What a Day

Not every day is bliss.  Some days are just down right hard.  I try so hard to be optimistic, count my blessings, and find beauty in tough moments, but today was not one of those days.

I love Glennon Melton Doyle's article "Carpe Diem."  If you're a mom and don't have her book Carry on Warrior, get it, today.  In the article, the idea to seize the moment, enjoy every second, and be happy all the time makes her panicky and paranoid, especially while raising young kids.  After being stopped in Target by a little old lady, while her kids were going absolutely nuts, and being told that she should enjoy every single little moment, even this one, she wrote the article.  Of course, she's been accused of being negative and not grateful enough. Here's what she says,

"My point is this: I used to worry that not only was I failing to do a good enough job at parenting, but that I wasn't enjoying it enough.  Double failure.  I felt guilty because I wasn't in parenting ecstasy every hour of every day and I wasn't making the most of every moment like the mamas in the parenting magazines seemed to be doing.  I felt guilty because honestly, I was tired and cranky and ready for the day to be over quite often.  But the fact remains that one day, I will be that nostalgic lady in the grocery store.  And here's what I hope to say to the younger mama gritting her teeth in line: "It's helluva hard, isn't it?  You're a good mom, I can tell.  And I like your kids, especially that one peeing in the corner.  She's my favorite.  Carry on, warrior.  Six hours 'til bedtime.""

I will spare you every gory detail, but Wills has bronchitis and is pretty pitiful.  But worse than the actual virus, is the prednisone he has to take.  It is making him awful.  Does it do this to all men?  I've learned to steer clear of William and my dad if they are ever taking this steroid.  But now, my son?  It totally transformed my laid-back child into an angry, frustrated little boy and all he really wanted to do was cry and throw his toys.  I gave up disciplining him hours before bedtime, and just prayed for William to get home.

He wouldn't touch his dinner.

Unfortunately, William got stuck at work, so I made a simple veggie burger for dinner.  After being on the computer hosting parent conferences every half hour since 8 am, I wasn't in the mood for anything more.

Served with half of a whole wheat English muffin, tomato, avocado and sriracha.

When William finally walked in the door, I gave him a kiss, asked him how his day was, and promptly went up stairs, glass of wine and book in hand.  At this point, I wasn't going to be any fun to hang out with.  Sorry, honey.

Maybe Glennon's right, and we don't have to be excited every. single. moment.  Find the little moments, the snuggles on the couch, the apple and peanut butter we shared before nap time, the bear hugs and (snotty) Eskimo kisses that come all day long, and watching him concentrate and then get so proud when he thinks he stayed inside the lines while coloring. Seize those moments; then you can still call the day a success. 

And then say a little prayer of thanks that it's Friday, and we made it.