Chaggie

My Remodel

Maggie — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 21:17:20 +0000

I’m a log cabin. I’m a cute little log cabin. I function; I keep the rain out (except that one leak). I have a plumbing issue that needs some work. And the kitchen could use a little updating, new hardware, stuff like that. There isn’t much to be fixed.

But the Master doesn’t want a cute log cabin, he wants a castle. And he has a plan to turn my little cabin into a castle. He’s only shown me little bits here and there of the plan, but it looks AWESOME! It will start with a lot of demolition; it won’t be pretty. Then additions, oh the additions. I have no idea what is going where or who is doing what, but additions are going up. And the hardware in the kitchen, long gone, along with the rest of the kitchen.

But sometimes I get so anxious to have the castle NOW, that I take on too many remodels at the same time. Have you ever lived in a house that is being ripped apart and put back together all at the same time? I haven’t and I never want to. It doesn’t feel good for the house, those living in it, or the neighbors. Not to mention it’s happening under my direction and not the Masters. I haven’t even seen the whole plan!

Time to back off, look at my cute little cabin and smile at the small improvements that have gone up this last year. It’s nice not having the leak in the roof anymore. I can’t wait to see what’s next.

Mother’s Spa

Maggie — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 02:09:17 +0000

Knees, elbows, chins, hands, and feet un-systematically pound and turn in my back and legs. Every now and then my head gets squashed but a quick note or redirection usually fixes the problem. In the background there are sounds of screaming, giggling, crying, and laughing, This is my massage as I dare to lay down on the couch. Then as I decide to get up, I’m told, “Hey, you’re a playground!” No wonder Chad is always laying down on the job; it feels pretty good (most of the time).

“Carry on, Warrior! Six hours til bedtime.”

Maggie — Thu, 19 Jan 2012 16:21:48 +0000

I love honesty! My visiting teaching often talks about how honest I am and that she can count on me to make her feel like she isn’t doing too bad. Now I could joke and say, “wow, I’m glad I’m such a mess that it comforts others” in a sarcastic voice. But it’s true. I strive to be transparent enough that I’ll never be considered a “Jones” to keep up with. But I also hope that as others see my mess, they also see kids who are loved, learning, clean (ok not clean), fed, and for the most part, happy. I’m doing ok in life, and I thank the Lord for that everyday. I couldn’t do it by myself.

I’ve been directed to a blog post of another mom who loves her kids but is going crazy. She is honest and I thought I’d pass it on. I hope you enjoy, especially the young moms. And as Glennon Melton says in her blog post, “It’s helluva hard, isn’t it? You’re a good mom, I can tell. And I like your kids, especially that one peeing in the corner. She’s my favorite. Carry on, warrior. Six hours till bedtime.”

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/glennon-melton/dont-carpe-diem_b_1206346.html

I’m adding my favorite conference talk also on the subject of children.

http://lds.org/general-conference/2011/10/children?lang=eng

Balance

Maggie — Tue, 10 Jan 2012 20:05:35 +0000

I’m feeling a need to counter balance my last post. I’ve noticed this is kind of my rant place and my journal is my gratitude/happy place. Which is fine except I think some people are getting the wrong idea. So here are a few entries to remind those few who do read this blog that I do love being a mom.

December 7: I love the smell of coffee beans and real Christmas trees. Patrick yesterday said sorry to Auretta (a very real sorry) and she said that’s ok. And Patrick asked, “Want to play house?” It was a perfect, simple moment. I love that my kids play together.

December 14: I had two terrible, no good, very bad nights. And when the Lord knew I couldn’t handle it much longer, I got a haircut with no kids, Chad picked up and did dishes, read scriptures, went to Chad’s work party and I got to go running with a friend PLUS eight hours of sleep with only one feeding. I feel good! The Lord knows how much I can take and I need to trust him.

January 3: Today I got to go to the park with my little ones. It was beautiful. Patrick and Auretta were laughing together, David was wandering around by himself (I hope he gets admitted into the older kid club soon), all was peaceful and fun. I love being a mom.

Um… I’m just not going to title this

Maggie — Mon, 09 Jan 2012 03:21:05 +0000

So I’m a mean, bitter, and jealous person. But I just have that feeling today and I’m just going to write this.

I’m jealous of all my friends who have moms near by. I’m jealous of homes that don’t need fixing up in every corner of the house. I’m mad that I open my mouth and offend when I try so hard to be kind. I’m mad that I’m fat and can’t lose weight. I’m mad that Jessie has tied me to her by not taking a bottle.

But on the other hand, I’m so glad Chad is in my life, living right here with me. I glad Jessie is so cute. I’m glad our neighborhood is awesome. I’m glad I have a good book club.

I need a date. And I need someone to keep Jessie who could handle the crying while I’m away. I need to go to the temple. I need to be a better friend. I need to go running. Read my scriptures, prepare for my callings and stop being sick. BLAH! It’s been a bumpy few months for me. But I’m going to do my best at CHOOSING happiness. Smiling even when I don’t really feel it. I’m going to try. But there you have it. I’m bitter, but trying to improve.

Thanks for listening to my rant void. What did people do before there was a cloud to yell into?