Tuesday, July 31, 2012

Doing It All (I Don't!)

In my dream life, I sit and sip tea whilst I read the Great Classics with some dreamy soundtrack playing gently in the background.  There is usually chocolate somewhere close by as well.  My adoring children are laughing quietly, playing sweetly and reading their favorite stories close at hand.

In my real life, I gulp my too hot tea too fast scalding myself while preparing the next meal someone will complain about, Cupcake pulling on my leg to be pick up and then set down as soon as she is up, someone in timeout, someone yelling, someone achieving temporary deafness to his or her mother's voice that has just requested something be done, or something be stopped.  Meals ready with no one wanting to eat them, dishes piling up, laundry never done and wondering why my dryer is no longer drying things in one round and guilt for not hanging the load on my clothesline in the first place, but knowing I cannot do that without Cupcake running to play in the road as Sweetheart works to add in fence to keep the aforementioned child contained.

No one wants to do school, including the teacher, wondering if I will be able to harvest anything to sell this weekend, or if the weeds will completely overtake the universe, but still excited about the bigger than softball-heading to bowling ball-sized melons I spied amongst the weeds, thinking I should be canning something right now, but just not even willing to go there, wondering how I lost my dehydrator I desperately need this week, and thinking even the neighbors' offers of berries to pick is just one more thing to do instead of the amazing blessing it is.

I can't even seem to get over the neighbors' to get the milk today.  Rejoicing that I am not the one needing to get it out of the cow and however did I do that for six months?  Waiting on a phone call for the last few hours.  (Hooray!  The phone rang while typing this sentence!)  Excited to have another neighbor coming by to buy some of my stuff for gifts.  Hoping I can talk her into taking a few dozen zucchinis home with her teas and lotions.  ;)  Trying to get excited about making Lasagna with Zucchini Noodles for dinner, but thinking it just isn't going to happen today.

Wondering if I should publish or delete this really random post, but figuring this is real life and I hate blogs that make other peoples' lives always look perfect when I am sitting here barefoot because my shoes have chicken poop on them on the back porch.  Maybe I should sit down with something-anything-to read for five minutes and sip some tea before the next mini-crisis begins.

So, how's your day?

10 comments:

Shan said...

Dearest Kimberly,

I haven't been for a visit for far too long. This post just made me giggle.

My shoes are in the mud room right now with, yes, chickn poop on them.

I have my sheets in the dryer, because, well, I just did not want to battle the intense heat today in order to hang them to dry. Kinda sounds a little stupid, now that I actually see it typed out.

I can't think of anything that sounds good for dinner..too hot, and I am too tired. Sandwiches anyone?

Honey, I can remember the times that I had a three-ring circus right under my own roof, as my littles (now all grown up) played, fought, re-decorated and just wanted to be with their Mama.

It sounds just about perfect to me!

Kindredly,
Shan
Honey Hill Farm

Bonnie K said...

Sounds like my kinda day. Sometimes work feels like that ER show that used to be on a crisis every five seconds. Hope you get a bit of time for you tea to cool.

Unknown said...

Kimberly,
Thank you for being honest and sharing your heart struggles. We've all been there, and I think those days (which happen all too often) make us see God's grace all the more (because it is then we see how desperately we need it). It is delightful to read about the brave journey your family is on, living off the land, growing beautiful children, seeking to follow Christ. Praying for you.
In Christ,

Katie

Vicki in UT said...

I think you are amazing to accomplish as much as you do. Little children take lots of time. Gardening takes lots of time. Canning takes lots of time. And you grow enough to sell some, and make teas and lotions, etc., too. I am amaxzed you ever sleep. :)

Bonnie said...

I'm glad you posted it! It keeps you real since I still see you as Wonder Woman living out my dream on a
farm : )

Have your husband check the dryer hose for lint build-up. When my dryer was taking forever, it was just because it needed a good cleaning out.

Hooray for no perfection!

BaileyZimmerman said...

Kim...Perfect!!!!

Love your entry....your train-of-thought is right on track!!!!

Tracey McBride ~ Frugal Luxuries® said...

Hi Kimberly,
Yes, true life isn't all that picturesque, I agree! Even still, now that my children are grown (all in their twenties now :) I look back and realize that in those moments of weary, loving chaos the sweetest, happiest memories are buried. It doesn't seem like it at the time though, I know. It's on days like the one you wrote about when I think about what my dad always tells me during a tough patch, "endeavor to persevere". :) In hind site you will appreciate them more than you can imagine.
Sending love and good thoughts.
Warmly,
Tracey
x0x

becky3086 said...

Well, when my kids were little my life was more boring than anything else. My life is a bit more hectic now but I like it. Things aren't always perfect and I definitely enjoyed your post. Sounds like you need a break though. Leave the kids with him and go take a walk. Walks are so nice for thinking and getting organized.

Brenda@CoffeeTeaBooks said...

Hehehe, posts like this make me realize the Empty Nest is not all that bad.

I hate to tell you this but I'm doing laundry today, all three loads for the WEEK.

I was just telling my husband I can't believe how few loads we now have (it would be more if we didn't have the heat and drought and we were working in the garden more often).

I texted my daughter last night. Her husband is on a long business trip. She responded she can't get anything done as there is no one else there to keep the two year old from TROUBLE. :)

loralie said...

Been there, done that, know what you are feeling. Sometimes it helped me to keep perspective by not focusing on what I did not get done, but instead looking at what I did accomplish.
I'm praying for you to have a blessed day.

LinkWithin

Blog Widget by LinkWithin