Good Enough

by Emily

This fall I started school again full time, working on my Master's degree in Literature. I'm doing it for the money.

(read: sarcasm)

There is a lot to talk about here--a lot about the change of pace, and the weird feeling of living a double life. Mostly there is a lot to talk about my constant reflection and reevaluating the situation as it affects our family, most especially our children.

In a "letter" to my sisters on our private forum, I wrote the following:

"So, I'm having one of those weeks, day after day, where I keep thinking "Who am I kidding? I thought I could do this?" It is getting ROUGH.


This time of year is always hectic, and with school now--and all the church activities and services, I have a hard time not feeling a bit...resentful? Like, between Monday and Sunday, I don't have a single "free-day" to catch up on all the stuff that has slipped through the cracks--some of it pretty essential stuff. But then I ask: how I would change it? Would I want to be released from Primary (Primary is Sunday School for children ages 3-11), or quit school, or just never be home and always work super hard up on campus away from all distractions? And I realize I wouldn't change any of those things. I like being in the Primary, school has been really good for me, and most of all, my kids are the most important of all these things to me--and I want to be home with them as much as possible."

I have to get used to doing things so that they are "good enough," and that is new and hard for me.

Joe is doing even more household and parenting things than what he's already used to doing (which is to say, he's always been very active in those areas of our family life). Even so, the floor is often icky, and the clean laundry may not get folded before it is worn and needs washing again, and my 2 & 4 yr olds will keep on running in circles, laughing and whining. My hair might stick up kinda funny, and I'll probably choose the comfortable shoes over the cute ones. But let's be honest--was it much different before I started school? It's not as if I was ever a stellar housekeeper. I do make good food though--when I have time.

So here's my pat on my own back: we keep on making time for family dinner even if it is frozen Bertolli meals (I recommend the ones with shrimp). And if you're lucky you'll still be invited over to our house for that dinner, but the house may be less tidy than before, and the dessert might also come from the freezer (ice cream). And the Sunday School lessons will still be just as every bit delivered from the heart, but the handouts might not have pretty ribbon or glitter glue on them. And the homework gets done, and I'm reading faster everyday.

And still the best part of my day isn't nailing that class presentation or paper, but coming home to my family for our daily dinner, pajama, scripture/prayer, and bed routine. That, and stealing one last glimpse and kiss when my babies are fast asleep.

The replies I got from my Bossy Sisters let me know that 1) they believe in me, 2) they love me, 3) they've been there too (haven't we all?), and 4) they are good listeners.

Here is just a snippet:

"Let the little things go. If that doesn't work, let the mid-size things go. :) "
-Bossy Sister Melissa

"You have taken on a serious challenge and you are rising to meet the demands. You can do this! I think you will always be glad you did it."
-Bossy Sister Sally

"I understand completely. It is really hard but you can do hard things. I love you. Hang in there. You are amazing."
-Bossy Sister Robin


And finally, the one that made me laugh the most:

"Well, you took a pretty big bite. I wouldn't be surprised if you have to chew with your mouth open and a few little crumbs fall out."
-Bossy but Wise (and funny) Robin



Is there anything in your life that you're willing to admit to doing just "good enough"? What secret tricks of the trade can you share with me? (I need them!)

Twice and Half

by Kristen

Today's blog is inspired by "The One Minute Writer" blog. Which I always read and think about doing what is suggested: writing for one minute on the suggested topic, but as of yet, I haven't written. I've just answered the questions in my head. I'm a great writer in my head. I wish you could read my brain, you would be impressed.

Unfortunately, the transfer from brain to finger-tips isn't always so eloquent, so bear with me. About a week ago the One Minute Write Prompter asked me to fill in the blanks in a statement, and then expand on them. Here is the sentence, "In my life I'd like twice as much __________, and half as much ____________, as I currently have." Try as I might, I cannot fill in the blanks to my complete satisfaction. I tried "joy/sorrow", but then I thought that both of those have their place and purpose in my life and maybe I wouldn't grow if that were the case. I thought about "sex/stress", but unfortunately twice as much sex would still be zero. Then I tried "money/housework", but then I thought that perhaps I need the housework to provide the opportunity to teach my kids, and I felt guilty about wanting less of it. I tried sticking with the money part and filled the second blank in with "demands on my time", but quickly just flip-flopped that to "time/expenses". That one is sounding good - but kind of selfish. Then I tried "energy/weight", and I must say, I'm sticking with that for now. Yes, In my life I'd like twice as much energy, and half as much weight as I currently have. Because then I could accomplish all that I need to do, which would lead to a better income, greater satisfaction, and a happier family, and I would feel better doing it, and look hot too!

So, let's put you to the one minute writing test - fill in the blanks, and expand on them if you so desire. You can also go to The One Minute Writer and see what other people have written. There are some good responses there.

Whistle While You Work?

I detest housework. One way I can make it tolerable is to crank up some good tunes. I like to listen LOUD and being The Mom (frequently with a child napping somewhere in the house) isn't always conducive to a major rock-out in the middle of the kitchen.

On the flip side, if I do start dancing around and singing, my kids are usually very happy to join in. So at least I'm not dancin by my se-helf, whoa ho ho ho.

What are your preferred tunes for housework? Lately my favorites are Gwen Stefani, Ben Folds, Josh Rouse, and Billy Joel's Greatest Hits CDs that I can sing along to. I tend to listen to music obsessively and love it until I kill it, then I can't stand it anymore. Poor Josh Rouse only has a few weeks left before I'm done with him.

My goal this week is to perfectly time my kid's naps around housework chores so that I can get maximum music enjoyment and volume while not ruining naps. Oh, the thrilling challenges of being me.

This bird likes to rock out, too. Enjoy.


The video is long, but it is worth watching at least 20 seconds. Especially if you love Queen/80's greatest hits, like me!