How much is too much?

When I was a working mom, well, we are all working moms, but when I was a teacher, I dreamed of all that I would do if I could be a stay-at-home-mom. My dreams were of a well-managed home with clean sheets on all the beds, scrubbed bathrooms, an empty sink, and so on. A June Cleaver home! And I dreamed of spending time learning more about my faith with my friends, and being a volunteer at the kids' school.

This is my 3rd year to stay home and my life definitely does NOT look like that. Not even close! I have jumped at almost every opportunity to learn more about Catholicism by attending the mom's group, joining another mom's group for moms of school children, attending different studies on Pope John Paul II's letters, being a team member for a marriage enrichment group, attending an ACTS retreat in January and then being on the team for a retreat a few weeks ago, and more.

Stephen has gotten involved at church as well attending the Men's group Thursday mornings at 6, joining the Knights of Columbus, attending an ACTS retreat, and now being on the team for the upcoming retreat in January. He also just became Cub Master for Caleb's scouts pack and that is at church as well.

Doesn't that all sound perfect? It is. Then you throw in dance for the girls on Monday while Caleb is at Scouts, baseball on Tuesday and Thursday, and choir at church on Thursdays. Plus I like going to Mom's Night Out, Bunko and a book study, which each meet once a month. I really want to get to one of the new Children's Holy Hours on the first Friday at church. I really do.

But wait, there's more! I decided it is time to commit to helping at school and Caleb's teacher asked me to be her room mom. That doesn't sound like too much, I have done it once before, but at Greens Prairie, the room moms do more than anywhere else. So I have failed at that already!

In addition, Lauren wanted to join an after school group that promotes friendships (which she needs), and Caleb wants to join a running club afterschool and I have NO IDEA when those begin. That will mean I have to wake Spencer up from his nap to pick them up from school....since I have no idea when, I'll just wait til the day one of them doesn't come home on the bus, then I'll know I'd better go up to the school.

And......I made an agreement with myself to promote Sweet Station once I had 3 kids in school so I have been swamped with making cakes and about 15 dozen cookies in the last 3 weeks.

And just to make it more fun, my children, who NEVER get sick, got sick and Caleb was home for 4 days last week. Just when I saw the light at the end of the tunnel, Spencer broke his foot and is now in a cast! Good times, my friends!

It's no wonder I dressed my kids for school pictures today, only to realize later that picture day is tomorrow! So if you see me in public in my jammies, or maybe even my underwear, you'll know why!

So the million-dollar question is, "How much is too much?"