I was asked by my friend, Meagan at The Charming Farmer, to join in on a fun blog hop to chat about the ups and downs of Motherhood while juggling projects and the over-all craziness that happens around here at Windgate Lane!
That might actually be a short novel, and with it being summer, productivity is at an all time low with my two loves around all day. But let’s start with a little tongue and cheek letter that I wrote to my husband the other day…
**Dear Husband,
I want you to know that early on in the day I was dressed and had make-up on (not gonna lie, the hair was mostly dry shampoo) but during the course of the day things took a turn.
Running one errand in 102 degree heat caused extensive damage to my make-up and I’m not sure, but I think dry shampoo does not do well when combined with sweat.
After I dried my arm pits out and had some lunch, the boys got me all packed up and ready to go to the pool! Which really consisted of me (still sweating) wriggling into my bathing suit which resulted in two pulled muscles, and then hog tying them both to apply lotion all while searching for the one minions flip flop that of course was found on the kitchen counter.
It was at the point that we arrived at the pool that I realized none of us had gone to the bathroom prior.
After 15 minutes of taking assorted swimsuits on and off that were all stuck to us like glue (102 degrees), we found some chairs, dumped our stuff and go in the luke warm pool.
My lifeguard duties ended about 2hrs later. I took 2 balls to the head (thank God my dry shampoo/ sweat mixture had created some sort of barrier) and then dragged two children (possibly my own) out of the pool along with about 8 bags of assorted pool toys and floats (also possibly my own).
The car ride home was pleasant. The hot air blowing on our faces… hungry, hot, and tired 6 and 8 year old boys in the back seat…
On arrival we all took showers and really relaxed! Getting wet suits off of water logged elephants comes to mind. Then trying to bath myself (don’t forget my pulled muscles) while fielding questions about dinner and shielding myself from being watched while trying to shower, I really used that time to get my head in the game!
You will be home soon dear husband and if you don’t find me downstairs with a hot meal on the table, I may be upstairs… in bed… with no make-up… and wet hair… and in the fetal position… **
Ahhhh yes… the fetal position. I have some methods for getting a project done or even just getting the kitchen clean. And I would be a huge liar if I didn’t tell you that putting on a movie is one of them!
My boys are rarely still. Like never. But if I know I need to have some uninterrupted time, (kinda) I will save a movie that might captivate them for awhile. Not a ground breaking tip I realize! But let’s say I have to paint some furniture- I’m gonna need their little hands away from the action.
My other go to is having them help in some way! I learned that tip from both my Mom and Dad. They always included us in their projects and I loved it!
It is dependent though on if I am painting my own furniture or a client’s (they may not care for the globby look) but if they can do one side that I know will be against a wall- then have at it!
Especially if it’s a project for them- for instance the drawer fronts on these nightstands (details here) were pretty straightforward for my oldest son’s room and both boys helped to stain them and then wipe the stain off (yes they were wearing gloves).
And then this dresser (details here)… well the back of it might have a lot of uneven paint on it… but hey- it got done! 😉
When you have a family, priorities change. We have all been there- red faced and frustrated that every single thing we hoped to accomplished in a day was not even touched because of a million reasons, none of which we can really recall, but all of which helped to sustain the lives of our children!
Those days happen… but I still make a real effort to squeeze in some ME things- no matter what that means (fetal position).
Hang in there Momma’s- it’s a heck of a thing we do everyday and if we can accomplish a few things of our own, I think it just shows our kids that we value ourselves and work hard too!
Thanks again Meagan! And Don’t forget to check out the rest of the fun posts in this series!
Day 1 Mamas:
Day 2 Mamas:
Danielle @ 2 Little Superheroes
Amanda @ Dwelling in Happiness
Rachel @ Shades of Blue Interiors
And just for fun we are also throwing in a giveaway! Enter to win a $15 giveaway to Lowes and Target for a little fun summer shopping 🙂
#DIYmama Giveaway
xoxo
B
Oh that letter to your husband is damn funny! And honestly, I’m seeing my future….
Yes… I’m afraid it is fairly accurate 😉
Me time. Riiiiight. Love the way you include your boys and of course that letter is the best. Dear husband…
xx
Love this!!!! My letter may go something like this “Dear Husband….whatever state the house, the kids, and your wife are in when you get home, just count your blessings the house is still standing and everyone is safe. Oh and look what I painted after I walked by the sink full of dishes and the clean laundry waiting to be folded” 🙂
Totally relate! Survival should be rewarded 🙂
I loved your letter to your husband, so true!! I also love the idea of letting the kids help when there’s an opportunity. It’s so fun teaching and working with them in those projects, and I bet they love it, too!
Thanks Amanda! The projects take a bit longer when they ‘help’ but it makes it a fun family activity 🙂
Such a funny letter that is so so relatable! You are a great writer and I love that you find ways to include them and I also love that you post less and slow down during the summer! Love your post!
Thanks so much Rachel- the struggle is real for balance! 🙂