Exhausted….

Does anybody remember October? I don’t. I was excited and got pumpkins out near the first of October and then, boom it was Halloween. But everything in between is gone. Oh and November? That was a blur. I had a birthday somewhere in there and ate some good food with family on Thanksgiving but that’s all I can remember. And now it’s December. Already? My favorite time of year is almost over. I LOVE October through December. But with all the band activities, sick kids, flag football, basketball, gymnastics, dance, and school activities I’m spent. Don’t get me wrong, I seriously love all the stuff my kids are passionate about, but it makes for a crazy hectic schedule. Add in all the behavior issues that occur in our home, you’ve not only got one exhausted mama but you’ve also got one really spent family.

I want to take my kids to all the seasonal fun things that I see families post all over Facebook and Instagram, but by the time I get home I’m exhausted. I’m trying so very hard to spend quality time with each one of my kids throughout the evening. Just taking a moment and being present with them. Listening to what they have to say without giving advice (unless I just have to). Giving them an opportunity to be themselves no matter how awkward or scary it might be. But I’ve only managed to do this a few times a week. They all fight for that one on one time. My sister can do it. She spends 30 minutes a night per child and she has the same amount as I do. They get to choose what thing they want to do with her; talk, crafts, play a game, whatever. It sounds so splendid, but how on earth do I fit all of that in?

My bedroom is a disaster, laundry is backed up, and I have done a poor job of meal planning lately. Suddenly eating healthy is no longer a priority. It’s become whatever I can throw on top of the stove or in the oven. My husband is in the same boat. Just plain exhausted. I’m not writing to complain or ask for pity, I’m simply writing this to show other moms, that yes, I’m dying over here too.

So, here’s my plan for the rest of December: I want to be present and in the moment. I want to TALK to my kids about whatever they want to talk about instead of constantly dishing out consequences and lectures of making better choices. I want to make memories with my kids as the holidays approach. I’m a little nervous about how I’m going to muster up the strength for all of us so I will keep you posted.

We can do this moms. We can do this.