Where’s My Clone?

Posted on 11.06.07 in Parenthood and there are 7 comments.

I’ve often wondered where my clone is.

Sometimes I feel like I’m juggling so many things and trying to accomplish so much that I couldn’t possibly get it all done without a clone.

I’m a wife. I’m a mother. I’m a web designer. I’m a blogger. I’m an runner. I’m a Bible study leader. And I’d really like to change the world in my free time.

Then there’s laundry, dirty diapers and dinner.

Far too often I wear myself out trying to complete my to do list and “get things done.” I wish there were another of me to help...me.

I really want a clone.

But you know what?

I do have a clone.

Three to be exact.

And my job right now is to teach them so that they can carry on the values and work that I believe are important.

That brings up two questions for me, is the work I’m doing worth carrying on (or is it just busy work) and how well am I teaching my children? Am I just keeping them safe and healthy or am I really investing in them?

I rest too much, I’m “too tired” too much and I do my own thing too much.

But I know I’ll never regret working less and living life with them more.

Well, I’d better stop writing now and go spend some time with my cute little clones…

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This subject has been running around in my head for about three months now (since I had my third child, to be exact!).  I love this line: “But I know I’ll never regret working less and living life with them more.” So, so very true!

So are you saying…
“I want to be a clone”?

(obscure CCM alert...)

Good old Steve Taylor…

Wow—I have been home for 20 years raising my kids and I have had lots of moments where I’ve felt just as you do… but I would never in a second do it over again any differently. My kids are great kids, one is now an adult and another is on the verge of adulthood - my last two are following along right behind them. I am so proud of the contribution I have made to our world - despite the mundane tasks of diaper changing, housecleaning and chores—and from the reading of have done of your writing, I know you are right there with me! Kudos for a great site and I am sure great kids.

Lisa,
“I’ll never regret working less and living life with them more.”

Yeah, I know it’s true, but I’m SUCH a task oriented person, it’s really a challenge for me to lay things down and listen and play. Sometimes playing dress up feels like a waste of time because I’m not “accomplishing” anything tangible. It’s all definitely a work in progress.

Mini,
Thanks so much for your kind words and encouragement! I want to enjoy and savor every moment with my kids, but I do long for the day when my kids are all grown and I can truly enjoy their friendship and see that they’ve all done well.

Trust me—that time will come before you know it. It feels like I turned around for a second and they were all grown. I am glad we have videos and pictures or I would almost never believe they were ever little. It’s true, my relationship with my kids is so very different from when they were younger, and sometimes, believe it or not, I long for the time when we could play dress-up and sit together and color - although more exhausting, it was so much simpler then.

Kat, I’ve been worried or consumed with these thoughts a lot as well.  A lot of times I want to just let the dishes pile for the day, but they seem to nag at me and I don’t feel like I can rest until they are done, and then I see the pile of papers I need to sort, and the crumbs on the floor that need to be swept.....  I have just been trying to have some sort of balance.  On Sundays I don’t do any house work, I spend all my extra time cuddling the kids, playing board games, or doing whatever the day brings us. Monday I tackle the dirty dishes etc.  and It’s seemed to make me feel better at least, to have one day devoted to spending time with the family, and without tasks. 
I’ve also been trying to really be there involved in the moment when I am playing with the kids, even if it is only for 10 minutes.  What is 10 minutes away from work anyways?

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