Wake up at 6:25 a.m. to my son telling me he’s “scared,” AKA ready to get up. Nudge his daddy to spring into action.
Alarm goes off at 6:45. Go for a run. Realize I don’t feel very good. Walk home.
Make toast for the kids and me. Appreciate that Annabeth can feed herself.
Have “quiet” time. Hide in dining room for a few minutes to pray.
Kiss Curtis goodbye. Thankful that Jackson doesn’t cry today.
Repeatedly send Jackson in the backyard to play. He’s operating at a 10 out of 10.
Put Annabeth down for a nap. Try to keep the house quiet.
Realize I either forgot to moderate blog comments yesterday or a bunch just suddenly appeared in the moderating queue. Yikes.
Comments from last summer and fall keep showing back up. Weird.
Annabeth wakes up happy.
Get the urge for Papa John’s pizza. Order the $10 large, any toppings pizza.
Twenty minutes later it shows up.
Drop the pizza and watch Canadian bacon and pineapple spill all over the entry way and splatter on the delivery man.
Despite my protests, he generously leaves to get us another one.
Sit on the couch and wonder if that really happened. Embarrassed. Frustrated.
Yell at Jackson for climbing on me. Receive imaginary bad mom of the day award. Apologize to my boy.
New pizza arrives. Give a good tip.
Jackson says, “I want to share with my pizza. With Annabeth. That’s what Jesus likes.”
Wonder if that’s a ploy not to have to eat. He eats all his pizza. He meant it. Sweet boy.
Encourage Annabeth to walk toward Jackson. She claps her hands, calls him “Dat dat” for the first time, and takes a few steps toward her brother.
Heart is happy.
Kids get a bath. In the chaos afterward, Annabeth dumps out the wipes. Towel falls into the water. Jackson sucks toothpaste out of tube.
Annabeth takes 9 steps toward her brother. A new record.
She hits her mouth on her rocking chair. Cries.
Naptime #2.
Try to read Where the Wild Things Are to Jackson before his rest time. He says it’s too long. Not gonna argue with that. Pick a shorter book.
Bribe him with candy if he’ll sleep today. Probably should be ashamed but I’m desperate for the stillness.
Quiet now.
And all is well in the Jones home.
Kari Day 
You have no idea how much I love the fact that you sound like me…. how many "worst mom" awards did I get today??? Not going to tell you! I agree, it tends to come from my frustration, and the desperate need for stillness. Blesses my heart to know I'm not alone! Never had one of my monkeys suck out the toothpaste though… yuck!
Remember the old Army comercials? "We get more done before 9:00am then most people do all day." They got that from a mommy!
I miss those days! I so never thought I would say that, but I do. Hope you got to nap for a few minutes yourself.
I wonder sometimes how I had all the strength to take care of 3 little ones but I did it. Never occurred to me that God gives Mom's super-human strength every day but he does. Your Mom did such a good job with you that you could share this day with us. 🙂 Precious
Thank you for a peek into the Jones household… Makin' it real! 🙂
Oh the joys of motherhood! I have to remind myself that the kids will be leaving home one day and I will miss this so much. It makes me laugh at myself, but it kind of works.
Oh how that brought much needed laughter to my heart and smiles to my face! I am not there yet, but in due time. I have a 5 month old who is about to cut 2 teeth who is a McFussy Pants, drooling buckets, and of course up all night! I work full time 10 hour days and travel 1+ hours each way so it can get pretty tiresome and frustrating at times… My "dream job" is to be a stay at home mom with a few blessings running around so your perfect picture painted sweet thoughts in heart! Hope your night and day are well!
{{{{{{{{{AMANDA}}}}}}}}}}}}
Thanks for sharing your real day with us. We've all been there, even with the dropped pizza. I usually add an extra topping of tears with mine.
🙂 Amanda,
Imagine for a second, a thirteen month old and then bringing home twins! Now add a year or two…
I chuckle at some of the things that happened…the following happened more than once: 🙂 Our washing machine did not have a proper hook up so I had to run a hose from the sink to fill it now add to that getting distracted by three little ones only to remember Oh, no I have water running into the machine…too late, what a mess!
Image using cloth diapers and the lines and lines of diapers that were on the line because we did not have a dryer and imagine, forgetting to rinse out a cloth diaper from the toliet when your husband goes in to use the only bathroom in the house…ugh 🙂
They grow up so fast my little ones are now 32 and 31 years old…
Love to you and prayers from one understanding mother to another
Deborah
Amanda, I just read your post and for some reason (maybe the early-ness of the morning), it made me feel sad. I think I forgot how difficult the "baby days" can be. My only son is 9 now (but I have another one on the way!) Raising little ones is an endless task and not the easiest. Of course its still well worth it, but I can so relate to those kinds of days from when my son was younger. Hope you are encouraged along the way. May the Lord send you encouragers today and regularly! : – )
P.S. This is random, but I was wondering about the blog comments myself. You mentioned that there were comments showing up from other times. I've noticed for the past few weeks when I'm commenting on the Insecurity Discussion Group that the comment numbers are wrong and/or changing. For instance, the comments on the original post will say something like 612 (just an example number), but when I go to the last page of the comments, there is really only 568 showing up. It's really odd. I also notice that the comment #'s on each page don't follow the same pattern they used to. Instead of always showing 1-200 on page 1, it will sometimes show up as 1-2I2 and then the next page will say 212-428 and so on, something odd like that.
I saw the post about a new blog site a while back and have been wondering what the status is.
Sorry this is so long, but I've been wanting to mention the comments thing for a while and whether anyone else was noticing a similar problem.
Ahhhh….the memories! I still have days like that and my kiddos are 7, 4 1/2 and 3 1/2. Just "off" days that really didn't have anything to do with the kids or anything. Now, in case your mama didn't nag you…are you eating right? taking a multi-vitamin? when was your last check-up cause those hormones can make you crazy and last but not least, when was the last time you bought new shoes!!! 😀
Take care and remember God is with you and so are all us girls!
Lori
30's
Married in MS
So many stories I could tell… my sweet old dog and sensitive cat are both so high maintenance it is like having kids; some days it is one thing after another.
Here’s a glimpse of today’s life before 7am:
12am midnight – I wake up realizing the cat wet the bed and me – and I just put clean sheets on 3 hours earlier!
After cleaning up and changing the bed, I have trouble getting back to sleep
1:30am – my dog has to go outside
2:30am – just starting to drift off, I hear my dog up, the smell tells me she’s had an accident.
Well, at least this time she didn’t step in it. Trust me, there is nothing like cleaning crap out of your dog’s paws at 4am to put you in a fine mood for the day.
2:45am – I turn on the audio Bible, starting at Romans, and let it play quietly overnight, hoping for peace in the house.
3am – finally get to sleep. Dreamt about Beth, haha
6am – the alarm should have gone off, I don’t remember it at all.
7am – wake up, knowing I need to get up because it’s past time for my dog’s morning meds
I hear the cat puking, get up and clean that up.
Go to get my dog up and see the cat left a deposit in the spare bedroom.
I’m thinking that, like a mom, at some point when they are set I’m going for a nap, thankful that I don’t have a job to go to today.
Michele
Oh, Sweet Darling, bless your heart! I should have taken the morning off and entered into the glorious chaos of Jonestown! You are such a good mom. And those are my favorite two babies under heaven. I love you so much.
Amanda hon,
I laughed and cried with you. I have a 6 yo little man and some days, some days…..Take heart that you are not alone. At least Jackson wasn't running through the house naked in front of the pizza guy. (Ask me where I would come up with that). 😉 Although the toothpaste thing was interesting. I always say there is never a dull moment in our house. We've all been there, sugar. Here's a (((BIG HUG))) and a hope that the day got better.
I wish my kids would still take a morning nap sometimes! Ages 9 and 5 though so that isn not happening! Love the pizza replacement. They rock at customer service!
The part I loved the most was that you hid in the dining room to pray. That brought tears to my eyes. For the first time in my life I am getting up an hour before my kids and when I do not, I feel such a difference in my entire day. For so many years, I just said that I couldn't fit it in with little ones. I love learning how other moms do it. My life is so different now with two in school (although my 5 year old is only in full time school because of where we live) and nap time seems like distant memory–even with a 3 year old. As my sister-in-law told me not long ago, "Long days, short years". I am so often caught up in the long day part that I look up and realize how quickly time has gone. Loved the glimpse into your day and sorry about the pizza. It has been so long since I've had Pappa John's! Also jealous of the ice cream Jackson was eating the other day. It has been way too long since we've had Blue Bell!
Been there! Sometimes it just doesn't pay to get out bed does it?
You make me want Pizza…I'll have to get one at noon today….a friend got one on our way home from church last night and it was all I could do not to dive into before she dropped me off at my house….it made it to her house!
Aw, thanks for sharing, Little Momma:) I felt so sorry for you when you said you dropped that pizza! I was thinking, "OH No!" That was rough. Feeling for you. But there were some ups in your day too, and they were very good ups!:) Your heart was happy, yay, happy heart:):)
Amanda,
Thank you so much for sharing this! I feel like I get the bad Mom award several times a day everyday…I'm glad I'm not alone! Those great moments are so precious! I hope you have a better day today!
fun post. hope you have a great day. i think my post got deleted yesterday. sorry. you are very, very blessed. enjoy this day. what does God have planned today? GREAT THINGS!
sounds like a day, Amanda! but it also sounds like you gathered all you tweets in one blog post! hehe…funny. I call tweeting, Facebook drive through!
Have a great day, today!!
Allison
You are too cute, Amanda!! I'm sure all the moms can identify with you!!
Believe it or not…….OH! How I miss those days 🙁 Mother of a 20 yr old, almost 18 yr old, a 13 yr old and a 12 yr old. Enjoy it, Amanda, even the chaos, because it will be gone way too fast…..
Hey sister…You really have no idea how sharing your crazy morning encourages me. I sometimes feel that only my kids are the "wild" ones, running wide open all the time. Can you believe that one day we will miss this season of our life? Even when we are tired, frustrated and think we can't take anymore we must give God the glory for allowing us to parent His little children while on earth. Praise His Name…we should feel honored!
Staying home with little ones was absolutely the hardest job I ever had…and the most rewarding. You are doing a fabulous job. Thank you for sharing and helping some of us older moms remember 🙂
lived it, living it. my youngest is five years and i babysit a two-year-old boy. my stepson is 12 today!!!!!!!
girl, you have that day and somehow through all the chaos was able to see a slice of God's glory through your son, claiming sharing is what he should do because it is what Jesus like. AMEM! even though there are some chaotic, horrible, long, whiney, (he's not sharing, etc!) days as young moms we still know that we are God's. i have to start my day w/God every day and i have my exercise time too if i can get both of those out before the day starts with my children then my day will go so much better. i am taking a mommy class called 'mom-to-mom, growing together' the author is linda anderson and this is from lifeway and this is my third series. i encourage you to find a mom-to-mom group. we meet every week and have light study questions that go w/the particular topic and all is Bible based.
you are doing a wonderful job, amanda. i feel ya girl! there are so many times i know i have blown it w/my patience to my boys and i feel so terrible and go apologize. in my mom-to-mom lesson this week there was a statement that on video linda anderson said that i made into a notecard, i'll share:
"God and our children are very forgiving"
that makes you humble doesn't it? when i have acted out of anger/frustration/exhaustion and messed up with the three boys in my life there are times i walk away and hear God saying to me 'these boys are mine and gifts to you, take care, show love.'
don't you have such a deeper appreciate for mothers out there who successfully raised their children and didn't loose their heads?
we are all a work in process no matter what age…
Girl, I can so relate! Have 2 boys (3 and 6) and the candy is not a bribe – it is a reward! I also am so happy to know I am not the only mom who yells at her boys "DO NOT CLIMB ON ME ANYMORE! I AM NOT A JUNGLE GYM!"
Wasn't that pizza guy nice, though? Grace….
As I sat down to read this I am waiting for my coffee to be made and trying to wake up as my 1 year old needs to be fed….knowing that coffee and Jesus are the two things I know I need for this busy day. Thanks for the post 🙂
Dear Amanda,
Thanks so much for sharing your day with us. I found myself smiling and remembering days gone by…my children are now 28 and 25…wow, time sure flies even when you don't think you are having a good time. Treasure the day and keep up the wonderful job you are doing. I think you are an amazing mom….thanks for being transparent and allowing us to experience a small part of your daily life…..enjoy the journey in His presence.
Today, the youngest of my 3 sons turns 17. I just finished an email to my mother summing up my baby's life from birth through 16+ in ONE paragraph!! Time truly does fly! Even when you're not always having fun!
Never fear, Amanda, you will indeed get through these years, then you'll be wishing them back!
Blessings to you today.
Kristi
((Smile))
Sounds just like the life of a homeschool mom…except my kids are 10, 12, and 13. I'd give them candy if they took a nap too!!!
Amanda, Melissa, and Beth,
I had to share with you this little story.
Last night, Dailey Rae's homework was to write sentences with your spelling. Two of her words were 'normal' and 'spirituality'.
When checking her homework, her sentence read as follows:
The Siestas are not normal when showing their spirituality.
LOL!!!!
And I proudly let her turn her homework in with just that statement.
Hugs!
Tracy L.
Richlands, NC
So real amanda….you are an inspiration to others….
Amanda…girl…I am so very thankful you posted this!! I needed this. The last couple of days with my kiddos have been exhuasting. I'm in the season where mine are all in elementary school (ages 10, 9, & 7).
I'm chuckling as I admit to this–because mine are not even at home for a chunk of the day. Though they are not home throughout the day, my mornings and later afternoon to evenings are filled to the brim. The last couple of days have been exhausting! PTL for early hours before they arise out of their beds and for quiet around the house while they are at school.
Just precious–you sharing this!! AND I so enjoyed reading through many of the other ladies posts about their similiar days–whatever season it is!! THANKS EVERYONE!!
I don't have children yet…maybe that's why I am giggling over this. So sorry! Love your stories 🙂
I love you Amanda…you are so real!
I know just how you feel. I have a 3 and a 20 month old. And they no longer nap- we did have a small victory with rest time though. I hope afternoon ran more smoothly. I have a sick one today so we are watching mass quanities of PBS kids! Yeah for Curious George!
This could have been my day. Parallel reality here on the east coast.
Amanda –
yo…been there. enjoy it, it will pass too quickly. ;0) except for the gettting up at 6 something in the a.m. I don't like that hour.
I would never make it if I went for a run that time of the day…honey, I would never make it if I went for a walk that time of the day. I'm a pillow hugger from pillow huggers way back.
I always enjoy your post, have a good day sweetie.
I have 7 childres, ages 23-10. I am a stay-at-home mom. I firmly believe that if I knew ahead of time everything that would happen during the day, I would never be able to get out of bed!!!!
I am reading these comments and seeing that the "scared" phase truly is not just in my home! My 3.5 year old is scared a lot, most of the time because he wants me to be with him….He wakes up almost every night these days scared of something, no matter how many times we pray…
I too condense everything in this post to the evening and weekends…it is SO nice to know that we are not alone, sometimes I feel like I am the only mother who is facing the same few minutes of quiet time and children with minds of their own!
Thank you for this post today Amanda…so encouraging if you can believe that.
Oh Amanda I definitely feel your pain!! O how precious those little people are but they're so much work!! I am a mama of four, 10,7,4,&3 and they keep me on my toes! I am a stay-at-home mom & some days are just hard,seems like things just happen sometimes. I'm just glad to know it doesn't just happen to me!! Thank you God for my precious blessings, your strenghth, & keeping me sane amidst the chaos! Keep keeping on Amanda we will survive! Thanks for the post. I hope your week goes much better!
Christy
Summit, MS
Hear ya and feel ya!
You could start a new blog (like you would have the time"
"Days in the life of a "stay-at-home mom"
Everyone says the time goes by so fast and they are probably right, but I think they might forget that the days go by Sooooo Loooooong! Thanks for sharing your before 12:00 with us. It made my whole day.
And I have decided to not accept the Bad Mom award anymore. They don't seem to mean much, and I'd like to leave a little room on the shelf… you know, for toys that shouldn't be eaten by the baby.
You are not alone sweetie. Sounds about like a normal day to me. And by the way, God doesn't give out bad mom awards. Just beautiful crowns, and yours is waiting for you. 🙂
Hey Amanda,
Loved your post. I know exactly what you're experiencing. I remember those days. My children are teenagers now, one graduating this year (sniff, sniff) and the other 15 yrs. old. So my kids are spaced age wise about like yours.
Honey it will get better and you will miss all of this. I knew one day that my children would grow and develop their own thoughts and leave home, but I didn't know it was going to so soon.
Amanda, the years fly by,what seems like the children will never get quiet end up getting quiet too soon. Enjoy being a mom; its the best job in the world and the hardest. God pick you to be blessed with these beautiful people, isnt't that awesome.
Off the record for a moment, I want to thank you, your sister and your mother, Beth for this blog. I only discovered it a few weeks ago, but it has helped me to understand that I am not alone. There is a bunch of women just like me. Thank you for giving us a place to find ourselves, learn and heal.
In His love,
Dawn
30's
Mount Olive, NC
Just got a chance to read this and it made me laugh just a bit. As a mother of a 4, 3, and 18 month old, the days are often filled with "meaningless" happenings, but I am thankful for those moments because, often, those are the moments that mean the most.
I would have never desired stillness and quietness as I do now without children. I am much too A-typical…
I often wonder if I had so much that needed to be refined and that is the reason both of mine are so strongwilled. I thought we were only supposed to have one that was in the batch, not both!
WOW – what a morning. You are such a good mom, and a good friend for being honest and sharing. I love the play-by-play!
Hang in there
Siesta OC
Wow, sounds just like my house, except, replace the pizza with french onion dip. My 2 year old has fell in loved with dip and wants it with every meal. Problem……he just dips his hands in it and gets it all over everything, clothes, furniture, brother, me, etc…. Did I mention that he doesn't really eat it with anything, just likes the dip.
Good times, girlie. Good times.
My kids are 7, 4 and 3 and while only one actually naps, they all go down for "rest time" from about 1:30 to 3:00. They go with a stack of books (or audio CDs) and don't come out until I come get them. YES, it took some training, but once they knew I meant business, it has been the best thing for all of us. I am more sane, and I noticed my kids even get along better in the evening because they had time to rest their brains and can appreciate together time even more.
Don't give up! Don't give up! You are their biggest blessing.