Pardon my French, but yesterday sucked! (Why do we blame everything on the French?) It was one of the worst days I’ve had in a long time. Homeschooling did not go well. The kids fought me on everything I tried to do. There were lots of tears and time-outs – for me as well as the kids. It was awful. I was tired. I was crabby. I gave up for the day and made the kids go to their rooms. I wish I could say it got better after nap time, but it didn’t.
I threw out a lifeline to my friend Wendy and waited. I left a message on my Facebook saying, “Niki Nowell is having a crappy day!” I called Benny and cried some more. I wanted to demand that he give up his day of rest and come home to rescue me, but I didn’t. He encouraged me the best he could and told me to call a girlfriend and get some advice. He warned me not to isolate myself. I told him I emailed Wendy, but decided to call Jennifer as well. She’s been homeschooling twice as long as I have and she loves me. Surely she would be an encouragement. But I still feared being “needy”. It has become “not ok” with a few of my friends.
After bedtime routines were completed and I had a silent house for a few hours before Benny was due to be home, I jumped on-line to check my email before calling Jennifer. Wendy had emailed me back and let me just say, I am so incredibly blessed to have her in my life. She said everything right, and everything I needed to hear. I had chosen her specifically for how she sees my heart and loves me through things. I also had an email from Jennifer! She had read my status on Facebook and wanted to offer to talk if I needed it. (Thank you God!) So I called Canada (free from my home phone) and Jennifer and I chatted for over three hours. I’m not sure why I keep bringing this up, maybe to show God’s amazing grace in my life, but Jennifer and I haven’t always been friends. We were enemies in college. A fact we blame entirely on Satan. We’re just sure He meant to keep us apart because together we’re a force to be reckoned with! Our lives have paralleled in scary, sad, and hilarious ways and we are so thankful for the healing and nurturing that has happened with us over the past few years. She’s an amazing friend.
***Update: Today is now Thursday and I still haven’t posted this thing! That should tell you how my week has been going. Tuesday was a huge improvement over Monday, and Yesterday we did a field-trip to the library. We have been keeping VERY busy this week and we are desperately trying to get back on some semblance of a routine. That includes no computer until after we’re done with “school” for the day. I’ve been working on Part 3 of “A Princess Story” and will post it soon.
Hope you’re all doing well.
Your post reminded me of a saying, “Momma said there would be days like this!” You notice it was a mom who said that, one that understood screaming kids, unfinished projects, the lack of creativity to make dinner, and just feeling spent. Niki, I see what a loving mom you are to your kids. Have you ever heard of the Homeschooler Encourager? I will try to find the site and send it to you. Give yourself a hug from me! 🙂
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I’m sorry you had such a crappy day.
Those friends that don’t allow you the freedom to be needy… well they just suck!
Love you, my friend! I’m praying for a great week to come for you!
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