It's our new motto around here.
Most evenings Lyle and I find ourselves each taking a couple of kids.
It's the only way to get anything accomplished; fun or otherwise.
So, if Daddy has to get some yard work done, he has a couple helpers. Gwyneth is usually the die-hard. She comes in as sweaty and flushed as Daddy. The boys, on the other hand, have a strong aversion to the heat, and usually end up inside with Mommy within a matter of minutes.
And when Mommy's working in the kitchen she has plenty of taste testers to help get it right.
The boys have been refining their golfing skills at the driving range with Daddy, while the girls have become Mommy's shopping companions and have been enjoying having Grami and Grandpa to themselves for a night every couple of weeks or so. Gwyneth has that Grandpa wrapped so tightly around her little finger he may never get loose!
While this method works great with the kids, it leaves next to no "Mommy and Daddy" time.
Which is why we're very excited to go to Wolf Lodge next week (with only baby doll in tow) for a birthday celebration with the (extended) fam. WooHoo! Poor Lyle had to miss out on his birthday dinner there, so he's pretty happy. I don't love beef enough to justify spending THAT much on a slab of cow, so I'll be content with an appetizer. But the true enjoyment comes with not having to share it all with the little vultures. Yes. I think I'm quite excited, too.
It's true. Having 4 kids within 4.5 years is not for the faint of heart. (or spirit)
I'm being tested in all new ways. (Although, to be honest, it can't even begin to compare to having the first 3 within 18 months.)
I am missing my long hot soaks in the tub, though. No baths for 6 weeks after a c-section. Baths are how I "get away from it all." Where I read my Bible or a good book. Sweet isolation from the constant chaos. I need them to keep (or restore) my sanity.
Well, my 6 weeks are almost up, but I got to wondering what all you other Mommies out there do to keep your sanity? What little things do you "indulge" in every day, just for you?
After all, I know of a few brownie batter eating, internet junky, Pepsi drinking girls out there! (;
9 comments:
LOL.... divide and conquer.. I may have to try that one at our house!
Let us know if you need a sitter!
LOL!!! You crack me up! I had four kids for three days and told Chad I'm glad we have two. =] I can't believe how much time it takes to just feed four kids, it's gotta be a bundle of money also! I do know one thing.... you will be a stay at home mommy and nothing else for quit sometime! Kids really are the best thing, if I had four though, I'd have to not have any photography clients and just focus on kids/house non stop to keep up, I can only imagaine your days! You're doing so good keep it up, and remember, once Adah gets a little bit bigger she won't eat as often, then you may find time once again to slip into that nice bath again.
love ya (;
p.s.
Am i the pepsi drinker you were talking about?? You forgot, it's coke now! Not supporting gays/porn if I can help it!!
You are a busy girl! Exercise helps me keep my sanity...and I only have two! :-)
I try to help you, but not much I can do while I'm at work. I can't imagine the amount of wining you deal with all day, it would drive me nuts. But you are doing great! I am so glad you are at home with our kids, they are very loved!
I feel slightly unqualified saying anything, but I do have 3 with one on the way so it counts a little! I got the book "Managers of their Home" and put ALL of us on a schedule. It has been a DREAM. I get up early with Buddy (obviously, Im not recovering from surgery AND have a newborn), and my quiet time with God is AWESOME before the kids even crack an eyelid. Our days are typically smooth because they know what to expect and they don't get bored! The first week we were on it, I gave out no spankings, timeouts, or ANYTHING. Its been great. Oh, and if my kids didn't nap..I would def pull ALL my hair out. Love you girl and praying for you yor blessed little fam!
hmm..I have no kids and have not the slightest clue what to tell you for advice. Just babysitting for a few hours wears me out! I agree with Shea, and would say being on a schedule and being organized is always helpful just from what I have observed from other families.
I lock myself in the linen cupboard with 2 permanent markers and a bottle of rubbing alcohol and sit there until the fumes make me happy. Okay, I dont do that. But I have an inner feeling that I might like doing that. I may have a problem.
I also like schedules a lot. And since our kids are a couple of years apart it actually helps because Jayde is so very helpful and patient with her annoying lil brother. We also try to make our kids contribute to the house...Jayde has made her bed just about every day since she was nearly 3, Levi is starting to make his, they pick up toys, put their dirty clothes in the laundry,clean out the car and just generally do little things that probably stack up to a lot of less bending for me. I also try to 'cook ahead' so I dont have to start from scratch every night and it leaves me with more time for other things including quality time with them.
I really really really really have so much admiration and respect for those busy mothers such as yourself. Not sure how you do it, but its an encouraging thing to see.
But as for 'me' time? I like taking photos of flowers or insects etc, I find it really peaceful. I also like to curl up with a really nice strong cup of English Breakfast Tea (with milk and sugar) and a good book. I also really enjoy using a sweet smelling body lotion- that always makes me feel 'better'. Setting a firm bed time for the kids has been so nice for us because we get several hours of 'us' time. We also try to spend some time talking in the morning before we get up rather than a rushed g'day/g'bye. All the normal stuff.
You are doing a wonderful job! Have fun at Wolf Lodge :)
Crystal, thanks for the offer! But I think we have it covered.
Shelby, I didn't forget! But Coke? Yuck! (; I am completely fulfilled being nothing but a wife and mother, but a little afraid of where that leaves me once the kids are outta the house! ):
Staci, exercise is on my "to do" list! I'm hoping to at least get some evening time on the treadmill!
Lyle, you are my lifesaver!
Shea, my Baby Wise buddy! (you are definately qualified!) You know I love me a good schedule! I'm working on a new one right now. A nursing baby does throw a kink in things, though. I'll have to put that book on my list. Maybe once I get my baths back I'll actually be able to read it!
Alicia, just you wait! It's the best!
Karina, I love that you always make me laugh! Something I need to work on is getting the kids more involved with the housework. They are expected to keep their rooms clean and we've recently moved on to dusting and window washing, putting away clothes and CAREFULLY helping with the dishes. Don't you just love taking a meal otta the freezer and popping it in the oven? Crystal and I had a great meal swap going with some ladies at church last year. As soon as I'm able I want to start that up again. One day of cooking and you've got meals for a week! (just gotta make sure you only choose ladies whose cooking you can trust!) (;
Well, I for one, would L*O*V*E* to be on a schedule but I'm just sooo much like Mom...nuff' said. =)
Actually I did get in two walks with the kids this week and I felt much better on the days I did it than on the days I didn't do it. It could have been the exercise but I'm chalking it up to the sunshine as well.
I am going to buy that book that Shea mentioned because Jay really wants me to start working with Adam on his academics this fall and I would really love to get a Bible lesson in every day for the boys(and me!). I don't know that it'll go over well if I don't get on somewhat of a schedule. I am also planning to write up a weekly cleaning schedule so that I can just do a few things each day instead of getting way behind and then trying to do it all in one day.
All of that to say, Jay and I try to watch one of our Netflix each night together. This has been harder since Avril came because I get really tired and he doesn't want to start one until after nine o'clock...
We have also tried to go to bed at the same time so we can pray together but sometimes this is sketchy because Avril will start being cranky or I fall(*blush*) asleep.
Also, I lock myself in the bathroom under the pretense that I actually need to go. Sometimes I bring a book and sit on the toilet, with my pants up =), and read a chapter. The boys and Jay just think I had some "business" to tend to.
So, I don't know, I guess I read, bathe, blog, watch a movie, or gab on the phone to get "away from it all" without really getting away from it all. I also turn to food and yummy beverages for solace. Heaven forbid I pray or read my Bible instead. *blush*blush*blush*
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