Well, that was February. Time for an update on my Happiness Project? This shouldn’t take long…
February’s resolution was to pay more attention to my marriage. To spend some time, just even in small bursts, nurturing it and being extra nice to my husband (anyone with filthy minds, STOP sniggering now. Thank you). This never really materialised, and I’m pretty sad and regretful about that. There’s two reasons; first, it would have been easy to show extra affection by buying little gifts and tokens but to be quite honest, we’re not in a position to be doing that. Secondly, February was a really, really down month for me. Between feeling unusually tired, full of cold, concerned about my grandpa who has been close to death two or three times and keeping on top of two boisterous, bouncing children, I’m afraid my resolutions slid way off my to-do list. Actually, I think I can see my to-do list on the floor there, being jumped upon underneath a pile of toys and good intentions.
But I’m not going to give up, and I AM going to make ‘Giving proofs of love’ a more long-term priority, which I guess is the whole point of this project anyway. At least I know that our marriage is as deep and loving as it could possibly be, and I think Andrew knows how muchI love him.
So, into March. March is all about the babies – making the children my priority for this month. Before you start worrying, there’s no real way of being a stay-at-home mum of a 4 year old and a toddler without making them a priority (all those jokes about locking them in the cupboard were just jokes. Honest *goes to unlock cupboard quickly*) but I know I tend to run out of patience. A particular touchy time is the morning – did I ever mention I just don’t DO mornings? And getting two children ready and out of the house on time is like lighting a fuse.
This month I will use every drop of patience I possess, and then some; wish me luck! Here’s the list of ideas and resolutions for March:
- Patience, patience, patience
- Explore, experiment. They’re both very inquisitive, it’ll be good to encourage that. Preferably without blowing the house up.
- Make the most of holidays and weekends
- Cook with them. I’m not a natural cook so I don’t really do it with the children either but I should make an effort.
- And returning to my January resolutions – laugh with them, be spontaneous, have some fun. Is it a bit OCD that I need to make a list item about having fun? Hmmm.
- Finally, I read somewhere the other day that children also need their mum to relaxed and happy and taken care of, so I will take some time to myself too. Purely for their sakes, of course. No, really.
There you go, that’s March sorted. Peace and harmony in the Brown household. Or something like that…
Becca, you are being hard on yourself. I see you regularly showing affection to Andrew (though whether he deserves it … :))) ). However, I did misread one bit – I thought you said March was going to be for making children! Anyway, please be kind to yourself – if you are not kind to yourself, it’s very hard to be kind to others, I think. Xx
All peace and harmony? With energetic children in the house? And you rightly preoccupied with your grandpa and fighting of the cold that has seen most of us sniffling into March?
Keep the show on the road – that, alone, counts as success. If you have some fun along the way – that’s a bonus. The trouble with resolutions – it’s too easy to fail. And it seems you don’t need to feel you’ve failed right now, when simply keeping going is simp;y amazing.
Becca, it’s so obvious to anyone who reads your blog or tweets or Facebook page, just how much love is contained within that little family of yours. You don’t need resolutions and lists and affirmations. It’s right there, waving from the pages for everyone to see.
I often watch the photographs of your children pop up on my Facebook timeline and it reminds me about what life is all about and what really matters in the world.
Throw away the lists. Just be you.
x
I know that you love Andrew and I’m sure he knows too. Likewise with the babies. I agree with Nicola – be kinder to yourself. We are none of us perfect, not even me, so relax and enjoy your family. I’m sure they love you just as much as you love them. In fact, I know they do.
And I love you too.
I agree with Joanna. You don’t need lists. You’re doing a very good job. Just taking good care of those beautiful children, with or without huge amounts of patience, and laughing with your husband – I’ve seen on Twitter how you do that often – are some of the things that bring happiness to a family.
What they all said! Especially the bit about taking some time out for yourself. x
Do you know what, I think you’re all wonderful. More importantly, I think you’re all RIGHT. 😀
Your posts show you have a great sense of humour, one of the most important things in marriage and child raising…how would we live without it? *smiles wearily after glancing over at children and husband!*
I’ve learned there’s a time and place for everything…and poor old hubby often took second place to bubbly, bouncing offspring! Sometimes a smile, or a squeeze, a peck on the cheek is as good as it gets with little ones around, and I sense you’re doing/getting that and more, so you’re doing good!
And, yes, take time for you too!