would find on the back of a sketchbook) for the final projects. But you can also use cereal box cardboard and such too. The re-using sends a great message to the kiddos and helps them to start to look at packaging differently.
These are what we are using for final products.
And Summer working away. How cool is it that they are going to start getting mail with tiny pieces of art! What kids doesn't live for getting mail?!? I think we might frame the collection, or start a book. After its done, I am interested in maybe doing a kids swap locally, among kids of friends and family(and anyone else lurking who's interested) Let me know if you want to try to do this too! I will post finished projects soon.
I am hoping this is the last of my schizo posts. Really I am OK. There is always more good than bad. I'm naturally a complainer. I don't wanna be, I am working on that. Always. My life is not perfect. Not even close. That's why I need to balance the crud with totally awesome happenings like an artfest at the dining room table. Or enjoying a drive with my Hubs(without noisy kids) wearing sunglasses that make him look like a super trooper(a hot one, babe) and in the end, giggling manically at everything that is so insane in our everyday. That's the only way I know how to make it all work:)
9 comments:
Thanks for keeping it real Jennie! It's great to read this because I have had a crappy day and this just me realize I am not alone and it doens't just happen to me!
I love the idea about the cards. I bet summer has a blast. Your kids are very lucky to have a great mom who does this crafty stuff with them! This is what they will always remember, not the pile in the kitchen or where YOUR marbles are!! I know where your marbles are and that's where they are suppose to be!!!!
I LOVE that card idea! That is so cool. I'm sure my kids would love to do it too...count us in if you're doing something local :)
I know what you mean about balancing work and kids/home. I'm very lucky to have the job I do! I only work when they're at school. Of course it helps that they're older and bot in school full time.
Keep up the good work...you are awesome :) Love ya!
Oh girl! I can't imagine not knowing until Thurs if I had to work 3 days later! I can relate to a house full of chores and no time to do it all in!! Tom helps out immensly around here, but it's never enough. I've seriously learned to just forgoe a ton of things I used to be so anal about. Literally, at any given moment, there ar at least 100 match box cars on my living room floor, crayons and paper all over the dining room table, etc, etc. I've learned to just be grateful my kids (and their one million "must haves") are spread around my house instead of something worse. Working 40+ hours a week for each of us, balancing family time, marriage time, going back to school and starting to sell jewelry isn't easy. BUT - it's all in how you look at things and what motivates you. Hang in there - it will ALL work out!! And ditto - family is GREAT to have around to lean on!! I've learned that over the past year or so myself!! :-D
oh girl I just wish I could reach through the computer and hug you. Us Moms do spread ourselves way to thin. It is very hard to maintain a home , be a wife and mother and work. I struggle too I may not have to leave my home but I do work my ass off. It can be very overwhelming at times. Enjoy the time you do get to spend with them, I cant tell you how many times my kids just want me and not have to share me with anyone else. This juggling act is not easy but you can do it. Everyone is entitled to be a crabby patty every once in a while. Hang in there!!
you are doing a good thing. being away from home is hard, missing out on your kids is even harder. I can relate. Coaching takes up a big part of my life and I fel so guilty BUT it is good for me and it makes me a better mom. {for getting ME time} I also have to share extra time with Pat and these days, Caleb is all about making plans all over town, sooo...it doesn't get better, but it isn't worse...just different! You'll know to count the times as extra special that you have with the kids. The laundry can get piled in the kitchen because it is the only place big enough for the fam...oh, wait-that is at MY house! See, you're already ahead of the game. :)
Don't fret. It'll all work out.
Andrew would be totally into something crafy and local. Love the idea. When will that fit into your schedule? ;)
I can't wait to see the finished product. I would love to do something like this with you guys. Hope you are having a better day today.
Smile : )
Oh Jennie I know how you feel. Life is such a balancing act and you are so not alone in your struggle to keep everything balanced and even. Just remember that you just started this new job and it will take you a little bit of adjusting to get a routine. Speaking of your job, I was in there this past Sunday and looked for you but didn't see you. I was bummed!
Hang in there girl!
<3 L
Us moms always have a balancing act we have to handle. Regardless if you work or not. I always remind myself to just take a deep breath and take one thing at a time. Just put away one pile of laundry and let the others sit until tomorrow. If I look at the big picture I get way too overwhelmed. Hang in there.
Our little peeps over here would love to do a card exchange. They love doing crafty things and to get something in the mail would knock their socks off!
Hey wait, I thought that was my life you were talking about! I wish no one was at home during my 18 working hours if they won't step up to the task. I'm working on training my people and simplifying the jobs. Like I got rid of the towels that were not blue or white. One color for each bathroom doesn't sound too hard to remember, huh?
Menu planning for the week is the only thing keeping my head above water over here.
My girls would be up for the ATCs too! Cool idea and great way for our kids to get to know each other better.
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