Survival

Juggling work, kids, sick kids, house work, laundry, household shopping, pets, dance, school, contractors/painters, doctor appointments, no child care, etc. and being a single parent for the past month has been challenging. Jamie has been swamped at work and pulling crazy hours - not by choice. I only saw him in the wee hours of the night for a week straight. On top of all that, our beloved nanny's last day was 2 weeks ago. Even though she was only working a couple days a week, she is missed greatly!
Needless to say, I have not been bringing my A game to the table. I've had days when I lay in bed at night filled with regret because I'm taking my frustrations out on my girls. When I'm stressed, I expect them to act perfect, be responsible and do everything that I ask. They are 3 years old for Pete's sake. I've suddenly become a "yeller." I hate that about myself.
Without the help of my mother and mother-in-law, I think I would have seriously lost it at some point in the past month. My mom and Fred keep my girls anytime and every time I ask. When I don't ask, they beg to see them. They arrange their lives around helping us.
My mother-in-law lives 5 hours away and does not hesitate to drop everything and come down to help us. In fact, she just left yesterday after being here for 5 days. Although we don't always show how appreciative we are in everything she does for us, I promise it means the world to us all. Hopefully someday we can make it up to her by spoiling her as much as she does us.
The love and support our mother's give us is irreplaceable. Although Hassie Clare and Quinn have no idea how much their Grandmother's sacrifice for them, they feel the unconditional love. Even my step-mother Glenda that lives 10 hours away has offered to help us out if we ever need it. We are so lucky. And so blessed.

Before Maema left town, she assisted me in taking the girls to dance class and the dentist. Thanks again for all your help Maema .... and for that fabulous Japanese dinner you treated us to the other night. I'm still thinking about how delicious the food tasted:)