I recently attended a conference, where the motivational speaker, Meg Johnson, shared instead of making a To-do list, she makes a Ta-da list at the end of each day. It helps her focus on what she accomplished rather than being frustrated with what didn’t happen that day. So, after a few rough days, here’s mine.
Ta-Da List
- Bathed all three kids.
- Fed all three kids the meals they needed throughout the day. And even got a “So yummy Mommy!”
- Taught Ledger to say his full name, and laughed my head off listening to him attempt “Sullenger.”
- Three loads of laundry washed, folded, and put away! Big deal in our home! (They usually stay in the hamper for a few days… or weeks).
- Yelled a little less than the day before..
- I refrained from calling Pat and begging him to come home instead of finishing homework up on campus. (When I get overwhelmed with the babies I tend to do this)
- Looked through a picture book all about Preslee with Ledger, taught him a few new things about his older sister.
- Remembered to get some chicken out of the freezer…Didn’t get around to making it, so I guess its ready for tomorrow :)
- Got a few extra smiles out of the twins before bed
Actually sounds like I had a productive day doesn’t it? Sort of?
Tender mercy for the week - The babies would not stop screaming for anything. I was doing everything I could, trying not to snap and cry all at the same time. Suddenly Ledger walked up behind me, put his little arms around me and whispered, “You are the best mommy.” He had never said anything like that before, and my frustration immediately disappeared. Sometimes, when you can’t console your own children day after day, it makes you feel like you are failing as their mom. Ledger’s little sentenced reminded me I was doing all I could, and that simply was enough.
Love you more than you know Ledge.
A TaDa list! What a GREAT idea! My life is so crazy and I have a list of a million things to do each day! Alot of times I get overwhelmed with the list and then at the end of the day feel crappy because it's not all done! But if I changed my mindset and focus on the things I DID accomplish then maybe I wouldn't feel like a failure all the time! Thank you so much!
ReplyDeleteI am sorry that life is rough right now with the twins. I wish I lived closer, I would totally come help you every day! What a sweet Ledger...He knows just what to say when you need it most! Maybe it was Preslee's message too, delivered through her amazing little brother! You ARE a GREAT mom and I am grateful for you sharing your thoughts and feelings on her! I am a stronger person because of it. I am a more faithful mother because of you. I am a more faithful daughter to our Father in Heaven because of your example, so I thank you! A million times I thank you! Don't give up, you are always in my prayers! Much love from Utah!
Good Job! You ARE productive even if all you do is keep everyone fed! I had a 2 year old when my twins were born and it IS exhausting! I remember those "please save me" phone calls to my husband too. Hang in there! You have a beautiful, inspiring family, thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteThat's really sweet of Ledge. Those are the best mom moments, not that I've had many, but they are so sweet! And I really like the ta-day list. It's a great idea for focusing on the positive.
ReplyDeleteWhat a sweetheart. Thanks for sharing your ta-da list. You're doing great, mama.
ReplyDeleteHi, I just wanted to say I think you are amazing and all of us overwhelmed mothers can certainly learn a thing or two from you. Your positive attitude is infectious. You do so much everyday and I just appreciate your honesty about daily life being hard sometimes. It's not easy tending fussy babies day after day, wondering if it will ever get easier. I have 5 little kids right now and I constantly am trying to find joy in little triumphs every day. Like today I made one of the yummiest lunches for myself and actually sat down and read your article from the Ensign while I ate. I thought I would share it with you. http://www.tasteofhome.com/recipes/buffalo-chicken-dip. I know it sounds crazy, but it was delish! I cut up a bunch of raw veggies and just dipped them, like red peppers, carrots, cucumbers and sugar snap peas. It was something different than the regular mac n cheese or peanut butter sands that I usually eat with my kids and I got my veggies in for the day ;) You are so inspiring. Keep up the good work. A momma's job is hard, but they need you and just you more than ever. Have a great Day!
ReplyDeleteHi, I just wanted to say I think you are amazing and all of us overwhelmed mothers can certainly learn a thing or two from you. Your positive attitude is infectious. You do so much everyday and I just appreciate your honesty about daily life being hard sometimes. It's not easy tending fussy babies day after day, wondering if it will ever get easier. I have 5 little kids right now and I constantly am trying to find joy in little triumphs every day. Like today I made one of the yummiest lunches for myself and actually sat down and read your article from the Ensign while I ate. I thought I would share it with you. http://www.tasteofhome.com/recipes/buffalo-chicken-dip. I know it sounds crazy, but it was delish! I cut up a bunch of raw veggies and just dipped them, like red peppers, carrots, cucumbers and sugar snap peas. It was something different than the regular mac n cheese or peanut butter sands that I usually eat with my kids and I got my veggies in for the day ;) You are so inspiring. Keep up the good work. A momma's job is hard, but they need you and just you more than ever. Have a great Day!
ReplyDeleteI totally need a ta-da list! Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteSo sweet of Ledger! Just at the perfect moment. I don't know you, but I know you are a wonderful mother! Keep on keepin on. Your angel is right there pushing you along, call on her to help you, she will. Say her name out loud and tell her you need help. Try it!!!! xo
ReplyDeleteThat was one of my favorite parts of her talk…although I had many! Thanks for reminding me…and congrats on your to da list!
ReplyDeleteYour Ta-Da list is wonderful...what a great idea. When we are in the thick of raising kids (or in my case helping with my grandson), it can be so frustrating. But it is the kisses, smiles, the "I love You's" and the cute things they say and do that make it all worth it. You are a wonderful mother from what I can tell and you are doing the most important thing by being the kind of mother that the Lord wants you to be.
ReplyDeleteYou're doing great just by getting up every day and taking care of those boys! Wish I knew you IRL so that I could come over and help you. I promise you, though, that there are ladies in your ward/neighborhood who would love to come at the drop of a hat and play with babies. Find them. Or find me. I'm a short 20 minutes away. :) Keep up the good work, but know you don't have to do it alone. Honest!
ReplyDeleteHey, i have loved your blog for years. I check in so often. I was just reading about your twins and that they cry a lot and you wanted to know why they are unhappy often. I have twin boys. They are now 5. I am wondering, do you think they are overtired? If you want to email me then i can maybe give some tips. Mine were pretty darn easy and slept awesome, but I followed this sleep certain book perfectly. You may not want my advice, but if you do then I am happy to tell you what helped me. my email is jeknicol511@yahoo.com My name is Jessica
ReplyDeleteHa! you got more done today than I do in a week...and I don't even have children at home anymore. Good job, Mommy.
ReplyDeleteYou are definitely not alone in feeling that way--I can relate to that, and things aren't as busy at my house as they are at yours! I hope as you read people's comments that you let their encouragement and praise soak in a bit. You have a lot on your plate, but you are keeping those babies fed and they are growing, and Ledger is growing and learning too. I guess as moms we have to reevaluate how we measure a successful and productive day. You really are doing great Ash.
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