Overwhelmed

I have been feeling so behind in everything that I do lately. By the time I get around to publishing this post, I'm sure a month will have gone by. Despite my efforts to clean, things have gotten out of hand. It's so hard to keep things organized with so many people in our family. The bathrooms are a disaster, the floor is unswept, and I still need to vacuum the mud on the stairs. It's so hard to keep up for some reason. As I vacuumed the boot room I couldn't believe the number of shoes and rubber boots and dress shoes scattered all about. Even though I've had many years to practise, I still find it hard to keep calm sometimes. I have to stop and remind myself that I can do it just a little bit at a time and everything will be okay. 

I ended up having to take all six children to the grocery store with me after dinner, but we all survived! It's been a while since I've had to take everyone with me to the store as I usually shop during school hours or post bedtime. I let out a chuckle as I reached the dairy aisle. Sawyer was in the carrier on my back grabbing at my pony tail as it swung back and forth. Everyone was talking at once and hanging all over the cart asking for things. Joe was sticking whatever he pleased in the cart and convincing me why he needed this or that (some hand soap for the boys' bathroom in particular). The looks I was getting from people as I shuffled my crew through the store was priceless. When we got to the van they all fought over who would sit where and my patience was so thin.

And now my sixth child has finally drifted off to sleep for the night. I've been on my feet all day, but if you looked at the state of my house, you wouldn't believe me. Sometimes life can feel so overwhelming. But experience has taught me that when the task seems impossible, start small and work your way through it. Today my sense of accomplishment comes from the line of shoes at my back door and a freshly vacuumed boot room. I'll get to the rest tomorrow.