You know those people who say, “being a mom is a hard job but it is the best job ever” and all that stuff? Today was the kind of day that makes one sit up and take stock of such a comment and then contemplate the sanity of those who spoke it. I have a distinct distaste for those types of comments and, often times, the people who make them.  Platitudes that carry a hint of righteousness, inflict a spot of guilt, and reek of disingenuousness.

I was sick all day yesterday and woke up today feeling only 75% but knowing that a mother can’t lay around in bed for TWO days. I got up and got everyone ready for school and mentally planned my morning as I zipped Ziplocs and hollered “work your list” 432 times. Everyone got to school and I headed to get my hair cut. As I went to walk through the salon door my phone rang and it was Little’s school telling me that she had an accident and her backpack was empty of clean clothes . . . could I bring her shorts, shoes, etc?

Mommy outward response, “Of course! It will take me a minute since I am not at home but just have her sit tight and I’ll be right there.”  Mommy inward response, “ARE YOU KIDDING ME???? She hasn’t had an accident ALL YEAR and she has one right now as I am planning to do something for myself??” Selfish pig.  (Me, not her.)

Honestly, the next several hours were okay; I was alone and productive. I got the haircut, did the grocery shopping, and then went home to crawl into bed and let my stomach settle until carpool. (Trips to the laundry room were made every 35 min. so don’t go freaking out that I am lazy and whatever. I have too much guilt high a sense of responsibility to just lay in bed and enjoy Psych without getting SOMETHING done!)

When I picked up the kids things went a bit downhill; I was no longer alone. Bubba got into the car and before even saying hello he had asked for my iPad. Sheesh. KB got into the car and asked if I went to the store and got the Lunchables she requested (I didn’t). She then went through the list of the other items requested and asked why I didn’t do what she asked . . . this is where any mother mentally inserts, “WHO DO YOU THINK YOU ARE, SIX YEAR OLD?” and outwardly says, “KB, I heard your requests and chose to say no to those requests.  You are speaking with disrespect – watch it.”

When fixing dinner (an amazing Orange Beef recipe – if you like Chinese you will LOVE this) I was serenaded by a chorus of, “I would rather have nothing for dinner, Mom,” and “That orange beef smells disgusting,” and “I don’t like oranges, Mom.” I admit I was just rude in response to these comments and felt vindicated when 2/3 of my children ate the portions I served them and responded with, “This is actually very yummy!” Sheesh.

Today, being a mommy was not rewarding.  It was not the greatest job I’ve ever had.  Today, I actually would have traded some of the smart mouth responses for a conversation with George and a last-minute change/reprint of a bulletin.

The beauty of being a Mom is that there is a fresh start tomorrow. My children are sleeping soundly and look like angels. The Cardinals are on the TV and Honey is watching them while reading Twitter to the hum of the dryer (yes, I am STILL not done with laundry). I love this family God gave me and I am committed to training those children to use their words for good and not harm. I am committed that they will all go potty on the potty consistently before I die. I am committed to them trying new foods and learning to enjoy a variety of tastes so that IF they ARE invited to the White House one day, they will know how to behave and can be polite instead of announcing that the food smells disgusting and then twirling around 360 degrees in their chair.

ep, I love them.  Tomorrow is another day . . . and I will greet it with a tentative smile, a new-do, honesty, patience, and perseverance.  Now I am going to go fall asleep praying for the grace to see that actually happen. You can pray too.