It’s so hard to juggle it all!

I wake up every morning at 7. Not sure if I’m hoping that at least some of the kids are up so that I don’t have to spend the next 15 minutes trying to drag them out of bed or if I’d rather the house be silent so that I can have a few minutes of quiet before the mad rush begins.

Either way, it eventually gets crazy. “I can’t find my socks!” “Casey’s taking forever in the bathroom and I need to get in there already!” “Where’s my math book?” “I can’t be late again today!” “Mom, you know I hate tuna sandwiches!” The loudness and complaining continue until…. they’re all gone 🙂 I can’t believe that I have witnessed this open miracle once again. Somehow I got all of the kids out to school! They were fed, dressed, had lunch and snacks all packed up, each got a kiss, and…. a late note. Well, at least they all got out, even if it was a few minutes, or hours late!

Ok, now it’s time to straighten up the house, jump on the treadmill, shower and get dressed, make a few calls, throw in a load of laundry, do the breakfast dishes, pack my own lunch for work, and get out the door in…..exactly 27 minutes, darn!” Is my clock broken? How could it be so late already?” 38 minutes later I am running out the door after quickly straightening up, making one of my calls, throwing in a load of laundry, and putting on the closest outfit I can find. “Didn’t I wear that yesterday?” Oh well. No time for clean clothing. Gotta run!

I make it to work only 12 minutes late, not too bad! Make myself a cup of coffee, and throw myself into my work. Hoping that all is well with the kids, and that I’m not gonna get any phone calls saying, “Hi Mom, I forgot my English report at home, and today is the last day to hand it in.” or, “Hi Mommy, I’m not feeling so well, my belly is making funny noises.”

On the days that I receive such a call, I quickly call my husband for help with a solution. After taking many deep breathes, I get back to work. Next thing I know, it’s time for me to finish up what I’m doing and run to do pick up.

I’m back at home with the little ones, and trying to come up with a plan for dinner. “Think, what is yummy, healthy, easy, and something everyone in the family likes?” Answer number 1- Nothing, Answer number 2- Nothing, and answer number 3- Nothing.

I end up making meatballs and spaghetti, and a big salad. Is it yummy? Well I think it is. It’s relatively easy, and the big salad covers healthy. So what’s left? Does everyone in the family like it? For the most part, yes, and for those who don’t well that’s just too bad. Yeah, too bad on me, right? I either have to listen to them complaining about how hungry they are and there’s nothing in this house to eat, or I have to spend time making something else for them.

Once dinner and homework are out of the way its bath and bedtime. Yet another busy and crazy time at home. Somehow, it all gets done, even if there are some crying spells, and tantrums. What can I do? I just can’t hold back my tears or control my meltdowns!

Finally, the house is all quiet. I sit down with a cup of tea and breathe a sigh of relief. Ahhhh……. I made it through another day. The second open miracle I get to witness each day. When my husband gets home from work he goes in to kiss each kid while they’re sleeping. I follow him in to their rooms and see those precious souls angelically sleeping. There’s nothing like children when they’re asleep. They’re so innocent and loveable. In all seriousness, as challenging as the life of a mother may be, I wouldn’t trade it for anything!