Juggling Elephants

I know what I am about to say is bold, but I have been thinking about it for some time, and I just really need to vent it out. I also wonder if anyone else feels this way, which I am sure you do, because how many demands can really be placed on us before we crack?

Do you ever feel like you are trying to Juggle so much already, and more needs to be added to the mix? And you have no idea how you are going to do what you are already doing let a lone add more to it? Being a parent is hard, and being a good parent is even harder. And being a parent of kids that have special needs above and beyond the "norm" is even harder still. But it's really hard to teach them responsibility, and accountability, respect and to serve and love one another. It's really hard to get them to learn how to read, and do their homework. It's hard to balance family and all that comes with it. And church and the time demands, and the different requirements for me and my kids. And then of course there is the kids and school With fund raisers and who wants me to go eat lunch when, or who's party I may or may not be able to attend. Then you add in Dr. appointments and exercise and trying to be healthy, and trying to eat what's good for you and your family, but everyday what is good for you changes depending on who you talk to or what you read or who says what on TV that day. Then how do I even have a spare minute for myself to read a book, take a relaxing bath or do something that I want to do? Or what if someone doesn't like what you did in a certain situation or what you said? How can I live my life and try and please everyone else too? Is it too much to want to be accepted for who you are? Sometimes it just seems to be too much. Sometimes I wish I could just snap my fingers and make it all better. Sometimes I wish there really were such things and magic to help make things easier and crystal balls to give me answers. But Life is just hard, and the answers are hard and they don't come easy.

8 comments:

  Anna

February 6, 2011 at 10:18 PM

Hugs Elizabeth. I wish I knew what the answers were, but I just wanted you to know that I'm thinking of you. You are right - being a parent is hard. And exhausting. And messy. And frustrating. And worth it. Call me if there is anything I can do or if you just want to vent!

  Stefan Boyer

February 6, 2011 at 10:43 PM

You juggle elephants so beautifully!!! You are an amazing woman with an amazing family who are learning everything you are teaching them. You have great kids, whom we adore. Keep up the great work. It is worth it.

  Tippettsfam

February 8, 2011 at 7:05 AM

I know how you feel sometimes Liz. The only comment i can think of is "Weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning.” Ps. 30:5.

Love you

  Angie

February 9, 2011 at 7:45 AM

It's constant isn't it? All of the juggling that is required as an adult, than as a parent and responsible person. It can be overwhelming to all of us. To each is there own and their own set of things to juggle. Your feelings are not just your own, but the feelings of a lot of us. I just think sometimes we can handle them better than other times.

Make time for you. Get a sitter and forget about the little things and just get out. Get a fresh perspective and come back rejuvinated.

I'm learning how to let some things go and focus on the most important and pressing ones first. This too is a challenge.

I've always been impressed with you and your ability to multi task and get things done, while also being a wonderful and attentive mother to your kids. You can do anything, you really can! Love you and miss our Bunco chats each month.

  Marly

February 10, 2011 at 1:45 PM

I wish there was a little fix it button too.
It has been interesting having an 8 yr old now. I love that he can describe how he feels. He got hurt yesterday and I held him. I think he realized he loved the attention from me because he wanted it the rest of the night. It was kind of a happy moment in the midst of all the chaos.

  karee

February 19, 2011 at 6:43 PM

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  karee

February 19, 2011 at 6:58 PM

ps- for some reason we all measure success by how much money we make or how big our house is etc.... But, what if that is not what life is all about. What if success is really measured by how well we are doing with what has been given us. All you are required to be is your personal best - not compared with the rest of the world. Just you! Maybe success is just getting up in the morning and doing what you need to do. With that being said, you are one of the most successful people I know!!!!

  Grandma T.

March 11, 2011 at 8:40 PM

To me you are wonderful. Your life is anything but easy. But sweet daughter-in-law you are doing an awesome job. I'm proud of you. It is hard trying to know what is the best way to do things at any given time. I wish we were closer and could help more. The one thing I have been learning lately ok maybe two things, 1. always try to have the Spirit of the Holy Ghost near by and with it lots of Faith you will get through it. 2. if we were perfect we wouldn't grow and other people wouldn't have anything to talk about(a little humor there). I love you. Call any time we miss you all.