tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23665959.post9084155177882922802..comments2023-10-21T13:02:41.227-04:00Comments on Serving the Queens: Sunshine: The Re-MixJennhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09166712671531757326noreply@blogger.comBlogger25125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23665959.post-23923573066954682202008-03-16T10:59:00.000-04:002008-03-16T10:59:00.000-04:00You do know that one day she is going to pray that...You do know that one day she is going to pray that she can give her children the mom she had, right?Amandahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05864631532886681402noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23665959.post-29776265646484131382008-03-13T08:43:00.000-04:002008-03-13T08:43:00.000-04:00keep holding it together - you can do it.keep holding it together - you can do it.Terrihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07687207048265961972noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23665959.post-26115110900965413752008-03-12T12:28:00.000-04:002008-03-12T12:28:00.000-04:00You've written about karma before, and you've cert...You've written about karma before, and you've certainly helped so many human beings -- strangers even. I'm not alone when I'm sending you a virtual hug. <BR/><BR/>I'm so glad that you're leaning on your sisters. Believe me, I know that it's not easy to ask for help -- bravo for doing that.Single Mom Seekinghttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04846340433536492232noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23665959.post-41378385184472629832008-03-12T11:25:00.000-04:002008-03-12T11:25:00.000-04:00You are blessed to have so many friends and so muc...You are blessed to have so many friends and so much family to wrap their arms around your small family and help to hold you up. <BR/><BR/>It's hard to believe but we don't have to be everything to our children. It's okay for others to help us.<BR/><BR/>Hope your baby girl is better soon and I'm sending you a hug sweetie.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23665959.post-91385596328505786852008-03-12T09:52:00.000-04:002008-03-12T09:52:00.000-04:00Jenn, you are a single mom trying to support a fam...Jenn, you are a single mom trying to support a family by yourself. The fact that you needed the help of your sisters with Little A while she's sick isn't a testament to your priorities being backwards because you "couldn't miss work" but a testament to the strength of your bond with your sisters. They wouldn't do it if they didn't want to, if they didn't know what it meant to you that they have your back. <BR/><BR/>We can't navigate this world alone, much as we'd all sometimes like to believe we're an island.<BR/><BR/>Your client might have appreciated your being honest with him, even if it was a brutal honesty. If he can have hope and know that despite the knowledge of the hard work ahead of him he's going to overcome his obstacles, then we can too. I often feel overwhelmed at the end of the day, and I snap at Gabe when we walk in the door and I haven't even put down my purse and the diaper bag and the baby's seat before he's demanding something to drink and "can I let the dogs in, Mama, can I? Can I? Pleeeeeeeaaaaaassssseeeeee?" Then I feel bad because I've just yelled at him to have some patience already, that I'd like to get my head on straight before he goes demanding enough to make it spin again.<BR/><BR/>He still hugs and kisses me at night and says he loves me, despite my flaws. We all manage the best we can. I feel guilty that I haven't been reading books to Gabe at bedtime, but it's a juggling act with getting two kids bathed, pajama'd and getting the baby fed and asleep for the night. I have to compromise. I just can't do it all. You might be thinking, Where's your husband? Well, he's been helping his sister out, renovating a house that will hopefully bring them some cash for their kids' college funds and a little bit of cash our way to help pay off credit cards. He's helping in a different way, a way that requires him to be away from home a lot. It's hard, doing it alone night after night. Cut yourself some slack. You're doing the best you can. <BR/><BR/>The most well adjusted adults don't proclaim their childhoods blissful because of cupcakes and cookies and Wii's and TVs and stuff provided. They say they had good childhoods because they had loving parents. And you love your girls. They'll grow up knowing and remembering that, even if it's hard at the time of the growing up.<BR/><BR/>Thinking of you, girl. It is hard, but you're doing just fine. Even if you need help.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23665959.post-47455974113313571612008-03-12T09:45:00.000-04:002008-03-12T09:45:00.000-04:00Jenn, this was so honest, and brave. I'm holding ...Jenn, this was so honest, and brave. I'm holding out a lantern, too, and I'm hoping that the one inside that hates you will be afraid of this light.Allyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15264625893829690986noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23665959.post-62552571592312953522008-03-12T09:11:00.000-04:002008-03-12T09:11:00.000-04:00Delurking to send a cyberhug and tell you that you...Delurking to send a cyberhug and tell you that you have to know that ALL moms feel inadequate at times. You obviously love your girls, and they love you back. Continue to depend on the blessings that are your family - daughters, sisters, parents, friends, and yes, even stranger-friends. You know you'd do the same for them. Allow yourself the short breaks you can take to re-energize, so you can bring the sunshine back into your own life, and, as a result, back into the lives of all who surround you. Keep writing, though. It's personal reflection at its most powerful.<BR/>~~Sending rays of yellow sunshine~~Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23665959.post-61181310180994351882008-03-12T08:17:00.000-04:002008-03-12T08:17:00.000-04:00"I want to be the person helping to carry yours; n..."I want to be the person helping to carry yours; not adding to the weight."<BR/><BR/>me too. let us help you carry yours for a while<BR/><BR/><A HREF="http://runningonempty-christine.blogspot.com/" REL="nofollow">Running on empty</A>Christinehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04662448292809451387noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23665959.post-35529139729339882872008-03-12T01:20:00.000-04:002008-03-12T01:20:00.000-04:00Beautifully said...thanks so much for sharing your...Beautifully said...thanks so much for sharing your heart. I have been enjoying your blog, and it does give me hope! Today, I am feeling that anger toward myself as a Mom that you describe so well...I love my two little boys more than words can describe, and often I just see the days/years literally flying past me/us. It's as though I'm in one of those booths that you see on a 'game show'...where there's money flying around the glass booth, and the contestant has to grab as much as they can in a limited time..... Thanks again - I am praying for you and your girls - I believe He has GOOD plans for you! You are lovely - I'm so sorry for the pain you've been through - it's impossible to understand. Blessings!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23665959.post-949690655893226982008-03-12T01:04:00.000-04:002008-03-12T01:04:00.000-04:00oh honey. i think i know. i really think i know. ...oh honey. i think i know. i really think i know. love you.Girlplustwohttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07056576921114387218noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23665959.post-90132857336574247082008-03-11T20:54:00.000-04:002008-03-11T20:54:00.000-04:00You've reminded me to continue believing in hope. ...You've reminded me to continue believing in hope. We all doubt, but we have to keep the faith.<BR/><BR/>I'm so glad you have such a wonderful family, so many fabulous friends. The A's are lucky to have you, too! Don't forget THAT.Christinehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13843141103424224033noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23665959.post-33986169305639191312008-03-11T20:22:00.000-04:002008-03-11T20:22:00.000-04:00I just stumbled on your blog today and I just want...I just stumbled on your blog today and I just wanted to tell you to hang in there. I've been in that place where nothing is quite bright anymore. Keep holding on to your family, it will get better. Day by day it will get better. Your children will grow up knowing you did your best, you loved them enough to keep going and I promise it wont matter in the long run if you don't bring enough cupcakes or even if you forget them completely. My mother has always faught depression and we remember the good times and the ways she tried her best with what she had. <BR/>I also had a preemie son and I know the long nights and fighting the sicknesses over and over will drain you. You will get past this and It does get better. <BR/><BR/>Anyway, just wanted you to know someone understands. Hang in there.Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03632401427260179006noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23665959.post-64884235103796783392008-03-11T18:22:00.000-04:002008-03-11T18:22:00.000-04:00Maybe it's a heavy season or something. Things ha...Maybe it's a heavy season or something. Things have been heavy, weighted down, for me too.<BR/><BR/>Thinking of you,<BR/>OTJOhTheJoyshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05031731198115388411noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23665959.post-36096627438764460052008-03-11T17:56:00.000-04:002008-03-11T17:56:00.000-04:00How true and real this is. How much so many of us ...How true and real this is. How much so many of us feel like we need to soldier on solo, all whilst feeling exhausted from it and the giving. We conjure up the ideal in the circumstance we stand in, never considering it is an apple to our orange.<BR/><BR/>I am glad you have good and supportive family and recognize teh blessing.<BR/><BR/>I hope your Little A is okay, and wishes of peace and strength to you, too.<BR/><BR/>It's okay to accept unexpected gifts, you know.Julie Pipperthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03169574697104642479noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23665959.post-85851583074243803132008-03-11T15:37:00.000-04:002008-03-11T15:37:00.000-04:00"but only because of my amazing family and friends..."but only because of my amazing family and friends who went wandering out into the night, lanterns and blankets in hand, beckoning me back, calling "bullshit" to my bluffs,"<BR/><BR/>God, I love your visuals. You just gave me chills with that one. Take care and don't be so hard on yourself. You are an incredible mother.Kimberlyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14084242509519566587noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23665959.post-85885316897134143152008-03-11T15:12:00.000-04:002008-03-11T15:12:00.000-04:00I don't know what I would do without my friends an...I don't know what I would do without my friends and family.<BR/><BR/>They are definitely the lighthouses in my darkness.Loralee Choatehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16055102094371755499noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23665959.post-45841958167334636052008-03-11T15:08:00.000-04:002008-03-11T15:08:00.000-04:00Thanks for the beauty in your honesty - Please don...Thanks for the beauty in your honesty - Please don't feel bad about leaning on the family you have and the strangers here in your computer. That's what we are all here for! By the way, how do you even find the time to post?! I don't know how you do, but I'm glad you do.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23665959.post-50455365534608041932008-03-11T14:36:00.000-04:002008-03-11T14:36:00.000-04:00Your writing is so honest and so real. I can feel...Your writing is so honest and so real. I can feel all of your emotions...the fear, the dread, the self-loathing, the pain, the sadness. <BR/><BR/>But I also feel your hope. Hang on to that hope. Hang on to your daughters. Hang on to your friends and family.<BR/><BR/>Just hang on.Beth Cotellhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14536268080265726705noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23665959.post-88140177131587465692008-03-11T14:33:00.000-04:002008-03-11T14:33:00.000-04:00You have an amazing support system. Including thi...You have an amazing support system. Including this blogosphere.<BR/>Be well.Sarahvizhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07257891014401157085noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23665959.post-52256850714452157602008-03-11T14:10:00.000-04:002008-03-11T14:10:00.000-04:00I recognize despair and depression when I see it. ...I recognize despair and depression when I see it. Been there and am still there. Please hang in. <BR/><BR/>Sometimes, I know it's hard, but taking the time and giving yourself permission to enjoy one simple pleasure for yourself, without worry, without self-degradation, helps calm the maelstrom building up in your chest and flooding your heart of happiness and your mind of solace. <BR/><BR/>I sometimes give myself a few minutes to just enjoy the sun on my face. Or, sit in the bathroom away from bickering kids, and eat a piece of chocolate. <BR/><BR/>Then, there are too many times, like last night, when I find that I'm slapping together sandwiches at 8:30 last night for dinner (husband was at class). Screw it, I suck,I think. I beat myself up and everything becomes overwhelming, but it happens to all moms. Nobody is perfect.<BR/><BR/>So, last night, I gave myself permission not to worry about mother of the year awards, or bedtimes and just really listen to my kids. Talk like there is no tomorrow. It turned out to be a fabulous winter dinner of cold cut sandwhiches on stale buns and watermelon. Mmmmm...<BR/><BR/>I wrote recently on my blog that the small stuff counts and I try to remind myself of that when I find myself being a raging bitch-aholic to my eleven year old.<BR/><BR/>Don't worry about the birthdays so much. So you didn't have enough cupcakes. Make it a joke. Split them in half. Most of the time, the kids eat the frosting and toss them. Alot of kids don't even want them. It's the thought that counts and your heart was there. Don't stress about it.<BR/><BR/>I can imagine how hard it is to be a single mother because I have been put in that position when my husband was deployed for six months at a time in the Army, not knowing if he would come back safe. It's hard. But it sounds like you have a great support system. Focus on that. <BR/><BR/>That's what they are there for and you are lucky to have them. It's hard to ask for help. I know. I would much rather be the helper. But, you deserve the help. your girls deserve the help.<BR/><BR/>Feel better. Sorry for the novel, but your post touched me, and I couldn't just leave a superficial, glib comment.Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13583814670832501297noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23665959.post-62249927245159977282008-03-11T13:27:00.000-04:002008-03-11T13:27:00.000-04:00Hang in there, Mama.Hope Lil A is Ok soon... and t...Hang in there, Mama.<BR/>Hope Lil A is Ok soon... and that you are too.<BR/>Both your girls love you and know you're a good mom. I know it's hard to feel that sometimes, but I know it's true. Someday, they'll be able to tell you.<BR/>Take care of you... I'm thinking about you.Amy Yhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06303953793008491241noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23665959.post-16155548528284418282008-03-11T13:16:00.000-04:002008-03-11T13:16:00.000-04:00a beautiful and raw post. i am holding your tende...a beautiful and raw post. i am holding your tender heart in mine, and feeling your hope....painted maypolehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06446625015003854710noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23665959.post-8934033520331297792008-03-11T12:53:00.000-04:002008-03-11T12:53:00.000-04:00just saying i feel it too, and i'm glad you do rig...just saying i feel it too, and i'm glad you do right now. we really are here. <BR/><BR/>and i'm also laughing a little at your work story though i get the darkness in it and the culpability and the overwhelmedness...but hell, Jenn...what can you do when you can't even scare someone away? he's clearly not looking to you to save him. you don't have to. just do what you can.<BR/><BR/>all around.<BR/><BR/>best of luck.Bonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14403701620708365171noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23665959.post-4027216294956391262008-03-11T12:46:00.000-04:002008-03-11T12:46:00.000-04:00Without hope, what's the point? I'm glad you feel ...Without hope, what's the point? I'm glad you feel it. And as I read this I kept hearing Paul McCartney crooning in my head:<BR/><BR/><I>I don't care if it weighs a ton,<BR/>As long as you and I are here, put it there.<BR/>Long as you and I are here, put it there.</I><BR/><BR/>I'm glad you've got an amazing family that help with the load. And this space, full of sympathetic stranger-friends.Janethttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00567374243896229606noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23665959.post-65912900225080079282008-03-11T12:15:00.000-04:002008-03-11T12:15:00.000-04:00I feel it all over you, babe.I feel it all over you, babe.flutterhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11828689769747130419noreply@blogger.com