We had a rough go of it this weekend. It actually started downhill before it even began. The kids and I had been learning about Ireland all week and had a party planned for St. Patrick’s Day. Friday I woke up and fought a terrible sinus headache through work. I was drained and cranky by the time I made it home.
I was trying to set up for the party. The kids were rambunctious. My son had completely destroyed a toy bin set up after we had spent the last few weeks re-doing their bedroom. After I almost lost my shit, I got “the mom look” from MY mom. I tried to pull it together. The rest of the party after that ended up being a pretty good time.
On paper, Saturday should have been a perfect day. Everyone finally slept well after being off schedule from day light savings. The weather was absolutely gorgeous. We had our favorite breakfast. All the makings for what should have been a great day were there. I mean if anything else, it was a SATURDAY.
It didn’t matter what I asked the kids to do or not do. They wouldn’t listen or would go from 0 to 10 in a second, totally tail spinning into full on meltdown mode. Usually when that happens they are tired or hungry. Nope not this time. Usually when that happens a change of scenery helps, like playing outside. Nope not this time.
When I say ANYTHING was setting them off, I don’t mean in a choose your battles sort of way. I mean I would scoot someone down on the bench of the dining table a smidge or give them the exact snack they asked for. Also, my daughter was experimenting with how far she could take back talking and how demanding she could be. Did I mention I got crotch punched twice? WHAT IS UP WITH THAT? I mean really! We made it through the day. I went to bed hoping and praying for a better Sunday.
Sunday was not better, and I mean from the second I opened my eyes it was not better. My patience were shorter. I felt like the only way I could get their attention was by damn near becoming a stark raving lunatic. After about the fourth incident of the morning and rising frustrations, I left the kids at the dining table and went to my bedroom for a deep breathe. When I turned around I was surprised. There was a scared little boy standing in the doorway looking down at his feet. He softly stumbled over getting out his words, “Mommy, can you stop being mad? We love you.”
Talk about stopping me in my tracks. My heart sank. My stomach felt sick. With a lump in my throat and tears in my eyes I dropped to my knees. I hugged my baby boy tight and told him I loved him.
They are 2 and 4 years old, and I AM THE GROWN UP. I am also only human. It was a frustrating weekend no matter which way you spin it, but it’s my job to set the example for my kids. I realize I could get onto adults for the same things I get onto my kids for, being cranky, talking back, not saying please and thank you. But to hear this from my child about me and know he was right, it was like a being struck by a bolt of lightning.
Wouldn’t it be nice if I said that after that things turned around, and we had a great Sunday? It didn’t happen that way. The rest of the day was still a struggle. But I was more mindful of my approach and reactions. And of course in true mom form, all I wanted yesterday was a little break. Now that the work week has started all I want is to be back with my kids, even if they do drive me crazy.
***Contributing this post as part of ForgivingFridays on Debbie’s blog Forgiving Connects.***
Oh Lacey this post so touched my heart. You are a great mom, and I appreciate your willingness to love and to grow. You are helping me to be mindful today. Good, good, good post!! Blessings to you and your lovely kids. Even if there are challenging days. 😊😊😊😊 They are all for us to love. Love denote
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Oh thanks Debbie. I don’t always want to post about the sunshines and rainbows but don’t want to look crazy either lol. But really, we do have some hard days. Maybe if other people know that they won’t feel as crazy either. Thanks for always reading and being encouraging Debbie!
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Oops, I meant Love Debbie (my phone auto corrected)
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Auto correct is always making me look illiterate lol I’m THE WORST at sending before correcting my auto corrections.
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Ugh, I got a painful cry lump in my throat reading this. This is real life for me too. I have a 2 and 4year old as well. I get this. ❤ ❤ Thanks for being real.
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Thanks for reading! That’s the way I felt when I read your post today.
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❤
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Lacey, this post has touched my heart. Just know that I understand. There is a saying ‘ been there, done that and got the t’shirt’ . You are a mom, there are going to be days like you experienced. Never feel bad if you too, are wanting a time out, like the moment you needed in your bedroom, it’s okay….everyone still loves everyone. Being a mom, certainly has it’s challenging times. I hope you and your little one’s have a beautiful week. Hugs 🙂
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Oh Lynne. I needed that. I am tearing up in my little cubicle. Seriously, thank you.
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Aw bless them. Mine are 9 and 2 and they had a weekend like that as well. It took me also losing my shit to get them acting right (even though it didn’t last long).
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I’ve heard that from soooo many people. What is in the water?!
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I think all of us moms out there know just what you mean Lacey. When your patience wears thin and you just need someone to take care of you instead of being the on who takes care of everybody! But you know you’re a great mom and can see from the comments, we’ve all been there. Thanks for being so honest and open– it’s so helpful to all of us who read along… thankful to be your blog-friend. hugs.
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Ugh thank you. I hate those days so much bceaise I spend the weeks just wanting to spend my whole days with them.
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Hi Lacey– I get it. But know you’re a great mom– You really love those kids and give them so many sweet experiences. They remember all the fun times! hugs hugs.
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Thanks Rhonda! Our week so far has been completely the opposite and I have no idea what turned it around.
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Glad to hear it Lacey– hugs!
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Oh, I know about this… we all have days like this! Where kids keep unraveling everything you do, asking for things then screamining after they get them… we ALL start to lose it from time to time. Just reminding ourselves that these are children as we take a deep breath is all we can do… and sometimes declare it “naptime”
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FOR REAL!
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Not a parent but Found this super honest and really helpful.
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Aw thanks for that. I thought maybe it would be easy to read and think I was a horrible person or mom.
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YOU are an excellent mommy. Shared in my posts of note today. ❤
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Oh man coming from you that is like a big hug, Thank you! And you just made my day with the Posts of Note, another thank you 🙂
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This weekend I gave my sisters a break and took their boys, ages 3, 3.5, and 5, for a sleepover. It was great, but I felt The Look a couple of times. Like I’m not just Fun Aunt Jay, but also Put Your Coat On! Aunt Jay and Wipe Your Butt! Aunt Jay. It’s kind of funny how someone so little can still press our buttons. How early do we learn that???
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Yes! How do they KNOW?
And also, that was really nice of you.
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Oh God Lacey, I almost started crying when I read this post. The realness of it … and the question your son asked – it went right into my heart. I remember reading this post before and loved it. I love it just as much, if not more now.
Thank you for contributing this to Forgiving Fridays. I am so blessed, and my readers will be too, by the authenticity and openness of your blog. I really love it and you.
Blessings, Debbie
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Thanks for including me and re-reading. Love you too! Hope you have a beautiful weekend.
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Thanks Debbie!
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