Oh, wow! I wish I was there to help out - cleaning someone else's stuff is always more fun:) I'll be praying for you! Maybe Grandma can take the little ones to the park (or somewhere cooler) or just keep them occupied in another part of the house. How long until the in-laws arrive?
Oh my! Baby just became mobile and in-laws visiting at the same time! Yikes. I have a German (read: a stickler for tidiness) MIL, so I know the feeling of trying to straighten up before guests stay. Hope you can get everything done! Cute picture.
Second - pick up the phone and call 2 dedicated strong girlfriends to help you - barter with them and whip out one of those brilliant delicious cakes and fruit basket ideas you do as a ' thank you' ---
Honey, this is a 911 - I'm sending you my prayers!
Everyday is like that for me! I'm always about three weeks behind! :) ha!
My middle child asked my husband a few weeks ago if he ever cried...and he said not really, because he hasn't in about 12 years! for real! And, she said, "oh..mommy cries all the time!" Better work harder, save up for therapy for the kiddos later on! :)ha!
Can you skip the yard sale for a few weeks and have a friend hide it all in their garage until then?
Then you only have to finish the floors... are you painting a border or the whole thing? Have you started yet, because if not skip it until they're gone, the paint spots on the side aren't that noticeable unless you point them out.
Meredith- Oh, I HATE it when I have a week like that!! I know exactly what that kind of panic feels like when everything is happening at once. I have to add my two cents and say that I agree completely with Workin' Mama on this one. I really , really would call up some friends and see if there is any way that they could either help out around the house or take the kids for the day so that you can clean and work uninterrupted. Probably just about any of your long-term readers would help out if we lived closer to Nashville....but since we don't, we'll just have to keep you in our prayers this week! Which particular thing is making you the most nervous? For me, it would be the inlaws coming after not being at your home in over 10 years! Wow!! That's stressful! Susan
Save that illustration. I mean it. Some day you will look back and you will be able to put everything in perspective. I do wish I lived closer- I would be there in a flash- even if you don't know me:) Cleaning for a MIL is stressful and mine had me in tears on more than one occasion but my husband assured me I was a better mom than she ever was (SH!) You are a good mom and that is what counts! Prayers and good wishes going your way!
Sounds truly overwhelming, but I'm sure you will pull it off as you always do....triage, triage, triage. Two quotes to share "Welcome to my home, I'd apologize for the mess but it might be worse next time you are here." and "Remember you are raising kids, not grass (i.e. the perfect lawn or house or whatever quest)."
Like everyone else, I am loving that drawing! My in-laws only come together once a year...mil wants to come once a week now that baby is in the picture! Whenever they come it is stressful for us--mostly me.
Take a deep breath, do what you can and laugh about the rest! You are so good at what you do, no need for extra!
OMG! this doodle really made my day, how simple yet graphic and self explanatory. Good luck with the visitors. My advice, no garage sale pile everything in front of the door to prevent anyone form getting in. lol!
that picture is exactly my life right now! in fact we ARE having a yard sale, but the moving truck is pulling up on thursday and i haven't done a thing! aaah! thanks for the chuckle.... :)
Looks like you and I had the same kind of day! Hope it got better.
And I don't know if anyone is as silly as me, but I wasn't able to get to this site the last couple days because I had the address saved in my favorites as .blogspot instead or .org - just figured it out this morning.
We are all praying you through this Meredith! 'I can do all thing through Christ who give me strength' Just breathe as a prayer when you start to stress again!
You know, I think that your in-laws, no matter how long it's been since their last visit, will just have to understand that you are smack dab in the middle of LIFE - plain and simple, it is what it is. You don't have to be 'magazine ready' to have any company (including in-laws) - you've been hospitable to many others when 'life' was going on in all it's ups and downs (and the floors were sticky) - and you survived, quite nicely in fact. Relax and be your creative, gracious self - and let the small things go.
I know it is easier said than done, but unless your husband and his siblings were sent off to boarding school at infancy or raised by a governess, your in-laws have been 'through the trenches' of parenting, and while they may have done things differently, they've got to admire your flair and resolve.
Think of this visit as a lovely gracious gift to them - and don't communicate your stress to your children, or they will feel unnatural around their grandparents. For heavens sake keep ALL negative or potentially negative comments to yourself, or undoubtedly, they will end up on the lips of your innocent children and embarrass you beyond belief! Then you'll be glad the floor isn't finished because you'll want it to swallow you whole! Please don't ask me how I know this ...
I just happened to think and thought I'd be nosy and ask - don't be in a hurry to answer (I got the feeling you *might* be busy)...anyway, is the first time your in-laws have been to visit y'all? I'm praying everything goes really smoothly. They are going to love your beautiful home and your spending time with their beautiful grandchildren!
I don't envy you right now! When will the in-laws be there and when is your mom leaving? (I thought she lived near you. Am I wrong or has she moved?) I know you have said she is good about about helping you clean and now is the time to accept that help! Will the guests be staying at your home or in a hotel? If a hotel, I would close bedroom doors and clean the bathrooms and "public" rooms. What garage sale??? If I couldn't hide it in the corner of the garage, then Goodwill would be the recipient this time around. I also would forget about being frugal right now. You have enough to do without trying to entertain on a budget. This would be when I would throw some good quality steaks on the grill, take them out to eat, order in--whatever made my life easier. That hospitality envelope would just have to have a negative balance for a few months! Maybe they will treat you all to a meal out, too.
The important thing is not to become so stressed that you don't enjoy your family's visit. I'm sure they will be so wrapped up in the grandchildren that they won't see all the little "imperfections" that you do anyway.
Oh yes! I tried to access your blog from my handheld and was told it was deleted. I am relieved that isn't the case. I often log on from my phone, so I am lousy with comments. But I would have been so sad if I couldn't access your blog.
Just remember this.....in-laws are coming to see you (the people), not the house. As long as there's a clean bathroom, clean sheets and food to eat, you're set.
Ummm How have I not read your blog yet???? I must have lost my mind...lol Anyway. I am so very excited to be reading now. I have learned alot just in the 3o minutes I have been here. Thank you!!!!! Off to plan DD's 2nd birthday. I am soooo using quilts on the tables. You are so smart!
Love your drawing! I can definitely relate. However, I think that if anyone can handle all of it, you can. You just seem to have your priorities in order and if your house isn't completely clean for your visitors, they will still feel about home because you make it a comfortable place and you seem to exude hospitality. Good luck getting everything done. I'll pray for your sanity! ;)
Have you ever had one of those days when you have so many things to do, you don't even know where to start?
Oh, wow! I wish I was there to help out - cleaning someone else's stuff is always more fun:) I'll be praying for you! Maybe Grandma can take the little ones to the park (or somewhere cooler) or just keep them occupied in another part of the house. How long until the in-laws arrive?
ReplyDeleteOh my! Baby just became mobile and in-laws visiting at the same time! Yikes. I have a German (read: a stickler for tidiness) MIL, so I know the feeling of trying to straighten up before guests stay. Hope you can get everything done! Cute picture.
ReplyDeleteFirst - Call on Jesus - You will need him.
ReplyDeleteSecond - pick up the phone and call 2 dedicated strong girlfriends to help you - barter with them and whip out one of those brilliant delicious cakes and fruit basket ideas you do as a ' thank you' ---
Honey, this is a 911 -
I'm sending you my prayers!
YOU CAN DO IT!
latrice
BABY ATE A LEGO???
ReplyDeleteLOL! - considering I know he's ok...
Great pic to show how you feel girl...
Oh gosh, I hope little John is ok!
ReplyDeleteEveryday is like that for me! I'm always about three weeks behind! :) ha!
ReplyDeleteMy middle child asked my husband a few weeks ago if he ever cried...and he said not really, because he hasn't in about 12 years! for real! And, she said, "oh..mommy cries all the time!" Better work harder, save up for therapy for the kiddos later on! :)ha!
John's okay--we fished it out just before he swallowed.
ReplyDeletethanks for the encouragement!
Need some help? Just call and I'm on the way!
ReplyDeleteLOL! You are so funny! Sending up some prayers for you!
ReplyDeleteFinally - some modern art that I totally understand!
ReplyDeleteGood luck.
The illustration is hilarious!
ReplyDeleteI feel like this 95% of the time.
Yikes! Hang in there -- it'll all work out. I'd hate to be there when the lego works its way out ... yick!
ReplyDeleteGood luck, Meredith! Sounds like a challenge.
ReplyDeleteI love your diagram...and I love how you can get across SO MUCH by saying SO LITTLE. I could learn from you!
ReplyDeleteYour youngest is already a yr old? Really? How does time fly?! I guess it flies a lot quicker when it isn't YOUR newborn!!!
ReplyDeleteHope you get it all done in time!
Oh sweetie!
ReplyDeleteCan you skip the yard sale for a few weeks and have a friend hide it all in their garage until then?
Then you only have to finish the floors... are you painting a border or the whole thing? Have you started yet, because if not skip it until they're gone, the paint spots on the side aren't that noticeable unless you point them out.
Then you can just clean, and cook, and relax. :)
I'd come help if I could.
Oh wow. Having house guests can be so stressful! I know you'll pull it off with your wonderful grace and charm. :)
ReplyDeleteMeredith-
ReplyDeleteOh, I HATE it when I have a week like that!! I know exactly what that kind of panic feels like when everything is happening at once.
I have to add my two cents and say that I agree completely with Workin' Mama on this one. I really , really would call up some friends and see if there is any way that they could either help out around the house or take the kids for the day so that you can clean and work uninterrupted. Probably just about any of your long-term readers would help out if we lived closer to Nashville....but since we don't, we'll just have to keep you in our prayers this week! Which particular thing is making you the most nervous? For me, it would be the inlaws coming after not being at your home in over 10 years! Wow!! That's stressful!
Susan
Save that illustration. I mean it. Some day you will look back and you will be able to put everything in perspective. I do wish I lived closer- I would be there in a flash- even if you don't know me:) Cleaning for a MIL is stressful and mine had me in tears on more than one occasion but my husband assured me I was a better mom than she ever was (SH!) You are a good mom and that is what counts! Prayers and good wishes going your way!
ReplyDeleteBless your heart! what a funny picture, communicates so clearly.
ReplyDeleteYou know they can't wait to see those sweet children! You are a DIL to be proud of, too. It's going to be okay. 1 Corinthians 10;13
deb m
Sounds truly overwhelming, but I'm sure you will pull it off as you always do....triage, triage, triage. Two quotes to share
ReplyDelete"Welcome to my home, I'd apologize for the mess but it might be worse next time you are here." and "Remember you are raising kids, not grass (i.e. the perfect lawn or house or whatever quest)."
I love that you started by drawing a cartoon of your many challenges. :) Visualize the light at the end of the tunnel!
ReplyDeleteLike everyone else, I am loving that drawing! My in-laws only come together once a year...mil wants to come once a week now that baby is in the picture! Whenever they come it is stressful for us--mostly me.
ReplyDeleteTake a deep breath, do what you can and laugh about the rest! You are so good at what you do, no need for extra!
Best of luck,
Heather
OMG! this doodle really made my day, how simple yet graphic and self explanatory.
ReplyDeleteGood luck with the visitors. My advice, no garage sale pile everything in front of the door to prevent anyone form getting in. lol!
YES!!!! I have one of those days, well, know about 4,567.8 of them....
ReplyDeleteMy heart goes out to you....I LOVE your picture. Think I need to make one too!
You're one of God's best, by the way.
May He surprise you with a taste of heaven in spite of the whirlwind around you!
Yep I have those days 365 days put of the year. I hear ya. And yes, my mother in law is coming tomorrow! Im so not feelin' it!
ReplyDeletethat picture is exactly my life right now! in fact we ARE having a yard sale, but the moving truck is pulling up on thursday and i haven't done a thing! aaah! thanks for the chuckle.... :)
ReplyDeleteYep, pretty much every day. Even with 3 teens ... sigh.
ReplyDeleteHey, you're a great artist Meredith! LOL.
I hear your heart, boy do I ever. Great post. Gets the point across!
Looks like you and I had the same kind of day! Hope it got better.
ReplyDeleteAnd I don't know if anyone is as silly as me, but I wasn't able to get to this site the last couple days because I had the address saved in my favorites as .blogspot instead or .org - just figured it out this morning.
We are all praying you through this Meredith! 'I can do all thing through Christ who give me strength' Just breathe as a prayer when you start to stress again!
ReplyDeleteYou know, I think that your in-laws, no matter how long it's been since their last visit, will just have to understand that you are smack dab in the middle of LIFE - plain and simple, it is what it is. You don't have to be 'magazine ready' to have any company (including in-laws) - you've been hospitable to many others when 'life' was going on in all it's ups and downs (and the floors were sticky) - and you survived, quite nicely in fact. Relax and be your creative, gracious self - and let the small things go.
I know it is easier said than done, but unless your husband and his siblings were sent off to boarding school at infancy or raised by a governess, your in-laws have been 'through the trenches' of parenting, and while they may have done things differently, they've got to admire your flair and resolve.
Think of this visit as a lovely gracious gift to them - and don't communicate your stress to your children, or they will feel unnatural around their grandparents. For heavens sake keep ALL negative or potentially negative comments to yourself, or undoubtedly, they will end up on the lips of your innocent children and embarrass you beyond belief! Then you'll be glad the floor isn't finished because you'll want it to swallow you whole! Please don't ask me how I know this ...
Oh, you need one of these: *hugs*
ReplyDeleteHave a great visit!
I just happened to think and thought I'd be nosy and ask - don't be in a hurry to answer (I got the feeling you *might* be busy)...anyway, is the first time your in-laws have been to visit y'all?
ReplyDeleteI'm praying everything goes really smoothly. They are going to love your beautiful home and your spending time with their beautiful grandchildren!
LOL at your drawing!
ReplyDeleteI feel your pain. I am having my 4 year old's bday party next weekend and am trying to do EVERYTHING for it in a week & a half. :)
I don't envy you right now! When will the in-laws be there and when is your mom leaving? (I thought she lived near you. Am I wrong or has she moved?) I know you have said she is good about about helping you clean and now is the time to accept that help! Will the guests be staying at your home or in a hotel? If a hotel, I would close bedroom doors and clean the bathrooms and "public" rooms. What garage sale??? If I couldn't hide it in the corner of the garage, then Goodwill would be the recipient this time around. I also would forget about being frugal right now. You have enough to do without trying to entertain on a budget. This would be when I would throw some good quality steaks on the grill, take them out to eat, order in--whatever made my life easier. That hospitality envelope would just have to have a negative balance for a few months! Maybe they will treat you all to a meal out, too.
ReplyDeleteThe important thing is not to become so stressed that you don't enjoy your family's visit. I'm sure they will be so wrapped up in the grandchildren that they won't see all the little "imperfections" that you do anyway.
Good luck and try to relax!
Oh yes! I tried to access your blog from my handheld and was told it was deleted. I am relieved that isn't the case. I often log on from my phone, so I am lousy with comments. But I would have been so sad if I couldn't access your blog.
ReplyDeleteHope things slow down for you.
Maureen
Just remember this.....in-laws are coming to see you (the people), not the house. As long as there's a clean bathroom, clean sheets and food to eat, you're set.
ReplyDeleteThinking of you. Love the sketch.
another thing sweet sister -
ReplyDeletedon't worry about posting anything else - we'll hold tight 'till you can slow down and take care of you and fam first ---
seriously. we'll be okay.
Meredith, if we were near each other we could both help the other, and have a yard sale together. I will say a prayer for you! Jackie
ReplyDeleteYeah, for some reason days like that make me want to catch up on reading my favorite blogs. Hope you are being more productive than me today!
ReplyDeleteALL THE TIME!!!
ReplyDeleteLove the drawing and notes - you captured the feeling perfectly.
Ummm How have I not read your blog yet???? I must have lost my mind...lol Anyway. I am so very excited to be reading now. I have learned alot just in the 3o minutes I have been here. Thank you!!!!!
ReplyDeleteOff to plan DD's 2nd birthday. I am soooo using quilts on the tables. You are so smart!
yes, but i have never had an adorable schematic like that and i want one! ;)
ReplyDeletenicola
http://whichname.blogspot.com
Love your drawing! I can definitely relate. However, I think that if anyone can handle all of it, you can. You just seem to have your priorities in order and if your house isn't completely clean for your visitors, they will still feel about home because you make it a comfortable place and you seem to exude hospitality. Good luck getting everything done. I'll pray for your sanity! ;)
ReplyDeleteThat drawing is too cute. As mom's we have all been there at some point with way too much to do.
ReplyDelete