Too much sunshine?

Me as a baby when the dramatics began...

As I've been exploring the little world of Bloggers I've come to the conclusion that there are too many sunshiny, crafty and all around perfect Blogger Mommies out there.  These Blogs are full of beautiful craft projects and perfect baking and stunningly beautiful "show home" houses.  On top of which, the photos of these Mom's all seem to be skinny, gorgeous, well put together women, smiling out from their photos without a care in the world, professionally taken photos nonetheless.  The Blogs are sunshiny and happy and annoying!  Who the hell has the time to look that good, have a perfectly organized and clean house, craft, bake and be all ...sunshiny? 

Most days I look like I got dragged through a bush backwards.  If you wear socks in my house you inevitably get a piece of something sticky stuck to the bottom of your sock.  I trip over toys constantly, swear, and keep right on going so the toy remains in position for the next tripping opportunity. 
However, I am happy, my kids are loved and happy but organized and crafty too??...nope, never gonna happen.  Neither is skinny so I might as well get over it.  I'm all about the reality of working, parenting, being a wife, being a maid in my own home, living with anxiety and the bloody laundry that never ends! 

Most women I meet are in the same boat but so few are reluctant to admit it initially. I love the real women I've come to know in my life, they are awesome and fun and great Mom's and every bit as crazy as me...I think, either that or I'm just crazy and they're trying to be nice.  My point is simply that I don't think those Blogs are a true reflection of most peoples reality, I could be wrong but I bet those Blogger ladies get tired of trying to look perfect.  For my part, I won't bother with the deception, too many of you have been to my house!

I'm also a little perplexed by all this talk of "balance".  To me it just is another way to make women feel like they should be able to do it all without complaint or strain, all they need is "balance". WTF??  If I'm working I feel like a bad Mom, if I'm home with a sick child I feel like a bad employee, if I go out with friends I feel like I'm missing out on family time if I bail on plans with friends to spend time with family I feel like a bad friend.  I could go on and on but let's just say I generally never feel balanced.  I'm always choosing and juggling, trying to keep everyone happy, including myself, without losing my mind.  Lovely husband might tell you the mind is loooong gone but he's stuck with me.
In terms of cooking today, I opted for what my mother-in-law calls the working mother's best friend: The Crock Pot.  One hunk of beef, some potatoes, some carrots and a package of Club House "pot roast" powder (thank-you Lisa!). I can't wait to get home and smell a yummy dinner cooking away on it's own!  That's my "balance" for today.
J.