Wednesday, April 9, 2008

Revitalized, Rejuvinated and Remommified

Yes, that last word may not even be a word, but I feel that way. After this most recent session of General Conference, I feel all of those "re's" that I listed above. General Conference sure does have a way of reminding me that, although there is plenty of room for improvement, I am doing okay (yes...many of you, my amazing friends remind me that I'm okay too, but there is something about hearing it from a prophet that just hits you to the core).

Most often times I feel like they are speaking directly to me...like no one else needs to hear any of that stuff, it's just directed to me alone. The topic of motherhood was touched upon quite often, and I needed it. I loved hearing that it is important for us to take time for ourselves. Which I think that I had started to do way too much (I knew that I was taking too much time for myself when I'd get frustrated easily with my babes for getting hurt while I was amidst a personal project...like they purposefully gt hurt to get my attention).

Then being reminded that these small ones are only small for a few short years. I will have much more time when they are in school to catch up on my hobbies and obsessions. Then I have been reading so many friends blogs about their struggles and/or losses with carrying babies or having any at all. Then two Sunday's ago our combined lesson was on adoption and the statistics were given of how many families want to have children and can't. It's like i'm being surrounded on all sides with signs that I need to take better advantage of this short time I have with my little buddies. All in all, there needs to be a better balance in my life.

So I have cut back on the amount of time I spend on the computer (whether it be blogging, digital scrapbooking, organizing photos, catching up on emails, house dreaming, etc.), unnecessary cleaning (as if any of that really exists, I do the minimum as it is), and worrying about being the perfect mom.

On the topic of a perfect mom...my sister-in-law, Alicia, sent me this very humorous poem that I just have to share with you all (yeah, when I start to ramble on like this, you had better guess it is going to be a long post...longer for me because I have to type intermidst naps, diaper changes, and feeding hungry mouths...I think it will probably take me three days to finish this one post due to my new "outlook" on motherhood...normally I would yell at the kids in the middle of typing a post and threaten them that "if you don't go and watch your show, I am going to turn it off!" and they scurry back downstairs and it gives me a few more minutes to type away. I'm trying to limit myself to only pushing "play" on the DVD one time a day. That means only one movie a day for the kiddos. We're playing a lot more, which means we are all laughing a lot more. GREAT MEDICINE. Did I mention that we have all been sick the last week, too? Yeah, we were up quite a bit last night. When one went down, another one would wake up).

Okay, so back to where this was supposed to be going...my sister-in-law's email:

Mormon Women:

If you, or someone you know has ever felt overwhelmed by all they feel they need to do, Vickie Gunther of Redlands , California , wrote a hilarious poem, Dr. Seuss style, about how much LDS women try to take on. David B. Marsh used it at Women's Conference, and Vickie has given permission to share it.

The Girl in a Whirl by 'Dr. Sue' (a.k. A.. Vickie Gunther)

Look at me, look at me, look at me now!
You could do what I do if you only knew how.

I study the scriptures one hour each day;
I bake, I upholster, I scrub, and I pray.

I always keep all the commandments completely;
I speak to my little ones gently and sweetly.

I help in their classrooms! I sew all they wear!
I drive them to practice! I cut all their hair!

I memorize names of the General Authorities;
I focus on things to be done by priorities.

I play the piano! I bless with my talents!
My toilets all sparkle! My checkbooks all balance!

Each week every child gets a one-on-one date;
I attend all my meetings (on time! Never late!)

I'm taking a class on the teachings of Paul,
But that is not all! Oh, no. That is not all,

I track my bad habits 'til each is abolished;
Our t-shirts are ironed! My toenails are polished!

Our family home evenings are always delightful;
The lessons I give are both fun and insightful.

I do genealogy faithfully, too.
It's easy to do all the things that I do!

I rise each day early, refreshed and awake;
I know all the names of each youth in my stake!

I read to my children! I help all my neighbors!
I bless the community, too, with my labors.

I exercise and I cook menus gourmet;
My visiting teaching is done the first day!

(I also go do it for someone who missed hers.
It's the least I can do for my cherished ward sisters.)

I chart resolutions and check off each goal;
I seek each 'lost lamb' on my Primary roll.

I can home-grown produce each summer and fall.
But that is not all! Oh, no. That is not all,

I write in my journal! I sing in the choir!
Each day, I write 'thank you's' to those I admire.

My sons were all Eagles when they were fourteen!
My kids get straight A's! And their bedrooms are clean!

I have a home business to help make some money;
I always look beautifully groomed for my honey.

I go to the temple at least once a week;
I change the car's tires! I fix the sinks leak!

I grind my own wheat and I bake all our bread;
I have all our meals planned out six months ahead.

I make sure I rotate our two-years' supply;
My shopping for Christmas is done by July!

These things are not hard; 'tis good if you do them;
You can if you try! Just set goals and pursue them!

It's easy to do all the things that I do!
If you plan and work smart, you can do them all, too!

It's easy!' she said...
and then she dropped dead.

Please wish me luck in trying to turn over this new leaf! I need all the help I can get. And I especially want to thank all of you amazing women for your examples...I wish I could list each one of you individually and tell you what you have done for me in my life, because each of you has done something (but that would take too long)! LOVE YOU!

3 comments:

Buzybugs pixie.blogspot.com said...

Melody-
I love your post! I am probably one of the few you are talking about, I am SO greatful for the 2 children I have, it has been so hard to have 6 pregnancies with getting to the half way point and then the baby is gone.

President Monson was so great at Conference, the talk were awesome and gave me more understanding in my life. You are a great person, I only know you from way back when- you were a great person then and finding your blog was so out of the ordinary, your a remarkable person.

I feel the pain for your other friends as I struggled with the infertility issues as well before finally getting Danica. It is the times we live in.

Thanks for the cute poem to read as well. Take care!

Live everyday to its fullest said...

HAHAHA that is such a GREAT poem...if only we could actually do all those things! SUPERWOMAN! I too did love Conference and did feel enlightened. WE all have alot of growth in the motherhood area thats why we get 18 years to master it! And I too realized how much we truly take for granted out little ones and i too need to try harded to enjoy these young innocent sweet years because once she becomes a teenager its all down hill from there!

Kat Clark said...

Mel that poem was so spot on! It helped me remember it's ok to just be me! I am so glad you posted it and I can't wait to share it with my Mom. You are so wonderful and you seriously have the cutest children. Keep up the positive posts (whenever you get a chance of course) and I can't wait to see you guys soon!