Probably more a gripe, but I know there's a prayer request in here somewhere. My life is completely overwhelming right now. MIL moved in two and half months ago with the promise that her apartment we're building in the garage would be done in two/three weeks tops. It's not done. Trying to finish up school with the kids while balancing all of her doctor's appointments, my doctor's appointments, kids activities, and my husband traveling every couple of weeks and being completely useless when he's here because he's working. I'm just so tired. And every time I say something about the apartment, or the stress or the work, we get in a fight and it's all MY fault. I truly feel like running away from home. I cannot take much more.
Is it your dh building her apartment? Or someone you've hired? Sweetie, I thought my plate was full... Prayers!
its not a easy job to do.. and everyone promise everything. Hang tight but don't be afraid to speak up and do it before you run away. Been there done that one twice.
Just seeing this Krysta! I am so sorry, I do not have the same headaches that you do, but I totally understand your feelings. It is so hard when there is so much that is important to do and it is all on you! Other non homeschooling friends don't understand what it takes to do everything with all your kids around. Most homeschooling friends I do have do not understand what it is like to have so much other responsibility ( Taking care of somebody can be a full time job for some people!) and not to mention the pain that you deal with. I am praying for you.
Thanks everyone. I really appreciate the prayers. TRYING to keep up....not happening, but trying. Thankfully, our last day of school was last Friday. Still have a lot to do with that, prep their portfolios, etc. And plan for the convention in 2 weeks. To which I just found out that we don't have $$ for me to spend at the convention! ARGH!!!!
Hey I have been praying for you! I read this the other day and thought about you. From 1 Timothy 5: 4 But if a widow has children or grandchildren, these should learn first of all to put their religion into practice by caring for their own family and so repaying their parents and grandparents, for this is pleasing to God. 5 The widow who is really in need and left all alone puts her hope in God and continues night and day to pray and to ask God for help. 6 But the widow who lives for pleasure is dead even while she lives. 7 Give the people these instructions, so that no one may be open to blame. 8 Anyone who does not provide for their relatives, and especially for their own household, has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever. You are doing such a great thing, and God wants us all to do it as well! Think of the lessons your kids are learning about walking in the Faith and truly doing what God calls us as believers to do.
Hi Krista, I haven't been on here much and I am just now seeing this {{HUGS}}. I hope things are getting better for you, and less stressful. Is there anyway you can hire someone for a few hours a week to help with your MIL? Or does your church, or an area church, have a convalescent ministry where someone would come out and visit her? You CAN'T do it all, it is too overwhelming. I know---MIL has now been with us for 12 years. She will be 90 this summer and the Parkinson's has taken its toll. Caring for her is all-consuming. As caregivers, keeping up with all the meds/multiple drs appointments/daily needs while also keeping up with homeschooling, work, co-ops, church, volunteering, housework, myriad of kids' activities, husband's needs, etc...can really wear you down. But you need to make YOU a priority and take care of yourself--seriously. DH and I used to argue constantly about workload. That is, until one week I started writing down EVERYTHING I did from the time I got up, until I went to bed. I then put it in the form of a check list. I then called a family meeting. I explained to DH and the kids that I was not functioning at my best because of all the work I did daily. I presented the checklist, which took up multiple pages. After much discussion, DH and each of the kids agreed to check off 150 tasks a week. It sounds like a lot, but most take under 5 minutes to complete. Examples are: taking out the trash, taking compost to the bin, watering the indoor plants, watering the outdoor veggies, wiping down the bathroom counters, neatly arranging bathroom and kitchen towels, taking MIL water, folding linen napkins, etc... As incentive for the kids, weekly goals accomplished equals something small like a trip to Rita's. So far, so good. I also demanded a "sanity saver." I joined a local gym and head there in the mornings. It is the only time I get to watch TV because the treadmills, bikes, etc have a built-in media center! The gym also has a cafe, so after working out, I grab a cup of tea, my Bible, and sit on one of the couches for a few minutes before heading home. None of this happened overnight, though. Again, MIL has been here for 12 years! But you really need to take care of you. It is one of the most important things for caregivers to do---really, please. Chelle
