Matt's off the majority of the week and I'm hoping to squeeze in the pumpkin patch, a hike in the leaves to Cunningham Falls, Monkey Joe's, and potty training. We'll see how it all goes. I've decided that Hank being potty trained isn't going to make my life any easier. Been putting it off. Not doing the kid any favors, so it's time for mama to get off the pot and deal with the issue. Grumble, grumble.
I've gotten more than a couple comments asking me "how I do it all" with two little kids. I want to dispel any notion that my world is sparkly clean with butterflies flitting about my perfectly coiffed head, their wing flaps synchronized to Disney music. Perfect does not live at my house.
But I know what you mean. I've done it with other girls' blogs--thought that they had their $#*& more together than I do. Reality? These blogs represent maybe 1% of their life. And that 1% is filtered through somebody who has a vested interested in keeping it light and happy. Ya'll don't want to hear about my 4 month old who has been nicknamed the Human Pimple for the amount of spit up that shoots out of her mouth onto the clean outfit I put her in 2 minutes prior. Repeat six times before bedtime. Or my 2 year old who thinks it is great fun to slap mama's bum. Then there's the fact I can't manage to get the laundry washed, folded, and put away in the same day. And that my husband and I are ravenously desperate for a date night, yet are having a difficult time coming up with dinner conversation over our very own table that doesn't involve our children. We wouldn't know what to do with ourselves on the off chance my little milk leech would let me out of her sight for more than two hours. Would be kinda boring to read about that stuff because you could probably write it yourself. You're living it right there with me, am I right?
My point? Don't compare yourself to what I've got going on over here. Somethings I do pretty darn good and the rest I've decided not to let bother me too much. If everybody is still alive, happy, and loved by the end of the day, it's a success. And that applies to myself as well. I deserve those three things too. And so do you. The rest is gravy...even if it has dried in a crusty puddle on the hardwood and you've neglected to wipe it up until 30 minutes before company is due to arrive.
Supplies:
Stamps: PTI Leaf Prints, Framed, Embellishments, Mega Mixed Messages
Vintage Buttons: Terracotta Tile, Orange Zest, and Summer Sunrise
Cardstock: Kraft and Stamper's Select
Ink: Dark Chocolate
Dies: Leaf Prints Collection
Yay, a real person, just like the rest of us. Been there, done that (many years ago) and you sound just like my daughter (of 3 littlies) on any given day. She's getting her date night next Friday for her birthday and mama and ma-in-law are babysitting. It does get better eventually.
ReplyDeleteKinda sounds like my life. Three little kids (7, 6, and 4), I run two businesses and manage the books from my home with two assistants (thank goodness!) plus hubby is part time involved in the businesses, is a part time pastor, part time teacher and part time student. All that adds up to laundry that's never done, dishes that are always piled up, and a house that looks like a wind storm blew through. I'm so glad to see someone else that's real!!
ReplyDeleteThanks for being so open and honest with us. I guess the grass is always greener... Good luck with potty training. Hank will figure it out in his own time. Maybe, if you're lucky, it will will be the same as yours :)
ReplyDeleteThanks again for the perspective. I guess all I can say is enjoy it because I'm told it goes fast. Sure doesn't seem like it some days, but I'm so grateful for my kids (7,4,8 months) and the experiences we've had together.
Happy Stamping!!!
Erin, thank you so, so much for this post. I'm one of those who stares at those blogs with stunning paper crafted projects, perfectly glittered children, amazing home deco and cute headband-ed mamas expecting like the 76456 baby and think "how the %·"$ do they do it??? Both hubs and I are journalists, work 40 hours/week. We have a 3 year old and I've been putting away the "2nd children issue" because I simply don't know how I would manage. Oh, and add 2 doggies to the mix :)
ReplyDeleteI'm going to make this sentence my mantra: "If everybody is still alive, happy, and loved by the end of the day, it's a success. And that applies to myself as well. I deserve those three things too.".
Hugs from Spain!
Lorena
This is why I {heart} you! I came across your blog when you started designing for PTI... and boy am I glad that happened. You are one very inspirational woman - and talented, to boot. Big hugs - and receiving blankets, pull-ups & dinner conversation - to you! =)
ReplyDeleteYou nail it everytime you treat us with such an enlightning post! Love the way you do it all! Love your spirit.
ReplyDeleteI've lost the illusion that everyone but me is perfect a long time ago. If people visit me without prior notice they get the house at it is, not the cleanest but comfy and warm. But I know what you mean, get the basics done and be happy.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful card.
Eveline.
You have great ENERGY ...... not as in you can go all day ..... as in you are the type of person that exudes happy and a light heart!!! You know all kiddies are different for our son he wanted a potty on the floor that was not so scary and our daughter had a small seat on the real potty ...... she was no problem and he was a pain in the booty to train ..... but one thing that made our life so much easier was the little potty you can take with you in the car. http://www.toysrus.com/product/index.jsp?productId=3055781&CAWELAID=180888584 We have about 3 of these..... we keep them in our cars and one in the stroller. I never have to worry about all those germs when they are getting the hang of it and we can pull over anywhere NO STRESS!!! Good luck ....... it will be perfect no matter the time line. Oh and of course I love your card ..... FABBY!!!!
ReplyDeleteThat's why I luv ya, Erin. Such a healthy perspective on life! It's so easy to think that everyone else has their s&^* together when they show only a tiny snippet of their life on their blog. Life is full of spit-up (oh I remember those days!) and dirty dishes and crumbs on the floor - at everyone's house!
ReplyDeleteWow! Thank you! A great designer and a real person. Think I'll print this post out and hang it on my wall.
ReplyDeletemy hat still goes off to you - that after all the spit up and poop you are dealing with (i'm not saying that is all you deal with, just making a point...) you can find the time and have the inspiration and energy to create wonderful things! applause to you and all the moms out there who have the most important job in the world. your family is such a blessing and that comes out in your work.
ReplyDeleteWay to go, Erin! I think we all needed to hear that.
ReplyDeleteYou are hysterical!
ReplyDeleteFinally, a modern day Erma Bombeck.
Oh,you're too young to know who she is?
Doesn't matter!
My blog is alternately celebratory, self deprecating, and full of fails.
Thanks for your honesty,your humor, and your candid openness!
Kelly Taylor, a new Papertrey Peep
"If everybody is still alive, happy, and loved by the end of the day, it's a success." Isn't that the truth? As someone who is past all of that, I love your perspective and wished I had had the same all those years ago. They do fly by.
ReplyDeletePS - Don't worry about gravy on the floor BEFORE the company. They're bound to add to it, and then you can get it all at once! :)
Hey, Erin - I don't have a 4 month old and a 2 year old (I do have a 25 year old...) and I still don't have time to wipe the crusty puddle on the floor up! My sister has taught kindergarten for 30 years and she said that she has never had a kid start kindergarten still in diapers (although she has had a few start kindergarten with pacifiers!!!)
ReplyDeleteI couldn't have said it any better myself! Papercrafting is my escape from everyday life! BTW - I promise not to look for gravy on your floor if you promise not to look for cobwebs in my corners - A few of those have escaped from me before!
ReplyDeletei just finished potty training my son (2.5 years) and he's doing great. Did read the book "Potty Training Boys the Easy way" by Caroline Fertleman. Cuz, lets face it, boys are a new bread of human. :) And its only about 100 pages, so easy reading and great tips. Hope it goes well for you!
ReplyDeleteAmen Sister!
ReplyDeleteOMG Human Pimple! Priceless. I hope that goes on a scrapbook page at some point. :-)
ReplyDeleteGreat post!!! Thanks for making me smile and keeping me in touch with reality in this virtual world!! Love your work as always!!!! You rock!
ReplyDeleteThe Human Pimple!!!! OMG ROFL!!! Thanks for sharing and keeping it real. Your post made me smile and has exponentially made my day brighter.
ReplyDeleteBTW - I just walk around the gravy now. Pretty soon I'm going to have to give it a name. =)
That's why so many of us ladies love you Erin - you have a wonderful relaxed style and tell it like it is. It feels like reading a note from a wonderful friend.
ReplyDeleteErin,
ReplyDeleteI've been a fan of yours for ages. Way back when I first started seeing your stuff in CK and thru your "rise to fame" and now on to PTI & kiddos.
You're clean, graphic style has always drawn me. But your tongue in cheek, spot on description of real life & dealing with it has delighted me no end. We all need this kind of reminder from time to time. But we rarely get it from our "idols" or people who's talent we admire. So, thanks. For everything.
Thanks for this post. Even though I know no one is perfect, it is so hard when you see all these blogs that look so perfect to remember that. You are an amazing and talented person!
ReplyDeleteOh, Erin....I needed that! I have 2 little ones with colds right now. I'm covered in snot and can't pry the baby off my leg long enough to go pee. Perfect doesn't live at my house either. And I'm glad for that.
ReplyDeleteOh, and "I want to dispel any notion that my world is sparkly clean with butterflies flitting about my perfectly coiffed head, their wing flaps synchronized to Disney music."- that would get pretty annoying after a while anyway, dontcha think? :)
Thanks for the post...and LOVE your card!
This comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDelete"Perfect doesn't live at my house." and...
ReplyDelete"If everybody is still alive, happy, and loved by the end of the day, it's a success."
...are going on the fridge along with the two quotes that are already there:
"What other people think of me is none of my business" and
"Be the change you want to see in the world."
And to add my two cents worth, in my experience: the best kind of company doesn't notice the gravy on the floor so don't worry about it till after they have left....and...the only "training" that actually occurs in potty training is learning the routine of
pull pants down; sit; wipe; pull pants up; wash hands.
After that for us it was just a case of waiting until the light went on in their head.
My son had the routine down at 2 but the light didn't go on til he was 3.5. Good luck with it!
THANK YOU FOR THIS. And that's about all right now :).
ReplyDeleteOh, Erin, this is so awesome! Thanks for the great post! I'll be joining you in the potty training after Thanksgiving. Your card is fabulous, too! I LOVE your style! Thanks so much for sharing your playful take on crafting and parenting. It makes me feel more normal! :)
ReplyDeleteWow, this post made me teary eyed. Comparing myself to other bloggers? GUILTY! I do it and it makes me feel crappy and guilty for not being as capable as others seem. It has made me nearly give up on crafting...so your rebuke to stop doing it is super timely. As well as the reminder to not let some things bother me. Thanks! I feel like a weight has been lifted by a sweet candid stranger speaking directly to my heart!
ReplyDeleteErin,
ReplyDeleteMy 2 boys are now 25+ but both were potty trained by the time they went to K at Green Valley Elem. You know what helped? Cheerios! Yup, throw a couple in the potty and aim...helps with directing everything where it should go!!
I have four boys-9,9,6 and 2-perfect definitely doesn't live at our house either! :)
ReplyDeleteLOVE this post so much, I can't even tell you. Good luck with the potty training-I was fully convinced my twins would go to Kindergarten in pull-ups (didn't happen). The 6 year old trained himself at two (poor neglected child); haven't even thought about it with our 2 year old (I'm such a slacker).
Thanks for such a refreshing take on motherhood!
Fabulous, Erin. I LOVE the card, and I also LOVE your comments at the end. Just fabulous. None of our lives are perfect.
ReplyDeleteOh Erin - I could have written this blog post!!! As I sit here typing with one hand, the six month old baby girl is latched on , falling asleep. The 2 year old hasn't gotten dressed yet, oh, it's almost 10 am. I need to finish fixing my hair. Laundry is folded, but still in the baskets I carried it upstairs in. Dust surrounds me, the vaccuum cleaner wishes I'd plug it in and USE it. And soon I'll need to go pick up the 4 year old from preschool..... I'm no June Cleaver...may she rest in peace!
ReplyDeleteBest blog post EVER. Love, love, love it!!
ReplyDeleteErin,
ReplyDeleteI agree with the others - you certainly hit the nail on the head here. I enjoy the perfect, happy blogs the way people enjoy a good romantic comedy, but the ones that become my true cyber-friends are the ones that keep it real.
Hugs!