Skip to main content

RIP Sea Monkeys


Today was one of those mornings. Usually by Friday, the Zehnle family is just over it all. From the getting up early, to the morning routine, drop off/pickup, work/school, we all long for a day off and a day to stay home. Rocking the morning routine solo is always an adventure. Michael goes in to work super early and also makes time to feed and take the dog out, which I so much appreciate. That leaves me with the three kiddos and all of the things to accomplish before we head out the door. 

I always feel like I've been on a whirlwind adventure before my workday ever begins. Today was no exception. I try my best not to show it and bring my professional self in to work, but inside my brain at times, you can find me screaming. The headache I started my workday with is a result of a morning full of chaos, a week full of it really. Picture this.

1. The kids were fighting, yelling and screaming at each other. This is pre-coffee mind you, so my tolerance was extremely low and by Friday, I'm just out of energy to play referee. 

2. Betty (bless her heart) peed on the entryway rug, knocked over the trashcan, swiped the peanut butter jar from the pantry, which I needed to make sandwiches and decided to run off with my kitchen towel. Shortly after, that bottom of the toaster popped open expelling crumbs everywhere and the wheels popped off of the dishwasher rack as I tried to get it loaded. It was one thing after another!

3. I had to break the news to the kids that their sea monkeys died, so we had a nice little ceremony (with our morning routine time ticking away) and sent them off "to the ocean." I reassured them that they took excellent care of them and that I think they got too cold being near a window. The girls really took great care of them. It's a bummer that they didn't make it and that's $19.99 I will never get back. haha

4. I hated every outfit that I tried on and spent my entire workday feeling like I wasn't put together. For those who know me, my outfit and makeup can make or break my day. 

5. We left ten minutes late. Ten minutes is a lot when it comes to the morning routine. 

6. We left my favorite bottle of wine in the freezer over night. It's now a slushy and I hope it still tastes good this weekend. 

7. Emersyn was super upset, because Everly didn't want to twin with her today. This resulted in tears and hurt feelings, which I had to talk her through (with our morning routine time ticking away).

8. I was too exhausted to pack a lunch for myself today and the laundry mountain waiting for me tonight is the size of Mt. Everest. In addition, I had to tell my kids five times to brush their teeth. I hope they actually did it and didn't go to school rocking morning breath.

9. I felt like a zombie on the drive to work and basically all day.

10. The drop off line was held up by parents getting out of their cars, resulting in deep breaths from this mom who was already running behind. 

I think it's important to share the imperfect moments of parenting. Social media is full of highlight reels, myself included. Though enjoyable to look at, these highlight reels can often make other moms feel inadequate or like they are not doing a good job. I'm going to stop you right there. You are doing a great job! Did you have a hot mess morning like mine? That's okay! Good job mom! Did you have one of those mornings where everything ran seamlessly? Good job mom! Did you drag yourself to work today feeling like the kids sucked the life out of you? That's okay! You still showed up and that my friend, is a good job! Did you wash your hair today? Good job! Did you simply survive today? Good job! 

Even on the stressful days, I wouldn't trade this crazy mom life for anything, even if I may have cried in my office for a minute. I'm sharing all of these thoughts to say, we made it! It's Friday and these next two days of break time will be much needed, refreshing and relaxing; as relaxing as possible with three kids and two dogs anyway! At least I can stay in my pajamas and sip extra coffee! That is a huge bonus!

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Hashi-Huh?

The feeling of being trapped in your own body as it spirals out of control....how many of you have felt that way? I started 2023 in the doctor's office to talk about the crazy symptoms I had been experiencing (yet trying to deny) for the last year. Here's a run-down of the hot mess-ness that I found all consuming for far too long: Hair Loss Uncontrollable Weight Gain Debilitating Fatigue  Joint & Muscle Pain Terrible Menstrual Cycles Sensitivity to Cold Anxiety and Depression I remember absolutely cringing inside as I put this laundry list of front of my doctor. My inner narrative (this is something I'm still working on) can be so harsh and I had myself convinced that I was being a baby and needed to suck it up. However, "suck it up" was no longer an option. My TSH levels indicated a thyroid issue, which was commonly linked to the list of symptoms I presented. The first diagnosis was that of Hypothyroid Disorder and I was immediately put on Levothyroxin.  Mont...
Post a Comment
Read more

I Hate This.

It's taken me years to finally get the courage to address several areas of my own well-being. It all started with a trip to the doctor during the first week of January. I received so much insight into issues I've been experiencing and problems that I had been choosing to ignore. I've been on medications for over a month and I truly feel like a brand new version of me.  Growing up, medication was something that was frowned upon and feared in our household. Once I became a parent, my entire perspective shifted. I knew that I would do anything in my power to give my children relief from whatever they may be experiencing. From everyday colds, to the flu, ear infections and even a journey into Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis , we've overcome a lot....thanks to modern medicine. However, there is one particular person who was left behind in this journey.  Me.  How often have we kept ourselves on the back burner as moms? How many times have we made appointments for our kids, tak...
Post a Comment
Read more

2023 Taking Care of Me

For me, 2023 has been a year of conquering fears and making lifestyle changes. As parents, how often do we place ourselves on the back burner? It's so common and I am 100% guilty of it. This year, something inside of me clicked. Maybe it's the whole "wisdom with age" thing. Maybe it's finally getting the courage to go to therapy. Perhaps, it's a little bit of both. For me, it happened with a 3-step plan. It's a plan that terrified me, but I held myself accountable and put the plan into action.  Step 1: Medical Health January 2023, the 4th to be exact, started with a wellness visit to my primary care doctor. Was I even allowed to refer to her as that when I hadn't paid her a visit since 2018? Yes. 2018. Of course, we had the whole pandemic thing in the mix, but we can only use that excuse for so long. I hadn't had a women's well check since 2018. I was having all kinds of strange symptoms, that I told myself was just the downward spiral to 40 (n...
Post a Comment
Read more