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Feeling Grumpy



Here we are. Week two off from school. Our originally planned spring break starts at the end of this week. We survived week 1.

We missed a 3rd grade music concert where Derek was supposed to have a solo. We missed a Relief Society paint night activity (I helped organize), where we were going to socialize, paint, eat and be spiritually uplifted. This week we're missing Honk Jr, a musical play that Christopher was supposed to act as the ugly duckling's father. And his State Geography Bee is now officially cancelled (not even online like they were going to try to do).

It's all good though. We're managing. It's worth it to slow the spread of this virus.

We held church in our home the last two Sundays. There was a time when I would've dreaded that. But because of the recent emphasis on home-centered worship, it's been more of a blessing and an exciting adventure.

What's really getting to me though, is to have FIVE extra people home. All day. Every day.

I'm used to chaos. Right? I have seven kids. I can handle noise and crazy.

But, I'm also used to four of those kids heading off to school 4 days a week. (The fifth is my husband, who also heads to school alongside those kids. He's home now too).

I am used to the hardest part of my day being to decide what to do with our free time. I'm used to being bored, literally, during the day with only two little girls and Oliver (who used to go to preschool two afternoons a week).

Now suddenly, all of that has changed. I'm not bored anymore (I do consider that a plus). But, I'm also almost not sane anymore either.

"Mom, can I trade this quarter for a sucker?" "Mom, can I use my electronic time now?" "Mom, can I eat these spagettios for lunch?" "Mom, does two sentences count for my writing assignment?" "Mom!" "Mom!" "Mom!"

Here's a math problem for you: If 7 kids all ask Mom for 2 things in 2 minutes, how quickly will Mom get frustrated?

Why don't they ask Dad? (said nobody who's ever been a Mom, because they know that just doesn't happen...) Well, Dad is in my bedroom, on a virtual staff meeting, (or Bishopbric meeting) or answering emails from students, or whatever it is he needs to do as a newly knighted online teacher. So, even if I did have a free minute to try to hide and find some calm space, it's occupied (and often confidential).

Do you see where I'm at?

The thing is, I really shouldn't be complaining. I know that. I'm very blessed. I have my family all home with me. We're all healthy. We have toilet paper. And food. And money.

Yada, yada, yada. Many people have it worse. I get that.

But guess what? I'm still grumpy right now.

I just wish my kids would do their online learning (that their teachers so magnificently put together for them, probably while holed up in their own master bedrooms at their house), without whining.

I just wish that the temperature would warm up past 42 so I could go for a walk. By myself.

I just wish that all the hard things in life would magically disappear.

Right.

It's looking more and more like I need to listen to my own talk I wrote to give at that Relief Society activity that got cancelled. It's called, "Finding our own Sacred Grove- We can find peace amidst the craziness of life."

I'll work on that.

In the meantime, I did get to witness something super adorable this morning.

Rebekah is in 1st grade, and she missed the last day they had of school before all this started (she said, "Mom, I just want some at home time!" Wish granted!) Anyway, her teacher called her on the phone today, to verbally ask her the questions from the math test she missed that day.

"What's ten more than 32?" Silence...….. Rebekah- "42!" Every question, she stood there, silently thinking in her head, then answered exact.

She's a sweetheart.

And it's worth it.

Right?

Comments

  1. NaDellMarch 23, 2020 at 2:20 PM

    I think you need to record your talk! We all need it. PLEASE!
    Although I was sad about having so many things crossed off the calendar, I am enjoying hearing kids play together, music all day long, and seeing them reading more. When tensions get high, we send them on a lap around the block or to the shower or to their bed. We can do this!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Tina CrowtherMarch 23, 2020 at 5:13 PM

      Yes, we CAN do this! And I DID get to go on that walk, alone, today! I'll consider recording my talk... I thought about it before, but we're still going to have the activity- someday. We bought all the supplies for the paint night!

      Delete
  2. Mellissa March 23, 2020 at 4:47 PM

    Hang in there. You are amazing. When this is all over and when we come visit- we will have a sisters getaway date to the Temple and lunch!

    ReplyDelete
  3. MaryMarch 24, 2020 at 8:46 PM

    You are doing great! When you come visit the Temple is right across the street. Hopefully it will be open again Soon! Meanwhile Home Church it is!

    ReplyDelete

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