Why is it that some days are totally AWESOME and other days totally FAIL!? That seems to be the story of my rollercoaster life lately. Juggling family life, homeschooling, fitness, growing my faith, and oh… trying to figure out when/how to pack for a cross country move. Busy. Preoccupied. Overwhelmed. Rocking it and flopping it. I never know what the day will hold.
Some days I totally rock as a parent… and other days I totally FAIL! Some days (actually most days) the moment I think, “Hey I am totally rocking this day! It is going to be awesome!” the very next moment I am banging my head against the wall wondering where did things go wrong!?
Can you relate!?
The above face is a tired Mama who is unsure of how or where to begin after a rough start to the day. Not all mornings are perfect with routine and structure… in fact most mornings around here are filled with chaos.
Once first (and second) breakfast were served and cleaned up, we began our table work. This year I have a TK (transitional kindergartner), 1st grader, and 3rd grader. Three different personalities, learning styles, grade levels, and curriculum. I totally need to figure something else out or I will totally go bonkers very soon.
The T-man loves doing his table work with his big brothers. This week we are working on the letter ‘Aa’ and ‘Bb’. We are writing, sounding out, reading, and learning the (ASL) sign language for those letters.
Precious P is in 1st grade, and dances to the beat of his own drum. It is a struggle to get him started with his lessons… but once he decides to start… he is on a roll and can finish WELL and STRONG. It is just figuring out that spark to get him started.
Big C is the big man on campus and is a 3rd grader. I remember LOVING 3rd grade… and want him to LOVE it too. He is Mr. Independent in our house and is probably the easiest to homeschool because he can read and figure things out independently.
When we finally got done with our lessons for the day… we all needed fresh air, movement, and a break from one another. Or rather, honestly, Mommy needed to sweat and have some alone time.
Because we currently only have one car (which my husband is using to drive to work), this leaves the boys and I at home to explore and travel using only our feet or bikes.
I received a pair of new-to-me running shoes to review. They are CloudRunner by On Running. These are totally unique in look and feel. I thought that it would be a perfect opportunity to take these new shoes out for a spin and run! I will share my experience on a future blog post!
I loaded the boys up on our bikes. The big boys rode their bikes and I pulled T-man in the trailer. We rode 3.5 miles to the gym where I put them in the kid classroom and I enjoyed running on the treadmill. I don’t necessarily like running on the treadmill… but compared to the last few runs (mid-day heat or chasing kids on bikes) this was bliss.
After my much needed run, the boys went swimming. They had a great time swimming, splashing, and chasing friends around the pool. I enjoyed the sunshine and relaxation that Vit. D gives me.
Before we knew it, it is was time to load up on our bikes and head home. The boys were hot, hungry, and tired. Woops. I even thought we took a short cut home… but it ended up being a bit longer. Oops again.
We made it home. Only two bike crashes (both by P who tends to be a space cadet when riding).
Thank goodness Friday night is pizza night! Mama didn’t want to cook… and Little Cesars it was. Yum.
Life as I know it isn’t always pretty. We have our ups and downs every day, every moment. I am learning to roll with the punches and choosing an attitude of gratitude. Realizing that when we get cranky with each other we need a change of scenery, FOOD and/or water.
I had one of those days myself today. I like to do a few handstands or headstands or just some fun cartwheels to shift my mood. It really works! It flips your perception (there have been studies that prove this! *grin*) and it reminds me of when I was a kid on the playground, so maybe you can get your boys to play along too! 🙂
My awesome news is that, since I started running at the start of the summer, I have shaved 8 minutes off my time to run 3 miles! I’m still slow LOL but I love seeing progress!
Have a great weekend – I am so happy to have found your blog. Very real and inspiring!
I love handstands! Last year I did handstand Friday each week and shared my photo via instagram and facebook. I should get back into that practice. 🙂
Life is crazy busy right! And wonderful too 🙂
Love the quote. It’s one of my all time favorites. I’ve done a lot over the past few months to change my attitude and perspective. It’s by no means perfect but I’m getting there and it actually feels kind of nice.
Apparently I missed your post where your moving across the country?!? Cool, just bummed we never ran into each other while you live(d) here! You’re doing a great job, don’t forget that! xoxo, ganeeban
I haven’t really made the big announcement yet. 😉 BUT… that being said. I won’t be leaving any time soon. We still need to find/buy a house in the KC area. 😉 I could be here for another 6 months. That is plenty of time to meet up for a run! 🙂 Are you available Monday/Wednesday mid-mornings? I could run with ya or just have coffee (I would have the youngest with me)
Oh, I thought I totally missed it! I work a good ol ‘8-5er, so weekday runs are non-existent in my world 🙁 But I still would love to find a day/time to meet up for a run and/or coffee! xoxo, ganeeban
We can totally do that! 🙂
Exciting about school starting and delving into new studies and new routines. I love that you biked with them to the gym – that is awesome!
I use music to shift my attitude. Turn it up loud and dance out the stress. It works for me.
Yes! I agree. What is your favorite song to dance to?
It happens. Some days are better than others, but I totally agree with the attitude thing. I try to tell my husband to quit being such a debbie downer all the time, but he doesn’t get it, lol.
Ha! Me too!! LOL
Things get a little crazy around here too. I try to hustle when I can and not get too frustrated when there are times I just can’t get it all done. It sounds like you’ve got a great attitude about it all!
Wow, you are juggling a lot! Kudos to you. Those shoes look super comfortable.
This is going to sound SILLY – but when I am in a sour mood, I put a smile on my face. Fake it until you make it?
You can do it, just keep truckin’!
Thank you. yes! Fake it till ya make it! 😉
Man, I can totally relate to days like this. Sometimes this mama needs a time out. I’ll seclude myself in my room and rest for 15-30 minutes. Usually that’s what I need. My brain needs some down time. I think maybe next time I’ll take a walk around the neighborhood.
I usually take a nap. Sleep makes everything better.
The attitude of gratitude is such a great way to approach things! They even cover it in my oldest son’s muay thai class frequently.
Everytime I come to your site I get so inspired! I love how you get your kids involved in the activities that you love.
Thank you so much! 🙂
It can be hard when you are homeschooling different grade levels. My oldest is in 8th grade and does an online curriculum through the state, but as a homeschooler. My other three I ended up modifying different hands on curriculum so that I could teach them all together, which has really helped.
If I need an attitude shift, I always focus on the things I have to be grateful for . . . never fails to pick me me and give me the change in perspective I need.
I try to remember how thankful I am to be able to be a homeschooling mom and not miss out on anything. It puts things in perspective.
Yes. That is so true. Thank you. 🙂
I usually go for a walk and get in touch with a nature. It helps clear my head most of the time. 🙂
I try and find something to laugh about during a stressful situation. My son and I actually have a code word we use to make each other laugh because he gets so frustrated. It’s “buttprint” if you want to know.
LOL! I literally LOL’d when I read ‘buttprint’ … I can totally see how that can change your mood 😉
I usually go for a run to clear my mind and that usually does the trick.
Your day sounds like my every day for the past 2 years. I haven’t been able to find my groove that meshes well with the kids lately. Can’t wait to see the upcoming posts on those kicks!
It’s good to know we are in the same boat. I need to think of things to keep from getting overwhelmed. Being active with the kids always makes me feel better.
Usually if I take a nap, I wake up feeling much, much better and reenergized.