Tima for Mama

Isn't it nice, that as stay-at-home-moms, we have time to sit around all day, doing nothing but eating, chatting with our friends, and catching up the TV shows we might have missed?  Aren't we just the luckiest people that we get to excuse ourselves from not working "real jobs" since we are "moms"?

HA!

Double HA!

I think most mothers, especially those of young children, would agree that being a mom is one of the hardest (and yet most rewarding) things we have ever done.  The work is non-stop.  The work is filled with heart ache, frustration, cleaning up messes, wiping noses, changing diapers, cooking meals (that are then left uneaten), cleaning more messes, settling disputes, changing clothes, trying to find to take a shower, eating some goldfish as we drive from here to there and everywhere, cleaning up even MORE messes, and so on.  It is constant.  It is hard.  But it is wonderful.

Being a mother is the most wonderful thing I have ever done.  I love curling up on the couch, reading to my little ones, watching them explore and learn about their world.  I love seeing their little personalities start to flourish.  Even today, I watch in amazement as my oldest is busy wiggling her first loose tooth and my youngest is obsessed with her favorite word: Maggie (who by the way, is the dog -- no matter that she doesn't even say mama yet.) It is thrilling ride and I know that I am so blessed to do what I do.

However....

There are days that I want to run away.  There are days that I want nothing more than to crawl back in bed all day with a good book and not hear the word, "mom" all day. I get tired.  I get frustrated. I get overwhelmed.  And when I get to that point, I know that it is time for mama.

I have always believed that it is important that moms get some time alone -- away from their kids.  For an introvert like me, time alone alone is what I need.  For extroverts, maybe a few hours out with friends is just the ticket.  No matter what your form of refreshment, as a mom you need some time away.  Getting away, refocusing, and having some quiet will do nothing but make you a better mom.  We can't parent our precious little ones when we are running on empty.  So we need to fill ourselves up -- with time for mama. 

Today is one of those days.  I've hit a wall.  I've come to the point where I am not being effective in my parenting.  I am short on patience and all out of energy reserves.  And so, I am heading out.  Going out for a few hours by myself -- maybe some coffee, getting my hair done, maybe a little shopping.  Just enough time to refresh and remember why I love being a mom so much.

Comments

[Kelly]

I think you need to remember that not all moms can stay home and those of us who do stay home to help out (aunts, grandmothers, etc) "work" just as hard as moms do - and love every moment of it as well!

[jenny]

I know those days well! Love the new blog.

[Kim]

I totally agree and relate to you in this. In my case, and cause it's summer, add in some teenagers along with little ones and it's not much better, but like you, I do love it. Mom time is so important and we need that to renew ourselves or otherwise we might end up sitting in a crazy ward. And, we are much better mama's for it! Love the new blog!

[lisa (momy4him)]

as a mom of six, i absolutely agree! for me, just being able to get away for even an hour does wonders for my attitude. it's win-win for everyone, including my husband!

[Amy in Peru]

yep. I do know exactly what you're talking about. We have a difficult yet very rewarding job! I wouldn't trade it for the world!

I too have had a hard last couple of days, uh make that, last couple months... mommying during moves and culture adjustment (we spent 3 months in the jungle, are now back in the city getting ready to go back) and sickness and... you know how it goes. But all the while the Lord has been SO good to me to give a wonderful respite here in the city over the last weeks. I have never appreciated a hot shower and a Starbucks coffee more! :)

I am a firm believer in mama time, and I've found that it is most valuably (I make up my own words sometimes :) spent soaking in the beauty, at the feet of the Savior! Every morning I get a little bit of that refreshment... somedays the glow even lasts until lunch time! I was telling the Lord that I may need to carve out time in my schedule at midday too for a refresher to get me through 'til bedtime; especially during the difficult months!