SAHM Week Three – One BIG Lesson Learned

I did it. I survived week three. And yes, survived is the correct word. And I’ve learned one very big lesson this week. I. CAN. NOT. DO. IT. ALL. Let me say that one more time, just to drive home the fact (this is more of a reminder for myself than anything else). I can not do it all. I almost feel like I’m entering a 12 step program. Well, actually it’s more like a 2 step program.

Step One: Admit my weakness and inability to do everything, to be everywhere, to entertain everyone and to look fantastic every step of the way.

Step Two: Give myself a break.

If only it was that easy.

I know that I briefly mentioned this topic in last week’s post, but it really hit home this week. Or more specifically on Wednesday. I’ve always wanted to do it all. Call it perfectionism. Call it not wanting to bother others. Call it an excuse to eat some extra chocolate.

In my past working life, I was known for taking on too many projects at once, and not asking others to help out. It’s not that I didn’t think they could do it, but sometimes it just didn’t occur to me to ask. The same habits have followed me into the SAHM life. I want to attend all of the playgroups and story times (they are getting easier every time we go). I want to make the kiddo a healthy lunch everyday. I want to clean the house and have it in perfect working order. I want to have dinner ready or cooking when the hubby gets home. I want to be happy and cheerful everyday.

Then Wednesday hit. Two over-active pugs with pent up energy, one toddler who is starting to test his limits, one bad story time (we were the only ones who showed up), one overtired momma. All of that adds up to stress, frustration, a kiddo who won’t eat lunch because of a teeny tiny piece of “green” and a momma on the verge of collapse. It was actually my mom who pointed out to me that I can’t do it all, try as I might. That’s when it finally sunk in. I know that I can’t do it all, but that really didn’t stop me from trying, without even realizing that I was doing it. And the first step toward recovery is admitting you have a problem, right?

What am I willing to let go in order to save my mind? It’s going to have to be the perfect house (not that ours was perfect to being with). Who cares if the dishes from breakfast aren’t done before dinner? Or even before bedtime. Who cares if the counter is overflowing with mail and other stuff that hasn’t found a home yet. Who cares if the dishwasher hasn’t been emptied, or if there are baskets of clean laundry on the floor (at least it’s clean, right)? I don’t care. At least that’s what I’m telling myself, until the clutter and chaos gets to me and I dedicate a day week to reorganizing, just to keep my sanity in tact.

I’m also willing to give up attending each and every mommy and me outing, all of the story times and every single playgroup. Our social life is getting out of control. Maybe we’ll cut it down to two or three a week. Throw in swimming lessons and our schedule fills out nicely. And besides, I can only stomach so many mommy gatherings in one week.

I also have to remember to not give up on a few things. Like breathing. Deep, calm, yoga-breathing. Eating, maybe even breakfast. Making the kiddo giggle uncontrollably. Enjoying this time that I have with him. Acting like a kid again. And of course, chocolate.

It’s your turn Mommas. What have you given up? Do you have any suggestions to help me do it all, but not sacrifice m sanity?

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Baby Banz Product Review and GIVEAWAY

Ski Banz-17

This giveaway is now closed. The winner is Scott. Congrats!

Today is a big day for me, and all of my readers. It marks my first giveaway that I’m proud to host. I’m so excited!

The fantastic people at Baby Banz were looking for reviewers for their Ski Banz product line, and since I live in the Wisconsin, where 9 out of 12 months includes snow or freezing weather, I of course jumped at the chance. I was hoping to wait for snow to review the product, but I just can’t wait any longer.

I loved these as soon as I opened the package. They really seem to be built with kids in mind. From the soft padding on the inside, designed to keep snow from sneaking it, to the flexible, adjustable band at the back, they are perfect for any active winter-time sports. Or just for playing in the yard. You never know when a snowman building contest will turn into an all-and-out snowball fight. And, the best part is they fit my (small) 19 month old, even though they are really sized for kids ages 3-7 year. The web site says the glasses are sized for 3 – 7 years, but they fit very well on my small 19 month old boy. I can’t wait to test these babies out in the snow.

Need more info? Here are some stats from their web site:

  1. Ski Banz fit approximately 3 years to 7 years old (16″-25″head circumference)
  2. Wide vision lenses offer 100% UVA/ UVB protection
  3. Made of durable polycarbonate for optimal safety
  4. Mirrored lenses to reduce glare from snow
  5. Sporty, sleek design
  6. Soft nylon padding adds a comfortable secure fit
  7. Shatter-resistant polycarbonate
  8. Translucent polycarbonate frame comes in three cool colors: Flamingo Pink, Pacific Blue and Midnight Black

What to win a pair?

It’s easy. Simply visit Baby Banz web site and leave a comment telling me what product you like best.

Want extra entries? Leave a separate comment for each one, worth one extra entry each. One winner will be picked by Random.org.

  1. Tweet about this contest. Include a comment with the link to your tweet.
    Enter to win a sassy pair of Baby Ski Banz! @Alli_n_Son http://bit.ly/3v1ctH Ends 11/6
  2. Follow me on Twitter.
  3. Subscribe to my blog.
  4. Subscribe to Baby Banz blog.
  5. Follow Baby Banz on Twitter.
  6. Join the Baby Banz Facebook Fan Page
  7. Subscribe to the Baby Banz newsletter (on the right hand side of the page, under Sun Safety Tips)

I was given a sample of this product to try, but I was in no way paid for my review or opinion. Everything that I have written is my opinion, and my opinion only. Giveaway ends Nov 6th, 2009 and 9:00 CST. Winners must contact me within 3 days after receiving my email to confirm that they want to receive the prize.

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