Do It With Love

Lately I've been feeling like the little engine that could. Being the HBIC is not easy. At all. I have so much to think about, organize and plan it's rediculous.
I won't do a laundry list (that reminds me, I need to do laundry) because we all know what it takes to raise a family, but let's just say it's a lot. A lot, a lot.
My husband is a good supporter, but is pretty much clueless as to how much effort it takes to keep things running smoothly around here. And even though he helps out quite a bit, it's all me who's pulling this train. Sometimes it feels like I don't even have wheels and I'm slowly pulling this thing with my feet - Flintstone style.
Wouldn't it be nice if someone else were to take care of something for once? I can't imagine coming home to the hubs saying "I think the girls should take piano lessons so I went ahead and found a piano" or "I noticed the front closet is a total disaster so I went ahead and cleared it out and organized it"....you know, something along those lines.
I mean, I guess I like being the boss for the most part but it would be nice to get a break once and a while. Like, a break break.
Bill said I will get a break when I go to New York with my Mom in a couple of weeks, but I told him that's not entirely true. It's not like I just pack a suitcase and leave. I don't even know how I'm going to get to the airport! I have to make sure clothes are clean, food is bought and meals are planned. I have to make sure they get to all the social obligations while I'm gone and make sure gifts are bought and wrapped.
I will be free once I'm gone, but them coming home is a whole other task. Gotta make up for the days I was gone.

Yikes.

It is really super duper easy to get crabby with all the stuff, but I have a new thing I've been working on which is this: Do it with love.
Seriously.
I was making the beds the other morning and was getting all sweaty and frustrated and I starting thinking about Moms who probably do the same thing but actually enjoy it. I was picturing them tucking in the sheets ever so gently and smoothing out the bedspread with a smile on their face knowing that they were doing it for their child, who they love so much. I thought, I love my children, so why not hop on board.
So far, I have forgottem my mantra on a couple different occassions, but once I remind myself that I am picking up toys, wiping a butt, brushing teeth, preparing a meal, organizing a school folder, un-inside-outing clothes for wash, buckling a carseat, defusing a meltdown, putting Barbie's shirt on, making a doctor appointment, sharpening a crayon, wiping crayon off my wall, mopping up milk.....it's all for someone I love.
Doing it with love does make a difference.

I think I can, I think I can, I think I can.....