Snowshoeing. I Mean, Parenting is the Hardest Thing I've Ever Done.

Snowshoeing. I Mean, Parenting is the Hardest Thing I've Ever Done.

• 2.15.2021

Goodness, these photos were taken on a Saturday afternoon following a really rough week.  Parenting is HARD.  It is constant round the clock work.  I feel overwhelmed with people to help and listen to and things to do.  This entire year has felt chaotic and defeating.  Was it worth it to build a new home and add a brother to the family?  Absolutely.  But I feel like I try only to fail.  I pick myself up again just to get knocked down, over and over and over.  I make plans only to have them derailed.  I'm talking about simple things from getting enough sleep to eating better to exercising to getting that one thing ticked off the to do list.  And what about my efforts to teach the boys how to properly clean their own bathroom or turn off the light or behave like thoughtful human beings?  Over and over again I teach.  I hand out consequences.  Sometimes I yell.  Nothing seems to work; I am not seeing any changes or progress.  I am swimming against the current.  Stagnant.  Frustrated.  Miserable.

And then there's this one successful afternoon when everything felt okay!  Getting out with my crew of boys always leaves me feeling happier and lighter.  This afternoon of snowshoeing was just what we needed as a family.  The snow was fresh and beautiful!  The air brisk and cold.  We laughed and played and explored a new trail.  Conrad is such a stud.  It was his first time wearing snowshoes and he rocked it!  Kid is capable of anything.  And it was Ezra's first time riding in the hiking backpack.  He seemed to enjoy his perch and the views.

I love them.