Mom truths

So remember my most recent post (you can find it here) about time being a thief and wishing I could soak up every moment of my kids childhood. Well this week I take it back.  I think this picture of Rhett describes my feelings exactly.

Overall I have really enjoyed summer break.  We have had lots of quality time together.  Read LOTS too much time together.  I think there is a good reason why we aren't normally together all the time.  Just as much as I need a break from my children, they need a break from me, and each other.  The fighting has increased a billion percent and it seems like we aren't even awake for a few minutes before my big kids are arguing and someone ends up crying.  Throw in twin toddlers who are either getting into everything, screaming mom every 5 minutes, and the big kids antagonizing them.... well you get the picture.

Isn't it funny the emotions you go through as a parent?  You can have such an immense love for your children and also be counting the minutes until bedtime all in the same hour.  You can go from wanting to spend every minute with them and taking them to do all the fun things, and also be hiding in the closet just trying to enjoy a minute of peace. Parenthood is full of so many emotions. So so many. And you know what, that's okay.

Just because I need a break from my children doesn't make me a bad mom.  Actually in my case, it makes me a better mom.  Ever hear the phrase "distance makes the heart grow fonder?" Well it applies to children as well.  When I get a break, I have more patience, I am less exhausted, and I am a better mom for it.  Even a short break makes all the difference.

We only have a few more days before my big kids are back in school and we go back to a normal routine, and I may be counting down the days.  Does that make me a bad mom? I don't think so. Trust me, I'm sure after a week or two of them in school I'll be wishing they were home again.  And that is the irony of motherhood.