Today was a day. Long. Hard. Exhausting. Today was one of those days that I feel like the kids are winning. And that makes me the conquered, the battered. Most days aren’t like this, which makes today that much more unusual. It seems that the compounded effects of numerous little ‘uns afoot, a child on serious bedrest, an exhausting morning at the oral surgeon’s trying to keep two toddlers out of the doctor’s ‘business’, and an afternoon with NO naps by anyone… well, it got to me. It started out well, I got up early and got my stuff done before the kids got up. Everyone got going to school and Jude, Sophie, Tori and I headed to the oral surgeon’s office. I noticed as I pulled out of the garage that the power steering wasn’t working quite right. Upon inspection, the front right tire was very low. I was happy to see it wasn’t too low that we couldn’t get down the road to the closest gas station. Arrived at the surgeon’s just a few minutes late and checked in. Kids played for a while in the office until they started fighting over the duplos and Jude started standing on things that looked unsafe for an unsteady 2 year old. I tried to act like I had it all under control because I wanted to keep on reading the office copy of People magazine. And then he pooped. We went out to the car and Sophie set off the alarm on the car while I was changing Jude in the back of the car. Slightly unnerving. We were polishing off Jude’s noodles (we have to travel with noodles for Jude or he would never eat) when the tech came out to tell us Tori was in recovery. I’m not even going to go into what was going on in that recovery room, just going to leave it at nauseating, stressful and overwhelming to see her so out of it. Didn’t help that Jude kept slamming the top of the metal trashcan down and unlocking the wheels on the rolling bed on which Tori was unsuspectingly reclined. Gotta say I was reaaaally happy to get out of there. Picked up Isabelle and on the way home Jude fell asleep. And there was no waking him up. BUMMER! The cat nap meant he wouldn’t nap the rest of the day, which left me with one ticked off, tearful and crabby 2 year old. Once we returned home with a milkshake and some serious pain meds in hand, I got Tori set up and let the kids play outside. It wasn’t 5 minutes later that they wanted in, pockets full of sand, courtesy of the dreaded, overused sandbox (why can’t they just play on the swings?!?) The rest of the day was a blur of “I wants” and “Mamaaaa” and “I gotta poop” and “PopPop” and “Max! Boots! Show!” (Jude’s theme song when he’s tired/crabby). It doesn’t help that the doc told us yesterday that he’s getting another ear infection. Tubes might be next, but that’s a story for another overwhelming day.
I know that separately all of my kids are smaller than me. Weaker. Easily outmaneuvered, outwitted. But together, well, they’re good and getting better. I liken them to red ants. When they join forces in large numbers, even as tiny as they are, they overwhelm their prey, and endlessly, mindlessly, eat them down to the bone. That’s me. Wo’ out. Sand all over the furniture. Juice spilled on the floor. Toilet paper heaped in the toilet. Jude got way too many PopPops. Isabelle jumped on the furniture way too much. Sophie took out way too many toys without having to put them back. The boys ate candy when they came home from school instead of something healthier. Chores didn’t get done (except by me!) and the house was lookin’ pretty rough come 5:30. And my man doesn’t like to come home to chaos (who does?) By the time he got home I was ready to hand off that baton. They’re yours now, baba. I need to recharge, thankyouverymuch. I need to have a minute or two for just me.
I thank God that every day is a new day. That He can fill in the gap, refill whatever I lack, whatever they deplete. That He will take my burden, my yoke. It’s a big ‘un. ๐
Matthew 11:28-30 “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”
Barbie says
Oh boy did we have a similiar day!! I feel totally exhausted and overwhelmed and beaten up! I am so thankful that each day is new and that He can renew our strength. Thank you for that reminder.
*Overflowing* says
You poor thing! I had to laugh though…the ant illustration is perfect! Yippee for our Lord who does indeed refill us everyday!! Thank you for being honest and sharing about your day. It helps this mama of 5 young ones to remember I’m not the only one that has rough days. It’s also a sweet reminder that us mommy’s are in this together ๐ Blessings, stacy
mom 2 many says
I am in full agreement! Thankfully each day IS new and I can be renewed, restored, refilled!
I pray that your new day tomorrow is much more calm and that everyone gets their naps!
Patricia/NYC says
Oh Stefanie…I am so sorry you had such a DAY of DAYS! Every day IS a new day & He WILL renew your strength & spirit! Prayers go out to you, my friend! Hang in there!!
Hope Tori recovers very quickly!
Wishing you a very HAPPY Mother’s Day!!
HUGS!!!
The Gang's All Here! says
I had a run of days like this, where I just couldn’t catch a break from any direction. All I can say is thank God it was sunny and nice – cuz as much as I love those little boogers, they ALL were herded outside for as many daylight hours as I could squeak by. And that’s AFTER they’d been gone to school all day!
Thanks be to the Lord whose mercies are new every morning – where would we be with out HIM?! I honestly don’t know how women do it without Him! And I’m ever so glad I’ll never have to find out!
AnnaB says
I so loved reading this…not because you had a rough day but, because you have a sense of humor and faith through it all. But, whew, I am seriously tired now!!! What the heck are PopPops anyway?? And why did I find a poop smear (albeit small) on my laundry room wall the other day??? ‘scuse me?????? I’m goin’ ta bed.
Anonymous says
I have a friend who is living with infertility, and just starting the adoption process. She saw my other friend with her five children the other day and says “I want that!”
Knowing we all have those days of chaos, yet knowing even more that the next day will be anew full of fresh blessings.
Hugs,
Cindy
Wendy says
I’ve had many days that felt like the one you just had and I, too, am thankful that each day is a new day (and hopefully we get some sleep between one day and the next). Hope both you and Tori have an easier day today!
Janelle says
oh my! you are one brave soul. I wish you lived near me — I would have babysat the littles : ))
while all this was going on, Chloe & I were sending Shepherd’s square & wish to you….God bless your household with peace and joy!
Andrea says
Big, Big, Wild, Crazy Life! Some days it is O.K. if the chores do not get done. Mom can have a pile of dishes in the sink, filthy kids, and clothes to wash, and it is still O.K. to leave and go to the bookstore for a cup of coffee.
You have to take time and Re-Charge your batteries. God and battery re-chargin’ are the only ways parents of a large families can stay sane.
Don’t feel guilty if some days you look around and think”How did I get here?” We all do, then we have a cup of coffee and we’re over it.
I’m glad your big girl is better.
Wisdom teeth will crowd your other teeth if left alone and alot of them get cavities. She’ll be glad they pulled them. ๐
Luv 2 U,
A
Scott and Sharon Ankerich says
Oh my I had to laugh… I had the same toilet issue yesterday too because I didn’t follow EK to the bathroom . Scott is out of town on business so I had to figure out how to fix it. I went back and forth to town 50 times (slight exaggeration)taking the girls places. I was also @ the doctor with a major urinary tract infection and migraine. A major day so all this to say- I’m right there with you. Praying you have a great day!!! Hope Tori has a good day- my 18 year old Savannah had hers out @ 17 and did very well- sick from medicine but got her strength back fast and healed great. Sure hope that happens with Tori. We found that Savannah just had to stay still and rest!!!
Blessings,
Shay
Val says
Stefanie, I so wish I could bring over a lasagna for you! I hope you got a solid night’s sleep, and that you woke up ready to do it all again. ๐ I know when we are old we will look back on these days and wonder how we did not run away screaming some days. Some day, all those grands will get sent home with their parents…won’t that be fun!
I know a lady who one day got so frustrated with her (many many!) kids that she said she was ready to set them out on the porch with a sign that said “Make an offer.” She said of course she’d never do that, but that day it was Just.That.Bad.
Hang in there. “Lifting up your arms” today! Am I Aaron or Hur? Hur I think. ;o)
Don and Lisa Osborn says
Stefanie~
Praying that today will be a calmer, smoother day for you and that you will feel God with you in each moment–especially the not so pleasant ones.
I know you don’t want to hear it but you inspire me and amaze me!
Love,
Lisa
Kim says
I hope your daughter is feeling better! I enjoy reading about your family life! Your adoption stories are inspiring!!!
Mom To Six says
Oh yea! How I knows those days and those “ants”. I love hearing that “everyday is a new day”. That indeed keeps us going.
You’re an awesome Mama and God will give you to drink from His living waters whenever you thirst, my friend. We just gotta keep remembering to go to the well.
Hugs!
Ohilda
Michelle@Life with Three says
I’m sorry your day was so crazy — but it’s comforting to know that other people have days like that, too! After a day like that, I always find myself saying, “Praise the Lord — everyone’s alive and the house is still standing. That in itself is a huge accomplishment! And, thankfully, tomorrow’s another day.”
Cath says
Ohhhh Stefanie!!! I’m so sorry for your wild and crazy day! If it helps to ease your pain, you sure did make the rest of us giggle with the way you described the littles. Too funny!
Here’s to a better day today!!
Maureen says
I hope today was a better day Stefanie! We all have days that go like that, even with only one child. I shudder to think of myself with several more…they would “red ant” me in no time!
Holly says
I totally understand and I only have THREE!!!!!! (for now)
Thanks for being REAL.
His power is made perfect in our weakness! It’s a good thing, isn’t it? ;+)
Joy comes in the morning- after a LONG hard night of sleep!!
Blessings and sweet dreams!
Holly
kris says
The honesty (and love that shines through) in your writing is what I so love about you girl. I swear there’s a poem being written about kids with sand in their pockets, and that poem begins with the names of your little ones.
Thank God for next days…your faith is amazing and such an inspiration to me. Once again, you make it seem so possible to do this mom thing, alone, with only one. I need that boost in confidence, because as the day draws nearer, I want to run in fear…
Though I did dream this week that she had the faintest of freckles on the bridge of her nose and cheeks. They were so beautiful…
I’m glad Tori got through the surgery though it sounds like it was really tough. Hope she’s feeling better already.
much love to you guys oxox
Susan says
and now even your fingers must be tired from typing it all! ๐
Heather says
I don’t know how you have the strength to make us laugh in the midst of your exhaustion:) I love this post – it reminds me that we are all in this together – one child, four children, eight children, doesn’t matter…we all have those days!! Hoping Tori is feeling better (bless her sweet heart)and that the ants are resting;)
You continue to inspire and rejuvenate me – I thank you for your honesty and humor, I always feel so blessed when I stop to see how you are. Praying for some calm days to balance out the few that feel CRAZY!
Love,
Heather
Amie says
You sure you weren’t living my life yesterday minus the wisdom teeth? good times. I wish I could have been there to entertain the kiddos and get poppop and clean up poop for you. Then you could have turned around and done the same for me. The buddy system.
Thankfully we answer to a gracious and forgiving God who is always there to hear us out and provide us with the Grace and patience to wake up and do it all again tomorrow. And I love that as tough and as exhausting as your days may be sometimes, you get how blessed you are and you never take that for granted.
Love you girl!
๐
Amie