We just returned from a whirlwind trip visiting family, family, and more family.
I’m kind of family-ed out. I’m particularly in need of a break from two small humans named Carson and Ella. For a better part of the week we were gone, they drove me insane with their whining and crying and generally unruly, albeit typical, three and four year old behavior.
Now that we’re back home, I’m working on getting back to that mellow, grateful place where I don’t feel like locking them in a closet for a few hours. As they kept acting like jerks last week and I grasped at the the tiniest thread of patience that remained, I kept thinking to myself, “I’m a much better parent when…”
I’m a much better parent when they aren’t sleep deprived.
I’m a much better parent when I’m not sleep deprived.
I’m a much better parent during the day than I am at bedtime, particularly when very tired children refuse to go to sleep.
I’m a much better parent when my children aren’t hopped up on fast food.
I’m a much better parent when the kids aren’t fighting.
I’m a much better parent when it’s not 1000 degrees outside.
I’m a much better parent when my children aren’t whining.
I’m a much better parent when I haven’t been in a car for nine hours.
I’m a much better parent when I haven’t listened to the same Thomas & Friends video
I’m a much better parent when I haven’t slept in the same bed with one of my children for six out of seven nights.
I’m a much better parent when I haven’t taken a foot to the face in the middle of the night.
I’m a much better parent when I’ve had a few hours to myself.
Well, enough of this whining. I have 27 loads of laundry to wash. I also have 42,354 photos to edit, you know, to remind me of how happy and great my life is. Ahem.
It’s one of those times when you need a vacation to get over the vacation isn’t it?
Hope things to back to normal asap for you! x
.-= Marylin´s last blog ..Today was not such a good Monday. =-.
I am so happy to have found your blog the other day.
love.love.
.-= kasey´s last blog ..going into week three.. =-.
I’m a much better parent when my kids have been at camp for a week. (See also: freaking out.) Soon. You’ll get there soon.
.-= Headless Mom´s last blog ..By The Numbers-Weekend Edition =-.
I’m a much better parent when my kids aren’t being spoiled crazy by grandparents.
.-= Cathy´s last blog ..Pajamas =-.
being a mama makes me want to send my mom flowers every. single. day.
because i get it now.
.-= jen´s last blog ..plastic shower curtain holder-uppers. =-.
Ditto, ditto and ditto!
.-= MacNessa´s last blog ..What Do You Shoot With? =-.
LOL! What’s strange is that my high-functioning autistic/Asperger’s daughter is an absolute joy on the road. She is so much fun to travel with–behaves more like a typical child. When she’s at home, well, that’s another story!
Good luck with all that laundry and photos.
I’m always so grateful to see my own bed and the kids playroom with the door I can close.
.-= Kara´s last blog ..Pork Chop Marinade =-.
i must remember all of this in two weeks when we drive 12 hours to Ft. Lauderdale for a family reunion. My kids are 3 and 1. *sigh*
.-= Tiffany´s last blog ..Jesus spoke to me—or maybe it was Morgan Freeman. Whatever. =-.
It was so great to spend time with you and the kids ( and yes…spoil them..that is in the grandparents manual) But I hear you about how good it is to be home. There is nothing like your own bed and own schedule!! I hope you get done with the piles of laundry..I’m just getting started with mine. Lots of love.
i was wondering where you disappeared to! those vacations are a double edged sword!
.-= MommyNamedApril´s last blog ..I Can’t Believe I’m Recapping Another Week Already. Oh Yeh, and Happy Monday to You. =-.
Welcome back! Lord, I know just what you mean. Interesting how most of your list involves that elusive creature named “SLEEP” and better yet “EIGHT HOURS OF CONTINUOUS NON-COSLEEPING.”
Summer is going to make me the worst version of myself. Winter did the same thing.
I was a pretty good mom for like 20 minutes in April.
Too funny! And oh so true! Glad I found your blog. Love it.
.-= Danielle´s last blog ..Tied Ball. =-.
I’m about to leave for 2.5 weeks extending visiting family/celebrating my sister’s wedding and I am NOT looking forward to any of it.
Well, the wedding, yes. But the having to sleep in a twin bed in a room with my kids as opposed to in MY bed in a room with my husband. Not so much!
.-= Formerly Gracie´s last blog ..Letter to My 20-Something Self =-.
And that’s why family vacations are overrated.
Vacations aren’t actually vacations. They’re a test of patience.
Welcome back!
.-= Kristin´s last blog ..On Strike =-.
I look at our summer family vacation as the one week of the year I don’t have to clean the house or make my bed. I keep my expectations low.
.-= PopMommy Pam´s last blog ..NKOTB and BSB at RCMH =-.
OMG, we went on the EXACT SAME VACATION! My 4-year old became seriously unhinged. (As did I.) And now? I’m refusing to unpack because I’m mentally broken. And I want a vacation by myself.
.-= Sue @ Laundry for Six´s last blog ..health care by the numbers =-.