20 December 2011

truth.

dad3

dad2
possible poopy diaper? It looks like Jonas is inspecting. Gross.

dad

I've talked a lot about the magic and tradition during this time of the year. I've shared our beautiful family photos, I've shared my words and our daily routines. The one thing I haven't shared about this time of the year are the emotions and trials that we go through. Being in the restaurant industry may have it's perks but it also has the downfalls, and for us we usually see it this time of the year. This is the busiest month we will ever see. Holiday parties, families get together, company outings and long long hours for Jon. I am so proud of my husband for the time and dedication he puts into his restaurant. During the holidays it's common for him to go in around 10:00am and stay throughout the day and come home after we're in bed, usually around midnight depending on the night. Weekends are a lot later these days. Even though I try to wait up I don't always make it because Jon working harder means that I'm working harder. Three kids makes for a long day. Lunch, naps, play, pick up Jonas, library, play, read, laundry, clean, nap, workout, play, dinner, clean, baths, laundry, snacks, clean, bedtime, laundry, clean, bake, wrap, blog, work, write, laundry, sleep. That pretty much describes my day. For awhile I wasn't working out as much because I just couldn't find time and I found that I HAVE to work out. It's good for the mind.

And I don't know if you go through this, but I always question myself and what I do with my children. Am I doing enough. Did we read enough today. Why do I let them watch tv? Why does Jonas play video games? Do those things make me a bad mom? Do I spend enough time with them. Did I say I love you enough today. Should I work more with Jonas on reading. Should I lay with him till he falls asleep (Jonas asks every night). Please say other parents have these questions because I ask myself them all the time.

So while we love this time of year Jon and I always joke that we're relieved when it's over. I try to embrace every moment. I try to cherish each second spent with the kids. But honestly, it goes so fast and it's so crazy that I feel like I miss moments. I tried to make it a point to be done with all the "hustle and bustle" earlier this year so I could actually sit and enjoy these moments. The presents are almost wrapped, this year I've decided to bake WITH the kids and I don't care if they don't turn out because it's the memories I want to create, and Jonas' last day of school is today. I plan to spend Thursday and Friday soaking in every single second with Jonas, Joshua and Jessica. I have lots of fun activities lined up and Jon will be home Thursday night. Friday and Saturday will most likely be insane for him. Christmas Eve we'll go down to the restaurant for a late lunch and a quick visit with dad before the kids and I head to church.
Then Christmas.
And that special morning with my family.
I can't wait.
I'll try and pop in for one more post but only if time will allow.
Merry Christmas friends.
I know I don't say this enough but I appreciate every single one of my readers. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.

10 comments:

  1. You are a hard working mama! Everything in moderation, Liz. A few video games or a TV show that allows you to finish up lunch or dinner is acceptable. We see it in your posts, photos, tweets and in conversations, you are a great mom. Don't ever doubt yourself.

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  2. What an adorable post! You are right, embrace every second of this moment, even if you end up bald at the end. Happy Holidays!

    Your newest Follower,
    Mary from ♥ meowwzie.blogspot.com ♥

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  3. You're a great mama! No idea how you do it!

    Happy holidays from a mama sitting on the couch at 12:30 at night drinking a celebration waiting for A certain Mr. to leave work.

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  4. That second picture is hysterical! You are so not alone in asking yourself those questions, I do the same pretty much every night as well. I try not to stress over motherhood and some of the insecurities that it brings but I think that's just the reality of being a parent sometimes.

    I love that you said that you're baking WITH the kids because this year is the first time I think I've done that. It's been so great to chill out on things coming out "perfect" and just be in the moment with my kid who is having a blast.

    Sounds like y'all have a busy few days coming up! I hope it's all great and that y'all have a wonderful time.

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  5. I absolutely hear you about the business / craziness of the hospitality lifestyle. THere are some weeks when I literally see my chef husband for 10 min per day on his way out the door. He's gone super early and comes back home after I'm asleep.
    It is inspiring though, to see how hard they work for the family, but still. It kind of blows big time when you're putting the kids to bed alone for the millionth night in a row and then have to do a screaming pre-bed temper tantrum all alone knowing that your disaster of a kitchen awaits you when you're done (or maybe that's just me? ;)
    Oh, and I spend about 90% of my time wondering if I'm dooin it rong. You're totally not alone in that.

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  6. You have an incredibly beautiful family! And yes, I ask myself all those questions, too. I don't think we will ever be satisfied with our mothering, we'll always think we could do more. But it's all about taking time to stop and enjoy the simple moments, all your children really want is you. Merry Christmas to you and yours!!

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  7. I love your family and you, your such an incredible mom and I am sure (I can tell by the sweet smiles on their faces) that they know with all their hearts that you love them. I do ask myself those same questions daily. I still let Judah co-sleep because I can't stand the thought of not going to sleep next to him ;-) But he is our first and we will eventually make it happen.

    I hope your family had a wonderful Christmas
    xoxo

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  8. This is a lovely post. I love how all of your kids have your eyes! And that last picture is to die for. <3

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  9. i hope you had a good christmas! had no idea you guys owned benders! so fun! well "fun" sometimes i guess : ) i know what its like having a missing husband. i feel like a single parent often!

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  10. That second image is hysterical! You are so not alone in asking yourself those concerns, I do the same fairly much every evening as well. I try not to pressure over maternity and some of the various insecurities that it delivers but I think that's just the actuality of being a mother or father sometimes.

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