Many days you’re just “surviving”…getting through. And trying not to feel overwhelmed by all that goes undone and how quickly everything self-destructs, unravels, gets messy and starts all over again.
You know that if you don’t sweep 3 times, do 3 loads of laundry and 2 loads of dishes everyday you’ll soon be living in a cesspool with lots of dirty, starving, naked people.
Forget about “who moved my cheese?” just tell me how long it’s been sitting here.
And when you really are trying on those days to keep this house together, that’s when no one is happy, everyone needs something right now and at least 1-2 babies are crying for most of the day. You’d just sit down and cry if you could find somewhere to do that and if you had the energy.
Remember the bedroom that used to be your tidy peaceful sanctuary? I don’t either.
So, you just keep moving and waiting for PJs and bedtime…the gift that always comes at the end of the day no matter how bad it gets.
There was once a dresser here.
You begin to learn valuable things like, how well dirty clothes make a great door stop.
I just keep thinking, “In 6 months this is gonna be real hard to pick up!”
I’d love to say, come on over to my house, grab a cup of coffee, stay a while. But alas, if you do come to my house right now and find it within yourself to stay for a while the only thing you’ll want to grab will be some dirty dishes out of the bedroom or a basket of clothes to fold while your coffee gets cold. You know, to help a sister out.
So, while I wait for chicken to marinade, I get diapers in the washing machine, rinse out stinky diaper pails and sit down to whine for a minute on my blog. Do I feel better? Nah, there’s still old stickers stuck on the windows and sippy cups molding under the couch. But at least no one will be surprised to find me passed out in bed at 9 o’clock tonight.
Of course by posting this picture I lose every last once of dignity and self-respect I have. I mean really. Jaba the Hut called…he wants his neck back.
And if Phil ever takes a picture of me like this again revenge will be swift and merciless!
Oh, Aubri, you have been blessed with the gift of writing! You crack me up with you honesty and real-ness. Thanks for reminding me that we’re all in this together, messy clothes, dishes unwashed, and precious minutes of sleep here and there.
Aubri, thank you for sharing yourself with humor and candor! I’m still laughing over the Jabba the Hut comment, and not why you think–when S, our second son, gets all “I can explain everything away,” he raises and lowers his shoulders, and we’ll say, “Where did your neck go?” Now he just smiles at us. 🙂 It is truly the little things. (And we’ve got at least one sippy cup molding under the couch, too.)
Oh, Aubri,
I often want to send out the sink and counter tops that greet me each morning! I’ve chosen a little Otis Redding to get me through the shame today!
You are beautiful! Congratulations on a new blessing. More baby thighs on the way…
You are the jewel of the blogosphere. I love it all. The fan next to your bed. The chunky paperback (I hope it was at least a tiny bit tawdry). The requisite Hobby Lobby bag. 12+ laundry baskets. Science fair quality food displays. Running shoes co-existing with a churchy book and the seasonal Mardi Gras beads. Your children are blessed to have you as their mother. I might go to other blogs for who knows what, but I come to yours for peace and solace. Thank you many times over.
Hey Aubri,
You are still Wonder Woman to me! I have no comprehension of how you do all the things you do and are able to take pictures, videos, blog, cook, clean, love your husband and babies and enjoy life. When I think I’m busy I just look at your blog and get put to shame for seeing all the things you are able to accomplish in a day. I can’t wait until June to give you a super size hug and then lend a hand with those chirren so maybe you can have a little bit of rest.
Love you!
Aunty Leah
So, see, without even realizing it, you have accomplished another thing in your day by blessing those who read your blog with laughter, appreciation, admiration and awe and wonder at how you can do all that and write such wonderful stories. This is my only entertainment in my day. I love reading about your “real life”. Kiss those children and hug them from Fafi. Love, Aunt Sylvia
Well if I can’t have the extra hands I’ll definitely take all the very very kind words! You all make me smile and a little smile goes a long way these days. Thank you for the love! 🙂