tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-462728671028708590.post3546717940716622120..comments2024-01-21T20:42:29.223-06:00Comments on The Extraordinary Ordinary: In which I test your attention spanHeather of the EOhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14607422301391841377noreply@blogger.comBlogger46125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-462728671028708590.post-64386537396480777432010-04-17T11:56:07.974-05:002010-04-17T11:56:07.974-05:00that was the most valuable ADD test i've ever ...that was the most valuable ADD test i've ever taken. thank you, heather (and debbie).nichttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13098741321818756907noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-462728671028708590.post-45339773510626367512009-07-08T17:11:15.450-05:002009-07-08T17:11:15.450-05:00I have read this post before, but I am so glad I r...I have read this post before, but I am so glad I read it again! Wonderful.Mammatalkhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02817604771276398853noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-462728671028708590.post-983319761877992922009-04-09T20:32:00.000-05:002009-04-09T20:32:00.000-05:00Ok I skimmed this post a few days ago and didn't h...Ok I skimmed this post a few days ago and didn't have time to comment . . . it has stuck with me for so many reasons. I think you really summarized here the struggle that all moms feel . . . everybody's situations are different (and with active two boys- I do think boys are higher-energy than girls- and a husband away AND Minnesota winter- oh my, ALL my respect. I don't know how you do it). It helps me just to know that other moms struggle with not wanting to "play" all day, and being drawn to the computer for contact with the outside world. I really value your honesty, and Debbie's advice is priceless and practical for every mom. Thanks for this post, it's worth a stack of parenting books!Jessica Stockhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08944990982584233095noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-462728671028708590.post-8437698632368679142009-04-06T14:15:00.000-05:002009-04-06T14:15:00.000-05:00Brilliant post! I have enjoyed these suggestions....Brilliant post! I have enjoyed these suggestions. I especially liked the comment about recognizing what's on the wall. "It's not me the sucks, it's that stuff." That's a very powerful thought. <BR/><BR/>Thank you.Dedeehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10155503562900208564noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-462728671028708590.post-2073975055568570582009-04-06T13:18:00.000-05:002009-04-06T13:18:00.000-05:00Just getting to this, and NOT because it's long or...Just getting to this, and NOT because it's long or boring (because I"ve been so busy... and needing to unplug myself). This is so good, Heather, so good. Your vulnerability and realness is refreshing. Thank you.<BR/><BR/>I think what's so hard is that it takes discipline. I like to say that being a mother isn't about focusing on the sacrifice, it's focusing on the commitment. Commitment means sacrifice and discipline, but because we WANT to rather than HAVE to. <BR/><BR/>Give yourself grace, friend, and be gentle on your heart. :) You are a blessing.Angiehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12541881133243012900noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-462728671028708590.post-81076305734509522952009-04-06T09:56:00.000-05:002009-04-06T09:56:00.000-05:00Wow! I loved your post so much and what an amazing...Wow! I loved your post so much and what an amazing response you got! You are so relatable and that helps so many people Heather!!<BR/><BR/>I am really, really right there too. Trying to figure out what I need to change to make our days more than tollerable. <BR/><BR/>Thank you for this. Good stuff!Wendi@EveryDayMiracleshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02726898493426028276noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-462728671028708590.post-66609894070398961862009-04-06T01:12:00.000-05:002009-04-06T01:12:00.000-05:00Thank you, Heather. This is so timely. I have be...Thank you, Heather. This is so timely. I have been disgusted with myself about my health as well as my mothering. I sort of go into everything already irritated. Yesterday we watched video of when Evie was almost 5 and David was three. I was such a good mom! I was really thin (I know it doesn't matter, but I FELT good, and I knew I was eating healthy and spending time outside, etc.) and I was always teaching my kids stuff and making jokes with them etc. <BR/><BR/>I've been planning and complete overhaul this summer. The weather's already good and I'm going to blonde up this hair (naturally) and keep my skin from being sickly pale and I'm going to eat healthy. I think once I start MOVING and stuff I will have more energy and patience. And I'll be off the computer more often.<BR/><BR/>Thanks for this post. It made me realize that I don't even really have a wall. I really have no excuse and it should be that much easier for me to get back on track!LisAwayhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03299284773832500834noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-462728671028708590.post-40060841599332647852009-04-05T22:49:00.000-05:002009-04-05T22:49:00.000-05:00Those are great tips. Personally, I've been thinki...Those are great tips. <BR/><BR/>Personally, I've been thinking more and more about the screen time issue lately. I've noticed my kids get irritable, lazy and non-imaginative when they sit in front of the TV all day. I wonder if the same could be said of me when I spend a lot of time online? I think so. <BR/><BR/>I really think I might try unplugging for a week and see what happens. I know it will be hard the first few days; detox is that way. But after that? I'd be curious to see what would happen.Kelly @ Love Wellhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18037513409301217473noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-462728671028708590.post-89928057390291727842009-04-05T16:03:00.000-05:002009-04-05T16:03:00.000-05:00Heather,I love how open, honest and vulnerable you...Heather,<BR/>I love how open, honest and vulnerable you are and it is a HUGE encouragement to we mothers who struggle through the days. I had a bout with depression when my kids were Miles and Asher's ages, and it taught me how important it is to let go of the guilt (easier said than done), connect with other adults, and take good care of yourself.<BR/>Here are a few low-cost things that helped me survive the preschool years:<BR/>1) LOTS and LOTS of playdate swapping. When your kids are elsewhere it's blissful time for you, and when they're with you it can be easier while the kids are entertaining each other. Make a schedule and go for it.<BR/>2) Drop the guilt about the screen time, as long as it's reasonable. I love the timer strategy.<BR/>3) A supportive community of real moms--sounds like your church group is one of those. My co-op preschool was a wonderful network. We only had preschool a few hours a week, but we survived through playdates!<BR/><BR/>Thanks for opening the conversation. It's SO important!pam at beyondjustmomhttp://www.beyondjustmom.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-462728671028708590.post-68909172495523000002009-04-05T14:59:00.000-05:002009-04-05T14:59:00.000-05:00Debbie IS a genius. And you're one of my favorite...Debbie IS a genius. And you're one of my favorite people in the whole world, too. <BR/><BR/>And I hope you will find the balance you are seeking--and when you do, send it to me.Heidihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14892934158515052460noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-462728671028708590.post-49506369566771747622009-04-05T10:35:00.000-05:002009-04-05T10:35:00.000-05:00You have a great friend in Debbie. What a blessing...You have a great friend in Debbie. What a blessing to have such a wonderful mentor. <BR/>When my boys were young and we were stuck inside because of snowy/cold weather. I would do stuff like through up a blanket tent and let them play and play and play. Also another fun idea that keeps them occupied for a while is home made play dough. Or shaving cream art. Put shaving cream on the table and let them draw in it. <BR/><BR/>I was never one to want to entertain my children. Just didn't have it in me. So, when they were young I just tried to get them involved in playing and then I let them entertain themselves. I think that was my saving grace. I just couldn't sit and play tractors for hours on end. Thankfully it worked and now that they are older they use their imaginations all the time and very rarely do I hear "I'm bored".<BR/><BR/>Sorry this is so long- e-mail me if you want. I have 3 rambuncious boys and can probably come up with some things that may be a help for you.Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02983747923969997503noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-462728671028708590.post-84821426728498580822009-04-05T07:58:00.000-05:002009-04-05T07:58:00.000-05:00I think those are wonderful suggestions. I need to...I think those are wonderful suggestions. I need to figure out how to incorporate some of the activities in for a full time working mom (outside of the home). I WISH I could take them to plays and children activities throughout the week or to the park every Friday at 10am. :( I know these are available on the weekends, but most "economic deals" aren't happening on the weekends. I need to find other sources...I WILL find other sources. This post gives me hope. Thanks.jmthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15910737494137891606noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-462728671028708590.post-88803719625286653652009-04-05T00:40:00.000-05:002009-04-05T00:40:00.000-05:00I'm so glad to see that you are blaming the situat...I'm so glad to see that you are blaming the situation and not yourself. Yay! I could NEVER live in a state that has winter. I'm such a pansy.Heidihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12660156433881882098noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-462728671028708590.post-46726032230139145602009-04-04T23:46:00.000-05:002009-04-04T23:46:00.000-05:00Again, I ask, are you me? When I look at the weeks...Again, I ask, are you me? <BR/><BR/>When I look at the weeks before I started slipping into depression again, I can see that it is because of the same reasons: not getting out enough, too much computer, too much TV, not enough sleep etc. I got into these habits because I was tired recovering from my shifts. <BR/><BR/>This is hard. If it wasn't hard, it wouldn't be one of the most meaningful things we'd do with our life. And we are still learning. You and I are not quite four-year-old mommies yet. But we have great kids, don't we? So we must be doing something right!Peanuthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02218726745585062413noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-462728671028708590.post-90182537263216669352009-04-04T23:38:00.000-05:002009-04-04T23:38:00.000-05:00Not only did I make it through the full post, but ...Not only did I make it through the full post, but I got through all the comments too. <BR/><BR/>WOW! Aren't there a lot of beautiful, kind women on here? So many of us say and feel the same things. What a beautiful unifier; mommy's searching to better themselves and help each other in the process. <BR/><BR/>Debbie is brilliant. You're lucky to have her there when you need her. Just like all of us are lucky to have you at the click of a button. <BR/><BR/>Love to you.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-462728671028708590.post-74522873816993002452009-04-04T23:08:00.000-05:002009-04-04T23:08:00.000-05:00Exactly what I needed to read!!!! Thank you!Exactly what I needed to read!!!! Thank you!Marisahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18398650125200338008noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-462728671028708590.post-46804882670784312132009-04-04T22:05:00.000-05:002009-04-04T22:05:00.000-05:00I love the "happy to be with them" part if we coul...I love the "happy to be with them" part if we could all strive for that our days would be much easier and our future memories fonder.Bettyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15098823880834416279noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-462728671028708590.post-80958469163752660462009-04-04T21:58:00.000-05:002009-04-04T21:58:00.000-05:00You and Debbie both offer some great suggestions h...You and Debbie both offer some great suggestions here - I'm sure I will need to revisit this post when my third baby (in three years) arrives!Jessica Heightshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14687962237051192058noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-462728671028708590.post-54481027537942408482009-04-04T21:49:00.000-05:002009-04-04T21:49:00.000-05:00I am on the same page as you and my list seems to ...I am on the same page as you and my list seems to grow. Debbie's wisdom is beautiful and I need to keep rereading it. <BR/><BR/>I once hired a helper...but am not able to do so now, but it was wonderful and I am also really striving to let my good enough be good enough...not in a lazy way, but a healthy way. I use to confuse excellence with perfection...a lot.<BR/><BR/>I was also really blessed by Karen Hossink's book, Confessions of an Irritable Mother...she discusses how these daily struggles can refine us...Angela Nazworthhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13949844180291293484noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-462728671028708590.post-15312586951167654672009-04-04T21:43:00.000-05:002009-04-04T21:43:00.000-05:00Thank you. For all of this.I thought I was the onl...Thank you. For all of this.<BR/><BR/>I thought I was the only mother that snapped while folding laundry. It's just such a small picture that reflects how I feel about everything right now.<BR/><BR/>I JUST want to finish the folding the laundry in one block of time - too much to ask? Yes. AND I don't even LIKE doing the laundry. You know?<BR/><BR/>I love Debbie more than my luggage. I think I'm going to be investigating that unplug thing a little more.<BR/><BR/>Hugs to you - EmAshhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00084508582913500810noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-462728671028708590.post-17869107642738333632009-04-04T21:21:00.000-05:002009-04-04T21:21:00.000-05:00Well, I'm glad to know I don't have ADD. Great po...Well, I'm glad to know I don't have ADD. Great post.Wendy Kaehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04935633030583274976noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-462728671028708590.post-102307317501546652009-04-04T21:18:00.000-05:002009-04-04T21:18:00.000-05:00I feel like one of my issues is the computer too. ...I feel like one of my issues is the computer too. It has become my link to the outside world. We have 1 car and getting out of the house is an option 1 day a week when I take the hubs to work and get the car. <BR/><BR/>I think there is a lot that Mother's sacrifice for their children and one of those things is their sanity. Just Kidding but really It is hard to not be down on yourself as a mom, because of course we all want to be the best moms ever and there is always another mom to compare ourselves to that does something better then we do. <BR/><BR/>I really appreciate this series of posts, Heather.Evolving Mommy Catherinehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02396529445805781031noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-462728671028708590.post-76515455628230170662009-04-04T21:11:00.000-05:002009-04-04T21:11:00.000-05:00This is such good stuff! I appreciate your insight...This is such good stuff! I appreciate your insight and encouragement to be self-aware, to acknowledge the obstacles we face....and I loved the advice/ideas from Debbie on how we can move past the obstacles to be the kind of moms we want to be.<BR/>And yes, find a babysitter, pronto!! This is SOOO important, especially for us gals who are often left to parent alone 24/7, due to a traveling, overworked or deployed husband. And paying a babysitter is still cheaper than therapy, so just think of it as preventative maintenance. :-)Johttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05488509129367354455noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-462728671028708590.post-33426744244230820392009-04-04T21:07:00.000-05:002009-04-04T21:07:00.000-05:00Thank you. This makes me feel a bit more normal. ...Thank you. This makes me feel a bit more normal. I think I need to unplug the tv, too, right now!Khttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07760240394306239399noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-462728671028708590.post-56398739421772608112009-04-04T20:51:00.000-05:002009-04-04T20:51:00.000-05:00hey girl! moody and mean... me too!!! listen, no t...hey girl! moody and mean... me too!!! <BR/><BR/>listen, no time for reflection as i am WIPED from the mountain and all of its activities, but wanted to check in. <BR/><BR/>your TWO kids sound like my oldest when he was little (high maintenance and active)... come to think of it, not much has changed. <BR/><BR/>i think you have gotten some excellent advice. although, if you DO decide to unplug, just do NOT forget where you hide the remote!Debhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07896271627723253157noreply@blogger.com