Again

They're hitting me again.  Those feeling of being overwhelmed, ill-prepared, inadequate and not cutting it as a mother, head housekeeper, family teacher, friend, etc. and etc. that I am sure every mom (woman) goes through at some point or another.  There is always so much to do and I never seem to be caught up...

read 15 minutes a day to the kids
dental checkups and cleanings every six months
clean out the pantry...again
serve others/help others/think of others
go through seasonal clothes
teach children about manners/dangers/blessings
change the sheets on some sort of consistent schedule
volunteer for church and/or school
change out everyone's toothbrushes
clean out the garage
make a new chore chart...this time one that works
scrub the bathrooms where the boys inevitably missed their target
schedule play dates, park days, zoo trips and library trips
make time for soccer/baseball/softball games and practices
go over the kids' chores where they left a little residue
prepare breakfast, lunch and dinner
make sure the kids are flossing
prune, water and care for my bushes, trees and plants
spend time with friends and family
make time for driving to and helping with piano/band lessons
vitamins...remember to buy and distribute
don't forget to buy sandwich bags, Q-tips and something else random like Cream of Tartar
refill the soap dispensers in all the bathrooms
exercise and eat better
go on a date with my hubby
read the scriptures/good books/inspiring articles
write in my journal
tackle the soap scum and hard water residue that have turned into Fort Knox in the bathtub

It seems like I get up to date on immunizations and teeth cleanings then notice the closets look like multiple bombs went off in them, and that there is dust three feet thick on every visible surface.  Not to mention everyone has toe and fingernails worthy of the Guinness Book of World Records.

So after lots of thought, I finally realized I'm never gonna be caught up on everything all at once and it's okay.  But that doesn't stop me from getting discouraged every now and again, because the dining room chairs have a mosaic of crusted Life cereal, crumbs, rice and whoknowswhat glued to their surface, which by the way, how does milk + cereal = the strongest adhesive ever made?!  And how is it that when I sit in a chair... more times than not I stick to it... even though myself or one of the kids, wipe them down multiple times a week?

Anyway, somehow I guess we make it work and muddle through even though when all of the to-do's are written out it seems nigh unto impossible.   Because realistically there will never be a time that all at once the computer files, bathroom cupboards, junk drawer, craft closet, toys, and  unmatched socks will be gone through and organized, and that the baseboards will all be wiped down and that I will have spent quality time with each kid, made a fabulous dinner, color coded my closet and successfully eliminated all dust bunny traces from under my bed.  It comes down to trying to congratulate myself on the small bits of accomplishments, I suppose, like "Hallelujah I washed a batch of laundry today, made sure the kids did all their homework and that their beds were made!  And then because I felt EXTRA on-the-ball, I trimmed that bush in the front.  Man, I'm amazing!" ...otherwise I'd go stark raving mad...because motherhood is one heckuva crazy, demanding, exhausting, terrifying, wouldn't-have-it-any-other-way kinda ride.

     

And it is so worth it.