Sunday, February 17, 2008

Confessions of A Christian Working Mom (Part 4): Something's Gotta Give and the Guilt Never Goes Away...

As I said in this post, last week was good. We had a lot of family time, I cooked healthy dinners about 4 of the 7 days (hey, that's an accomplishment for me), even had some romantic times with hubby. But confessions of all confessions, I still am not satisfied because I know many areas in our family life are neglected. For example, I have been very lax with my kids' schooling. I do bare minimum. Both kids need to learn their multiplication table, and I let them get away with not practicing it because of lack of time. I mean why would I want to take those very few precious moments of my day spending time with them and turn then into a tutoring session? When we have time together, I want it to be fun. Unfortunately, their "math skills" (ex. memorizing the multiplication table) are put in the backburner. And what else? The house... oh there were a few moments last week that I "cleaned up and de-cluttered", but it's not a high priority; and because we live here, and because our schedules are hectic and life chaotic, the house most of the time looks like this:


Yes my friends ... somethings gotta give ... we can't do it all. I guess it's a matter to juggling. Want to share how you juggle yours?

10 comments:

BlondeMomBlog (Jamie) said...

I think if you cooked four out of seven days, and healthy to boot, you are doing GREAT! Our kitchen/breakfast bar is a huge clutter hot spot. It drives me nuts but I try to keep things picked up elsewhere.

It's tough to juggle it all and I only go into work four mornings a week! I try to set aside at least an hour daily while everyone else is gone to pick up/do laundry/vacuum etc. That does help.

Don't be too hard on yourself, though!

Unknown said...

You're brave to post a picture of your clutter! Our kitchen looked like that all the time when I was working outside the home (pre-baby). Even now, working from home, it still can get like that.

I think just being aware of areas that need more attention help us work toward improving. Keep it up!

Anonymous said...

Everybody's counter looks like that, only yours is prettier. Be happy for what you got done and don't punish yourself for what you didn't.

I agree with Jamie -- four out of seven meals and healthy, too. You deserve Mom of the Year!

Kristen said...

I hear ya! I know it's tough. I've struggled with it ever since I became a mom. I have two part time jobs right now, and I know I'm sacrifcing some time with the boys. I like your clutter picture though. Looks like my house, so it made me feel good.

Shari said...

I'm trying to get the kids more involved. We have a family 5 minute pick up at 5 pm. I call it the 5 at 5. Even if it takes longer. Since they have to help clean up the clutter, then they are less likely to haul it out again the same day. I've had to accept that there is always going to be a place that piles up with clutter. Usually it's half of the kitchen table and we scrunch around the other half. But I think this is more common than we think. Do moms really have spotless, clutter free homes? Sometimes I cook twice the amount for dinner and save half of it for another night. That cuts down on the cooking.

Katrina said...

You're so right--we CAN'T do it all! When I get overwhelmed with all I'm not getting done, I try to remember the story of Mary and Martha and choose "the better part"! The rest I try to let go...

Kathy in WA said...

Liza - I love the view of the kitchen. Great lighting and (even with the clutter) a lovely kitchen.

I can't juggle it all! It seems like when I am doing well in one area, I'm typically falling in another.

Keep posting!!

Liza on Maui said...

Thank you all dear friends who left loving encouraging comments here. very much appreciated.

Liza

Anonymous said...

Oh Liza, it's so true we can not do it all. When I went back to teaching full time this fall, I told the kids they will need to more chores. So that has helped. I also try to keep the downstairs clean, and picked up and don't worry about the bedrooms upstairs. I also hired a friend to come clean our house twice a month. She is a dear friend and is doing it dirt cheap. I also use my crock pot a lot more, because I feel the same as you that we need to eat together and it needs to be healthy!

I figure someday when the kids are gone I can have a spotless house, but for now, the clutter house is ok!
Have a good week!!
~Sandy

MeMeMe said...

hi Liza. Not to worry anymore. I used to feel so terrible and depressed when I wasn't keeping the house neat. One day, it all changed. the house still gets untidy, but it stopped torturing my conscience. I think i have learned the art of loving and forgiving myself LOL.... I do want it tidy though especially we are expecting company.

No matter how your kitchen looks, you're a great mom and spouse!

Jeannie