front row seat

This is my view from Ezra's bottom bunk. Adelaide is clamoring to climb up and nurse AGAIN (you know, because I'm sitting down, a perfect reminder to her that - "hey, look - it's Mama! the one with the milk! laying down just waiting to nurse!"), Calvin and Ezra are in the midst of performing a show, though it appears as though they're having a hard time deciding exactly, who's scene this really is.

I'm pretty sure I have about the worst sense of time management. I have no idea how long it really takes me to do anything, and always seem to think I can do far more than is really possible in any given amount of time. Sometimes, that's a good thing - I have plenty of ideas that I think are really doable, say 'yes' to lots of opportunities, and inevitably, I do end up getting many things done. But sometimes it can really kick me in the ass. Like when it comes to the deadline of something (or, many things) and I'm shocked to realize there simply are not enough hours in the day to make it possible. I'm having one of those weeks right now. Holiday stuff, book stuff, family stuff - with far more things 'to do' than there is time for. And of course, I'm sick on top of it all (or, because of it all).

Before kids, I used to crash at the end of this cycle. Plan, work, stress...crash. Man, I could get it done, but then I'd be a mess. I can tell that this week before the holidays would be one of those crashing times. But you know, the beauty of my babes, is that it just isn't possible to sit and wallow in the amount of 'work' to be done. Nor is it possible to burn myself (and therefore, everyone else) until it all does get done. And so, hopefully this week, I can remind myself to stop and slow down, let a few more (or many) 'plans' and expectations go, and get my butt back there on that bottom bunk to nurse my babe and watch the show. It's the best show in town, and I get a front row seat. What beats that?

Comments

[The Weekend Warrior]

It's hard when you have so many dreams and visions of so many wonderful things to do or create during your hour or so off a day, when the kids are asleep, before you crash asleep, to do something as mundane but necessary (I hear!) as cleaning the toilet!

[Grace]

Hi, are you SURE that you weren't just taking dictation from MY head just then? That was a strikingly similar description of my life. I just can't even believe it. I feel a bit speechless.

[Edwina]

And so you should take some time to enjoy those wonderful kiddos of yours!

[martha]

hmmm. yeah - ditto.

[Heather in Washington State, USA]

I love the expression in Calvin's face. That boy is destined to be a great actor someday. Here at our house it's sick kids, and luckily mama is still healthy. But I'm sure my turn is next. I hope you are feeling better fast!

[Islandmumma2Seven]

I'll take 8 tickets please ,front row ..with popcorn thank you!!!

[sally]

Oh how well I understand you. Having children has been really good for me...forces me to stop...and enjoy...and "rest".

And my little guy is all over me if I lay down...it is conditioning at its best. =)

[nichola]

I know that feeling and have only recently started to say no to requests. Esme does the exact same thing, as soon as she sees my boobs she's all over me tugging at my top trying to get at them!

[sadira]

Oh...I hope you feel better, and I'm sure the show will help! You know, it never even occured to me until recently to even say NO to people...I'm practicing little by little!

[robin]

Nothing beats that!!! Hope you enjoyed the show!! Ya know, I thought you were talking about ME in that discription- then I realized I am not the only one who does that whole "more ideas and creativity than actual hours in the day" thing! Have a restful week. As much as you can.<3

[Luckybeans]

Thoughtful and fun as usual...I must say that I miss that nursing stage, because it always forced me to stop for a moment or two.

[Tamara]

That boobie hunt is precisely why I pace the house when I'm on the phone nowadays...sitting down was getting caught! And the phone bill would be huge.

Hope you feel better soon, and that saying 'no' gets easier.

[Di]

I'm like you - have really big ideas of what can be achieved and then get stressed trying to get it all done. Christmas is really about slowing down and spending time with our loved ones and enjoying their company. Slow down Amanda, get well, and enjoy your darling babes.

[Suzie Vallis]

Oh it warmed my heart, I have just stoped nursing my little chap and I remember that stage of every time you sat down no matter what they are doing its just a signal to go and nurse. I miss it so much and I admit to enjoying the excuse to sit down for a special cuddle. Still after over three years it WAS about time!!!
Thanks for the memory and its a cute picture.
Suzie Sews (UK)

[Devorah]

Gotta love those shows! My two still put them on and it is a signal that the adults need to shut up, sit down and take a break.

Feel better soon!

[mav]

:) what a nice entry. life is about finding balance, eh? love the photo too. XX!

[meliebelle]

I don't know how many times I've read your blog (for over a year, I'm sure), and thought to myself how crazy it is that there is somebody else out there that literally has the same thought process as I do. I know what you mean, really. I sometimes wonder if I have attention deficit disorder or something... so many creations to be made, so little time! I, too, tend to put a lot of pressure on myself to do "everything", and do it well. Whether it's true or not, I feel like it's expected of me--I'm the "creative one" in the family. It wears you out--literally! I think you're right... I think (I know) our children are on this earth for a reason... to make us stop, or at least slow down to realize the more important things in life.

[beki]

Amen sista! I've just decided to throw up my hands and give up. This mama is closing up shop and enjoying time spent with my babies. Many, many plans have been left undone. Oh well, c'est la vie!

[June]

I know what you mean. I'm trying to learn and put into effect the idea that what gets done--gets done. What doesn't get done won't kill me or my family. Just enjoy your time with your babies--they grow up too fast to worry about the other trivial things. You're doing a fine job so don't worry.

[Meredith]

It's hard to let go of things you really really want to do and stop your mind and body from rushing all around, especially at this time of year. I find myself struggling to remain calm, mentally especially! And crafting while you're stressed is so calming! So it's hard to not get your hands in fabric and yarn and things...it's therapeutic! Under a deadline...well, not so much!

Wishing you calmer days soon. And I love seeing pictures of your sweet kids. Your posts always seem to "calm" me as well. Take care Amanda!

(PS...I got the Buddhism for Mothers book you had recommended and I am really enjoying it...I'm almost to the chapter on being CALM...boy do I need it!!)

[Jennifer]

Your post brought to mind a conversation I had with my little one this weekend. Saturday morning on our way to the big grocery store (a rare, 3-4 times a year occurance) I was rattling off everything I hoped to accomplish. Buy a Christmas tree, bake, hang lights outside, do some Christmas shopping, go to a play, etc. He looked at me with his honest little eyes and said. "Mommy, the only thing we have to do is eat. Everything else, we WANT to do."

A nice reminder.

[bellablue]

Hey, you moved that rug!

I just wish I had your sewing talent so I could procrastinate a little bit... try not to overdo it an remember, I'm but a phone call away!

[Melissa R. Garrett]

Ah yes, I know exactly what you are talking about . . . every last bit of it.

I have a nurser too - 17 months old. I can't undress in front of her without her clamboring up my legs. How's that for love!

[kathryn]

Yep, how many times do I feel like I'm spinning around trying to care for my family, run with inspiration, and squeeze in a few chores between it all? Thank you for the reminder to just Slow. Down.

[AmyDe]

Take your time, notice and enjoy it all, do what you must, and let the rest go. There is freedom in that lifestyle.

I forget the notice and enjoy part and that's what kicks ME in the ass. Maybe we can all take things a little slower this season.

[Tambra]

Anyone who has the time and energy to decorate, with lights even, the dresser in their kids bedroom, deserves some rest. And a big reward! I only wish I had your energy and time management. I read your blog to get inspired, and can only wish I could do what you do. Enjoy this time and the memories that will come from this time in your lives! Everything else can wait!

[lk ludwig]

Good for you!! How lovely to have entertainment of such fine quality!!

Nursing lying down is my favorite thing lately. Especially when we both fall asleep. LOL.

[hannah]

it is a great seat isnt it? but dang it if i dont bump my head at least getting once a week while jumping up. ouch...

[Amy]

As I am flying around the house doing ten things at once and waiting for lunch to cool down long enough to eat I read this post.... You are not the only ones that need to be reminded of these things... Thank you.

[tracy]

well said. those little ones put it all in perspective don't they? xo

[Alicia P.]

FANTASTIC photo. Perhaps my favorite Soulefamily one ever. I think it is.

[Sonya]

I am new reader, I found your blog through the lovely snippet on Whip Up. I thought that someone who is described as a "mother, artist, creator and nurturer" is a person I need to know or at least read about. And there you are putting my thoughts to blog in your last post - why is it that I can't sit or lie down without a baby thinking "Ah perfect time to nurse?" Or why is it that I feel vaguely schizophrenic with the long lists of things to do, as well as the ideas for projects in my head, and dealing with all the supplies for said projects? Keep creating and please do enjoy your show. Thanks for sharing.

[joleen]

I know EXACTLY what you mean. Thanks for the reminder, friend.

[Jessica]

exactly what I am going through right now.... it is nice to see that I am not the only one

[Heidi]

Have you been inside my head? Just as I sat down to log into my computer-after walking around for 40 minutes with my reluctant napper in the sling-I was thinking of all of the unfinished projects (and thoughts!) strewn about my messy house and with *gasp* only how many days until Christmas?!
Thank you for the reminder of what is important, and as always, the inspiration that you are. Happy Christmas to you and yours!
Heidi

[brandie]

girl, i hear you. i am so ready to crash.

[Kathreen]

Hi Amanda. Did you make that hat? I am looking for that pattern what is it? or is it available online? or do you have a copy? I LOVE IT. and you and your family.

[blair]

I am so with you, and I don't think my plate is half as full as yours sounds. This whole month is about going to be by 9:00, cause we're just bushed! hang in there.

[betsy]

Thank you for the much-needed reminder that I need to stop and watch the show. Which is what we did tonight on the other side of town. And the show? The show was freaking amazing. I hope you're feeling better. xoxo

[Kate]

Amanda, new friend, do be careful and take care of yourself....When I over-do in cycles, my body has a way of knocking me down for much needed rest (as in pneumonia, or re-occuring strep) SOOO, do yourself and your family a favor REST!!
Love and light to you...
kate

[Ellie Beck]

Amanda, you always have the "right" (of course, there isn't really just one "right") perspective on things. The stopping and being with the babes - and of course the breastfeeding - well, doesn't that just stimulate and energate (energise) you all over again. Even if it tires you out at the same time! I mean, children really are the perfect antidote to anything - having a fun laugh, feed, watching their show. Better than sleep, or reading, or daydreaming, or doing all those other things. Continue to enjoy those moments of stopping your hecticness and enjoying their hecticness!
Thank you, Blessings and Christmas Wishes to your whole wonderful clan.

[sarah]

this sounds just like what i was thinking when i was just finishing wrapping little pocket lady gifts at 4:00 in the morning while i waited for my cake to cool off so i could frost it and thought up new knitting projects that just might be able to get done in time to still be considered holiday gifts the other night.... 4:00 in the bloody morning! and I thought I had sworn off all-nighters for ever. the goddess of creativity has not bestowed me with the gift of time management either, at least not yet. ... i often think of it as a problem like my eyes are bigger than my stomach, but equally as incomprehensible to my childlike brain.
blessings to you mama--enjoy the prolactin buzz while you still got it.

[Cruz-Elena]

Hurrah for you!! You have your priorities just right. Thanks, I appreciate your uncommon inteligence (which I used to call common sense, until I realized that it is really quite rare!). Happy holidays to you and yours. Enjoy!!

[phoebe]

so good to hear there are other mothers out there who are frazzled, busy and terribly happy amidst it all.

[Katharine]

This is my week exactly. The big one wanted a Christmas dress, no skirt, no dress, "mom, why don't you just make me both". The little one was in the hospital all week and they are not big fans of you showing up with your glue gun and list of projects so here we go into another totally unprepared Christmas season where like usual most projects will get abandoned in favour of a game of Clue Jr.

[Ani]

Love this post and thanks for the reminder to slow down. I also love the mention of Adelaide climbing up for a nurse, so sweet!

[dianeinjapan]

So, okay--if you consider yourself time-management-challenged and still get as much done as you do, perhaps there's hope for me, after all! Or not...I'm not sure which! My problem is that I save cool crafty things until so late in the day that I usually run out of time to do them at all. And I no longer have a constantly-nursing babe/toddler as my excuse! Ahhh, I remember those days...enjoy them.