Dear Husband, Thank You For Being a Man Who Steps Up

This post was originally published on Her View From Home.

Thank you for always showing up, even after your long, hard day at work. Thank you for coming in the door happy to see all of us—the crazy toddler still in pajamas, disastrous house, insane dog, and me covered in baby bodily fluids with my hair in complete disarray. 

Thank you for not complaining when dinner hasn’t been made and when there are zero plans for it. You normally step up and cook for all of us, and for that I am grateful.

Thank you for staying up with the baby at night so I can have an extra couple of hours of sleep.

Going to bed early is my love language and I am so happy you know that. 

Thank you for doing the laundry, and better yet, the dishes you know I hate to wash. Thank you for taking the rowdy toddler out of the house for the sake of my sanity.

Thank you for asking me how I am doing, both mentally and physically, and truly listening to the answers and for making an effort to help me if I’m struggling.

Thank you for being levelheaded and logical when I am insensible. Even though in the moment I’m sure I’m mad at you for being this way.

Thank you for loving me at my worst and at my best.

Thank you for pushing me to chase after dreams I think are too far-fetched.

You are my confidant, supporter, partner in all things, and absolute best friend.

Thank you for having and extending the grace and patience with our children that I very much lack by the end of the week.

Thank you for holding it all together, day after day, for everyone in this family.

You are our great example, Daddy. We love you.

Husbands Don't Get Enough Credit

Husbands don’t get enough credit.

Mine doesn’t at least and that’s mostly my fault because I should tell him thank you more often.

Being a mom is hard, don’t get me wrong. The mental load is enough to do me in most days and don’t get me started on being the family taxi driver. But husbands don’t get enough credit.

We do different things for our family, but at the end of the day I couldn’t do what I do without him by my side. He’s the calm to my chaos, the voice of reason to my worry, the “maybe you shouldn’t” to my impulse, and the one to call me out when I need it.

My husband doesn’t get enough credit.

For the hours he works or for the load he carries for our family. Worry, stress, and responsibilities weigh heavy on him too and I often forget that. Most of the time the parenting struggles fall on mom, but dads carry them too.

So, here’s to the husbands that do it all and never complain. Thanks for holding our family together.

You deserve more credit.

This post originally appeared on Facebook.

I'm Your Friend That Doesn't Drink

Hi. It’s me. Your friend that doesn’t drink.

Let me start this off by clearing the air: it does not bother me that you drink. If you order something for yourself when we’re out at dinner, I promise I won’t bat an eye. I am by no means judging you from a high horse; I’m actually just kind of hiding in a corner hoping no one notices me or offers me a drink.

I am firm in where I stand regarding drinking and I know there are moms all over the alcohol-consumption-spectrum that are confident in their stance as well. We’re all adults here and can do whatever we want. I’m just trying to bring awareness to the fact that not all moms want to bond over wine tastings or have mimosas with brunch.

The “mommy juice” culture has done a number on me personally, and I know I’m not alone, but please don’t think I’m here looking for a pity party.

Read the rest over on Knoxville Moms.

The Mom I'm Supposed To Be

I’ve tried to be the crafty mom, but I don’t have the patience.

I’ve tried to be the mom that bakes with her kids, but that makes my anxiety skyrocket.

I’ve tried to be the mom that home cooks every meal, but I don’t have the time. Plus I really hate doing it and much prefer takeout.

I’ve tried to be the mom that keeps a spotless house, but that ship has sailed.

I’ve tried to be the mom that never yells at her kids, but I fail almost daily.

I’ve tried to be the carefree mom, but my type A personality needs a little structure.

I’ve tried to be the mom that doesn’t worry or let things get to her, but I’m not sure I have that ability.

I’ve tried to be the mom that I see everyone else be, but I fail every time.

Today I’m going to give up trying to be someone I’m not. I’m going to try to be the mom that I already am.

The one I’m supposed to be.

This post originally appeared on Facebook.

The Stay At Home Mom Gift Guide: 2020

1. Silence. Make it happen by any means possible, we aren’t picky.

2. Caffeine. Tons of it. Boat loads. Gift it with glee.

3. A cleaning lady. Have you met our family?

4. Someone to teach these kids something. Anything at all at this point. Mama needs a B R E A K.

5. A trip to somewhere other than the grocery store. (Unless we’re talking about a solo trip to Target. That’s still a good idea.)

6. A bissel crosswave. They’re all the rage this year See number 3.

7. A babysitter. A good one. You know the one your wife likes, just call her.

8. Sleep. Just let her sleep.

9. A no questions day. No questions allowed. Mom won’t answer them. Someone else can figure it all out for (at minimum) 24 hours.

10. Someone to cook for all these kids for a couple days. Also, someone to do all the dishes

If none of these seem attainable, then this one is for you:

WHATEVER SHE DANG WANTS!!!! Because this year hasn’t even been a ride, it’s been the whole dang road trip.

(Yes, we love our families. We wouldn’t trade it all for anything. But no one, I mean no one, knew what 2020 had in store. Mamas need breaks too Merry Christmas)

This originally appeared on Facebook.