Keeping Track of My Days

I am amazed by the many families I know of who have more than 2 or 3 children. I'm talking the families of 6, 7, 10 kids. Seriously, how do you survive? I am having trouble keeping track of my own brain now that I am the mother of two!

The house always seems to be dirty. I don't mean cluttered. I mean dirt. My kitchen floor is disgusting! And why? My new child is 12, it's not like she's a baby who spits food out onto the floor. I guess I shouldn't be surprised that my laundry has increased, or the dishes in my sink have multiplied. But the dirt! What is happening here?!

I apologize for the unreturned phone calls and unanswered emails. I've got a few of each hanging over my head. And the online groups I belong to -- I do read the messages with every intention of getting back into the discussion, but I just don't have the time. My first conscious thought of the day today was "Oh, I still haven't figured out the bills." (Not to worry, nearly all our bills are paid automatically, so I can't think of anything that will be late, but I really should at least take a look at our checking account balance...) I hate starting my day with a mini anxiety attack.

And it's not like we are a super-busy family, either. Ruby takes a gymnastics class one day a week. Lin might start taking tennis lessons, but we have not committed to anything yet. But other than school and church, that's it. Why do I feel so disorganized when all we do is go to school and work, and then come home?

Someone tell me, will I gradually get my organizational skill back? Or is this my new normal?

(Next post will be more upbeat, and have pictures, I promise!)