Another long weekend....but today happy MEMORIAL DAY {to all it applies to} really to all of us memorial day remembrance day we all need to remember...those who have gone on..... and those that are/have fought for us to be where we are today....
{Okay turn up your volume.... checkout the new song from Scotty M.{AI}love it!! Kind of goes with this post in thinking of my kids family etc... love it! }
so
{when I make it again I would omit the cinnamon but thats just me}
the tortilla recipe in the book is awesome my kids prefer them over boughten ...
Kids and me were crazy house bound this past week....so much rain... I tried to get my summer organized with what we are doing and to keep the kids busy because if they aren't.......... this mama might not make it :)
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K2 is turning 2 CAN YOU BELIEVE THAT! SO apparently that means the dreaded month between turning 2 till what 4 years old??
WELL within the last week my sweet snuggly sleepy blue eyed
sensitive babe
developed a nice hitting arm.........
a scream..........
and an over use of the word MOM at the top of his lungs!
HE decided climbing up on everything was his new passion....
and got a new "do it myself" attitude
started food throwing off his tray {or stool} where he now decided he sits and falls off of way to much....... so the stools get put up on the counter!
Oh terrible two's I don't miss you!
{But they are far more calmer than the big M's who started at about 6 months and actually is probably still in them ha ha! }
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ME THINKS
Sunday I asked one of my kids to go to the burb with dad to which the child replied " ahh your so mean mom"...
oh sorry for asking for you to go to the burb??
To which somebody standing beside me said
"You must be doing something right."
BUT that got me thinking since thats the kind of week we had last week
{maybe it has something to do with all the dreary weather all this past week so take this post for what its worth and please tell me I'm not alone ;)
{maybe it has something to do with all the dreary weather all this past week so take this post for what its worth and please tell me I'm not alone ;)
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Sometimes life isn't always the way we wish it would be
sometimes those four beautiful miracles
are my four biggest worries/concerns.
are my four biggest worries/concerns.
Sometimes I really feel like I'm getting nowhere....
.....and wonder how kids who don't listen now will ever listen when they get older.....
I wonder if they will ever stop fighting and be nice to each other
{for the most part they are fine}
I wonder if something I'm doing or saying is sinking in or is it something that damages more than it helps? I don't know!
But to be HONEST it so hard being a MOM sometimes as I'm sure most of you who are or who watch others.....can see.....You love them so much want what is best and want so much for them....
I'm constantly frustrated lately by the fact that sometimes kids seem think we are maids think they can order up a meal at the drop of a hat.....etc that they don't have to do anything and I'm mean if I asked them to do something...I've tried chore charts and privileges but they all lose there excitement before to long....
How to get my kids to listen?
How can I be more patient?
How to get them to understand the difference between "your a mean mom" and we just all have chores to do?
How do I instill a good work ethic if I can't even get them to wash the dishes they just used or turn the lights off after they leave the room all small things I know but the small things become big things
Lately I feel so discouraged for lack of a better word of how to change things so that things get done
but done with
but done with
love instead of impatience
done without whining, wailing and crying
done without the drama
done without loss of privileges of what seems they don't care anyway
done without the extra 3 hours to get it done
because some days I feel done with trying to make it work
done with feeling like I'm in the wrong for just wanting to teach my children to be respectful, honest, hard working, well mannered children.....to have values standards and be strong adults who know to be responsible and caring etc etc.....
SO then I go to bed and try again the next day
I pray hard and hope things go better tomorrow....
I pray hard and hope things go better tomorrow....
will it sink in, will it connect sooner than later?
I know that it has to be done without losing my patience I know that
I think
I think
we all know that.......... its just so hard sometimes
so in my research to
help myself and my family and to take a deep breath and remind myself of where I want to be and the kind of mom/person I want to be
help myself and my family and to take a deep breath and remind myself of where I want to be and the kind of mom/person I want to be
we all can with help....from up above and from each other....
{for those who always ask where i get all my quotes the answer is everywhere
and my new addiction is pinterest thanks Holly D for that just what i needed haha!}
Make a difference....
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PS..... I'm giving back.... It's TIME for a giveaway so what better than this AWESOME cookbook.....
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PS..... I'm giving back.... It's TIME for a giveaway so what better than this AWESOME cookbook.....
so leave a comment
thats it. I'll pick a winner on friday....
If you already have it enter anyway and pay it forward!
54 comments:
Loved the article! I have to admit I was a spanker, like the article said "it worked when we were kids right?" well I have realized (and sadly it took me a long time, but hopefully not a damaging amount of long)that it truly does only instill fear and I do not want that for my children so with time and LOTS of deepbreathing I have reformed! I often feel like Shelby gets the brunt of me as I am learning to become the parent Heavenly Father knows I can be. I struggle with my patience, I swear I was only meant to be a babysitter and not a mother some days! I get discouraged, feel alone and unsure of myself, but than I read blogs like yours and Dawna's and I am reminded of what life is truly about. I am uplifted and reminded that I am not alone; not only do I have other mothers to talk with who probably go through similar frustrations with their children, but I also have a Savior who is with me always! Thankyou for you blog soooo much it truly humbles me and helps me.
Christal, reading your blog is like reading my own thoughts sometimes!!! I especially love the rocking chair quote! I love your blog, and I love "Our Best Bites"!
can i qualify even if i'm just your lowly sister!? i hope so. i really do want that cookbook. it seems to be the rave...and this time i want to join it. haha.
one kid, two kids, four or more...no matter how you look at it, it is tough to be a mom and to instil all the good qualities we hope they'll remember and make a part of them...it's in the every day and you are doing it...your kids will be great if you never give up on them and keep being "a mean mom" in the right sense of the word. They know. They are learning, but they know.
Great Post Chris. Love ya!
You are definitely right about the cookbook -- I use mine every single week and I haven't had one bad recipe yet! It is definitely worth every single penny!
Hey, I almost bought this on Saturday while we were in Cardston! Looks like I need to pick one up if I don't win! And really, I've been having these exact thoughts lately... isn't it great we're not alone. Thanks for the quotes :)
Your posts are usually just exactly what i need! Thank you so much for that! Oh, and i've been DYING to try out that cookbook! I've got my fingers crossed!
um, I could have written this post. sounds exactly like my house! thanks for making me feel normal.
I love your "venting." YOu are always so spot on in your comments and quote. I enjoy reading your blog! Before I had my daughter 7 months ago, I was so critical of how people around me parented. THey never did it right...haha Now I realize how foolish I've been in thinking it was so easy. Motherhood is the hardest job in the world, but I wouldn't give it up for one second!
after going MENTAL lately with bedtime (but the sun is UP still among a thousand other excuses) i just made a bedtime chart for the kids tonight and i said to derek i wonder how long the excitement for this will last?! some days i swear i am just wasting my time trying to 'parent.' you know you are a fantastic mom and the fact that you worry means only that you love them to death! now if i did enough sucking up i'd like to win that book because i LOVE that site!
Patience is my biggest downfall as a mother, I wish I had more....
i love your blog and i'm sure every mom wonders how they can be more patient!!
I saw that cookbook at Time Out and really wanted it, but I was on a limited budget. As for the kids thing, if you figure out the trick to being patient with kids who make you want to run for the hills screaming, please pass it on because I could really use the help. Love ya!
I love reading your blog! Keep it coming!
I wanted to buy it at time out too but they were sold out! BOO!!!
If it makes you feel better I also feel like all I ever do is ride tail on the kids to get things done. How come they only listen when you ask the billioneth time with an ever increasing tone of voice??? And then at the end of the day you feel horrible because all you have done is be snarky and bossy and mean. Thanks for the post - was going to comment even without the giveaway! And K2 isn't alone - sweet Marshall has started all those things too. I thought it was due to Soren but it must just be because they have a birthday coming up. Good thing they are still cute!
ooooo - this book looks yummmmmmy!!!! i would love one and love the rocking chair quote - so true! good luck with those 2's over there too :) i feel your pain!
ooooo - this book looks yummmmmmy!!!! i would love one and love the rocking chair quote - so true! good luck with those 2's over there too :) i feel your pain!
You just remember your not alone! We all want are kids to be good and they want to test our limits!
Keep up he good work! Your a great mom!
I think the rocking chair quote was the best. That's totally me. I always have to be worrying about something. Heaven forbid we just let it go. Christal, you're an amazing mom. I know there are hard days, but I promise that for a while it will be good...really good....then they'll get to be teenagers and it will all go out the window again! But I think you're fabu and that's what really counts!! have a great day
I have a book that saved my sanity at just the right time and I need to go back and read it more often. It's "How to talk so kids will listen and listen so kids will talk". I'm sure you've heard Mary-Rose talk about this book but it really helped me out A LOT!
I looked for this cookbook at TOFW but it was sold out...of course! I have gone to their blog and looked at some of the stuff they make...so yummy looking!
Being a Mom IS hard. After my Dad died someone gave my Mom a picture of the Savior that said "I never said it would be easy, I only said it would be worth it". I find this to be so true. I struggle, too, with feeling like you do and trying to figure out how to teach Tanner to understand that work is good and that's what we are suppose to be doing. On days where it's a struggle, I have to remind myslef that in the Eternal Perspective it is worth it. We also have to pick our battles. Part of being a Mom is knowing our children and some days they have hard days, just like the rest of us. On those days, I try to be more sensitive and if a couple of jobs don't get done, I don't sweat it. I know that it will get done tomorrow and that Tanner won't have bad/hard days every day. Sometimes being a Mom and being sensitive to our childrens needs is sometimes a little more important than stressing out if they don't want to do the dishes because they need some one on one time. It's harder when they're just...for total lack of a better word and in no way am I suggesting your kids are this...lazy and don't want to listen. We're not perfect and so sometimes we have to just be forgiving and gently remind them.
Sorry that this is so long winded. I know you are doing the best you can and you ARE a good Mom. Never doubt that. It's 'what's his no face' that wants you to feel this way and sometimes when we struggle, the best thing to pray for is comfort and peace in knowing that we are doing the best we can in the moment. It is so easy to get lost in the feelings of self doubt and we ALL get lost in them...believe me...I know I do as well.
You are such a good person inside and out and you are such an example and strength to so many. Just remember that "this too shall pass".
okay, nothing like a giveaway to get the blog stalkers out! Ha! I've been reading your blog for a while, i found it through the blog list of one of my friends.
I also have the same complaints with kids. It's so hard to keep the patience when the house is a mess and NO ONE wants to help make it clean again! I am NOT a maid! I have come to terms that it won't ever be easy. Kids are kids. They will need to be constantly reminded and helped to keep their rooms tidy and pick up after themselves, but hopefully when they leave home and have their own space, they will remember how to work and be happier. All this work is worth it in the end, right? Right??
Anyway, thanks for the giveaway, and the uplifting blog. I really enjoy reading your blog.
Sounds yummy!
I think everyone's kids have been tough lately, I blame it on the rain and being stuck inside, hopefully this week is better with the nicer weather!
I would love that cookbook, I just discovered the website a couple months ago. We make that soup all the time, and even my kids eat it! I just don't put as much garlic in it as they call for.
You know I am right there with you on the frustrated mom issue. I just want someone to tell me how to discipline/teach my kids and I'll do it! I think we need more late night walks to clear our heads. I can take Oscar and go any night. It puts him to sleep too so I don't have to!
You better pick me... I know where you live!
Christal, if I'm being 100% honest right now I'd have to tell you that every single time I babysat your beautiful children I always told myself I wanted to be just like you were as a mom. You are such an example to me of a great mom! You have more patience than you think, your creative, fun, loving, and exactly what a mom should be! I miss your kids! :( lets play one day? haha Alsoooo I would LOVE this cookbook because if you've read my blog you'd know that my husband is VERY picky and I cannot cook anything right...for him anyways...i dont have any problem with the things I make haha But Im always trying to find new recipes that he would like and everyones been raving about this book so I would LOOOVE to win it :)
Christal, you are so motivational...I struggle with 2 and have no idea how you do it with 4. This has been one of THOSE weeks with my big guy and unfortunately for him Daddy and Mommy have come up with a plan of some pretty tough love if he keeps it up. It's nice to read that other parents are trying so hard. Just breathe is my favorite motto lately. :)
I would love to win this book, I've tried some of the recipes as well and love them..so easy and yummy!! :)
I love the rocking chair thought. My life is so stinking hard right now. Sunday I stood in my dining room bawling like a baby in my pajamas at 12:55 {church starts at 1} saying to my hubby in that cry-squeeky voice...."I CAN'T DO THIS. I AM NOT STRONG AMYMORE. I AM WEAK AND I CAN'T DO THIS!!!!!!!" He just stood there in his suit looking at me......I climbed in bed and cried. Love the rocking chair thought. I am worring myself sick. Any way thanks. I would love to win the book......but I never win anything :} Sure do love you.
I loved your worrying is like a rocking chair quote. What a good one.
I love giveaways...and food..so thanks.
I love Our Best Bites, I've given it away to some people but don't have one for myself yet :)
LOVE the rocking chair thought - people tell me that all the time because I am a big worrier!
Okay, so I have been feeling this exactly lately with my kids too, how to teach our kids, get them to listen etc. etc. Jeff and I had a good discussion about it last night actually. I have read this talk a couple of times and re read it last night again, trying to seek inspiration and direction. http://lds.org/general-conference/2011/04/what-manner-of-men-and-women-ought-ye-to-be?lang=eng
learning that being a mom is hard and then just when you think you have it figured out then something else pops up, or another challenge comes your way. But we love them so much and that's why we continue to try. Guess its like our Heavenly father and us. Anyways, thanks so much for this post, I feel like many things have happened in the last week that have been inspired to help me along. Like our home teacher had this lesson on this talk that I mentioned above which is why i re read it yesterday, your post, Jeff and our chat, finding out that Bryce is a terror in nursey and that we need to do something about it etc. Thanks and I really do think you are an awesome mom. I look up to you.
Oh and I really want that cookbook. I have tried quite a few recipes from their site and liked all of them (well except their sweet potato fries - they were good, but I have a different recipe from eat shrink and be merry that I like way better) So I always use their site, but would love to have their actually cookbook. So pick me!
Hey Christal! I love reading your blog, it is always so uplifting! I don't comment very often, but wanted you to know I do keep up and enjoy your posts.
I would love the cookbook, I think my hubby and kids are getting tired of the same 'ol all the time!
Christal, I think you hit it right on... anyone who is a mom feels like that. :) You are awesome!
Hi Christal, Just keep plowing through and take heart knowing that you are not alone! We all have our ups and down and downs don't make you a bad Mom. They just give you time to evaluate yourself a bit and then pick yourself back up and carry on!!
I have been checking the Our Best Bites web site a lot for recipes so I would love to win this cookbook!
YES! I feel the same way! Try homeschooling, YA right. Life is crazy and hard but it has so many good parts too! Good to know I am not alone.
Gotta love the mom moments and questions... I'm in the same boat a lot of the time, wondering if I'm doing anything right...? :) Good thing we don't have to do it on our own! Oh, and I LOVE the Best Bites website/recipes -- SO yummy!! :)
Christal, you know I think you are an awesome mom! All mothers feel exactly like you do at times. Hang in there!! xoxo
PS-That cookbook looks so good!! :)
After reading your post as well as everyone's comments, it is definitely nice to know that we are all not alone in our daily struggles of motherhood. My SIL recommended this book to me "Breaking the Good Mom Myth" by Alyson Schafer. I'm almost done it, and so far I've really enjoyed it, and can't wait to read through it again. It has been a real eye opener of why my kids act the way they do, and how my actions affect them as well.
PS - I would love to win this cookbook!!
I just love your blog! I really should comment more often. I love the worrying quote! LOVE IT! The good book looks delish!
Hey Crystal, love your blog, you seem to inspire me a little everyday so thankyou for your posts. I would love a great cook book especially with summer coming im always looking for new fun recipees!! thanks, Jody
I really appreciated your thoughts and concerns voiced in this entry. It made me stop and think of some things that pertain to my own motherhood right now...
I do not have the cook book- but have seen it everywhere LDS store based, and have been tempted to buy it. {I already have a huge stash of cook books however and couldn't justify it right now, as I am barely making it through those ;) LOL} However, I will gladly enter your cute and generous giveaway! Have a great day ♥
I've heard great things about that book! Thanks for doing a giveaway. You're great.
p.s. I worry about all those same things with kids and I don't even HAVE any yet. You are not alone!
OH I feel your pain on the sweetness draining from a child. How I miss happy go lucky Emma. She still is sweet but man oh man she is determined.
I have decided that prayer is the only thing that is going to get me through parenthood. Prayer and faith.
I just joined pinterest this past week.(had an invite for awhile but kept forgetting).
Love the cookbook. Bought that awhile ago. I also LOVE everything in it, I also love there are pictures for everything too!!
Your a good mom Christal! Your kids are great, even if I'm a little biased. =) Love ya.
I almost bought that cookbook this morning in town, but just couldn't justify it. I love their recipes!
So this will be the first comment I've written, I must really need the cookbook, or I feel your exact same thoughts. I know you don't know me but I am originally from Fort Macleod and grew up with Terisa Mora and that's how I found your blog. I'm adddicted. I am always inspired with your blog and how even when it's a serious topic there is always a silver lining to every entry. I waited a long time to have kids due to some dumb decisions, other things beyond my control and the list goes on and on. I do have a 1 year old now and am due in another 6 weeks with my second. I always wanted to be a mom whichever way I could and now that I am I was surprised at how discouraged, lonely, frusturated, exhausting it could be and then all of a sudden there is a little smile, little arms that wrap around my neck and an opened mouth kiss (have to admit, not the nicest blessing from a 1 year old) I am so grateful for the chance to be a mom and thank my Heavenly Father for this sweet little spirit and the one on the way that I feel so inadequate to guide back to him. Sorry for rambling, but I'm always inspired by your posts. Thank you!!!! Shannon
After telling you that I didn't enter cause I didn't want to be the first one I almost forgot to come back and comment!! i am such a ditz!! In so much of my life and you are such a great friend and inspiration as a mom and person!! Love ya! Feel your pain, twos are HARD!! (and so fun at the same time) I love my little crazy R even with the tantrums and late late late late nights. LOVE YA!!
I wasn't going to comment; however, after reading your last post I just wanted you to know what an amazing woman you are!!!
I agree with not waisting your life online, and I do keep up with you on your blog! Just so ya know. Love ya!
Do I get to enter even if I'm in Switzerland?
So, if you want a really intense parenting article- I just read this one and I really really loved it. It's kindof hard-core. You have to decide am I really going to buckle down and be more in control. But anyhow, you can read it and see what you think. (it's 33 pages long, just so you know... do you think Brett will ever read it like I want him to? probably not...)
http://www.headgates.org/resources/2.%20Parenting.pdf
I love your blog... and the wise things you say, that always get me thinking and feeling I should be doing better.. If I dont win the cookbook, I'm going to buy one in the States next time we go down
Have a beautiful day !!
Christal,
Whenever I need a lift I just come to your blog. Seriously. You are a wonderful mother. I wish I had had it together like you do when my kids were younger. The older ones will just have to forgive me. LOL We can not always be perfect but I think you know that but we can be pretty close and you are. Cherish everything because time is just going to keep spinning faster and faster. I think we should be in the same ward. Could you move?
Looks like everyone mom is in the same boat! We just think they look perfect with there perfect children!!!
I've been wanting this book for awhile so I guess if this fails, there's always online!!!
Long time reader...first time commenter! You have beautiful blog and a beautiful family. Thanks for sharing your thoughts and your treasures with all of us readers. All the best to you.
Linda
Mom and Grandma in the Midwest
Ack! This is the PERFECT giveaway for me. I've been DYING to buy this cookbook, but for financial reasons have had to restrain myself. I love their recipes too!
HA Ha!! Nothing like a giveaway to find out who is reading your blog, eh? Shoot!! Looks like I'm too late.
Oh well.....I bought me the book just before TOFW. Awesome isn't it!!
I totally hear ya on the "I am SO done" feeling discouraged feeling. I just can't seem to catch my breath these days. I keep taking a look at my daily life and trying to figure out what I am doing wrong. Where I can cut out a few unnecessary things to give me back some more sanity or time........and you know what?........I just can't seem to find it!!! Seriously! What is wrong here. *sigh*
Oh well....just wanted you to know I seriously KNOW what you are saying about being discouraged lately. I feel bad that you are feeling that way......but take comfort in knowing that I am not the only one. Gotta hang in there together, right?
Hope you and D can have a good time away together in July. It really is a PAIN in the neck trying to get things all together just so you can go {My D and I are doing the same thing...trying to get things set before we go}, but once it's done, it will be SO worth it. Right?!
Hang in there! Hugs!
P.S. Hope to catch up on my blog and Colby's too soon. It's been just one thing after another around here. Was at meetings all day and then I got a flat tire {and it's been raining all day} and now I've got to get myself off to a Seminary Banquet and grad. I just took a moment to hide in my office here for a good cry and check in on you. ; D
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