How Do I Do It?

Today I was told by my friend Nann that I'm an awesome mom and that she's proud of my accomplishments. That really touched me and it reminded me that I have a lot to be thankful for. It's not often that I am told that I'm a great parent. I know when I'm at my wits end, I just want to run away from everything and hide. It seems like that happens more often lately w/my super busy schedule. So today, when Nann complimented me, I had to ask, "Am I really a great parent?" I think I am but I don't think I'm the best parent since we are not made to be perfect. How about when my friends, coworkers & strangers asked how do I manage my household, work full time, do girly things, connect with Dave, get involved in my boys' activities and handle 3 boys and an infant. Honestly, it's not easy but I love every bit of what I do.
So how do I really do it all? What's the secret?
1. Communication, trust, & respect w/your spouse- I don't fight or argue with Dave. We have a lot of trust & respect for one another and we know fighting and arguing isn't the way to resolve issues. When we don't agree on something we'll discuss and reach a decision. We just have this mutual respect for one another's opinion & ideas. Somehow we work well together and make decisions together even when we have differences of opinions. We discuss, plan and finalize then share it with the family.
2. I just do it- I don't look at something an make it a burden on me.I always say I can do it even when I don't know what the heck I'm doing. I'm always on the go and ready for whatever comes my way. The sooner I do something, the sooner I get the tasks done. I get help and I assign chores for my boys to do. This helps to get everything to run smoother. You just go go go and do do do.
3. I don't take crap- Yes, no crap especially from my kids. I am a strict parent and I don't allow my kids to do certain things or own certain things. I don't allow them to think they are entitled to anything they want. I let them know I'm in charge and whatever I say, goes. They know who is in charge. They don't make decisions unless II feel they need to be involved in making decisions. If someone thinks I'm crazy to do something, I stii do it b/c it's what I think will work. If it's something I think I can do it, I do it. If it didn't work at least I tried.
4. Organization & teamwork- We have 2 whiteboard calendars that are filled in for the current month and for the following month. It helps to know what's going on everyday . This prevents us from planning 2-3 different things at the same time. When it comes to getting everything together and getting ready to go, someone is always backing each other up. If I'm changing a diaper, Dave is getting Bryce ready. Once I'm done w/the baby, one of the older boys will get him and get him buckled into the car seat and out the door. Everyone is helping to get everything ready to go.
5. Always be positive- Being happy and always doing things with a smile only makes things smoother. It only takes a grumpy or someone with a bad attitude to just put a damper on things. Remaining positive does a world of wonders and really motivates and keeps things going.

Having a supportive husband helps me through it all. Together we build a strong foundation in our marriage. We are great role models to our children and we hope that they will continue to live on the same moral values, same disclipine that we have taught them. It all starts with us (the parents).
Being a busy mom is all about having a can-do attitude with no set backs or regrets. Even when things aren't going in the right direction, you just keep moving forward and make the best of everything the 'mom' way. When friends & family remind me of what a great mom I am, it motivates me to keep on going and to never give up.