It’s been one of those weeks. Among other things:
–Silas’s asthma flared up and he’s been up a lot at night almost every night.
–My allergies aren’t liking the weather we’re having. Or the pollen count. Or something. Those of you with allergies can probably commiserate!
–The toilet backed up and, after much effort and sweat, is finally going to be handed over to the services of a plumber because we plain give up on trying to fix it. I’ll spare you further details, but, suffice it to say, I’ve gotten really attached to the plunger the past few days. 🙂
–Someone broke a jar of jelly all over the kitchen floor.
–Jesse’s had to work late multiple nights.
–Kathrynne got tubes in her ears/her adenoids out today. She was such a trooper and the surgery was successful, but it was rather stressful morning for weak-stomached me. Just ask Jesse. 😉
All in all, I’ve felt like I’ve been chasing my tail all week. Staying really busy putting out fires, but not really going anywhere or accomplishing anything. But I have to remind myself that sometimes what seems of little importance, is actually what matters much more than my to-do list.
And not only that, but I think sometimes God gives me weeks riddled with interruptions to remind me how much I need Him and how I so do not have my act together. It cracks me up that I just so happen to be reading Unglued this week. It’s kind of fitting for how I’ve felt much of this week! 🙂
At any rate, Jesse sensed my frazzled-ness (did I just coin a new word?) tonight and sent me to Barnes & Noble for the evening to catch my breath, get caught up on emails, work on a couple of projects that have been looming over my head, and prep for my trip to Illinois tomorrow. (He’s so good to know when “Mama needs a little breathing room!” ;))
So I set aside my plans of freezer cooking this evening and instead enjoyed a relaxing evening getting caught back up. I’ll get back to freezer cooking next week, for now I’m enjoying just a few more minutes of quiet before the store closes.
Not only did I skip my planned freezer cooking posts for tonight, but I also had all these visions of other posts I was going to write this week, none of which made it out of my head and onto the blog. I had a Q&A post on living on $460 a week that I’ve been hoping to finish, I wanted to share with you about my slam-dunk Kroger shopping trip last night, and I’ve been meaning to get my 2012 goals update posted for August.
But some weeks, you just gotta set your grand ambitions aside and focus on the more pressing things… like a hopelessly clogged toilet. 🙂 Thank for your patience as I deal with real-life here. I appreciate you sticking with me even when I don’t always get posts up in the most timely manner. You all are the best!
I can’t tell you how much I appreciate when you share about the “realness” of your life. It hard sometimes not to feel like everyone else has it all together while feeling like you are just trying to make to lunch time. 🙂 Thank you for being real with perfect strangers. 🙂
Thank you so much for your kind encouragement! And oh boy can I relate to the just trying to make it to lunchtime comment. I’ve had multiple days like that recently! 🙂
We’ve all been there! Don’t sweat it! It’s called “Being a Mom”. Hope your week gets better!
Hang in there, Crystal. The cape will surface next week. Just stay in the moment and enjoy your time with your precious family. Have a safe trip, and get your rest. Blessings!
I thank you for sharing your hardships. Honestly it was nice to see that even you who seems to have everything perfectly together sometimes has days or weeks of pure stress and worry. Sometimes I feel guilty because of all the things I didn’t keep up with or do for my family. I lost my mother about 6 months ago and she was all the support that I have for my kids. I do not have any other family around me that choose to be in my 3 children’s lives. We don’t have any friends and I often relied a lot of my best friend -my mom as a guide for all my mommy/household lists of stuff to do. It was rather sudden and my children took it very hard as I did too. I have 2 special needs children under 4 and this week has been especially hard. On top of everything it is a real possibility that we are starting to see signs of my youngest having asthma. It has been a really rough week where I have just broke down several times. However, because of your blog there have been days were I have taken your advice for a frugal (and most importantly EASY) recipes where I wouldn’t have known what to do if it were not for my mom being there. I never before bothered to look up recipes on the internet or bothered to try some of the cleaning tips you have provided. We currently eat out less and save money because of you. I still have days were it is very hard to move on without my best friend and helper in this world but some days because of your advice and now real life struggles (to show me I am not the only one) I am often uplifted to try to do more for my family on my own and find new ways of doing things. Thank you Crystal!
2 words- TOILET AUGER. Pick them up from Home Depot, Lowe’s or Menards for under 10 dollars. I had written a long response and 1 of my little’s decided to unplug my wifi:(. Just know, I have 5 between the ages of 1-14 and have much experience with toilet issues. Hope your issues are much better.
Girlie, YOU may not be able to see your Super Woman cape…but I promise it.. its right here out in the open for everyone to see.. You’re doing great & sometimes, ya just gotta throw the cape over your head & hibernate Good going on getting away for a few & good for Jesse for seeing & responding to what you really needed.
Have a safe & fun trip!
Absolutely loved this post!!!! I too am starting the Unglued book. I am doing the Online Bible Study with Melissa Taylor that starts Sept 23. This post is real life and I am glad to know I am not the only one. THANK YOU!!!
Praying for peace & healing!
Wow, what a week! Yes allergies are bad right now. Your husband sounds really great. Mine did something like that for me yesterday evening. He told me to just go to the bedroom and read for an hour since I was stressed out by our 3 yr old. It helped. We appreciate all you do! Just take care of yourself and your family 🙂
Excuses, excuses!!!
Just kidding – I hear you all too well, sister! This week was back to preschool for us, a regression in potty training (hooray….), lots of laundry from lots of accidents. Interrupted sleep because of busy days, cranky, tired children because of busy days. Cranky tired momma because of interrupted sleep. Work has been crappy this week (I’m in sales, for all intents and purposes), and I’ve had very few good calls. That means no paycheck if I don’t have sales. My house is beyond a disaster – I can’t remember the last time I was able to thoroughly clean it. This weekend is going to be just as busy for us with entertaining friends both days.
But we have a home! It’s warm. It’s relatively clean compared to many other homes, and we have friends in which we can fellowship with! My kids have a wonderful preschool to go to! I have a job…and I can work at home while they are here by my side, coloring, painting, playing with playdough. I can take off easily if they are ill. We have good food to eat, and a bank account, while not lush with funds, is enough! 🙂 It all depends on how you look at it.
Many, many prayers to you as this week ends. Also…I wonder what toy the plumber will find in the toilet when he arrives. 😉
Such great perspective!
And I think we should take bets on what is stuck in the plumbing line! Part of me is not so sure I want to know. 🙂
You know, I was just thinking…do you toss diaper wipes/wet wipes or paper towel down the toilet at all? My parents have one toiled in their home that is susceptible to clogs – even using those Charmin wipes will trigger a clog to end all clogs.
Also, I use washing soda and vinegar to keep lines and clogs clear – it’s worth a shot, I guess. Did someone turn the valve behind the toilet off? We thought we had a clog once, but my 5 year old “Fixed the potty!” for Momma. That was a fun one. Thank goodness I have tile in my bathrooms! 😉
And yes, we SHOULD take bets on what’s down there…I seriously wonder if a certain little male someone in your home flushed one of his toys. My son was always flushing stuff. Even the toilet lid lock. 😉 Hugs to you, girl!
It never fails when my younger one has surgery, everything happens. (And I’ve lost count at this point). Our AC went out in August (hot and humid where I am), we were inpatient for 2 weeks, but we found a long lost cousin of my husband’s…they’d NEVER met!
I love your honesty. We are all human. We all deserve some grace.
Here’s hoping there’s a silver lining for you!
Several plumbers have told us to never flush those wipes! Toilet paper and waste are the only things that should be flushed.
As a child, I had ear tubes several times and adenoid removal, and I only remember it being fun to go to the hospital and get attention and special treats! Hopefully it will be the same for your sweet daughter. You are an inspiration to me 🙂
Greetings form Buffalo, NY!
Thanks for keeping things real.
Hope your daughter has speedy recovery.
This post is one of the reasons so many of us like your blog so much, Crystal! 🙂 You’re real…very capable, yes…but real. Thank you!
And may the toilet be cleared soon! 😉
Sounds like this week has been extremely hard 🙁 I’m sorry it’s been so stressful. I hope your days start to feel easier very soon!
Wow Crystal! You and I have been having the same kind of week!! I think that God is trying to teach us that this life and it won’t always go according to our plan, but to His plan! Here’s hoping you a fantabulous ( fantastic and fabulous) week next week!! 🙂
Sending loving and encouraging thoughts your way. You are such a loving mama. I’ve been praying all week for you and keep thinking about all the wonderful things you do for this world just by being you. How many times I’ve said God bless that remarkable woman. Jesus smile on you and keep bringing out the best in you in every situation!
You are so sweet — and thank you so much for your prayers!
I know exactly how you feel, I have not gotten into the swing of school schedule yet. I am so lost and trying to catch up more and more everyday. Prayers for your family. Sometimes I forget to stop and remember what is most important and I need those days to unplug and get things in order….life happens,family first! 🙂
I completely agree. Everyone needs to take time to relax and there are also those times when life just gets in the way. For a month I wasn’t able to get any articles written for my blog, Cleaning Out The Clutter, due to my computer being down. Now I’m trying to get back into the groove of things and make blogging a habit again. Great article and reminder for life. I hope your families health improves and good habits come back easily.
Bless your heart.
Take yourself a break and take care of yourself and your sweet family.
Your bloggees will be here when you are refreshed to return.
Take care,
Tasha
Crystal, you are a great wife and mother as well as a wonderful blessing to us who read your blog for your encouragement. Thank you for being real and sharing your life with us. Life gets crazy for me and I am one of those older women who seemingly should have it all together and be giving advice. As I read this morning, I am holding God to the promises in his Word as I go through the trying times because he has so much more in mind than simply getting through the trials. I am praying for you as God brings you to mind.
This post is timely for my day so far today. I finally finally found a moms group to join (my son is 2 they fill up fast around here!) And on the way to the first meeting this morning, my car started smoking! Not a huge surprise since it’s old and busted, but still, the timing was crazy! I risked it and turned around to head home, praying the whole way, ready to jump out if it caught fire! But we made it! Probably not the best decision I’ve ever made, but that’s why it’s great to have God watching out. Now we are stranded at home instead of who knows where. I just gotta focus on the small things so the bigger ones don’t overwhelm me. Reading others’ accounts of hardship and heartache helps too.
OHHH!! This made my day today!! It has been one of those weeks here as well!! Husband working late, allegories are terrible for both of us, not sleeping and just not accomplishing much, I did get the first day of school card for the teacher today! and changed it to the first week of school!! and I am finally cleaning up and catching up today…I can’t tell you how much it made me laugh and smile at your post today it makes you so much more real!!! You are the best!!
Crystal,
The day that you start ignoring that stuff in favor of blogging will be the day I stop reading. : )
Your priorities are obviously in order, as are your hubby’s! Good for him for giving you some time to get caught up.
Have a wonderful week-end!
Good wishes to you for dealing with all that you are dealing with. And my son had tube in/adenoids out in April and it has been SOO wonderful. He is doing so much better, eating better, more energy, etc. (Although even though his hearing is “fixed” his listening hasn’t improved!) I promise you that you will be thrilled with the change in your daughter.
I love the title of this post – so perfect! I wish the best for your family and hope you get that much needed break soon 🙂
Frequently clogging toilets in homes with small children (especially boys) can often be attributed to an object/ toy being stuck in the curved pipe of the toilet. We have pulled legos, sticks, a small hair spray bottle, etc over the past 10 years. Thankfully they do outgrow their fascination with the toilet black hole.
Crystal,
It’s so kind and gracious of you to apologize, but any mom/wife will understand your recent challenges.
Personally, I’m glad when you share these things, as it reminds me that life happens to everyone and that w/ God we can get through the tough times. 🙂
I admire you for dealing with the priorities in the proper order. It ministers to me.
God bless your husband for stepping in and giving you a break. 🙂
May God continue to bless you and your family and all that you do.
I’m sorry things have been tough, but glad you took a few minutes for yourself! I took care of the freezer cooking for you yesterday. ; )
For the crock pot: Hawaiian chicken and Teriyaki pork chops
Ground beef bagged for spaghetti and tacos
Pepperoni and beef French bread pizzas
Molasses BBQ sauce for quick chicken sandwiches
Thank you for the inspiration to do freezer cooking – it makes life easier! Hope everyone at your house feels better this weekend.
Kelly
My son grew up with asthma and allergies too. It’s ALOT of work, but, you get through it. And it’s nice to know that their mom is always there beside them to comfort them. I think that helps the kids out with dealing with their problems. Those late nights will drain a person for sure. Take time to relax and smell the roses/coffee. I hope next week is better for you. Some days when you have alot on your plate, it feels like that day will never end. It does and it gets better. So keep on keeping on. Your doing GREAT! Just take a little more time to relax. The work is not going anywhere, it will be there the next, so don’t worry about it. You can only do so much in a day. I agree with the other posts, my son’s asthma/allergy specialist made a huge difference. I got nowhere with the regular doctor for many years. God bless!
Have you ever tried putting dishwashing liquid ( I use Dawn) in the toilet and letting it sit for a little while and then pouring very hot water (NOT BOILING…it will crack your toilet, I just use the hottest water from the tap) in the toilet and letting that sit with the soap for a while? Our toilets clog daily and if plunging doesn’t work I use this method. Sometimes it will unclog after using the soap and sometimes I have to do it several times plus plunge after the soap and water.
I have always thought moms need a badge system like girl scouts. So you can look over and see the My son peed on me badge next to the Peanut allergy badge. You could nod and laugh. Most of us would have closets full if badges but we are just moms and we move on. Hope things get better soon. I’m off to earn Pancakes again badge then Camping with my daughter badge.
I like this idea! I think it would also put some things into perspective, like seeing “my child has a disability” badge or the black “lost my child” badge.
Where’s the “like” button? 🙂
Ha! Love this!
Crystal,
You always seem to make a comment that I can so relate to in my life as a mom and business owner. One that I can definitely relate to is when you said, “I think sometimes God gives me weeks riddled with interruptions to remind me how much I need Him and how I so do not have my act together.”
As a mom with four boys including two with autism, people often say to me “You’re such a strong woman!” My response (and testimony) has become, “No, I’m a woman serving a strong God. If you remove Him from my life, I would crumble”.
Thanks for sharing the “realness” of your life. I hope that you and your family have a great and restful weekend. Also, maybe you can sneak in a spa visit or other relaxing “Me time” this weekend while at the Expo. : )
Gosh, that sounds like a rough, tiring week! Hope you and your family feel better, recover quickly and get some rest!
Thinking of you all today! Having a similar week over here as we spend our last week living with our in-laws before our relocation to Wichita. The list of things I have to do before the moving company gets here on Tuesday is growing rather than shrinking!
I’m grateful to have read your post last night. I’ve been having a hard week. I had an early miscarriage last weekend, and then my toddler broke his arm this week. I haven’t been able to talk to anyone yet, and it’s a comfort to commiserate with all of you online.
((hugs)) From a Mama who has been there (more than once)
I can totally commiserate on the allergies & asthma! My husband says this is the worst allergy season he has ever experienced. One of our kids has allergies, too, and he and my husband have been sniffling and sneezing like crazy. Then all three of my kids caught a cold {back-to-school germs – ugh!} so now my son has a cold on top of allergies, and his asthma is flaring up bigtime.
praying for you…hope it gets better!!
Let me give you some of my highly-prized knowledge about one of these topics: toilets. 🙂
We have discovered that we are family in need of high-quality toilets. Please don’t ask. My husband likes to say, “We just require a powerful flush.” I prefer, “We have some high toilet-paper use individuals.” Ahem. (There are six of us, and most of us are home all day, so the loo does get some rather serious use.)
Anyhow, we’ve discovered these new, revolutionary toilets at Home Depot/Lowe’s that are worth every penny. They run about $200, and the claim to fame is that they can flush a bucket of golf balls. No joke. My husband is the master installer, and we can now distinguish a builder-grade toilet from a truly fantastic unit. 🙂 We have found that cheaper models need frequent plunging. I’m happy to say that my new units NEVER need a plunger. After three years of use, our first super toilet has been plunger-free. We are slowly replacing all four units in our home.
No, I do not represent a toilet manufacturer. I’m just a mom who loves to avoid any device named “the toilet snake.” Egad.
Thank you for this info! We are considering replacing our one toilet that has been giving us serious fits ever since we moved here and this is so helpful to know! Do you know the name/brand of the toilet?
I’m not the original poster but I think it may be the American Standard Champion 4: http://www.americanstandard-us.com/bathroom-products/champion-4-toilet/
Sorry you’ve had such a rough week. We’ve all been under the weather, too. Everything is “ahead” with the super hot weather we’ve had so ragweed, etc. are really rough here in Arkansas.
Aimee,
It is that one exactly! 🙂
http://www.americanstandard-us.com/learn/american-standard-advantage/innovations/?f=2
I laughed reading the actual description, because it is entirely accurate! (And a big yucky!)
Good luck to you and my prayers for fancy, advanced plumbing! I think that God is present even in the most distasteful details of human life– and am thankful that He invented humans who invent better products! Be blessed.
Thanks for being real with your readers. We all have those days and it is so reassuring to hear that you do too! Hope you have rested and are ready for another round.
-Sarah
You poor thing! It’s so hard when something happens to the kids, especially when a surgery is involved. You can’t help but feel stressed. But to have all those other things on top of a surgery…omg, you poor thing. You take all the time you need. You know we love you!
Thank you for your honesty and always making sure we know that not everyone is perfect!
I am a perpetual toilet clogger – and I understand your pain with that. We had a very persistent clog so we decided to go to Home Depot and buy a toilet auger. Have you tried that yet? We even watched a YouTube video on how to use it and after an hour of trying, we finally got it unclogged after days of trying with a plunger/hot water/dish detergent.
The thing that motivated us was the YouTube video because the plumber making it said, “Getting a toilet unclogged is a plumber’s bread and butter. You get to charge a lot for a minimal amount of work. It is super easy to do.”
We were lucky in that we didn’t have a clog in the main line, which would have caused backups into our sink/bathtub.
Prayers your way for relief!!
Hugs Crystal!
Anyone of the “issues” would have been enough but it seldom turns out that way! I believe we have spent a small fortune on asthma and allergy medications this year. They have been extra fierce not to mention the extra high humidity we have experienced. The baking sessions have turned non-existent.
I was just wondering yesterday, “how does she do it all?” While it has been a rough week for you, your post is a reminder to us all that we are human beings….and sometimes instead of “doing and doing and doing,” we just need to “be.” Enjoy your trip and relax!
Thanks for the post about real life! It just doesn’t often go as I had planned. I’m glad Kathrynne did well with surgery. Our son had this done in March and things were rough for about 4 days before they started improving (he also had tonsils out so I am sure that added to it.) Praying for a smoother upcoming week!
Some weeks are like that and you just have to be grateful that you all made it to the end of the week still alive. I remember just 8 short years ago when life was completely crazy that I used to be so amazed and thankful that we survived to the end of the day when my husband got home. Hoping things settle down for you soon.
Comiserating! AC is out for the third time this summer, and we only had it replaced in July! So hard to concentrate when it is 80+ degrees in here. We all have those weeks–you will get back on top of things next week! Hope you and your babies feel better!
Priorities, priorities! We have such grand ideas in our heads and then life smacks us in the face and makes us take a look! We have the most precious gifts given to us and in the end our relationship with our Lord and those that we cherish and love are what makes our lives complete.
It’s no accident that you were reading that book during challenging times! God tells us what we need to hear, exactly *when* we need to hear it! Hang in there, mama!
Oh, to me, you still have a superwoman cape. I’ve felt unglued too this week but after reading some of these other posts, I realized I need to feel thankful.
Me too Meredith-me too
Thanks for your vulnerability, Crystal! When I read your post and the other comments, I remember I’m not alone in struggling with life some days. And while my struggle may seem small to some and big to others, it can be so helpful just to read encouraging words or to know you’re not in it alone. I felt super discouraged yesterday about my job as a mom and manager of my home. It’s good to wake up today knowing there are new mercies and a new day to try again!
thank you for sharing your experience this week. It is helpful to know someone else has been really super busy and still not getting much done due to things totally out of their control :/
Here is to a fabulous weekend and a very blessed week:)
I love this post! It is just the way my past month has been going! I miss the summer so much!
I know it’s sad to admit, but I love these honest posts because I feel more normal after reading them. Thanks!
I definitely had one of those weeks this week too!
Have a great weekend at the Expo, I’ll be praying for safe travels and Kathrynnes recovery. I’m glad everything went well with her surgery!
I hate to say it, but I personally appreciate to hear when others are frazzled and/or having a tail-chasing week/day/year. It’s nice to know others have those moments too–not just me! I am glad you share w/us!
I had a terrible week so far as well. Work is not going well we are not getting to sleep as early as I’d like and for some reason my alarm clock is not working correctly. I have started praying more hoping to just get past this time. However a friend from work had a very healthy and very beautiful baby yesterday and I am so happy for them. They had a still born two weeks before I had my son 2 1/2 years ago. Maybe that is what I have been so stressed about. I love your blog and think you are doing great. 🙂
I am sorry to hear your week has not gone well. I hope your kids are doing better soon. Sometimes you just have to do what you can do and let the other things fall away. It always seems the most inportant things get done in a time of upset in our house. Everything else can be taken care of as life slows down.
Crystal – Even telling the folks here that you are human, that your children do get ill and how you handle it, that things are sometimes in total disarray at your house too – all that makes it easier for your readers to know it happens to all families.
I raised three, almost single-handedly & it was tough, but we survived. Now we talk about how we handled my son’s chicken pox episode – with my working 1/2 days & the girls watching their brother 1/2 a day. Many stories to tell, yet it’s “love” that gets us through.
Today, I’m helping with grandchildren, and watching them through many illnesses while my daughters work in their careers, which they can’t always take off from. But, it’s all the same – we do what we have to do because we are a family & we love each other. My home, as well as the homes the grandchildren live in, are not always tidy & perfect. They are certainly “lived in” when someone is ill & needs attention. Yet, God has brought us together & we take care of each other & that is what matters.
Crystal – you certainly have your priorities straight & that is what matters. Your children see you taking care of them. One day they will take care of you. My children helped me immensely when my mother was diagnosed with terminal breast cancer. One was home from college for Christmas Holidays & she spent every weekday doing everything possible to be of assistance to Mom who moved in with me after her release from the hospital. They took Mom to doctor visits, cooked, whatever she needed. You will get paid back – believe me – for what you are doing. Those sleepless nights too – you will get help from them when you need that assistance. Sorry this is so long – you are a great mother!
I pray that everyone gets better soon and you have a great trip (and get a chance to relax a bit). What a great husband for not only noticing that you needed a break, but for helping you achieve that!
Both my kids came down with the gastro bug that’s been going around (we live in Western Australia) for months – I thought we’d managed to avoid it, but no! So they’ve been home from school with me for three days now (its a long bug) and I was going a bit stir crazy. So hopped out of bed this morning and told my husband “momma’s going for a walk” – so good to get some fresh air and listen to the birds if even for 20 minutes; and to put my mind straight and mood back on. I did take them to the shops (they aren’t sick anymore, just feeling crampy) as we’d run out of bread and my daughter kept having to go to the toilet (which was something that was happening last night). Straight to the doctor – sure enough, bladder infection; poor thing.
But three full days at home has allowed me to get onto projects around the house, clean out the linen closet anyone, that I wouldn’t have normally made time for. So hopefully there’s a bit of sunshine in all of it for you!
we just scheduled an appointment to have tubes put in/adenoids out for my daughter today! I’m a little nervous for it! hope your sweet girl is back to normal soon! 🙂
Sorry to hear about Silas!
My asthma flared this week too and it’s been rough! 🙁
(We asthmatics must run on the same schedule, I swear!)
Keep up your positive attitude! 🙂
I actually enjoy personal, “life-happens” posts like this–they remind me that you’re human and not superwoman (although I’m convinced you might be her business manager. 😉
What an eventful week! I hope this next week is very boring, in the best way possible. 🙂
LOL at your business manager comment 🙂
Sorry to hear about your week, but I definitely understand about the allergies. Not sure if Silas’s doctor has tested him for allergies, but my exercise-induced asthma is definitely worse when my allergies are acting up.
Also, hoping Kathrynne is feeling better real soon. I had tubes put in my ears as an adult and after I healed I felt the best I had in years.
Too weird! I had just written a note on Facebook, which is odd because I never do that, and after I published it your link to this aricle showed up right above it! I hear you on tough weeks. I hope your weekend goes smoothly and that next week is much better. Here’s what I wrote:
Throwing dark shadows across the rails of the top bunk, the tiny nightlight is a soft beam of comfort. My back is twisted into some uncomfortable letter as I lay beside my daughter. Bunk beds are not made for fat ladies. Not at all. I am rubbing her back, trying to caress away the strain of the day. My hand reaches up to her soft, brown curls, rearranging them, smoothing them, pulling them off her face. Finally her breathing evens out and the small twitches of sleep begin. I could pry myself from the child sized bed and get on with everything else that beckons my attention before I can finally fall into my bed. But instead I just lay there, hearing the gentle swish of her breath, the occasional car drive past the bedroom window, the constant rustling of leaves harrassed by the never ceasing wind.
Scenes from the day replay through my head, mostly the scenes that would have earned me “Worst Mom and Wife Ever Award.” I am my own worst critic, analyzing everything I said, how I could have said it better, what should have just been left unsaid. Tears well up in the corners of my eyes, and right as I feel ready for a long cry a quiet peace surrounds me. I survived. Today wasn’t a day I had to thrive in, it was only to be survived. And I survived. Three children with a virus, one of which had to have a dead baby tooth pulled today, plus my husband and best friend two states away, with no outside help or even a neighbor to call on? And yet I survived. There is no cape attached to my shoulders. I am not a superhero and I possess no superpowers. I am only a human, and today I only survived. But thank God, because today that was good enough.
Now if only I could figure out how to roll out of a child’s bunk bed.
I don’t have kids yet or allergies but I do feel you on the husband working late part! My husband and I have taken on a 3rd job and he does most of the job himself Mon-Wed and then I help him Thurs-Sun and it makes for some lonely evenings but God provided the job to help us get out of debt so I am trying to be thankful!
Looking forward to your living on less than $460 posts! I love your posts about surviving on little amounts of $.
Thanks for keeping it real! We all have days/weeks like that. It’s always great to remember that you’re human too. 🙂
Jess
My 5 year old has been waking in the middle of the night for weeks….coughing and coughing. I thought it was a post nasal drip or something. But now you have me wondering about asthma. Thank you for sharing your real life, because you are helpful even then.
You are in our prayers.
Jamie, some kids with asthma ONLY have issues with asthma at night or when it is triggered by rain or allergies. This would be my DD’s case. During the day she is TOTALLY fine but at night if the asthma has been triggered by weather or allergies, she will do what your 5 year old is doing.
Does he/she cough during the day? Whooping cough is making the rounds and is affecting both the vaccinated and unvaccinated.
It is only at night. It started about a month ago with a cold/sinus thing. He ended up on antibiotic for double ear infection and the start of an eye infection. But it’s only at night, for about an hour until I finally give in to Benedryl….since I thought it was lingering post nasal. Asthma makes so much sense to me now. He started his first season of soccer practice and only will run in short spurts. Then he just walks around like he’s exhausted. He doesn’t like it.
Thanks for all the suggestions. We do have an appt. with the allergist on Tue.
Amen momma! keep on keepin on! I wouldn’t be following you if you were perfectionist supermom. Keeping it real, and I love! 🙂
Thank you for being real for us! We all have those days/weeks when our best plans just don’t happen. But God’s grace is sufficient for all of us! Your family is more important than all those blogging posts anyway… 🙂
Yesterday was our first mid-week church service for the year. I ran in to two friends — both who reported marriages ending in divorce. 🙁 It really put my life in perspective for me! I hope next week is MUCH better for you! Enjoy your trip.
Love it – thanks for keeping it real! Its nice to know that I’m not the only one whose best intentions get sidetracked by life!
Prayed for you, Crystal! I can definitely relate.
I used to have sports induced asthma (sports made it hard on me to breathe, but if I didn’t stay active my asthma got 10x’s worse). My parents didn’t believe in “doctors” and were into natural cures. They took me to an Indian doctor/herb doctor and after two months of his medicine, I have never had an issue since. It truly changed my life. I took two tablespoons of ten-ture of low-bella (that’s how it sounds, no clue how to spell it). It was the absolute worst taste in the world, but nothing having to take daily breathing treatments, 3 different medications, an inhaler, and 3 different sport activities everyday was AWESOME!
On another note, we also may be needing a plumber. A leaky kitchen sink, soaking wet cabinet, and a non-handy husband = uh oh….
Obviously I need to take a quick proof read before I submit something. Lol, it’s been a long week here, too! Good luck.
We’ve all had weeks like that and can TOTALLY relate. No worries. Get your rest and take care of yourself.
We have had the same plumbing issues this week. After hours and several days of trying, we have also called a plumber for tomorrow. I’m concerned about the cost – but remember that’s what my emergency fund is for. Weeks like this make me thankful for my “normal” caotic weeks!
As one of my other favorite mama blogger’s says….”carry on warrior, carry on”!
I’ve felt unglued since January…my MIL passed away suddenly, I was on bedrest (with a homeschooling preschooler) until May, a close family member was diagnosed with end stage cancer, and to top it off, my son was born with a severe birth defect. One that was not diagnosed until after birth, so we were completely blindsided and have spent the last 4 months shuttling him between doctors, specialists, tests, and therapies.
I’ve learned through this that some of the things I used to think mattered, really don’t. I would love to be on top of everything, but this is the first week in months I’ve actually had the energy to make a to-do list. And, I’m okay with that because cleaning out the garage, though a pressing issue 6 months ago, really isn’t that important anymore.
God is directing my life, even when I *think* I’m in charge. Even when things are tedious and I’m too exhausted thinking that next week will be “another week like this”, or month, or year for that matter, He has orchestrated all our life events for the best outcome, and I guess that’s a good reminder once we finally let go 🙂
Oh, Sara, that would be hard and exhausting and overwhelming. Just prayed for you, for peace and a chance to breathe.
Thank you for the prayer, Sarah. It means a lot that total strangers care!
After reading your list, I feel like I don’t even know that first thing about having a stressful week. I am so, so sorry that you’re carrying so many burdens right now. I wish I could come hug you and clean your house or make food or help you in some other way. I will pray for you, though, since I *can* do that.
Thanks so much for sharing — and reminding me of some great perspective!
Crystal, I appreciate the prayers. Even if my life has taken several turns I wouldn’t have chosen for myself, God knew where we were headed from the start. I’m just grateful for the friends and family that are helping us through this season with prayer and support 🙂
My prayers go out to you. That sounds very rough. If you are interested, there is a woman in my old town who lost her son in a freak drowning accident, a year ago. She has a blog that she kept from before the accident. Her faith and perspective are amazing even in the worst of circumstances. If you are interested in reading it: http://aninchofgray.blogspot.com/
I will check out the blog, Michelle. I couldn’t imagine losing a child. Wow.
Your reply reminded me of myself 16 years ago. With a kindergartener, a 1 yr old and *oooops* a child born with a disability. We both had jobs, had just purchsed our dream home, and were thrilled with our 2 planned girls when we too, were blindsided. It took me 2 years, 4-10 appointments/surgeries a week, getting fired for absences, and a hysterectomy @ 28, to finally burn my ‘cape’. We had just finished modifying our home with a 2nd mortgage of 42K when I quit all of my jobs and made a budget. I am still in desbelief that we made it through! We kept our home and raised 3 kids on 36K/yr. The credit card is paid off, we don’t do car loans, only had 1 family vacation, and my house still is not clean. Our girls both started college classes in high school and my son can walk, communicate with aids, and has not had a single accident in his pants for an entire month. It takes more patience than I ever knew I had and lots of saying no to anything other than basic needs, but we are still married and happy. Right now you are in survival mode but you will get through!!! You will be able to let go and let God handle the stress:)
Wow, God bless you. You have been through a lot. I’m glad you made it through and that you’re in a place you’re content with right now. Even with everything, I still have a lot to be grateful for, some days it’s just harder to remember than others 🙂
This wise woman once said “You just have to give yourself grace sometimes.” 🙂
Hi Crystal!
I remember you mentioning you were coming to Bloomingdale, IL.
Do you want to meet any blog friends while you are out this way, or are you tied up with other obligations?
I’d love to meet you at the Expo, if you’re able to make it. More details here:
https://moneysavingmom.com/2012/09/join-me-in-bloomington-il-on-saturday-for-the-living-well-womens-expo.html
We have had one of those weeks here too! Just remember always that where God guides, He provides so you just gotta keep looking up and keep up your positive attitude!
🙂
Sounds like you have your priorities in the right place. Posts can wait–we all love you and will regardless of posting frequency! Kids who need their Mama, overflowing toilets, and moments to breathe all take precedence. You are a good Mom. 🙂
Some days, weeks, months are just like that. Hopefully it will pass soon. What a good man you have for knowing when you need time like that! Thank you for being real.
I wish the best for you and your family. Hope everyone is on the mend soon. We are a family of asthmatics and get sick frequently. I have just learn to go with the flow when someone is sick.
Be kind to yourself is all I can say. Asthma has been flaring in our home too–we have been having wildfires which sparked symptoms.
I have a son with asthma. We finally went to see a specialist and he has changed our lives. No more endless nights up coughing and having difficulty breathing. Such a blessing!!
It sounds like a week in which you need to give yourself grace. You seem to have all the important things taken care of. 🙂
I’m glad to hear Katryrnne is doing well!
**Kathrynne** Oops! 🙂
Yes, the specialist we’ve been seeing the last few months has been amazing — and we’re so thankful that his relapse this week is a rare occurrence now, not a regular thing like it had been before! A lot of people in our area who struggle with asthma have had flare-ups this week, so we’re not sure what it is, but the new regimen the doctor prescribed yesterday seems to have helped as he didn’t wake up as much last night and we’re hoping he’s almost back to normal again tomorrow!
My husband has asthma too. We live in central IL where harvest has begun early. My dad farms and told us that the black clouds of smoke behind the combines this year is not he usual dust but a mold cloud. The bottom half of the stalks are rotting due to the extreme heat and lack of rain this summer. This is causing an unusual mold to completely cover the bottom half of the stalks, and then the combines are making it air born. I know it has made all our allergies go haywire here in IL.