Motherhood and Guilt

I was talking to KC the other night and told him that some days I feel like I can only do a few things at a time well. It's like each thing is a ball to juggle and if I add one, then invariably I drop another so I can concentrate on the new one for a while. Some days I can handle just one or two balls at a time, other days I can handle 5. Some days I let myself feel guilty for not being really good at everything I want to be.

Today I read a blog post about guilt from Diapers and Divinity, written by Stephanie, a funny LDS mom of 3. When I finished it I felt that I needed to share it with other moms I know. Please, check it out.

I am going to finish with a poem I was emailed earlier this month. Ironically I sometimes feel like a lot of this is expected of me.

The Girl in a Whirl

by "Dr. Sue" (aka Vickie Gunther)

Look at me, look at me, look at me now!

You could do what I do if you only knew how.

I study the scriptures one hour each day;

I bake, I upholster, I scrub, and I pray.

I always keep all the commandments completely;

I speak to my little ones gently and sweetly.

I help in their classroom! I sew all they wear!

I drive them to practice! I cut all their hair!

I play the piano! I bless with my talents!

My toilets all sparkle! My check books all balance!

Each week each child gets a one-on-one date;

I attend all my meetings (on time! never late!)

I'm taking a class on the teachings of Paul,

But, that is not all! Oh no, that is not all.

I track my bad habits 'til each is abolished;

Our t-shirts are ironed! My toe nails are polished!

Our family home evenings are always delightful;

The lessons I give are both fun and insightful.

I do genealogy faithfully, too,

It's easy to do all the things I have to do!

I rise each day early, refreshed and awake;

I know all the names of each youth in the stake!

I read to my children! I help all my neighbors!

I bless the community, too with my labors.

I exercise and I cook menus gourmet;

My visiting teaching is done the first day!

(I also go do it for someone who missed hers.

It's the least I can do for my cherished ward Sisters.)

I chart resolutions and check off each goal;

I seek each "lost lamb" on my Primary roll.

I can home-grown produce each summer and fall.

But that is not all! Oh, no. That is not all.

I write in my journal! I sing in the choir!

Each day, I write "thank you’s" to those I admire.

My sons were all Eagles when they were fourteen!

My kids got straight A's! And their bedrooms are clean.

I have a home business to help make some money;

I always look beautiful groomed for my honey.

I go to the temple at least once a week;

I change the car's tires! I fix the sink's leak!

I grind my own wheat and bake all our bread;

I have all our meals planned out six months ahead.

I make sure I rotate our two-year supply

My shopping for Christmas is done by July!

These things are not hard; 'tis good if you do them;

You can if you try! Just set goals and pursue them!

It's easy to do all the things that I do!

If you plan and work smart, you can do them all, too!

"It's easy!" she said,

And then she dropped dead!