There was an Old Woman....


There was an old woman,
Who lived in a shoe;
She had so many children,
She didn't know what to do.
She gave them some broth,
Without any bread;
She whipped them all soundly,
And sent them to bed


This morning, in my old bathrobe, metallic loafers* and unshowered self,
I felt a real kinship with this fictional old woman
(except for the 'whipping all soundly' part. I prefer to end the day better than that).

And I wonder if she also felt like some weeks were comprised of 7 months instead of 7 days.


It has been a rainy week.
Really,
Really,
Rainy.

And we've been home. Under a roof, with food, healthy children (Thank you, God!!!) and also a lot of messy diapers, small battles and short attention spans.

This too shall pass....and even in it's hair-pulling craziness, I want to appreciate it, because I've been told someday I will miss it (and there are moments where I can imagine that might be actually true).

Comments

Terri said…
It's true, it's true...I promise!!! You'll also really, REALLY enjoy long stretches of quiet....but the "little years" are so fleeting, and you always long for enough memory to recall the details. I remember fondly days spent reading on the couch together...but I also remember feeling like I might go insane through the long winter months that we were stuck inside together! Be content with today..the tomorrows are wonderful, but you'll always miss what you're wishing would go away today! Also...the metalic loafers and the floral robe...a great way to find the "pretty" in every day! At least you look great!
Becky A. Schick said…
Even when I feel I'm going insane from the noise and chaos levels, I never (ever) want it to end. I *adore* babies & littles. I *hate* thinking about them growing. But... I'm working on appreciating all ages and phases. :o) That way, I won't need to feel sad at birthdays. (Yes, I am pathetic.)
momstheword said…
Yes, you WILL miss it someday. My children are 17 and 21 and I would love to do it all again.

That said, I still remember how difficult it was sometimes (and I only had TWO!), and how sometimes I felt like pulling my hair out or dropping into a little puddle due to exhaustion, cranky kids, cranky mama, or whatever.

Sometimes, I reallllllly looked forward to naptime or their bedtime (or mine), lol!
Anonymous said…
Hello Jeane,

In a summer writing class I once took, we did an exercise where we were supposed to begin with "Looking back I will keep . . ." and then just write without ceasing adding as much detail as possible. For you and others of us moms, I am sure there is much that you/we want to "keep" of these tender years. It will only get better, my friend. There is much to keep in our hearts and much to hope for as well:)

For a little humor, you may want to check out this trailer (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O8bKcJNxouo) for a new series entitled "The Middle."
I hope it brings you a smile.

Take care and know that you look far lovelier than the woman in the shoe:)

Best,
Debi in MN
What a sweet post and oh so true....

Love your header...
Debbie said…
You look mahhhhvalous, dahling, just mahhhhhhvalous. Ditch the metallic shoes or stop clicking your heels together. It ain't helping!
Peter and Kim said…
I love how real and honest you are! **singing** that's what I like about yoooooou! :)
Anonymous said…
the resemblance is outstanding. dear lands!!
at least you don't live in a shoe. although perhaps i good louis vitton would be nice!

smile!
Fan said…
I remember I had days as a young mother when I thought I would go nutsy. Yet,looking back I sometimes can't believe it was actually ME who mommy-ed my four children! It's like those memories are back there somewhere in a fog-- sort of fuzzy around the edges. (thank God for home videos!) When I see you or my sister Janelle or the many other moms with multiple little ones at their feet,I think to myself, "I could never do that!" But I MUST have done it, I now have four nearly-grown, young-adult children as proof!

I think it's true what they say: "The days feel endless...but the years fly by."

You're doing a good job, Jeane!
seriously, Terri's comments get me every time.


love
from
one
shoe
to
another!

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