Surfing the web can be discouraging. There are many sites I go to for inspiration but sometimes walk away feeling frustrated and confused. I wonder how in the world these women find time to do all these lovely projects, take photos of them, edit said photos and put them into collages, post about them EVERY DAY, and also do laundry, clean house, cook dinner and engage their children and husbands in every day activities.
The truth is I used to be able to do a lot of that – – taking away the blogging about it piece – – when I had two kids. It was fun to research crafts and activities that would boost their thought processes and increase a love for learning. It was easy to leave the television off for days at a time because we were busy doing other things.
And when Ryan came home I thought I would be able to get back to that some but I find myself in a new stage of life. One that requires phone calls, paperwork, pharmacy runs, maintenance medications and medical supply ordering. Oh yeah, and taking care of an infant. The problem isn’t even having enough time to engage the girls… it’s having the energy to plan it and do it. And it makes me sad. I yearn for a simpler time when our days were filled with fun. When I had time to do projects. When I had the energy to help them learn.
But it isn’t where I’m at right now. And I’m wondering if I’ll ever get back there. I miss it.
(c) 2016 Leighann Marquiss
Comments (15)
You’ll get back there. Don’t worry, although I know it is hard if you feel that you are letting down your girls. Remember…they don’t need craft days or play dates to know that you love them. You are there, present in their lives every day, showing them love with a kiss, hug or listening to their stories. They might not be able to understand everything that is going on or has gone on with their baby brother (meaning the mountain that he has climbed and what a miracle he truly is), but when they are older, they will understand and look back on these days and think “What an awesome Mom we have…she is a survivor and not once did we feel that we were forgotten about or neglected because of all she had to do for Ryan!!”
P.S. I think alot of those Mom blogs are not true to life. Let’s face it…there isn’t enough time in the day to take tons of pictures, edit them, play with your kids, feed your kids, do laundry, clean your house, interact with your husband, etc… Something has to give in all of that!! While the internet is a wonderful tool, I do think it causes a lot of self-doubt, self-loathing and feelings of not being good enough. You are good enough and your blog is REAL…that is why I continue to read and pray for you and your family.
those blogs are so not me either. I can’t accomplish half of that stuff.
Girl, you accomplish more fun activities (think of all the fun baking you do!) with your three kiddos in a given day then I can get done with my one. Give yourself a break. Remember that YOU are the exact right mama for your three babes. No one could love them better than you. You are tired for good reason, as you have a lot on your plate. But don’t doubt what an awesome mom you are for even a second!
Meant to tell you in my earlier post of a really good blog to read if you ever get a chance….it is http://www.flythroughourwindow.com
Even though Darby is beautiful, has 3 gorgeous kids, takes awesome pictures and has just a sweetness about her, her blog is real, thought-provoking and wholesome to read. She is not pretending to be something she is not. You will not read her blog and think of any short-comings you might have…you will leave with the some great ideas for cooking recipes, sewing, places to visit, faith based questions, etc…and an overall good feeling.
There is no way I could do all that every day. It’s a project just to get groceries around here LOL
Hey, Leighann,
You’re one of those women to me. I feel so underaccomplished and wimpy after I read your blogs. You’re doing a great job. I keep thinking your husband is so blessed. I can’t imagine doing all of the cooking you do (thinking about the turkey broth blog). And you’re so organized it kills me. I keep hoping I’ll start to do something better 🙂
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Sorry spelling error 🙂
You assume their house isn’t a mess and their said husband doesn’t come home wondering where dinner is and what it might be.
**Remember all bloggers only show what they want you to see.* 🙂
Yes life has its seasons. Enjoy where you are girl, you know you do a great job!
Snail Trail did a great job “getting real” I think you might enjoy this post.
http://thesnailstrail.blogspot.com/2009/12/lets-get-real-mommy-bloggers-are-you.html
((HUGS))
Kelly
Resilient kids is what you are growing.
Hugs! And prayers! I can’t imagine all that you are doing, and wish that it was easier for you. I pray that God gives you the energy that you desire, and the ability to do those things that you want. But even if now isn’t the time, what you are doing is AMAZING and your children are blessed to have you cherishing them so deeply!!! With love and prayers:-)
Don’t break the #1 rule…Do not compare yourself to others!
You have gifts and talents that others do not. You also have responsibilities that others do not. At this time in your life, God has given you the means, knowledge, and talents to accomplish something far greater than making fancy crafts…you are keeping a child alive and healthy.
Please do not be so hard on yourself. Life with eventually give you more time, but right now you have a higher calling. Love and kiss them all the time. One day really soon, waaaay sooner than you think, they will be grown and leading a life where they don’t need you so much. When your life is filled with crafts, you will long for the days when it was filled with children saying “Mommy, I need…” all day long.
Leighann, You are one of the most strongest, most awesome person I know! You will get back there! Your kids know you love them so much for you have done for them, maybe it’s not everyday you get to do what you want with them but you always somehow manage to find time for the and get what you need done. If anything, “there will always be short & long storms, big & little storms, everybody will have storms but there is always SUNSHINE on the other side of the clouds.” :o)
Blogging about your life is one way to show your kids, how hard of a worker you are and they’re gonna love and admire you for it! Phil.4:13-You can do all things through Christ who strengthens you :o) <3 <3
Leighann, I was just browsing the RBC website and came across your video. How powerful! It brought tears to my eyes.
Keep in mind that the best mom there is, is a mom that fears the Lord! You’re an living example of that!
I hope you will have a blessed Easter!
Love, Evelien
Leighann…. I totally understand and I feel that way ALL THE TIME… seriously. I think that God wants us to honor him in how we can each spend our time… and that might mean a season of crafts or picnics or playing on the floor or a baking marathon (which personally I love that you were doing with the girls and they loved it too)… I think all the blog out there can be dangerous because I know they cause me to compare and feel bad about myself all the time… which I know is not the purpose, but they do! HUGS
Hugs! I’ve felt like that at times too. But the truth is, it’s really NOT the most beautiful crafts that end up on your blog that your kids need or remember – it’s simply the knowledge that they mama loves them, which is so apparent in everything you do. And seeing you juggle everything you’re dealing with, and witnessing all the love and miracles that Ryan represents daily, is SO SO much bigger!! Having a picnic in your driveway will leave your kids with a more fun memory than some creative endeavor with egg cartons and glitter glue!