This recent weekend was General Conference and I remember none of it. I was in my living room listening to it while the toddler was going crazy and the twins were being noisy. I wish I could tell you what at least one of them said, but I can't even do that. Justin told me that the reason that they print the talks now is so that parents of young kids can go back and remember what they heard in the midst of chaos.
I always look forward to Conference. We, as Latter-Day Saints get the chance to hear words of wisdom from our wonderful leaders and then we get to ponder them for the next six months. I know that if you come with questions, you will get answers. Well this time, I had questions, but I dont know what my answers are.
The question then becomes was the problem me or my kids. Perhaps I didn't really know what my question was, or perhaps my question was to easy. Also perhaps, my kids are too crazy and way too loud for me to even think about anything during conference. I tried to get activities for Natalie so that she would stay focused. I even got candy, (yeah that backfired). Suddenly Natalie was more interested in the candy then listening at all. Mat was being his regular noisy self and Libby just wanted to be held by me and only me.
Needless to say, at the end of the day I was going crazy. I called my father to say goodbye (Because they are going on a mission and entered the MTC today) and he told me a few things. He told me that I am doing a great job being a mom to my three kids and that it may be hard but it is worth it. Little did I know that my question was being answered in those few minutes that I had with my dad.
Sometimes life is hard, sometimes I want to scream, sometimes I want to laugh and sometimes I want to cry. The best thing that I can do is START to find joy in the little things.
You're wonderful! Thanks for sharing your experience as a mom. Also didn't your parents just get home from a mission?
ReplyDeleteThe problem wasn't/isn't "you" or "your kids." And it's more a fact of life than a problem. General Conference is NOT a time to judge your parenting skills or efforts. (My friend and I just discussed this ourselves on Sunday, so take heart that you are not alone.) Nor btw is Stake Conference or even Sacrament meeting OR going to the grocery store! (Ugh, I think that's actually the worst!!!! I'm not gonna lie --- I love that I can go to the grocery store without little kids :) Having little kids means energy and chaos and "needing mom". AND you are in the thick of it. So, listen to your dad. (And your sister.) You are doing your best. That is all you can do and IT IS enough. Being a mom IS hard but it IS worth it. Love you.
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