Tuesday, April 22, 2008

Even Mama Pigs Need a Break

I saw this mama at The Farm in Snohomish Washington. My uncle works there with some friends and I have to say that it is one of my favorite places in the world. She just laid there as her little piglets nursed and pulled at her. They climbed all over her, squealing and fighting, but she peacefully laid there doing her job...taking care of her babies. As we were leaving the petting zoo area a little while later, we walked by her again. This time she was in a totally separate area of the pen, her piglets still in the first area, still squealing and climbing all over eachother. She was standing all by herself, doing nothing but taking nice deep breaths, seeming to enjoy a little bit of peace. I think of her a lot...especially when I have days like I have been having lately. I feel so bad about the mother that I am somedays, like I am being stretched in a million different directions and nothing and no one is being taken care of properly. I get so frustrated and irritated when I should be showing more patience and love, and all I really want to do is either climb back into my bed and lock the door, or go somewhere far, far away and stay there for a very long time. I comfort myself with the thought that it is completely natural for me to need even a little break to gather my nerves up off the still unmopped floor and regroup. I love my children with all my heart, and I am extremely blessed to have them, but even mama pigs need a break.

11 comments:

Kim said...

Well said. Sometimes this mama pig doesn't want to go wee wee wee wee... all the way home!!!

Emily Oman said...

Oh Emily, I'm sorry you have been having bad days lately. Did you know that I learned how to be mom from you?!? I think you are one of the greatest moms I know!!! I have watched you in awe so many times thinking, how does she know how to do that? I wish I lived next door so I could come watch your cute kiddles while you had a break.
XOXO Emmy O.

kthom said...

Oh the joys of motherhood. Hang in there sweet friend. Send the piglets/kidlets outside to count slugs for you and invite them back at say...6:00 ish for some food. Just lock your door and read funny blogs :) or think of when Heather Moyer with complete sincerity sang "These Dreams" -by Heart, at the top of her lungs during journalsim class...that's gotta put a smile on your face. Ya with me??

Emily Kern said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
SKH said...

I am so glad that you have "days" I seem to find those "days" more often than I would like. When you find the recipe for patience, please email it to me. Alayna came down naked today and said she had an accident but remember "If I tell the truth then you don't get mad, mommy" then proceeds to tell me "I knowed I had to go, but I was so sleepy and if I waked up I would not be able to sleep some more." AAARRRRGGH!

SKH said...

I should read it through before I comment...I don't mean that I am glad you have bad days. It just makes me feel more normal and that it is o.k. to have those feelings. You know I idolize your mothering and wish I could hang out with you more (like when you lived in Payson & Hooper) so I could learn to be a better mom. Love Ya Tons!

Jennie @ Porch Swing Quilts said...

Emily, you just said it all for me! I love just getting to take a deep breathe and enjoy some peace for a bit. It does help me to miss my kids for a smidge of time.

CrazyinIdaho said...

You are the best momma pig I know!And the fact that you are such a wonderful mom is reflected in each one of your wonderful kids. I love your family. I am already sad that we can't repeat the fun trip to Wallowa Lake this year. Throw some snacks at the kids, put on a video, and take a bubble bath!!!!!

Amberly said...

Emily - I think you are AMAZING! Everyone needs a break and regularly, don't be hard on yourself for that. Maybe mama pig has room in her pen for you two to hang out together...

Brigitte said...

So I only have two kids but I totally feel that way sometimes, I think it's part of being a mother. And with six kids you have every right to feel overwhelmed at times. (BTW -There's this blog that I read sometimes for a good laugh, you should check it out. It's themeanestmom.blogspot.com)

Tony and Traci said...

I don't know what that is like yet, but i'm sure I will someday soon.