one of those moments

you know the moments. everything is going along beautifully. you feel like you have all your ducks in a row, all the balls in the air..

all

under

control.

and then something happens to remind you just how overwhelmed, how sleep-deprived you really are?

it might be something little. finding the OJ in the pantry. your glasses in the refrigerator. starting the coffee without a filter.

or something bigger. almost leaving the house without a shirt on. oh yes, that was me yesterday. can you imagine me driving down the highway with my nursing bra on? that paints a pretty picture. let's be honest. these days, there's not much reason to put a shirt on. the babies eat all the time! hahaha!

or it can be something really big.

yesterday i got everyone dressed, packed the diaper bag, got everyone fed and in the car. drove 45 minutes to the babies 2 week appointment, and when i got close to Fort Stewart, I realized I didn't have my wallet.

To get on an army post you have to have a form of ID. The Hospital is on an army post.

No

Wallet.

Next available appointment? Dec 21.

Awesome.

I called Jimmy, crying and feeling really sorry for myself. I got mad at myself for a minute. I think it's important as mothers to have those moments. Mini pity parties, I call them. They only have to last a few minutes.

Then I pulled myself together and figured it out. I called the lactation consultant and I'm going to visit her on Monday to get them weighed. The rest of it can wait.

But oh, did I feel like I was losing my ever-loving mind.

I came home (babies both screaming all the way, mind you), fed the babies and got them to sleep, got the big girls into their room for quiet rest time, and I scrapped.

I decided, just for a moment, to ignore the dirty dishes in the sink. To leave all of the clean clothes on the floor in a pile for a bit longer. To forget about mopping the sticky syrup floor for a bit longer.

Making things makes me feel better. And today? Is a new day. Two whole days with Jimmy home to help. I couldn't be happier! And next time?

I'll make sure I have the #*#$*#($* wallet.

happy saturday!

xoxo

s

papers- making memories (ledger), my mind's eye (floral)

buttons, journaling cards- jenni bowlin

alphabets- american crafts

butterflies- got these from jenni bowlin at vintagefest last spring

tape- american crafts

sequin floral centers- prima

bracket border punch- ek success

 

 

 

Comments

[Jessica @ The Mom Creative]

Girl, I hear you! I am almost 12 weeks and having been throwing up constantly. Sometimes, you just have to let other things go and do what YOU need. Praying for you. xoxo

[Belinda Venables]

OMG Steph...apart from having two little cherubs I can relate! I drove all the way into the Naval base to get my spouse pass sorted out and got there and had forgotten my wallet also, which means I could get passed the first gate!! Grrr!!! It's frustrating isn't it!!
I hope you had a lovely day creating! Love the end result!! xx

[Christa Paustenbaugh]

I think you're entitled to pity parties right now! I have those days too and I have no baby(ies) excuse anymore!

Beautiful layout of course! Love those pictures!

[Pam S.]

You rock! I love the authenticity in your posts. It's real. Yet, you always conquer and get back out of that valley. God Bless!

[Julie V.]

Thanks for your honesty as usual... Even if I haven't been in the exact same situation, I always find myself smiling and nodding as I read your posts. It is comforting to know that I'm not the only mommy who has had those moments. You bring much needed support. Thank you!

[Janet and Lisa]

Love the layout and we all have those days. Loved it when my children were little but I only had three under five for a while. I did also have four step-children that were pre-teens at the same time. I know it was my feeling that I figured I could manage it all that got me though those days. Somehwhere I had to have some missing brain cells at 23 to take on 7 children- your doing a great job.

[Susan Beth]

The fact that you can have a day like you had and then take a break and produce a page like that . . . well, proof that you are a better woman than I am.

Also, thanks for all the updates lately. It is a thrill to get to see the babies and the girls and to hear about your life. Keeping your family in prayer during this time of transition and excitement and sleeplessness.

[Kim Faucher]

Ha....that's the story of my life girl! The everything going well moments r fewer and fewer lol I think the chaos actually fuels the creativity. You did the right thing taking that time for your hobby....all those times you take will give you the charge you need to jump right back in and the family will b better off too! God bless you. Kim

[Bea Monforte]

I love your honesty and I think all weman, all of us, have those days and it's healthy for us <3

[Jenni Hufford]

awww sweet girl-- even though i only have two i SO remember those days! My mom would come over to help after jordan was born and i answered the door in my freaking nursing bra and was crying! I think she about died! ha! She gave me the best piece of advice-- "this too shall pass". which is incredibly bittersweet. I wanted to hold on to the newborn phase forever-- i just adored having a newborn (both times!). but at the same time i was craving sleep, normalcy, and a clear mind. you are amazing and have such a beautiful heart!!! lots of hugs to you today! xo

[Sabrina at Tutus and Chaos]

You are a scrapping genius. To pull together a page that gorgeous on a sleep deprived brain is amazing! And I am so with you...leave the stuff that can wait and make sure you take at least a few moments each day to help you feel sane.

[Linda G.]

I absolutely LOVE reading your blog. It makes the world right for me! :)

[Chris Dodaj]

Oh Steph! That layout is gorgeous!! I feel like I've watched your girls grow up!

I've had many a pity party the past 18 months with Brooke. You are doing an amazing job!

[Laurie Ann]

I love how real you are! You are not one of those moms that pretends how easy everything is. Or how wonderful it all is all the time! Thank you for that! You make the rest of us struggling moms feel like we are not alone! : ) Hang in there! : )

[Elizabeth "E" Saumell]

Actually, I think it *could* have been worse...much worse. You *could* have gotten on base and into the appt only to *then* realize you had left the house without a blouse! ha! ((((hugs))) girl, you're doing a GREAT job! And if those little pity parties are what's needed for you to continue inspiring us with those beautiful layouts well then, I for one say bring 'em on! LOL

[Kirsten J]

Oh yes, those moments. Sleep deprivation is a form of torture, and every mom can testify. Except we do get a pretty cool reward. The scary moment? you get a little time to run a quick errand, baby safe at home with Daddy or whomever...driving down the road, listening to music, and suddenly, the panic - I FORGOT THE BABY!!! THE CARSEAT IS EMPTY!!!! Happened more than once...

[Jessica]

Girl, we all have those moments. I personally have been having quite a few lately...feel like I am losing my mind. Hope you have a great weekend! :)

[Candy]

This brings back memories. :)

[Wendi K]

Sometimes I wish they implanted a chip in us so we didnt have to carry around our military id. I cant tell you how many times I have not had it. Even after that bad day, you created something very beautiful...love the layout!

[Ashley Harris]

Aww Steph, I totally feel your pain and happiness at the same time! Hugs to you! Hope you have a wonderful weekend full of rest!

[Tenika]

oh mommy brain- isn't it grand?! give it some time and some of the fog will lift. All us mom's have remnants..lol

[doris]

it's ok! it takes a while for baby brain to recover and you got a double dose! :)

[Es]

Big hugs to you. Hope your having a better day today:)

[Becky R]

Awww, Big Hugs to you. I'm willing to bet we all have those stories to tell. I remember when I was taking my oldest in for his 2 week check---I ended up locking him and my keys in the car and I was left holding a pacifier. UGH. He was screaming in the car and I had no way to get to him. :( Luckily it happened at our apartment complex and I was able to break into our apartment (very reassuring feeling, eh?) to get the spare car key. So it was only 10 minutes max but it felt like an eternity!

[Corey Brock]

Thank you for making moms feel normal! :-) Way to go on allowing yourself to give up chores just for a little while, so that you could scrap! I admire that. and your layout is awesome as always!

[Kim]

Oh I have soooo done that!!! HUGS to ya girl!!

[Abby V]

I've done those a few times-mini pity parties-great way to get rid of excess stress. Life as a Mommy is never easy, after all we don't get an off any days, and we're lucky if we can go to the rest room without someone yelling "mom!" or knocking on the door (my 2 year old does this ALL the time)! So you are definitely not alone there!

[Linda E]

We all have those days. (My kids are 12 and 15 and I still have them, sorry to say.) Glad you put everything else aside and scrapped. We moms need to do that more often. Your layout is beautiful.

[jung a]

i feel you steph! most days i stay in my robe ALL DAY LONG...and i only have an hour or two to myself each day, so some days i scrap, even though i know there are dishes in the sink, laundry in the hamper, dust bunnies in the corners...

[Noelle (NoelleCatMom)]

I can relate, and I have only one
child, age 5months. I've had to
resort to whiteboards with lists.
At home & at work. Otherwise I
can't remember what I need to be
doing. But I like lists, so it's
not a bad thing for me. But I'm
struggling with letting things go
occasionally. Does the laundry have
to be done right this minute, or can
I sit and enjoy the babbling of my
smiling little girl? I feel guilty
if I want to scrapbook, but my
husband periodically shoves me
towards my desk and says "just go
scrapbook! It makes you feel better.
I'll watch the baby."

[kate]

oh stephanie...lots of those moments going on at our house too with a newborn... thanks for keeping it real.. and i only have
1 newborn and my other 3 kids are big enough to help... you are so inspiring ... today, i shall let daddy hold baby and create something of some sort to fill myself up again...thank you

[Michelle Unruh]

yes, we all have those days!! I can be so forgetful!!! I think it happens to the best of us. I know I go through stuff like that, and my kids are 22, 12 and 3. I can only imagine how hectic and frazzled you feel. Isn't it so nice that scrapping can make you feel better? :) It is such great therapy. I only wish my pages turned out as beautiful as yours!!! Happy Saturday, Steph!!! Enjoy your weekend!!

[Cecile]

Your babies are beautiful I am glad I found your blog we must live pretty close to each other if you are 45 minutes from Fort Stewart..You are amazingly talented and I look forward to getting some much needed inspiration from your creations.I live about 15 minutes from Pooler in Effingham County:)Have an awesome weekend!
Cecile

[Shannon]

I'm glad that you sat down for a seconded and did a little something therapeutic for yourself! That is the best thing you could have done! Have an enjoyable weekend!

[Jill Sprott]

Agh, that totally bites. Way to bounce back, though -- this layout is beautiful in a BIG way.

[Deana Boston]

You're such a great writer. Can always feel the emotion in your posts. LOL'd about almost leaving the house w/o a shirt on and why bother wearing one anyway...they eat all the time. All moms have been there. I think you're great and your girls are all beautiful and obviously loved very much. Hang in there!

Beautiful page... as always!

[Candace]

Pity parties sound like a good idea to me, much better than 'why me? moments' which is what I seem to have on a regular basis. Guess some people just seem to sail through life's challenges and others, like us, face it head on!

Soul building is what it is. But pity parties are a good thing so lets start the celebrations x

[nancy n]

I along with everyone appreciate your honesty, your painting a picture of reality. I think you have your priorities straight. You need to do what you have to do to survive, and not feel guilty for it. Beautiful
page of Harper. You took time and made a memory.

[Jill]

I {heart} how real you are girl! You rock & I am so super excited to meet you and your girls in January!!!

[Kelly Massman]

Hang in there!
AND thanks for sharing the lovely layout! :-)

[[email protected]]

hilarious- sort of :) i have mini pity parties all the time. then get my $%#@ together.

[Dawn W.]

All that I can say is AT LEAST YOU HAVE AN EXCUSE!! I do this stuff DAILY and my kids are 9 and 11. No excuse for me. Seriously, just hang in there. You are doing an AMAZING job and you should be PROUD!!

[Sar W]

You're only human and shit happens! So glad that your scrapping can help take you away from it all, if only for five minutes. :)

[marlene gibson]

I hate when that happens!
I found that putting sticky notes on my steering wheel with things like "do you have to house keys/wallet etc" was super helpful during those crazy early days :)

[Stacey]

Hi! That happens to me all the time - forgetting my wallet! I mean all the time! At least I'm not 45 minutes away, how frustrating. Love your layout. You definitly need time to yourself.

[Leslee Barrow]

Dear Stephanie,
Glad you just put everything aside and had some me, myself and I time and went and created. That is most important with your busy little household. The dishes will wait, the sticky floor will wait. It will be all right. The girls will survive. I am sure the babies are gaining weight. As long as they are eating well they are gaining weight. I don't have babies or little ones at home and I find things in weird places and leave the house without something I meant to take. Hang in there, girl. All will be fine.

Leslee in MT

[andrea g.]

LOL! Bless your heart girl! I do stuff like that all the time. and my youngest is 5! and I don't have twins. ;)

I think you're doing great - ROCK ON!

[Mary Ann]

Love the fact that you tell it like it is Stephanie. We all have one of those Mom moments from time to time. I've just learned to try and laugh when I can.

LOVE LOVE LOVE the layout! Sleep deprived or not, it's so darn cute. Of course having Miss Harper in the pics, you couldn't possible do anything but a cute layout : )

[titchose]

I so like reading your blog, you are so real, so true !
Forgetting your wallet really isn't that big a deal right? My husband usually forgets to put at least one of the kids in the car when we leave...
Take care of yourself, your kids will be grateful to have ahappy, well rested mommy !

[Jennifer]

This is so true!! Your page is beautiful and is so worth it because sometimes you just need some you time! :)

[Karen P (kphike)]

Umm....I've done that TWICE in the last year and I didn't even have babies or kids with me!!! You are not alone....are so normal, and I'm glad you scrapped instead of beat yourself up!!

[virginia]

um - yes - I know - and I have one and not four so can't even imagine. the other night i woke up and didn't remember where I was (or even i think for a few minutes who i was!) and then when i remembered I had a baby had a moment of panic when i honestly forgot where I put him (he was in his crib thank God)

good for you for taking those few mins for yourself - gorgeous page.

[KathyChen]

What a gorgeous layout! And I have had those mommy forgetful moments too - once, I left a gift card with $100 on it at Babies R Us - thankfully, when I remembered, I called and the cashier still had it. And there was the time I left my groceries on the roof of my car and drove off without knowing they were there until I heard them fall on the ground...we've all been there. Hang in there!

[naomi]

Can I just say Staephanie I love the layout... the colour pink really pops! love it, sleep deprievation, under dressing for the occassion and forgetfulness aside Mumma you rock!

[Natalie Schenk]

oh that so reminds me of me! I had gotten our three little cherubs in the car, twins where 2 weeks old, without them all spewing or pooing everywhere only to get in the grivers seat and look in the review mirror and see i hadn't even done my own hair!!! Arrhh, so i raced inside and quickly did it then went to the shops. So your not the only one, it happens to us all. Your girls are gorgeous by the way. I still get asked if our twins are identical and they are not but because they are twins people just assume they must be identical :)

[Kim]

I think you have it pretty together just to have gotten everyone out the door in a timely manner. Don't be too hard on yourself! I can promise you that it isn't the first time that has happened (he! he!). Beautiful LO.....I saved it so I can scraplift it later!

[Joan]

Yep.....I too have had many of those days! BUT....not with sweet twin girls....you my friend are my hero!!! You are amazing...glad you let everything wait and took some scraping time! That page is gorgeous! Hope you are getting some sleep!

[Kathy (kathyb)]

Steph, when my eldest was a newborn, I put a ball full of washing machine liquid into a tumble drier full of clean dry clothes and switched it on. Moments later I realised what I'd done - and there is was a load of washing that needed to be re-done as it was covered in the liquid soap. AND I only had one baby to deal with then!!
I am glad you made time to scrap. Thanks for sharing your journey with us, the good and the bad. You are amazing!!

[Amy K]

Good for you Stephanie for taking time for yourself and letting those household chores wait.
Beautiful layout.
You're human, and allowed to "make mistakes". Think about all the things you have to keep track of on any given day...try not to be so hard on yourself...remember that you're an amazing mother & wife!!!

[Kathy Martin]

Your post reminded me, and cracked me up, about the time I went to the grocery store when my son was just about a week old. He was at home with my husband and I thought I'd do the shopping bright and early. When the bag boy and I were heading to my car, there it sat with the driver's side door wide open! I didn't even remember to close the darn door! Just got out and kept on going! I can't imagine two babies at once! Good for you that you allow for a 'pity party' and forgive yourself! You're not going mad...you simply have a lot on your plate!

[robin]

Love your posts, Stephanie! I'm definitely a big fan of yours and so very happy for your family with the new additions! CONGRATULATIONS!!

Quick question about your layout - Would you mind sharing how you print your photos? Do you use a mail service, or perhaps a drop off service, or do you print at home? I'm very interested in how you it appears you keep on one sheet - like the above - 1 5x7 and 2 4x6s?

Thanks so much for sharing so much with us!
Robin in Oklahoma

[Jen D]

oh my gosh, I think I would have cried for more than a few minutes! So happy that you can at least get in some time for you - that's sooo important. The girls are just too cute. I think Cate looks exactly like your husband -not that I've met him, but from the pictures you know ;)
Hope today is a nice restful day!

[Jen D]

Forgot to tell you- this story made me remember the time I tried to go to Target w/ my 1st baby - just to get out of the house. It was 5 minutes away and we never made it. She screamed the whole time. I stopped twice to feed her and change her diaper before giving up. My husband asked "how was Target" and I started bawling everywhere. I thought I'd never make it out of the house again. ever. :)

[Stephanie Howell]

robin, i print at home. the dimensions of the photos are about 4x6 and two 4x3

[abbeyviolet]

So beautiful-- both you and the page:)

[Steph H]

Okay, I would have been the woman sobbing at the entrance to the base, begging them to let me in without an id (because really, you had a van full of kids, is there anything less threatening?!?!), and name dropping to get to that darn drs appt.
Bless your heart!

[marcy penner]

Oh, you're too funny!

[leslie]

I flippin forget stuff all the time and my mom keeps telling me to put a Ziploc bag in my diaper bag with extra of B's meds, his lotion, shampoo and gas drops and a 20.00 bill. He is so sensitive and I forget his stuff he breaks out in a horrible rash, then I feel SO guilty. Can you put a photo copy of your DL in your bag, would they take that if you were to forget again? Maybe you should just leave your DL in your diaper bag seeing that going anywhere without it is rarely an option :) and put a photocopy in your wallet, hehe that was a joke.

[Michelle Unruh]

I just had to tell you, this is the first time I have heard the 3 little birds song on the radio!! I am listening to a different station I usually don't listen to. I just started chuckling because it made me think of Harper's video clip where she is singing it!!! :)

[Laura]

((HUGS)) I think you need to cut yourself some slack! You have your hands full and you are doing the best you can! Don't be so hard on yourself! You are doing awesome! I remember doing stuff like that ALL the time when my 2nd was still a newborn......going on an outing and realizing I had left the formula at home. Or like you...my wallet. I STILL do thing like that...only not as often. Hang in there!! And btw, LOOOOVING the LO! Those pics are just beautiful!!

[jamie hansen]

So sorry to hear about your day. I have those toooo often it seems and i feel like i am the only one that has those days. Guess not! happy to hear that. thank you for sharing reality.
***************
>>Question:

So did you have those pictures already printed (from a store) with an idea in mind or did you print them from YOUR home printer and just create?

[Stephanie Howell]

I print them @ home!! Xxo

Sent from my iPhone

[Soldier Girl]

Just getting caught up .. and I am dying laughing. I have my days where I wake up looking like Goku and walked out the house one day and forgot my wig .. A.MESS

you make me laugh .. seriously!

[Soldier Girl]

but not laughing at your pain .. but that you forgot your shirt .. I would hate for someone to think I was being mean to you because that part just stuck out to me more .. but other stuff head up sweets .. you are doing great.

[sophie]

so glad you managed to find time for yourself!! it is so necessary to us women!! good for you!! and this page is so beautiful! love form France

[Vanessa Menhorn]

Ok, first that layout is adorable as can be!!! It's good you got some YOU-time! I admire you so much! Having two sweet little girls and now twins on top!!! I just can't manage everything with ONE two year old! I am unworthy, I am unworthy. But that breastfeeding-brain-story made me laugh :) Good for you that you noticed in time that there was no shirt! I know about a woman who had an appointment, was in a hurry, drove to the doctor with her baby and was wondering all the way why people were staring at her. Well, she found out looking at herself: she forgot to wrap up her breast again - driving with her bare breast and hoisted shirt :)
Thanks for sharing your experiences of everyday life this honestly! Vanessa x

[Mel brewin]

Gorgeous layout Steph, you amaze me with all you have going on you produce that!
Amazing I tell you!!! Thanks for keeping it real, reminded me o those newborn days & I didn't have twins!!!
Me xx

[kathleen p.]

Im glad the sun is shining today : )
You're doing an amazing job there, Mama! Dont you forget it!!

[young c-m]

ugh, this is TOTALLY something I'd have done! I made a checklist for myself and put it on the whiteboard near our door just to make sure I have everything before I leave the house. :)

[Lonely Scrapbooker]

Beautiful LO.
For me the moment was when I left a pot to burn on the stove. I smelled it and thought, uh oh, my neighbour is burning something... I didn't even realize it was MY pot.
Oh yes, and the time I went into a store, paid for my items, and walked out and left them in the store. I realized the next day.
And then the time... actually, I'll stop here. I don't want you to totally despair... .

[Paola]

I love that layout!! Harper is absolutely beautiful! Where did you get that hat?

[Angie (mommmiextwo)]

I'm so sorry, and can so identify! I'm here with two broken ankles and a broken leg, and two little boys here, alone all day. The oldest is home from school now for winter break, which helps, and thank goodness everyone is potty trained! If it makes you feel any better, I've driven off without shoes on before, and had to go back home to get them. (blushing as I type!) ;)