When I first went to Katie Ganshert’s website and saw her bio, where she calls herself slightly-frazzled, I instantly knew we could be friends.
I, too, am a frazzled mom. Though I could probably drop the slightly part. I’ve often beat myself up about this fact. I am the mom that forgets the days at school that the kids are supposed to dress up or wear a certain color.
Lunches. Homework. Projects. You name it, I’ve forgotten it.
I have gained a bit of a reputation at school for this. But I love my school mamas. They take care of me.
I receive texts like this… (I’m the blue.)
I have often held money out of my window in the morning for whomever I owe for whatever gift was purchased that I contributed nothing but funds to.
At the first conference of the year, I tell the teachers straight out: I’m not room mom material, but if you remind me enough, I’m willing to help.
I once offered (reluctantly) to sort-of be room mom for pre-K, and the teacher (a friend of mine) suggested we wait and see if anyone else volunteered first. Love her. Thank God someone else did!
In carpool line, my son’s teacher has yelled across the lines of children: “could you please unload his folder? It’s getting pretty full.” Which is code for: You haven’t taken papers out of his folder in a month.
Most things I let go of, knowing I’m a disorganized mom. But there’s always been one thing that bothered me. Ever since my kids were little, I regretted not having a measuring chart where we could track their growth and ages. We had one growing up, and we were always comparing to our older siblings and where they were at the same ages. Since I’d already missed so many years, I would just beat myself up about it. It felt too late, like I’d missed out on so much already. Why start now? But finally, that’s what I decided to do.
I decided starting now is better than never starting.
I went online and ordered a roll of white paper for about 6 dollars. My plan? Hang it behind the coat closet door. I got it, measured it out, and taped it up.
I stood back and checked out my masterpiece.
Of a white piece of paper.
With a few black lines on it.
Sort of crooked lines.
It looked… not great. The next day, the tape popped off the door and the top corner started curling down. The day after that, the other side did the same.
Why hadn’t I ordered a premade, pretty measuring chart? What had I been thinking?
That week, I saw a friend offering homemade measuring boards on Facebook. A no brainer. Not only is it gorgeous, I’m supporting a mom’s business. I snapped one up, and now I’m the proud owner of this.
I didn’t make it. But I did make it happen. Finally. Now these two cuties have their first measurements written on the board. Yes, they’re older than I wanted them to be when I started doing this, but I’m just going to wipe my brow, forgive myself, and cling to the fact that I finally accomplished something I’ve always wanted to do.
Are you a frazzled mama? Or are you the one taking care of another frazzled mama? I’m so glad you organized moms are out there. I simply wouldn’t survive without you. And for those of you who are like me, take a breath and forgive yourself for missing out on something or forgetting something. The world needs us to, we’re just not sure why all the time.
What about y’all? Is there something you want to accomplish and have been beating yourself up about?
It’s not too late. (I think. Although I’d probably have to check with a friend to be sure.)
Jill Lynn writes inspirational romance. Her debut novel, Falling for Texas, will be available from Harlequin Love Inspired in February 2015. Pop over to www.Jill-Lynn.com to find out more, or find her as Jill Lynn Author on Facebook.
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Giveaway
Hey friends, Katie here! My talented and beautiful friend Jill is giving away a copy of her book to one of my fabulous readers! See the box below for details on how to enter!
It isn’t just moms who are frazzled and disorganized! Some of us dads are in the same boat. We just don’t have the same responsibilities moms have, so it doesn’t show up quite so badly.:-) Don’t ask when my kids birthdays are. (I’ve forgotten my own, but that’s not such a bad thing.) Now that I have grandkids it’s even worse!
Thanks for a smile and the reminder it isn’t all up to us. God has gifted each of us uniquely, and I’m glad for it.
I loved this post. May I refer you to flylady.net? Any frazzled, disorganized, procrastinating mom (or non-mom) will find it very helpful.
Hi Jill! I relate to what you are sharing here. Isn’t is beautiful how Jesus gifts us all differently, yet uniquely? We all need community and the body gets to work together with their various gifts just as this piece points out. There is beauty in the imperfections of the individual and how when used together, it becomes….just right. Thank you for sharing your heart. Annie B 🙂
Thanks for the comments and accepting me in all of my disorganized glory. 😉
Love the text inclusions in the blog post! So hilarious! Thanks for keepin’ it real, Jill!
This is sooooooooooo cute. Lol.
I would love too read this book
Thanks for the free bookgivaway
oh.hello.hiya@gmail.com
AHHH!!!
How cool is this? Jill visiting Katie.
Now, lemme tell y’all a few things about Jill. She is hysterically funny. Like, fall over and wheeze and beg for mercy kinda funny.
She knows all the good thrift stores in her town.
She knows how to find Famous Dave’s.
She has a flame thrower for when she takes Canadians to Chik-Fil-Eh?. Don’t ask.
Her kids are awesome, and speak my language.
Her book was laugh out loud funny, and grab a kleenex weepy. I LOVED it!!!
If I could fill a room with friends for an evening of wit and fun, that room would include Katie and Jill.
Although, Jill could just bring cash to chip in for the goodies.
😉
Love you my crazy, wonderful friend!! Hugs!
Love this story. Use to fo this for my kids on door post at my mom’s:) Now do the measuring of my granddaughters on the wall of the closet in my home. I think the biggest reminder is to just do it instead of spending all the mental energy:) You and your brain will be so relieved. Thanks Jill and Katie for sharing your aurhenticity!
I’m not a mom but I think this post is funny and thoughtful. (Very sweet picture of your kids!)