Thursday, September 23, 2010

Catch Up

The last few weeks have been really tough for me. Nothing earthshakingly horrid, no major life trial, just consistent, monotonous, daily challenges of life. I'm tired, worn out, and mentally spent. I feel like there aren't enough hours in the day to do all the things I need to do. I realize, really I do, that I "signed up" for this, so to speak, but that doesn't make the "to do" list each day any less challenging to accomplish. I know I've been grouchy, irritable, and less than delightful. I feel like I'm in a marathon and not only can't see the end in sight, but wonder sometimes if I'm even running in the right direction. For all the hopes and dreams I have for my children, I often feel that on a day to day basis, I'm falling short in helping them live up to their potential, and thus my own as well. I'll keep trying, working to keep the eternal perspective at the forefront. In the meantime, here are some pictures of fun we had before the last few hard weeks, of which there was little, if any, eventful fun. Mostly just hard work, and not enough time to do it all. Hey, at least I'm keeping up pretty well with my goal to document our family memories . . . even if I'm neglecting the dishes to do it!

We went with Ben to the Pleasanton Street Fair. The kids loved the free face paint.

Final pool party of the summer. I remember doing this trick when I was young!

Check out the water drop on his earlobe!

At this party, Sariah saved a little girl's life. I find the situation amusing because Sariah didn't realize she was doing anything heroic, but was quite pleased with herself when everyone "oooed and aaahed." None of the 20 or so adults noticed a little gal jump into the deep end without her life jacket. Sariah saw her struggling, grabbed her onto her floaty, and swam her to the shallow end to an adult. Glad Sariah can think on her toes!

My fish

Labor Day weekend we spent a few hours at the pseudo beach (man made lake) at Shadow Cliffs. The kids had fun having Dad throw them in the air.

He's one hunky hubby (glad he's mine!).

Sandcastle

Seth stood up all by himself for the first time.

Liam and his best bud, taking a potty break at soccer class.

Grandmom and Seth

5 comments:

Katie said...

Sorry you've been having a tough few weeks...hang in there...I think as Moms sometimes we tend to remember the yelling we did more than the hugs we gave :) I'm sure you're doing a better job than you think and sometimes life just gets busy and it's hard to think straight or do everything the way we want to. But, keep going...I know you're doing great and I love you and am glad to have you for a friend!

Farley Smiles said...

I know you don't give yourself credit! You're bad days are still better than me on a good day! I wish I was there to come and commiserate with you! You know I've been struggling too, but I finally feel like things kicked in this week. I hope things just get better from here on out!

Jen said...

Jakub asked my yesterday. "Why does Danelle always smile." I said "maybe because she is happy." Then he said, "I want to smile and be happy all the time like Danelle"
You are doing good by just being you. :)

Beck Family said...

Glad to hear I'm not the only one. Its crazy how life is like that. We can feel so on top of things one day and feel overwhelmed with life the next. I must admit two things that help me keep my sanity, o.k .maybe three.

1. Me time. Ryan has been so good lately to help me get girl time/ me time and I swear it keeps me a more sane mom.

2. Keep the dishes done. It feels like if I have the dishes done that the rest of my house seems more managable.

3. Read the Book of Mormon. I just had the thought before reading your blog how much easier it is to fight off the natural woman (who likes to criticize, demean, and delude the good in ourselves). When I'm reading the scriptures I feel better about me.

I imagine you are a woman who already knows all these things and is probably already doing them all. You are amazing and if I ever accomplish half the things you do as a mother I will be feeling pretty good.

Love you lots!!

Amy said...

Wouldn't it be great if we could all be perfect all the time? I would love that! Hang in there:)

I LOVE the pee picture:) so funny!