When life throws all it can at you, it's good to hunker down, make a list, do couple of quick sketches and keep moving. The last week I have felt overwhelmed by every day life. So for good measure I read a few books. Nothing like pretending it will all go away when the last page it turned.
(Loving Paper53 app on the ipad, need to order a compatible stylus. My fingers are not the most precise.)
1. The stomach flu has been running through our home. It has hit Loaf pretty hard and she never makes it to the bathroom. The piles of bedding that need to be laundered is accumulating faster than I can wash.
2. Working on a project for our stake. I'm intimidated by the task and don't feel that I can artistically meet the standards or feeling necessary. I know I shouldn't let doubt creep in my mind, but sometimes it's hard not to.
When I'm done with everything, I will add the elements into a digital kit. It's a fun, festive color scheme. A little sneak peak.
3. The adversary has been working very hard lately in ways that have made me a little ticked off. It has only fueled my desire to work harder so that he won't win. To illustrate with one example, after receiving a request and sending a copy of The Book of Mormon, the person sent an additional request because the package arrived empty. It was full when I sent it. I of course will send another, I am determined he won't win!
4. Things continue to break around here. I blame a few of the little boys, they are stronger than they realize. I can walk in nearly every room and see something that needs to be fixed or replaced, but I am putting it off until absolutely necessary or until they learn how to manage their own strength.
5. I am less patient with the children when I'm tired and overwhelmed. I need to remember that love matters and they are just as tired of being sick as I am. I need to speak in a whisper and show more love when tackle one another while fighting. Love will always be the answer. If I could do yesterday again, I would be a much different mother.
A wise man (our former bishop) said, "You can't stand in holy places if your constantly moving." My home is certainly not a holy place when I forget to make it holy.
6. Munch leaves in less than two months. I sometimes cry when I think about it. I wouldn't have her doing anything different, but I will miss her. We have been busy shopping, getting everything she needs.
7. I'm still cleaning up and organizing photo files (I should never let it get this bad...augh!) when I found this gem. When my brother was home for Christmas he shared this darling book his daughter made about a childhood experience. It made me giggle and I had to make some clarifications with my niece about what really happened. I love how my hair is shooting out from the shock.
It really was gross seeing the branch sticking out of his head.
8.This is kind of like a monday menagerie, but not quite as fun.
I sure hope your family gets feeling better soon! Sick kids, and then of course, because why would moms be spared, a sick you, always gets old and tiring fast! :) hopefully some warmer weather and a little sunshine will peak in too, and that always helps dispell frustrating times.
Xoxoxo
Posted by: Dusty | January 23, 2013 at 10:41 AM
Allison, you may not be able to see it yourself right now, but I can tell you that what I read in your words is STRENGTH and DETERMINATION and, most importantly, LOVE. No matter what circumstance comes before you, it's what's underneath the fatigue and the frustration that counts - and I can "hear" those things in your words. Remember that God wants progress, not perfection. I am encouraged by you! I pray for better days ahead of you, and I know they are coming. :)
Posted by: Melanie | January 23, 2013 at 11:27 AM
Hope you all will be much better soon.
This must be a real horror for you and especially Loaf!
All my best whishes!
Thanks for sharing your thoughts and feelings!
Posted by: eni | January 23, 2013 at 05:13 PM
Love being sent from Monterey CA! Oh by the way seeing that Jon and Julia could not possibly coordinate their wedding on the same weekend of Whits farewell I guess I will have to spend the week in Albaville to accommodate both occasions! Please confirm that Whit's farewell is still being scheduled for the 10th of March!
Hope you all sickies are getting better! I love you and you are a source of inspiration and admiration! You are my HERO in so many ways!
Love you all,
Aunt Nancy
Posted by: Favorite Aunt Nancy | January 23, 2013 at 06:44 PM