Ok. I normally don't do much journaling. I just post pictures and a couple lines if that. But today I am going crazy, so I thought that I might try an actual question.
My little Jake makes so much mess it is starting to become a huge problem. For example: Today he woke up and dumped his piggy bank out all over the floor and starting through the coins around for some reason. I decide that I would wait to pick up the scatted change and make breakfast. By the time I finish he has managed to pee all over the toilet, throw coin everywhere else in the house, and rip the mail tiny pieces I had on the table. While the kids are eating I pick up the coins clean the toilet and try to sort the small papers for anything important. I finish just in time to get to the table and food is everywhere! It is on the floor, the chair and the table, I would be Ok with that but... squashed into every crevice of his hands the all over his face. The plate is face down and he continues to rub it all over singing a happy little song. I don't know if he even ate any. I work quickly to get that huge mess cleaned starting with the happy little singing boy, so that he doesn't spread it to the whole house. Then I move to the chair and the table. Ash is screaming wanting to get out of the child restraining high chair, and move to the floor. I get Ash and finish. but not really finish because there is still dishes in the sink and now two more outfits of clothes completely non salvageable.
I decide that I will work in the yard and I wont really worry if the kids get dirty. Little did I know that both kids will have dumped over a flower pot and have a dirt throwing contest giggling the whole time. I decide to let them because the are so happy to to play. It is to late to even try to keep them reasonably clean and continue weeding. When Ash is crying because she can't see through the dirt layer on her eyelids I step in and put them both into the bath. they are both crying now because I broke up the party and in the bath they go. I am exhausted and there is no end in sight. I know I will have to completely scrub the tub because of the huge ring of dirt, get the kids redressed and do at least another load of laundry, finish doing the breakfast dishes and it is almost time to start fixing lunch.
I can't keep up with it. there has got to be a better way to do it. and still have a happy, fun, family. Can I change this or do I need to just enjoy it?
14 comments:
I'm sorry you had one of those days!
Slow down and do one thing at a time. If Jake spilled the coins he is big enough to pick them up. If he pees outside of the toilet hand him a Clorox wipe. He is less likely to make huge messes when he realizes that he has to pick up after himself. Don't feel overwhelmed eventhough you are out numbered. Just remember that motherhood is a sacred calling and doing your best is all that is required. : )
One thing at a time. I agree with Kristen if they have to start cleaning up their messes they make less. At a young age if they won't do it you have to put their hand in the action. This means to grab their hand gently and help them pick it up. Let some things go. It is hard sometimes I know. You are a great mother! Do the best you can! Your kids are so cute!
those 2 are just to cute. I hate those days. I get them everyday. I have decided to only clean and pick up at night when the kids are sleeping and then start all over the next day.
I agree with the second comment. You have to have Jakes help clean up his messes or why would he stop? Being outside, getting dirty is just going to happen so you kind of just have to roll with that one. I think the mess thing is a daily battle though. Good luck Julie. You're definitely not alone!
thanks things have been slightly better, Well for a day or two. and Melinda I would like you to invite me to your blog!
Ha! Sounds like a day at my house! You're such a great mom!
I LOVE the picture! SO, so cute, a classic!
Who with kids has NOT had at least one day like this? It seems to come in waves at my house. I say hose them down in the backyard, let them run around with no clothes on, and wrapped it all up at the end of the day. But, I can TOTALLY relate! I heard a little about this from Glenda, but fun to hear it in your words.
whoa, sorry about the novel!
Cindy needs to read your post because she gets so frustrated sometimes. Kaitlyn is often the same and Cade is all over the place now. Kaitlyns timeouts are way to easy. I take her into another room, sit her down, and talk to her for a couple minutes. Then we kiss, hug, and are happy again; but she knows she's in trouble. Now when she's going nuts I ask her if she wants to go to timeout and probably 80% of the time she says no and does what she's asked. The other 20% she is excited for timeouts. Great times! You got to love'em.
Julie- I can't help but smile when I read that! One day this will all be passed and we are going to miss it.
Good to know someone else's hand sticks to their kitchen chairs. (sigh)
Hi Julie,
Cheryl cardall here. I think we need to let kids be kids and have fun and all, that being said I think it's totally appropriate to set limits on messes! I don't think it should be a free for all just because they're kids. And I think having them clean it up teaches responsibility and curbs their mess making! Good luck, I'm totally in this stage too and it's hard!
this is the cutes pic of your little mess makers. You have a talent for picture taking.
this is the cutest pic of your mess makers. You have a talent for pictures.
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