Categories

Archives

erin

erin

I'm Erin Jo. I'm thinking, writing, dreaming, mothering, loving, living, praising, BLESSED to be Fiona to my Shrek and Mommy to my four amazing kiddos.

dave

dave

Shrek is "like an onion with many layers" but has a heart of gold. He's my husband and my friend, and we just get better all the time.

lily

lily

Lily is my first baby and only girl. She's smart, funny, tall and kind. Keeping up with this girl is a challenge and a joy. She's terrific!

max

max

Max is one part ogre, two parts lover and all boy! Our little man has a temper but gives the best hugs of anyone I know!

colby

colby

Colby is as ornery as he looks. He flirts shamelessly, even with strangers. He's all mouth and curls and the loudest by far.

luke

luke

Luke is the baby of the family, but holds his own. He's happy and adorable. And he's a terrible sleeper. =)

Keeping My Head Above Water

I’ve been really overwhelmed by my motherhood lately. Mothering four kiddos is serious work. I mentioned all the sickness a couple of days ago. Now… hives. Why hives on two of four children? Why a weird, stubborn diaper rash on another? I have no clue.

I was commiserating with some of my work buddies about this today. And one of them, bless you girl, laughed and said she had to tell me what a friend of hers had recently said: Being the mother of four children is like drowning and having someone hand you a baby. Yep. I can see that. I feel that way sometimes!

I have another one: It’s a bit like eating one of those fabulous dip cones from McDonald’s while on the freeway on a hot day. Even with the windows rolled up and the A/C on, it is a serious chore! It’s madness! Lick, suck, drip, change lanes, hit your exit! A weaker person might have thrown the cone out the window this afternoon, but no, ma’am, not me. Are you kidding? Safety is important, but there is no throwing that incredible hardshell chocolate out the window. No way.

Just like the drowning with the baby, we fight. We tread water until our limbs feel as though they are going to follow up. We get to come to the surface for a breath every now and then, and then it’s back to it! Tread! Just keep swimming! Don’t stop or you’ll go under.

But don’t let me fool you. There are days of crystal clarity. Days of floating on rafts in pristine water with hearts in our eyes. There are days we would never trade for anything, moments of sheer joy and–my favorite–the realization that this is what it is all about. That this is where I am supposed to be. That this is who I am: a crazy drowning, obstacle-course-driving, determined dip-cone-sucker kind of girl.

I am the blessed, stressed, lucky mother of four, and I wouldn’t change it for anything.

5 Responses

  1. julie says:

    so, I have been reading your blogs on my phone at say… 2-3 am here lately. This is the first time I have been on line to read it in a long while. I love the new lay out, and because I often am reading on the phone I don’t leave a comment. But, I read everyone, I love everyone and you like many other mothers are doing just exactly what you need to do… survive and love as many moments of it that you can.

    I often wonder how our mothers/grandmothers did it with 7, 10, 14 or how many they had then did it. But, the truth is, life was simpiler then. There weren’t cell phones, computers, a million clubs for the kiddos, it was just simple. And, many were stay at home moms. Keep swimming Erin, and you will keep making it. Sending up a prayer for some healthy kids before you leave for Jambo so you can enjoy it a little more.
    love ya, aunt j.

  2. julie says:

    and I just noticed I put “everyone” instead of “every one”… but you know what I meant.

  3. Jessica Y says:

    Ditto:) Know exactly what you mean:) They are so worth it! Hope your plans for this weekend work out!!!

  4. Patti Miller says:

    As usual, your hands are full. Just keep swimming, even if at times all you can do is tread water. you’ll make it. Your blessings are four fold and I know you wouldn’t trade the bad days for all the wonderful ones! Love to you and all your little ducklings!

  5. Valarie Garvin says:

    Erin,
    Just now getting caught up on all your post. I love them as usual. I always rush for fall too but I am so enoying our summer. Praying all your kiddos get on the mend quickly 🙂 Your a great momma with wonderful children. God bless you girl 🙂

Leave a Reply to julie

Click here to cancel reply.