Skip to main content

More Mommy than Monk

I had quite a morning.

I warn you though, that the Monk in Mommymonk has left the building. There will most likely not be any deep spiritual message in this post and I doubt I would even try to meditate upon these words.

Normally, I rise early, take a walk (some days, at least), read my Bible and pray (most days) before the kids wake up and snuggle with me on the couch. Due to an overactive brain problem last night (read: insomnia) I did not sleep well and therefore rose with the kids. This might explain my backwards attitude, but then again it might not.

I slapped some Miracle whip on two slices of bread (I don't know what's so miraculous about that white stuff - it doesn't spread itself or anything!), added salami and cheese and zipped it up all while my eyes were half-closed. I hope I remembered to add some fruit to my husband's lunch.

Then, I fixed oatmeal, Golden grahams, and bran flakes, poured orange juice, combed tangled hair and made up the bag for swimming lessons. Three changes of underwear - check. Three towels - check. Shampoo and brushes - check. I set the bag by the door so I could grab it easily as we walked out the door.

I told the kids to put on their suits and clothes on top before they turned on cartoons. Sometimes I wonder if there is a disconnect from my mouth and their ears.

I took a shower, blow dried my hair, put on makeup, guzzled some coffee and snatched a quick breakfast before I checked in on the kids' progress. In suits, but not in clothes, they ignored my request to finish their morning routines and put on sandals to go.

I rushed out to the van, threw in my stuff, turned it on and ran back to get the kids. Maybe, we could be on time today (for once).

Or maybe not.

The bag that I so carefully packed was no longer by the door where I left it. Why can't they just leave my (their) stuff alone!!?!!

One child began looking while the others finally realized I was serious about getting dressed and ready to go. At the pace of a turtle, they clothed themselves while we tried to track down the missing bag.

Ten (TEN!) minutes later, we came up empty handed. Why, oh why, do I bother with trying to get ready ahead of time? What is the purpose??? Some days it makes me feel like poking my eyes out (thanks to my sister for that great expression).

The next fifteen minutes were agonizing. I ranted about the need to follow the fifth commandment (after I checked with them to make sure I had the right one, seeing as how they have them memorized and all...). I raved about keeping BOTH shoes in the same place so we can find them in the morning. I complained about the need to wear clothing (can you imagine?) when leaving the house. I expressed my displeasure with their lack of hearing and wondered aloud if they needed to see the doctor for a hearing test.

And after that, I cried. THIS is not how I like to start my day. All Mommy, no Monk. All uptight and barking out orders; no peaceful, quiet attitude.

Then I wondered if maybe that was the problem. Me, not them. (Ok, me 50%, them 50%). I'm not saying I have the answers or anything. I'm just saying, "Please Dear God, help us to do this better tomorrow."

Comments

Laurie Ann said…
Bless your heart! What a rough morning! But be on the lookout! God has ways of making it all worth it and making those tears of frustration turn into tears of joy. One of them will probably do something so sweet later, LOL!

Need a laugh? When Kristyn was 5 years old, her grandmother met her at the end of the driveway in the car (long driveway) and she got off the bus in pouring rain, drenched. As she climbed into Ma-Maw's car, she threatened Kristyn that the next time she got off the school bus like that, minus the raincoat tucked in her backpack, she would be in for it. The next day Ma-Maw was faithfully waiting in 100* weather, sunny-not-a-cloud-in-the-sky kind of afternoon, and off walks Kristyn, raincoat buttoned and hood tied securely around her head. Pouring sweat. Toting an umbrella that was up. When questioned as to why she was wearing it, she said, "But, Ma-Maw, you said!" A little clarification was in order, LOL. But anytime there is a mix-up, now we say, "But you said..."

Hah Hah? Hope tomorrow is a better day. *Hugs*
Rest in God's grace, my friend.

Mornings like this keep me humble. I'm so sorry for the chaos. I've been there--more than once.

Hope your mornings for the reminder of the week are extra sweet!
Anonymous said…
I will be exhausted with you right now - exasperated too - and cry with you - and laugh with you later. It just sounds like you spent a "normal" day with me! :)
Melanie said…
Ahh.. Heather, I'm so with you as I've had more mornings like that than I care to admit. They are rough! The good news is the next day should be better and God always helps us move on and re-energize.

Hope the week improves for you!
Kathy Schwanke said…
Heather, I recall the time (because my kids remind me from time to time) how I stood in the kitchen and jumped up and down and yelled "You kids are driving me crazy!!!"

I think I shocked them that time...

I couldn't tell you had that kind of a morning...you are beautiful and were very calm and composed at lunch! Musta been time with Jesus in between, huh?

May tomorrow morning be sweet and peaceful!
Miriam Pauline said…
Oh, I had one of those days yesterday as well. Thankfully God is faithful in spite of the chaos around here. Praying today is easier.
Oh, I can so relate! We have all been there and done that! My father used to have a saying about the TV. He called it a BOOBTUB because it makes you a boob(sorry if that's offensive). When the TV is on and I give the kids instructions they are staring like the aforementioned word at the screen! Not hearing a word I've said or only hearing part! Take a deep breath and realize "Momma said there'd be days like this! LOL! Hope today goes better!
Susan said…
Hey Mommy-Monk!!

Praying today's send off will be much smoother.

We've all had those kinds of days, weeks?

So where was the bag????
Anonymous said…
Thank you for your honesty and "real"ness. I appreciate knowing that I'm not alone in having these moments/days.
Blessings to you this day.
Crystal
Unknown said…
I've prayed that prayer a lot lately. Having a toddler is stretching me in a lot of ways! I worry if I am doing enough to share God's teachings with her, and I worry if I am being a good example. And how do I show grace in discipline? Ack! I can't do it by myself!

Thanks for sharing, Heather! It's nice to know we're not alone!
Anonymous said…
God bless you dear Heather!! Wonderful and so true post..I can relate...add two dogs and it makes it all the more fun!
Tami said…
I hear ya, Heather! Some days it seems we'd have been better off staying in bed.

But you didn't, and you made it through and your kids are still intact and you got up and started over today.

Thanks for making us all feel better, friend.

Popular posts from this blog

Prayer: Does It Make Any Difference? by Phillip Yancey

Shannon, at Rocks in my Dryer , is hosting a huge giveaway! Isn't that exciting! I love to give something meaningful to my friends - as I shop, I always look for just the right item that fits our relationship and the individual's personality. So, if you stop by this little blog of mine, I think you might like this gift I've picked out. This fall, I have been nourished by the wisdom of Phillip Yancey in his recent book on prayer. Our Bible study has plumbed the depths of prayer with Yancey's help in this amazing book. My personal prayer life has been challenged and I have probed the deeper questions surrounding prayer with a beloved mentor. I would love for you to enjoy this book too. I'll be giving the book away to one blessed commenter. So, leave a comment here and I'll be drawing a name next week to give away this treasure box full of well-mined jewels from God's Word and life's experiences. Don't forget to leave a comment to be entered in the draw

Thankful Thursday

A few things that fill my heart with gratitude... *Bright explosions in the sky *Bug repellent *Calamine and band aids for when we forget about the bug repellent (and the polka dot girl I put to bed each night whose sensitive skin seems to attract the little suckers) *Days spent at the beach *Life jackets *Aloe, although it can't take away a lobster red sunburn, it does soothe *Photographs and memories *The public library. My family has been enjoying plenty of summer library programs. *Ok, I'm even thankful for cockroaches. The kids sure had fun playing with the huge ones the "Bug Guy" Brought in for the last program we attended. They even ate a few bugs. (I am NOT joking!) I, on the other hand, found it conveniently necessary to excuse myself to the restroom right around the time the roaches and tarantulas were being brought out. *I'm thankful for a new job...which will be starting soon (more on that later). *Green slime, explosions, goggles and lab coats...yes,

In REAL Life

This week, I've been thankful for some "real" life fun with people I love. Here's ONE: Yesterday morning, the kids started the day out with some Karaoke fun. The first song requested was "Shine" by the Newsboys and I smiled as the kids bounced around in the family room to this song. Our little guy then asked for his favorite: Big Girls Don't Cry by Fergie. Don't ask me why. But hearing a three year old boy sing about big girls crying is just adorable. We progressed to "Big Black Horse and a Cherry Tree" by KT Tunstill. I have no idea what she means (why not a black kitten and an apple tree?), but the kids love the "whoo-hoo" part and that's all that really matters. Whoo-hoo....whoo-hoo! And the last song, a favorite of all, "Mr. Roboto" by STYX. Oh yeah. We shine our light for Jesus in Robot style around our house. Three little robots marched around with jerky movements singing word-for-word the entire song. Here'