Parenting is Messy...

Lately...I'm realizing something more and more.

Being a parent is messy!

I mean this in a couple ways.

First, yes I mean it in the literal since.  

Diapers are messy.

Spit-up is messy.

It seems like my house is ALWAYS messy.

Things spill.

There are ALWAYS clothes to wash.

Most days my clothes and I are covered in...something.

Usually I am sweaty from carrying babies, carseats and running in circles.

And I can count on one hand the number of times lately that my hair has actually been fixed and not just pulled up, out of the way.

But...

I also mean this is another way.

Parenting is not easy.  

There are  no perfect parents.

No matter what plans I have for the day...week...or life, they seem to change...A LOT.

I want things to be neat, smooth, in order...

I want everyone to stay on schedule...at all times.

I want my children to play with one toy, and then put it up before getting another one out.

I want  my children to behave perfectly in public.

I want to be able to snap my fingers and everyone is ready, diaper bags are packed, and we can leave the house.

And I never want my babies to cry...I never want them to have to cry.

I know I know...none of that sounds realistic.

You may be saying to yourself, "Wow, you're crazy. You expect too much."

But, I'm just being honest.  

And...I'm realizing more each day that this isn't going to be the way things go...

and that's OK!

We try to stick to schedules because they are very helpful, but it never fails. Someone gets hungry early or doesn't take a nap when they are supposed to.

I can't seem to find time to run and excersise as much as I want to.

There are always toys on the floor and my child pulls new ones out the second we finish cleaning up.

My two year old WILL pitch fits in public. 

And, my babies will cry...at home, in public...

And sometimes I have to let them cry.  I hate it, but it's true.

And, it will take us over an hour to get everyone ready to go somewhere...and by the time we get in the car, I wonder why I even got ready because I'm hot and sweaty.

And like I said I'm learning more and more, daily that it's OK!

I don't have to be a perfect mom. I CAN...and WILL make mistakes.

Some days will go more smoothly than others.

Some days I will just want to forget.

It doesn't REALLY matter what my house looks like or what people think of me when my kids go crazy.

And my babies will not hate me forever or be scarred for life because I had to let them cry for five minutes.

At the end of the day I can only do what I can do.

I only have 24 hours.

I only have 2 hands and arms.

God has entrusted me to be mommy to three beautiful, precious children and I am so thankful for that.  

He only expects me to trust him, and do the best I can. 

I love my kids!

I can't imagine life without any of them!

I wouldn't trade any day with any of them...for anything!

So...it's all worth it...

stress, frustration, tears, lack of sleep, a messy house, staring eyes in public...

messy hair and clothes, messy house, stained carpet

Today is almost over.

My kids are all asleep.

I wasn't a perfect parent.

But..I fed my kids, played with them, read and sang to them, snuggled with them and tickled them, and managed to keep the house somewhat clean.

And now...we'll sleep, and then do it all again tomorrow.