Tuesday, June 09, 2009

Today Stunk

I do not like my hair.

I found out that Annabeth has a very good chance of coming down with the chicken pox.

Jackson asked me for something every two minutes all day long.

And he's trying to give up his nap.

I yelled at him more times than I can count.

It was my worst mothering day since right after Annabeth was born and I was basically a sleepwalking hormone with greasy hair and B's of Doom.

What was my excuse today? I don't have one.

Today is over in 90 minutes.

90 comments:

Krystal said...

His mercies are new every morning. Rejoice in that sweet friend! Tomorrow is new...

Jacks and Annabeth won't remember a thing! God is good to make kids that way. :)

The Kinley's said...

Splendor and majesty are before him; strength and joy in his dwelling place.
1 Chronicles 16:27

I feel your pain with the yelling, my Jackson too seen a side of me I wish he had never seen. I will be lifting us both up for His joy!

Sleep well my Sister. We will never meet this side of Heaven but I know He is with us in the trenches of being a mommy to toddlers and new babies. He will redeem this day!

Ashley McWhorter said...

Oh my, I am so with you...as I sit here with beyond greasy hair and a sleeping baby on my lap that just got done nursing himself to sleep! It has been a LONG, LONG day, indeed!!!

Kelly @ Love Well said...

Fresh day. Fresh start.

Krystal said it best: His mercies are new every morning.

Kylie said...

I got on to comment the very thing Krystal said-- His mercies are new every morning! and I am thankful for that, every morning!
Sleep well and trust that tomorrow is a new day.
Sorry today stunk though.

Kendra Lee said...

Was going to say... 'His mercies are new every morning', but that has already been said... But it's true. And look! It's morning! Praise Him!

Kelly said...

Bless your heart - I'm sorry.

My hair is killing me right now. I have this HUGE bald spot and I have gray hair sprouting out of it. I had to re-schedule a color appt that I had this week and couldn't get in for 2 more weeks and I dread ever combing my hair because every time I do - I look like a grizzly bear - hair all over me.

You are doing a great job. A&J are lucky to have you as a mom. It is a TOUGH job some days.

Haley said...

I'm sorry! I hope that tomorrow is better! I can honestly say that I totally understand how you feel. I'm there...know you're not alone and remember His mercies are new every morning :0)! Sometimes I wish that I knew you in real life so that we could have coffee or something! Our lives are so similar! And by the way, I'm sure that your hair is beautiful because you are beautiful!

Unknown said...

I am so sorry and hope Annabeth doesnt get chicken pox. I know how you feel. I'm so worried that my kids will "blame" the baby for my grumpiness and yelling at them lately. Anytime I have a really good day, the next one ends up being really bad.

Anonymous said...

Ah sweetie...(((BIG HUGS)))

sos said...

You are a wonderful loving mother!

Karen L. said...

I do not like my hair. HONEY, YOUR HAIR WILL GROW. BE PATIENT.

I found out that Annabeth has a very good chance of coming down with the chicken pox. ALL 3 OF MY CHILDREN HAD THE VARICELLA(?) SHOT AND THEY ALL 3 ENDED UP W/ CHICKEN POX. DON'T WORRY THERE ARE PLENTY MORE SICKNESSES TO COME.

Jackson asked me for something every two minutes all day long. ENJOY HIM NOW...THEY DON'T GROW OUT OF THAT!

And he's trying to give up his nap. AT LEAST YOU CAN STILL MAKE HIM LAY DOWN AND WATCH A MOVIE

I yelled at him more times than I can count. GIVE UP COUNTING!! HIS GRACE IS SUFFICIENT!!!

It was my worst mothering day since right after Annabeth was born and I was basically a sleepwalking hormone with greasy hair and B's of Doom. YOU ARE NOT A BAD MOM AT ALL!!!!! YOU'RE A WONDERFUL NORMAL MOTHER!!!!

What was my excuse today? I don't have one. YOU DON'T NEED ONE MY DEAR!

Today is over in 90 minutes. AND IT WILL NEVER BE HERE AGAIN. ENJOY THE BAD AS WELL AS THE GOOD! GOD BLESS YOUR SWEET FAMILY!

Heather said...

I am sorry that your day stunk. I will be praying that Annabeth does not have the chicken pox. Hang in there, praying tomorrow will be much better.

Holly said...

Grace and tomorrow make all the difference, sweet one.

Holly said...

PS I am really enjoying Kevin Leman's book called, "Have a New Kid by Friday." I checked it out from the library after seeing him on Life Today. It's a good read!

kittyhox said...

Tommorow is fresh, with no mistakes in it.

Nicole said...

Sorry you had a bad day, Amanda.
I have had many days like the one you described...thank God they dont remember them as well as we do. I try to remember and ask their forgiveness when I get in the flesh. They are always so gracious and usually say something to make me feel better like,"It's okay Mom. Everyone makes mistakes."

I pray tomorrow is filled with Him, His fresh grace and some miracle hair product! ;)

KK said...

Joy comes in the morning :)

Brandy Thixton said...

We all have days like this. Take comfort in knowing you are not alone.

I'll be praying for a peaceful, joyful day tomorrow!

Marc and Charity said...

Oh girl. I'm praying.

Kelli said...

And in a few years, too soon for you to grasp, you will miss this.

You will yearn for just one. more. day of those sounds, and those smells, and those bad days.

I Promise.

You will survive.

Suzi K said...

Oh i'm sorry. We have all been there.

Post a picture of your hair. The hair stylist in me wonders what you could do with it so that you would like it better.

~ Laurie said...

I'm quite sure it was in the air yesterday....everyone I talked to had 'one of those days'.

creative gal said...

Just take a deep breath, and know tomorrow is a new day. . . Hang in there. SAHM's have a tough job, but one of the best jobs there is!

Melissa said...

Another good one....And it came to pass...I thought of it anew when I read an article about it that helped explain those 5 short words. It came (it was here) and then it passed (it left). So if you were a crafty scrapbooker and wanted to do a page to memorialize a day like this (ha!), you could use that for a title with pictures of crying, greasy hair, screaming, etc, then include a picture of those sweet kids sleeping soundly in their beds. I don't often include pages like that in my books, but sometimes I wonder if I should, so that generations after me (for whom I am making these books) will realize it was not always fun and games and happy times at the Campbell Estates.

It came to pass.

O:)
Melissa

Karen said...

One of the many wonderful things about days is that one always ends and another always begins. Each one can contain exciting adventures. Praying this new one contains many blessings for you....(and if it doesn't, well, there's always tomorrow!)

Immeasurably More Mama said...

I hate days like that but isn't the Lord GREAT for giving us a fresh start each day??? Just remember that even on our worst days He couldn't love us any more or less. :)

Rachel said...

You are not alone! We have all had those moments and days. I also know what it's like to not like my hair. But I'd wager money that you still look gorgeous.

Anonymous said...

Dear sweet child of God,

Even though I am old enough to be your mother, I check your blog daily. I appreciate your openness, honesty and transparency and believe you are such a blessing to other young mothers because of those traits and your willingness to share.

I struggled for years because as a young mom, I was filled with doubts about my mothering skills. My own babies are now 28, 27, and 23...and I have discovered they don't have the same memories of their childhood that I do. I remembered all the times I yelled and lost my temper...they remember the trips to the library, the laughter, the hugs, the prayers.

Yesterday is gone. Your hair will grow back. Remember...God has chosen YOU to be the mother of those precious, beautiful children. And He did that for a reason; because He knew that you were the best one for that responsibility.

A huge hug to you...

Julie said...

Amanda, you don't know me, but I have been following your blog for well over a year now. My third baby is 7 months old and I also have a 3 and 4 year old. On my worst days, your humor lifts me up and reminds me that there is joy in motherhood even in its sometimes tiny moments. In your tough times, it reminds me that motherhood is the toughest job that God ever allowed us to do. When you read this it will be the start of a new day. I pray that God refreshes you and that joy comes bubbling over.

Becky said...

Oh honey! You hang in there. I understand.

Rachel said...

Days like that I wish I could go back to bed and just start all over. :) And, unfortunately, they come more often than I like to admit.

Deirdre said...

It will all be better tomorrow.

I know the havoc a bad haircut can wreak on our souls.

Try to be kind to yourself, but also remember that your truest beauty is not your hair. It is "the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit which is of great worth to God" (I peter 3)

hugs.
Deirdre

Michelle said...

Ironically, I feel like yesterday was one of my worst days as a mother as well. I think I scared both of my boys when I was yelled at them. I am glad that we can go to sleep after a day like that. Love you friend...wanted you to know that you are not alone.

I hope that Annabeth stays clear...I will be praying!

Tammy said...

Be encouraged! Hair grows, kids grow (often way too quickly). Today is a new day. Focus on it, not yesterday.
I will pray that Annabeth avoids the chicken pox...and I'll pray for you. It's tough being a mom. Thankfully, we serve a mighty BIG God who is for us and loves us like crazy. Have a blessed day!

Fran said...

I'm so sorry. We all had them and still have them. Hope today is a much better day.

Hugs...

Sitesx6 said...

Hang in there....

Tomorrow is a NEW DAY.

A do-over!

Thank God for do-overs!

We have all been there! Your memory is longer than your kids-they seem to forget the yelling and annoying looks from mom, but our hearts hold on to them a little longer. :)

Hugs,
Kelly

Lauren said...

Girl, today is another day!!!!! :O)

Rhonda said...

Can only echo what the others have said. We are praying for you. Most of us moms have been there & praise God His mercies are new every morning. You are not alone & we love ya!

McClure Family said...

girl, i've had many days like that, i'm sad to say. i pray today is better and that Annabeth does not get chicken pox. please, Lord! love you, sister.

Susan B. said...

Been there - done that! New day...new beginnings. We all need them. Kids are very forgiving. We, however, are not always so forgiving of ourselves. So start afresh and forgive yourself...and the good thing about hair is that it grows! Much love to you...

Joanne : The Simple Wife said...

Oh sweet Amanda,

Praying for you as you all wake up this morning (though I think you're an hour ahead, but God can bend time to make prayer work, right?).

And I cut 12 inches off my hair yesterday for Locks of Love and my bangs are WAAAAAAY too short and now that it's short it sticks up weird in the morning so I looked awful-er than usual when I looked in the bathroom mirror so I get you.

Hair grows. And I have hair, for which I am grateful.

As I prayed this morning, I told God how silly I feel for caring so much and being so vain. But I went ahead and confessed it anyway. And then I asked him to remind me to pray for a friend going through chemo who know has no hair at all. Which totally puts things in perspective.

Sending you a big hug and an I've been there and an it'll get better and an it's hard being a mom sometimes.

Much love,

Joanne

Haley said...

Anyone will young children will remind you that these days happen. Three year olds have a way of bringing out all of our flaws sometimes... with the incessant question asking. :)
Today's a new day. Don't let the bad days rule how you feel about yourself as a mommy.

Ashley said...

It's a new day. We all have those kinds of days. Thank goodness that children are resilient and love you anyway and thank goodness that his mercies are new every morning!

Lesley said...

My husband gave my 7 month old a bath with his brother when brother had chicken pox. What was he thinking? The baby had not had the shot but he never came down with it! The ped said that babies can have their mom's immunity to chicken pox up until the age of approx six months.

Unknown said...

I've had several stinky days myself. They are not fun.

I hate that you have to go through stinky days with hair you do not like--that makes the stink worse. :(

I pray that His mercies are revealed to you afresh this morning!

Rebecca

Tara G. said...

Prayed for you!

Mindy said...

And it's a new day now!
Hope this one is better for you!

Unknown said...

Hope today is a better day...
Parts of my day yesterday stunk, too... my baby girl had shots and during her well-check visit, had to tee-tee in a bag for a "routine urine check"... talk about violating for even the smallest girl... thankfully she wont remember it. However, the stinkiness didnt end there...it wasnt bad enough that my girl had all that going on, nope...I was having one of those feel sorry for myself, hate myself for this and that kind of days. But, in the midst of all that stinkiness, I received such a blessing. I had downloaded a Podcast a couple weeks ago because I thought it was something my husband might enjoy... I clicked the link, "Curtis Jones Podcast" from your blog and downloaded the podcast. I am guessing you know the guy? ha... I was walking yesterday morning and I had my Ipod on and decided instead of my usual music, I'd listen to that podcast... anyway, it was his message on living in Christ, and the fruit & vine and the pruning and the question of where do we draw life from and the fact that we can do nothing without God. I am not sure I could pick just one part of the message that blessed me...the whole thing was great and exactly what I needed to hear! I'm certainly glad I downloaded it 2 weeks ago, and glad I opened it yesterday morning... I'm pretty sure God knew I'd need it yesterday...

fuzzytop said...

This will pass.... But I have to ask, what on earth are the "B's of doom"???? Sounds awful, whatever they are....

Hugs,
Adrienne

Heather Mays said...

The Lord's mercies are indeed new every morning! I am a children's librarian and one of my favorite books is Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day by Judith Viorst. In it, nothing goes right for the little fellow and he muses that he is going to move to Australia where life will surely be better. As he says at the end, "Today has been a terrible, horrible, no good, very bad day. My mom says some days are like that. Even in Australia."

I have two kiddos that are 2 years, 3 months apart and had the pleasure of a traveling husband when they were itty-bitty. It was TOUGH. When I read your posts, I am reminded of how desperate some days felt in our household back then. Your stories about Jackson so remind me of my Reid. He was a daredevil, immune to any incentives or consequences, and terrifyingly impulsive. Also, a tad rebellious. But wow, what a difference a year or two made. He was a different kid after he turned four. Still the same free-spirited risktaker but I no longer feel like he is capable of plummeting to his death or sending me to an early grave any minute. Honestly, both my son and daughter (originally a tad clingy) are a blast now and it's flat-out easy most days to parent them (they are 8 and 6 at the moment).

I have a theory that really compliant children (me: A+ goody-two-shoes) turn around and birth the difficult-to-parent ones and then the rebellious kids have angels. That's how it happened in our family. My lunatic brother's child is A PERFECT ANGEL. And he thinks it's his perfect parenting. Seriously. So get ready. :)

Go somewhere fun today...or hang out with a friend that expects kids to act like nuts. (No competitive mommy friends allowed -- you know the ones!) More than anything, forgive yourself for not being perfect because NO ONE IS. And our sweet Father redeems even the worst days...it's all used for our good and His glory. :)

Mindi said...

I could write a book about all of the haircuts I've gotten that I didn't like, it would be titled: "For Three Days I Cried, and for Three Months I Wore a Pony-tail"

Kari said...

Chicken pox wouldn't be so bad!! Then you would never have to remind her to get her booster shots every 10 years and worry that she might forget and then get the pox as an adult!!

Grace said...

Not only are His mercies new every morning, thankfully our children are merciful as well. They love you no matter what! PTL!! We all have those moments. Be honest, tell him that you were having a bad day, your sorry and that you love him. I have no doubt you'll get a big hug!

I understand about the hair. Sometimes our looks affect us more than we think. I'm sure you look absolutely beautiful and remember, it will grow. ;o)

Praying you have a peaceful Wednesday!

BigMomma said...

Ah the greatness that is breast milk. It MAY protect her. Prayers....

Mary H. said...

It is a new day! Bless your heart. Hang in there.

Today will be better!!!
God Bless!

Shelley said...

I'm sorry Amanda. I know how you feel, some days it just doesn't work. IT, meaning Anything! I pray you have a better day today, and I agree with Krystal...I love that God made them forgetful sometimes! :)

Shop Snob said...

I hope today is a better day for you!

Kelli said...

Praying that today started fresh and new for you!

Hayley said...

If misery needs company, I know how you feel! I had a whole week of that kind of stuff last week - my baby got Fifth disease (so a lovely rash that's not contagious but brings lots of looks from people like "What have you done to that poor baby and why is she out of the house?"), my 4 year old got tubes in his ears and adenoids out then cut his own hair (lovely!), and my 5 year old had to have a root canal! (Which makes me feel like the worst mom ever even though if the dentist had filled it 5 months ago when he found it, it wouldn't have required that!) This week's been much better :) Hope today is a great day for you! You have so many who pray for you and your sweet family - what a blessing!

Unknown said...

Girl I am so sorry to hear that. I know that I have these days to look forward to and you may have to remind me that I said this but, hang in there and this too shall pass!

Jesus Chick said...

Thank you for sharing yourself. We have all been there. Parenting is a tough thing to do all day every day but God will fill in the human gaps we leave...he loves our kids so much and he loves you too. May you feel his pleasure that you are devoting yourself to raising godly offspring.

One thing I love about His people: they may fall down 7 times, but 7 times they get back up. That song "I get knocked down...but I get up again" ranks right up there with Amazing Grace for any Christian mother of young children.

I hope you receive all these comments as a hand extended to help you get back up and smile and know that Jesus loves you the same every day. I think He even loves us extra on bad hair days. It might be in the Psalms somewhere. ;)

MITZI said...

Someone made the comment "Jacks and Annabeth won't remember a thing!" Take from this grandma, it's true, you're kids won't remember some of your worst days. I wasn't a good mom (really) and there have been times with tears in my eyes I've gone to me kids and said "I'm sorry for the time I......" Their response? "Forget it mom, I don't even remember!" Whew! God's grace for mothers is extra special.

You are a great mom! I wish there were blogs when I was your age, I wouldn't have felt so alone.

Paige said...

It must be in the air lately... you are only human and it is a blessing that children are very forgiving and forgetful! :)

I am SURE your hair looks great...why don't you post a picture so we can all encourage you!?!?!?!

Praying today has already been so much better than yesterday!

Lauren said...

Chicken pox, really? I will be praying for her to stay clear. Yeah for a new day!

Catrina said...

Bless your heart. I SO KNOW!

JayCee said...

When two of my girls were little at the same time (21 months apart), I used to "come unglued" every once in a while. When my husband would come home from work, I would meet him at the door, shouting: "Why is it that YOUR CHILDREN are so hyper?" (We both had a good laugh at that one since I was the one who was so "hyped" up.)

I remember those days that "stunk!"
Just remember this:...."and thus it came to pass." In other words ("this, too, shall pass!)

Praise the Lord that His mercies are new every morning!

Blessings to you, Amanda, I feel your pain!

Kim ~ Kay Kay said...

I'm so sorry for your yucky day.

My daughter also had a bad day yesterday,but when I went in to pray with her last night I told her
that tomorrow is a NEW day, a NEW sunrise, another New day for God to
show His blessings on her. Needless to say it made her smile and me too! Bad days are from the pit and I don't like them!
Then when you're a mom and it sneaks up on you it seems like its 10 times worse.
Amanda, here's your New day, I hope you have a great blessed one!

Alana said...

Sorry to hear that =(...I only have one kiddo and I have had days like that...I can only imagine with 2!

Mocha with Linda said...

Sorry you had a rotten day.

But His mercies are new every morning, and His love endures forever.

And you truly won't remember the bad days like this. (Neither will your kids.)

Take a deep breath and start over.

Lauren said...

Oh, poor girl. I hope today is better. Some days are just like that, mommy.

katiegfromtennessee said...

Little Momma, I'm sorry girl, I'm sure your hair is beautiful! I'll be praying for you for sure for Annabeth and being able to mother Jackson too. Aww, sleepwalking hormone with greasy hair and B's of Doom! If it makes you feel any better, I had the sleepwalking hormone with greasy hair going yesterday. The B's of Doom I'm working on:) They'll come:) The day did end, and hallelujah, His mercies are new every morning!
Thank you for your prayers, Little Momma.

Love in HIM, ((HUGS)), Blessed day today to you,

katiegfromtennessee

Three Fold Cord said...

Oh Honey...from one mom to another i have been there and I am bound to be there again. Your honesty will be the thing to keep you in check and throwin yourself at the throne of grace. I did it yesterday and boy did he have some lovingly tough things to say.
Spend some extra time during nap lovin on that boy today and thank goodness for headbands and ponytails. They are actually in style to wear them together...thank GOD!
Loving on you from ATL.

Emily :) said...

I am so sorry Amanda! My entire blog www.encouragementfromemily.blogspot.com is dedicated to days like that! I always tell people that I used to be sweet until I had kids. It hurts my heart so much to feel like such a disappointment to God, my husband, and my kids. (There is no pressure, right? :) I feel like God has really been trying to teach me through THOSE days that I am truly nothing without Him. And like everyone else has said, His Grace does seem extra special for mamas!

Stephanie said...

Been there. Hope today is better! Could you be in need of a little more sleep? That always makes me short tempered and impatient with Aidan.

bethany said...

Oh honey....sorry that you had a terrrible day yesterday! I hope that God has rained down his mercies new on you this morning!
Praying for you!
Much love,
Bethany in Ca.

Sarah said...

Hope today is a much better day and that Annabeth doesn't get the chicken pox! (or Jackson, for that matter!!)

Anonymous said...

Mine's trying to give up the nap too. Love the phrase, "B's of doom."
I am still chuckling!
Amy

Patti said...

My Helena was born on the same day as your Annabeth.

I also got my hair chopped off (at Tony and Guy in Memorial City Mall) a month or so ago. It looked really cute and edgy when she fixed it. When I fix it, it looks like a giGANtic brillo pad mushroomy Mom-do. I keep it in a small, spazzy ponytail almost every day.

My oldest, Harper, tried to give up her nap when she was Jackson's age, but after a couple of months of "rest time" she actually started napping again. She just turned 4 a couple of weeks ago and is still napping for at least 2 hours every day, at the SAME TIME as the other two. I feel brand new by the time they all wake up.

Maybe this day of yours will be funny in hindsight. Or maybe it won't. But it is valuable. Of that we can be certain.

Katie said...

Its a new day today, hope its better than yesterday. I so know what those days you just want to end. Good thing for the sleep in between... ummmh, when you can get it. ;)

Teresa said...

We all have bad days... especially as mommies. Relax in the warmth of His mercies- that renew each day and His Grace which is abundant!! :)

Missy said...

Sorry Amanda :( I hope today is better.

Maggie has been on a nap strike for the past two days too. She and Jackson must have gotten together and planned a coup.

Praying God's protection over baby girl.

Dionna said...

I'm so sorry. We've all been there! Well - maybe not your exact set of circumstances but we could fill in the blank.

The good news is that if it was that terrible you probably have it over and done with for awhile.

The Wootens said...

We're all your friends now, so post pictures of your pretty head so we can do what all good girlfriends do and tell you it's BEAUTIFUL!

And as far as Jackson goes....he'll be four before you know it, and all this will be but a faint memory. :)

Marilyn in Mississippi said...

Don't be too hard on yourself Amanda! I had three kids in three years and it seemed like I was totally exhausted and irritable much more than when I was energetic and happy! Now that is just bad memories and my kids are all grown and well adjusted adults! I even have grandkids now! Hang in there. You are doing a good job. There's just going to be some tough days along the way.

Marilyn

Kim said...

See that is the joy of parenting - you get to try again tomorrow. It might not make this moment or this day better, but tomorrow there will be laughter and new memories to make. (well there might be a few tears too) My oldest is 23 and married and I am still trying to get parenting right.

You are a great mom - and don't let anyone tell you otherwise.

AND your hair will get a new shot at tomorrow too.

Blessings to you all,
Kim . . . who is
Grafted by Grace

Cheryl said...

Oh how all of us mom's can totally relate. Hearing about your bad day and how it comforts me to know I am not alone is proof God created us for community, fellowship. We need friends because that is one great way God brings us out of a pit of a day! :) I hope today is better for you!! :)
Blessings,
Cheryl

twinkle said...

He peed on the wall.
That is just so funny to me.
Sorry, Amanda. I know it's really serious...
But I can't help my giggles.

And I think your dad probably is right.

Jackson has a new "toy."

Love you, sweet one. Have a cup of tea and read something comforting. Or call your mom and just have a good cry. Believe me, she'll understand.

KR said...

Thanks for being so honest. As I sat at my computer weeping over my most miserable days in a long, long time...I was almost afraid to make the blog-rounds for fear of reading how everyone is doing so great, reading devotions at the organically prepared breakfast table speaking in gentle whispered voices. Thanks for making me feel less alone, more human and steering me to hope. God bless

Bobbie said...

Loving this post, Amanda! It sounds like we've all had this kinda day!

We're visiting our 32 yo son and I so remember those days when he would ask endless questions! I really miss those days.

Have a great one today.....His blessings are mighty!