Christmas momday real life

Getting into the Spirit {a Mom-day post}

Saturday was a no-good-very-bad kind of a day.  A lot of arguing, tantrums, crying and grumpiness- oh, and the kids were acting up too.  I was feeling un-loved, un-appreciated, and unhappy.  I was ready to call it quits on everything- my business, my mothering, the holidays- Bah and Humbug!! 

I pouted all day.  If no one else was going to be happy, well then, by golly, I wouldn’t be happy either.

Sounds like a good plan, right?

After a good cry, a good venting to my sweet friend and a good dose of church I was ready to begin again.  After all, it is Christmas.  And I am the mom.  And if we are going to make memories, get in the Christmas Spirit and enjoy the holidays, well, that’s my job. 

We were going to take a train ride, but it started raining, and with a 4 month old, we just didn’t feel like it was a good idea.  So, we opted for a family movie night instead.  After deciding on that activity- I would like to say it was magical. But we had to have some arguing first over which movie we were going to watch. 

Awesome.

I ended up learning something.  The less I leave open for debate, the better.  So, I picked the movie and the treat. 🙂  We ended up watching Christmas Oranges which led to more tears and protests.  But I held firm.  If they wanted treats after the movie, they were going to have to watch this one. 

So, here is where the happy part of the story comes in.  The movie was wonderful.  It was delightful to watch the children and see how involved they got in the story.  My 6 year old was indignant about how the little girl was treated, and everyone was happy with the end of the show.  Then we went upstairs and made these:

Yum!

My purpose in telling you this story is one of encouragement.  Motherhood is frustrating. And this time of year seems to magnify that frustration.  You see pictures, movies, commercials and cards- all showing perfectly happy families, enjoying perfect moments, with perfect smiles in perfect settings.  Everyone wants that feeling- that moment.  And it seems like is should be much easier than it actually is to get there. 

The reality is much harder.  And messier.  And full of a lot more tears.  But, it is also much more worth it, and more enjoyable knowing how much effort it required to get there.  You have to be determined, and thick skinned, and persistent.  It is possible, though.

So, don’t give up.

The moments will come and go.  So make sure you see them.  And enjoy them while they last.  Because once you’ve had your moment, you’ll have to clean it all up. 😉

I hope you’re all having a wonderful holiday season.  I’d love to hear about the special things you do with your family, or the things you try to do, or the things you want to do but it’s just not the right time or season.
XOXO,
Amy

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  • Amy @ The Happy Scraps
    December 3, 2012 at 4:11 pm

    Amy, I LOVE your mom day posts! We were decorating the tree last night and I was feeling bah humbug as well. I was trying to put the lights on and (I don't enjoy that part) the kids didn't want to wait to put the ornaments on. I was getting grumpy. I'm really hoping that I can enjoy this Christmas season more than the past few years. I get so stressed out, and it's not fun at all.
    Thanks for sharing your thoughts today. I love they way that you are so real on your blog. 🙂
    Amy

  • Ronda Batchelor
    December 3, 2012 at 4:43 pm

    Gosh I'm glad to hear other are in my boat. I was ready to quite everything the other day too! A great scripture study fixed all that the next morning. But a day later I felt ready to quit again. But once again the Savior and a loving Father got me back on track. That's just the way it is for me. Thanks for sharing

  • Debra
    December 3, 2012 at 7:18 pm

    Love this post! Yesterday was terrible for us! Sometimes I swear I try so hard to put things together for my little one and she doesn't care much. I am so glad that your kids ended up loving the movie! We have that movie but not live action.

  • Camille Beckstrand
    December 3, 2012 at 8:31 pm

    Loved your post today!! We haven't seen Christmas Oranges yet, but I can't wait to see it! Thanks for sharing your wonderful thoughts!
    -The Six Sisters

  • Troy and Rach
    December 4, 2012 at 9:04 pm

    I needed this one today. I tend to feel guilty if I'm not in that motherhood bliss every moment, but the fact is that yes, this is a hard job. But I know that I am the one to do it. So I'll pick up my towel and start attacking the mess. It's nice to know I'm in good company.

  • Naturally Carol
    December 5, 2012 at 5:37 am

    Oh so true! One day we all get to that place where we find out we just can't walk away, there's too much at stake and we find when we accept it, then it's not too hard and we find a way through. Your way through was brilliant..I love that you took on responsibility and made it the day your wanted in the end.

  • Michele Pacey
    December 5, 2012 at 4:48 pm

    See? The reality is that life is messy, bumpy, high, low, medium, slow, jolly old pepper. You obviously "get" that. And it's great that you talk about it here.

    Christmas Oranges is a new one to me. Will have to check it out. Thanks Amy!