When Real Life Hits… It Hits HARD!
You know how sometimes in life things just fall into place really well? Finally jobs seem to be working out, bills are being paid, everyone’s happy and healthy?
Well… this is NOT one of those times.
Okay, okay… our jobs are actually really good and even though we got slammed hardcore with crazy taxes this year, we’re still managing to pay the bills. But as far as the happy, healthy people part goes… things couldn’t be farther from the truth.
I can handle kids being sick for a few days… maybe even a week, but when it carries into day 14 and 15… well then I start to lose my ever-lovin’ mind. I can only recall my kiddos being THIS sick once before. Normally they are pretty healthy and usually bounce back quickly from those regular “school yard” colds and sniffles, but JEESH, we’ve been working hard for the past two weeks just trying to get over these nasty sicknesses that have plagued our house! (and yes, we’ve been to the Dr.)
We’ve officially had pink eye, croup AND the flu.
Seriously!?… This Mom needs a B.R.E.A.K!
(Is anyone else having to deal with this garbage at their house!?)
What? You think I’m just coming here to post about all of this for sympathy comments and to get a little pat on the back from my friends for attempting the start of an office makeover in our house, all while cleaning up puke, waking up at 3am to hacking children and frantically screaming at little people throughout the day… “DON’T TOUCH YOUR EYES!”
???
Well, then you’re right.
Have I ever mentioned how much Cason and I LOVE being parents? Don’t worry, we still do.
π
I just felt the need to pop in this Sunday afternoon, before a rigorous house disinfecting and bed sheet cleaning session to tell all of you… This is my REAL life. ha!
We frequently receive comments, after our completed projects, from readers that will state things such as:
“Wow, you guys always have such a clean house”
or
“It must be nice to just design and DIY all day”
HAHA! I’m sure that most of you realize this is NOT what we’re ALL about, but for those of you who may seem to have been lead astray?… This ones for you.
Here’s to healthier kids and (even the smallest) completed projects this week.
π
…
PS. In happier news, I’m STILL working on a post about the office, like I mentioned on our Facebook page… so you can look forward to that!
Mandi @ Sweetly Home says
Oh my word, your poor precious babies! My heart breaks just looking at little Aubrielle and her pink eye. Praying for health and rest for your family. Hang in there, momma!
Chrissy Farnan Hoot Designs says
I hope everyone gets better soon! I have been sick too – sinus infection two in a row – yuck. That's what two years olds and runny noses times 14 kiddos do to you Monday – Thursday. eeek.
Wishing you Happy Get Well Soon Wishes
~Chrissy
Emily says
Oh sick kiddos are never fun. Hope they feel much better really soon.
Marybeth Walker says
This has been THE WORST fall/winter for sickness with my 2 kids also. Though it is difficult to tackle the needs of sick kids, jobs,household stuff,etc,I am just thankful that it will pass. Heres to warmer weather and eradicating all those nasty germs! Good luck!
Ingrid says
i hope your girls are better asap and things get back to normal soon! we are battling similar issues, 2 week old baby and my three year old has been barfy/poopy/coughy/ER trips sick since the day we came home from the hospital! and me with a wicked spinal headache unable to even stand up for the whole first week. our 3 yo finally is feeling better today. i feel you pain mama! even so, with a messy house and sick kids i still feel blessed to be a mom!
Marybeth Walker says
This has been THE WORST fall/winter for sickness with my 2 kids also. Though it is difficult to tackle the needs of sick kids, jobs,household stuff,etc,I am just thankful that it will pass. Heres to warmer weather and eradicating all those nasty germs! Good luck!
Kelly says
Lots of "get well wishes" and " stay away sickles" wishes being sent!
Sommerlyst says
A lot of get well wishes for your sweet girls. I have three kids my self, and I feel they have been on and off sick since christmas! π
Not easy to get anything done between kids and work – the "wish to do" list is just getting longer every day π
Looking foreward to see the project youΒ΄re working on!
Cyndi says
I feel your pain! I remember those days. Not fun! Have you and Cason been healthy? There's nothing worse than not only your kids being sick, but yourselves as well. We are going thru tuberculosis testing because there was someone in my granddaughters' class who came down with TB. Here's hoping all the tests come back negative!
Daphne says
Praying for all of you….especially the kiddos!! I've been there and I know it's tough! Hang in there and hope everyone is healthy soon!!
Desiree @ The 36th AVENUE says
Shelley,
We were like this last week. Are you sick too?
The kids and I were down for almost two weeks. I hope you guys get better soon.
Sickness aside… I love this post!
Barbara says
We got tax slammed too…dont know where they expect money to come from…(money tree died) big people been sick here…just HORRIBLE COUGHS…sleepless nights sitting up in a chair…you get well soon!
claudia b says
I am sorry you are all sickish. Hope everyone is back up and running soon – but yeah, I love your design style ;D
The OCD Lifestyle says
I sure hope everyone gets well soon!!! It seems like when one person gets sick EVERYONE gets sick. Keep your head up and know that you are an awesome mommy. π
xoxo
Kristin
theocdlifestyle.blogspot.com
DrC says
booo!!! this makes me sad!!! Feel better little smith girlies!
Mallory
Classy Clutter says
OOPS! I love when I leave comments while signed in as by hubby! WHOOPS!!
Mallory @ Classy Clutter
Pamela says
Hang in there! As a now empty nester mother of 4 I can still relate and remember one winter being couped up for 6 WEEKS of illness going thru my kids. Talk about stir crazy!
Only someone who does not blog about their DIY can possibly think that all you do is DIY and have a consistantly clean house! The rest of us know the truth but we love stopping in to see what you are up to just the same.
Lisa says
Oh goodness! Hang in there! It is really hard when kids are sick for a long time. But, on the plus side, you get it all out of the way?
Denissa says
Bummer!!! I HATE that when it seems like as soon as they're getting better from one thing something else hits ya!
Hang in there, and I wish that I could say go have some chocolate..haha..well you can like a yummy protein bar or something? π
Hope that this week is a better one and that everyone is on the mend.
Rachel @ The House of Burks says
I feel your pain! We have all had varying degrees of colds over the past month, and my 6-month old had pinkeye last week. I'm hoping that more time outside and better weather will have us all back to 100%. Hope your house is well soon.
Valerie Earnest says
Oh, feel better soon! This happened to us just before Thanksgiving- it took three rounds around the family to get rid of the pinkeye and the viral infection that had us all hugging the couch. Hang in there-sending sickness-banishing thoughts your family's way!
The Farmer's Wife says
I hope your kiddos get better soon!!! I can sooooo relate to you. I have 4 kids and we have had pink eye going around our house and today my eye itches….NOOOO!!! I had one with the pukin' flu and 1 with the "butt" flu as we call it at our house. Then 3 of the 4 have had ear infections, but heaven forbid they have symptoms the same day…..nope about 3 days apart. That isn't a big deal other than we live in rural area and I have to drive 62 miles ONE way to the doctor. Then I had to take them back to make sure they were over it (they all have a history of bad ear infections). Just when I think we are about to get back to health I have 3 running a fever again yesterday and 1 who was up all night with ANOTHER ear infection!!! This Mom needs a B~R~E~A~K right along with you!!! Hang in there!!!!!!!!
BTW….can't wait to see your office!!!!!!
Anonymous says
Oh no! I was just thinking that it seemed like it'd been a while since you've posted. I can totally sympathize with you. I have 3 young kids and for awhile there, it seemed as soon as we got one well, another one picked up something. When hubs and I got sick too, I was so done. Just remember, this too shall pass!
Pams Party says
Oh my, I really feel for you. Last month my daughter was sick for 3 weeks.. We found out she had mono, then 8 days later she also had adenitis (inflammed lymph nodes, probably from the mono) and then when the pain wasn't better after 10 more days they realized she severely constipated from being sick for so long..There really wasn't much that could be done but wait and try not to lose my mind. She is finally healthy.. Praying that your family is all feeling healthy again soon!
JenRod says
Oh no. I hope everyone feels better. We have been having a month like that too. My son got real sick and we couldn't figure out what it was, turns out really bad allergic reaction to in-law's dogs, that nearly put him in the hospital. Then my preschool brought home lice from school. Then my preschool had pneumonia. I feel for you!!! Praying for a complete healing in your home!!
Sarah Kay says
I hope you all feel better soon! We've been passing a hacking cough (I call it "the barking seal") back and forth for over a month now. Hubby FINALLY got antibiotics yesterday. I hope it leaves soon too. HUGS!
Kim -today's creative blog says
Love you Shelley!
Beth says
I read your blog often and love that you seem so down to earth and real (but just slightly cooler in every way)… because I'm always thinking, "someday I'll get it together and be just like Shelley!" It's sad to see your girls in so much pain. When I saw your post it really, really hit home. I found myself saying,"I AM like Shelley!" My three kiddos were sick for what seemed like eternity. We were slammed with strep, then the flu, then my oldest started having seizures, then we all had sinus infections and ear infections, followed by norovirus, then just crummy colds. I thought it would never end but we're three weeks past it all and SO happy to be done with all of that! I don't know what's up with all the sickness this year but it does seem like people are really getting hit hard. Hope things get better for you all very soon! π
Unknown says
Wishing you lots of luck (and health!) this week! None of those pictures look like any fun at all!
xo,
Kate at ummmnowwhat.blogspot.com
Sarah says
Ha! I love it! Well, not your kids being sick- that's awful! And I pray they get better VERY soon! One kid down is hard enough, let along all three! (be glad your hubby doesn't have it too!!?) haha. But thanks for posting "real life" pics!
Malie says
That looks like our home. I have 3 sick ones at home right now as well. Parenthood: the gift that keeps on giving.
Unknown says
Girl, I completely feel your pain! We have had all kinds of sickness this winter…we have gone a full week and a half without getting sick…knock on wood:o)Pink eye is going around at the kids' preschool..ahhh! I hope that things clear up for you soon! Will pray for a quick recovery, and that you don't catch any of it!!!
Danielle says
we are finishing our 4th week of being sick!! my sweet sadie is never sick but in the last four weeks has had an ear infection, the measles, a yeast infection, and strep throat…it is so not fun having a little one who doesn't feel good. i hope your family gets better very soon π
Maine Baby Treats says
I am so sorry you are dealing with all of this. I can honestly say I know how you feel. We have been 3.5 weeks of one illness after another. IT SUCKS!! And my husband and I did also get sick. We have been 3 days with no illness and hoping it is behind us.
Thinking of all of you.
P.S. – I am also a work at home mom and it is sooooo true that others think we have it easy and just play all day, NOT! π
Unknown says
Oh, girl! It has been soooo bad here too! My little Mary-Kate has missed 6 days of school in the past month! Sickness this year is ridonculous! Hang in there, at least Spring is coming early!
Jessica @ Mom 4 Real
Aubrey says
Don't feel bad, I have 4 kids and we are still getting over strep, an ear infection, a cold, pink eye and a bee sting. When it rains, it pours, huh? :O
Barry and Rena says
we were in the hospital twice w my 2 yr old this winter, so i can commiserate. not fun, but at least youre not in the hospital!!
Anneke at This, That and Life says
Having sick kiddos IS super draining….worse than having a newborn, I think. Oh yes…our 2 year old just recently had hand, foot, mouth virus and I was
Ike, "Where the heck does this stuff come from?!!!" So yes, I'm most definitely sympathizing with you, and I'll definitely be praying for your kiddos to get better and STAY better!!! π
Anonymous says
Saying a little prayer for healthier, happier days ahead for you and your family! Don't worry about us, we'll still be here when you return to blogland!
Stacey Stuwe says
OOOhhh, you poor thing!! That's just aweful! I hope you and your hubby retain your sanity…and i really hope the kids are feeling much better soon!!
Anonymous says
So sorry! That is terrible. Pink eye is more like a four letter word in our house. Do not speak it! My husband said he didn't even know it existed until we had our kids. I think he caught it every time. Haha! Seriously though, I hope your household gets well soon.
createyourdecor.blogspot.com
B's Mommy says
Bless all your hearts! You are all in my thoughts and prayers. Fast speedy recovery. Mama does need a time out! BIG HuGs!!
The Sheridans says
HA!! I thought I was the only one! My little ones Maleah and Judah are sickoes to, we are going on week three….UHG! Your house still looks cleaner than mine. Today we basked in the sun for a change though, and I feel like it will be a good week. Praying for your girls, they are so cute even when they are pitifully sick.
Andi says
OH No!! I am sorry you guys have been having such a tough time! We have been battling strep here for 2 plus weeks. We have had croup a few times, NOT fun. I have spent many nights in steamy bathrooms. Praying for healthier days ahead.
Jen says
We had pink eye a few weeks ago in our house. I am a teacher, and am pretty sure my kiddos gave it to me! I passed it to my husband, who gave it to his mom….but the baby didn't get it, thank goodness! Feel better!
Caryn Allen says
Awww your poor girls! I remember not-so-fondly puking into an identical stainless steel bowl when I was a kid, too. Haha! Praying for a speedy recovery for your household!
THE BROWN BOYS says
totally appreciate your transparency! much rather follow the sites of people who are REAL! that's what we strive for too. so much better to be authentic than to act like we always have it all together. the vast majority of the internet crafty/design world makes life look pretty happy and shiny……but is actually totally fake. It's GOT to get better soon! hang in there!
Jessica says
Oh girl! I am sorry! It is that way here as well.
Jana says
Thankfully we've steered clear of the sicknesses (knocking on wood), but a lot of my friends have been bouncing from cold to cold with their kids. Seems strep & RSV are the ones taking out kids in our neck of the woods.
Erin {Lavender and Lemon Drops} says
ha ha ha Great post! So sorry to hear about the sick kiddos though. Days 14-15 UGH girl I'm sending a e-hug your way π As for the real life pics… I love them. It really is comforting to know that my house isn't the only one that looks like that sometimes. I work 7 – 10 hour night shifts in a row, have two boys, and try to maintain my blog. You should SEE my house after my 70 hour work week lol! Funny thing is that it really only stays clean for those staging pictures for half a day if I'm lucky π I love motherhood! Really I do π Keep up the good work!
Sixty-Fifth Avenue says
We were just there, all of January and Feb were spent passing horrible sicknesses back and forth. Our little had two eye infections, I guess that was the "thing" this year. Hang in there, spring is almost here!!
PaRtY of 5! says
I can pretty much ditto ALL of your words!! {well besides the part about my getting emails about fantastic things in the DIY dept! ha!} It has been SO bad this year for us too with this horrible SICKNESS- I don't even know what to call it but it STINKS!
Hang in there, you are not alone… and, for the record, I steer far away from blogs that are not genuine because who needs that in their lives??! Not me! π So don't change pretty please! π
Melissa Bryner says
I hope you all get better soon. My sister has had sick kids for about 4 weeks straight, and they live in Texas in the warm weather!! Then on top of that, her husband was in a near fatal car accident and she is now trying to take care of sick kids and a husband in the hospital with multiple surgeries in the near future. Sometimes life just sucks, but keep your chin up:) Just think… warmer weather is on it's way and sickenss should be slowing down quickly:) Take Care, and BTW, I love your blog!
Amber says
We just had it at our house for 3 weeks. I was seriously ready to go insane! It was awful. Ready for Spring!
Unknown says
I have those same pictures of my kids a couple of weeks ago! It WAS horrible! I hope they all feel better soon π
Ms Betsy xo says
I'm sorry to hear your kids are sick, but I feel better knowing I'm not alone. My nightmare started on Wednesday night, with one being carted off to hospital at the small hours of the morning, only to be made worse when sister #1 was visiting sister #2 while paediatric specialist was attending and he heard her cough, listened to her chest (even though she was a visitor) said she was sick and admitted her into the bed next to her sister (2 kids in hospital) turned out she had pneumonia so it was a good thing. This all happened whilst our house was emptied out due to resanding of floorboards and garage with all furniture stored in got flooded due to a nasty turn of events from Mother Nature and Sydney Australia…. but all being said, we are now out of hospital 6 days later and the furniture can be replaced, my kids can't… hang in there YOU ARE NOT ALONE!
Ruth H. says
That's no fun! Back to back illness is simply the worst. Cooincidentally, my younger daughter had pink eye last week, too. Thirteen years of parenting, four heart surgeries, two feeding tubes, and countless trips to the emergency room, but our first case of pink eye. So I FLIPPED OUT when I saw her eyes. I was sure it was going to be some freaky rare disease….that's all we ever get around here….but it was pink eye! No fun for her, but what a relief! As for the state of my home, it's on the market and we had six showings in the last four days, so that's another kind of misery. We feel like squatters in a model home.
Tara says
Those poor munchkins! My own had strep throat last week – still on meds and a coworkers of mine – holy bacteria Batman – her kids have been sick for what seems like six weeks. There are more germs in her house than the CDC has in their vaults I think.
I told her I think I need to send an epidemiology team to quarantine them all!!
Feel better and remember – a dirty house is a loved house. π
Jennifer says
Awe Shelly..so sorry. Hope your babies feel better soon! This too shall pass. Ha! Let it pass NOW, right? My sone was home sick all last week..now my daughter. It goes through the house. My thoughts and prayers are with you girl! xoxo
Melissa says
Poor little ones…and poor you! I feel you mama… I hope they are all feeling better soon! AND, thank you for showing us the not so neat house pics. It's nice to know that I'm not the only one that has that kind of craziness. I love for my house to look like it's out of a magazine, but with a 2 & 3 y/o, that is nearly IMPOSSIBLE!
Nancy@owensolivia says
Shelley, I told you not to steal photos of my home!!! π
I hope the sickness flies by sooner than later. And thank goodness you are not sick too!
Jessica @ Home and Faith says
You are not alone! A friend of mine has been going through the same thing for about a month (stomach virus and cold for them)! I'm not sure what it is with this year! Praying the sweet girls get over it quick!
Jennifer says
There is so much crud going around right now and, of course, when it rains IT POURS! My 5 year old is ALWAYS wiping her mouth with her hand and since I keep hearing about EVEN MORE viruses making the rounds at her school I feel like every two seconds I'm saying "Maia, don't touch your mouth!" "Maia, PLEASE, try not to touch your face!" "MAIA!!!! ARGH!!!"
Anonymous says
This is why I adore you! I ran into you at Target this weekend and I have to say that you are just as I pictured you from your blog. REAL, sweet and genuine.
Take a deep breath and baby steps. We will wait for your return! Love ya tons!!
Candace
Unknown says
Pink eye is the worst! And then dealing with the coup and flu so not fun! Hang in there, hopefully after they get better they won't be sick for a long long time!
Even Better Than the Real Thing says
Love that you are REAL!!
Holly @ abakershouse.com says
So sorry to hear that your house isn't well…we're just back from the doctor this morning too. We're ready for the warmth of summer but will settle for a few more of these gorgeous spring-like days in Denver. Wishing you improved health!!
Lolly Jane says
That's the worst π Glad you didn't have lice like my girls :/ Aaaah!! Mad me want to light their hair on fire! Hope you're all doing better SOON! XO
jlmac32 says
Dang, looks like my house exactly!!! One had bronchitis w/ a side of ear infection. One had stomach flu. And the 3rd sore throat, insane fever and she too had an ear infection. Shoot me now. We are 2 1/2 weeks in and I'm so over it!!!! Thanks for letting me vent. Whew feels good. On a happy note I got my bathroom painted π
jlmac32 says
Dang, looks like my house. Sick kids for 2 1/2 weeks now. One had bronchitis with a side of ear infection, one had stomach flu, and the 3rd had sore throat with an insane fever….oh and an ear infection too. I am so over it!!! Thanks for letting me vent. On a happy note, I got my bathroom painted woot woot!! Hope you kiddos get well soon.
Glynda says
Hope your girls are on the mend. I've got four boys and we've had the flu, strep throat and pink eye in the house for the last 2 weeks. Dad has strep now, so hopefully he is ushering it out the door.
Glynda says
Hope your girls are on the mend. I've got four boys and we've had the flu, strep throat and pink eye the past two weeks. Dad has strep now, so hopefully he is ushering it out the door.
Jen Garbett says
6 people, 10 viruses, EIGHT LONG FREAKING WEEKS, 1 hospital stay and I too am DONE!! No one has a fever TODAY…fingers crossed it's the beginning of the end.
Jen Garbett says
6 people, 10 viruses, EIGHT LONG FREAKING WEEKS and I too am DONE. No one has a fever today…fingers crossed it's the beginning of the end for us too.
Anonymous says
Sorry to hear about your illness. YES – my hubby and I have been dealing with an awful illness for OVER A MONTH NOW. My illness instantly went into a horrible lung infection where I couldn't catch my breath (it was so awful). Sneezing, coughing, can't breath, chills, aches, nagging temps… you name it.
Seriously… I would like to be able to eat cheese again π
Be sure to get plenty of rest, drink lots and lots of fluids and hang in there.
Mix of 6 says
I feel your pain! With having 4 kids and currently trying to do a makeover in my 9 year old daughter's room, finishing up the bench in our hall closet inspired by you (thank you very much, by the way). We have been hit with Strep throat and the ever so lovely hand, foot, mouth rash. I am so over this cold/flu season. And my house have never been so disinfected before. π
Steph says
Yes. I just used an aspirator to suck large amounts of green, mucasy substance from my two-year-old's ear so that I could get the antibiotic drops to get down to where they need to go! He has tubes and this is the first infection he has had with tubes and all that fluid just drains out! It is absolutely the most disgusting thing ever!!!!!! So, I feel your pain. Hope your girls are all better by now:)
Unknown says
Ugh! Just got over the WORST pink eye of my life!! I don't think I have ever been so miserable. Luckily my little one didn't catch it–your poor little kiddos π