Every minute seems to be pre paid for at the moment. D you know what I mean? It feels like it's all already owned by someone else. I've got so much to do and have to admit that I'm not succeeding at most of it. Childcare is still an issue. I had hoped that Lily would start a day a week at nursery in September but they can't find a place for her (I'm just too awkward a parent!) so that's not going to happen. And in the meantime I have the perpetual struggle of no time and too much to do. Alongside the knowledge that I'll never get these days back and should be spending them with the girls.
That said, the sudden and very welcome appearance of an actual summery summer over here in the UK does at least mean that I can sit outside and sew. Therefore fooling myself in to thinking that I'm relaxing whilst actually working.That's what we call multi tasking in these parts.
Oh and whilst I'm 'relaxing' (working) I can still look good (see, yet more multitasking) in my new Toast sandles. Swoon.
I TOTALLY understand, and here's hoping you find more time :)
What a constant battle for us moms, though ~ work & kids? I miss Ellis every second of the 10 hours I'm away from her during the week, try to enjoy every second of the 1.5 hours that I get with her in the evenings before bedtime, and try not to feel guilty for not spending every. single. second. with her on the weekends & Mondays when I'm home.
Just wanted to let you know how much I appreciate the time & effort you put into Ellis' princess & the pea set. :)
Hugs ~
TG
Posted by: tracy | July 08, 2009 at 12:55 AM
Loving the sandals! I've been hunting for yellow sandals, to replace some I have that are no longer wearable (too smelly)... and I settled on Saltwater sandals. But these Toast sandals are outstanding!
Posted by: CreatureofHabit | July 08, 2009 at 02:14 AM
Great sandals!
Posted by: Grainne | July 08, 2009 at 03:01 AM
oh how i can relate manda. two toddlers, baby on the way, craft hope, book deal... i'm up to my head in it all. at least we are in good company. :)
i love the fabric for whatever you are working on. beautiful!
and your yellow toe nails with the shoes. precious!
Posted by: Jade | July 08, 2009 at 04:13 AM
I can SO relate. I have three kids aged three and under, an older kid who needs a different kind of entertainment AND my Mum is in hospital right now. I realised last night that I hadn't eaten a meal in two days and wondered why the (breastfed) baby was fractious.
It's so hard being an at home Mum whilst trying to work, I have so much admiration for you Manda
x
Posted by: Vonnie | July 08, 2009 at 07:57 AM
You do so much that you really should be proud of yourself. I know you are under pressure but I think sometimes we just have to accept that we really can't have/do it all. Now. We need to stop putting the extra pressure of self expectation on ourselves.
Love the sewing in the sun.How cute that you are making a quilt for my sleepover.Too kind!!
Posted by: Kristy | July 08, 2009 at 10:00 AM
I totally understand what you mean. I have never been able to put it into words but "owned by someone else" is perfect.
I don't have kids but have long working days and after years of my friends with kids assuming i would just drop everything and slot in with their schedules (cos i always did!) and me feeling resentful, my new years resolution this year was to start being a bit more selfish with my time, learn to say no and NOT feel guilty about it.
It's early days and although i've got better at managing others' expectations of me, i still struggle with my own expectations. I need to work harder on that.
Posted by: flossyblossy | July 08, 2009 at 12:47 PM
oh how cute! matchy matchy toes with matchy matchy sandals!
Posted by: LauraJ | July 08, 2009 at 01:23 PM
Toast sandals AND matching toenails - very stylish!
And on the child/time pressure thing - I'm told it improves in 18 or so years.
Posted by: Ali | July 08, 2009 at 01:26 PM
My new mantra: the days are long, the years are short (for when I too try to cram so much into this precious time with two little ones but have to work too)
And that Toast link is dangerous ... will now have to work a bit harder to justify what I've just spent!
Posted by: Julie Nelson Rhodes | July 08, 2009 at 01:56 PM
I love that your toenails match, you are clearly way more on top of it than you think. Enjoy the summer days.
Posted by: Amy | July 08, 2009 at 05:05 PM
*LOVE* your sandals, Manda. As a woking mom myself, you're not alone. All we can do is the best we can with what we've got :)
Posted by: beki | July 08, 2009 at 07:47 PM
It's funny...I've just been LOVING yellow this year, and I have no idea why!! But, I really like your "interpretation" of it...via toes and shoes!
Posted by: sadira | July 08, 2009 at 10:37 PM
Yes. I can never decide what would help. My twins are minutes away from crawling and then I'm sunk. It's a balancing act. I fold laundry before work (at 6am) and sew during my lunch break. YOU must find time to sew though because I so look forward to looking in on you!
Posted by: Vicki | July 09, 2009 at 01:36 AM
pretty foot ware..
Posted by: Boracay beach resort | July 09, 2009 at 02:09 AM
I completely understand. I know what you are saying about the prepaid time...very well said. It's a struggle but you are so right about spending time with the little ones now. Take care...
Posted by: mickie | July 09, 2009 at 02:35 AM
Great sandals and matching toes. I understand the work/child struggle - no perfect answer. Just try to balance it.
Posted by: Mary on Lake Pulaski | July 09, 2009 at 05:15 AM
lovely sunny sandals! I love sewing in the sunshine too, lets hope it's here to stay!
Posted by: Lisa Stubbs | July 09, 2009 at 09:38 PM
Loving those sandles!!! Great color.
Posted by: gina | July 10, 2009 at 05:37 AM
oh we are living parallel lives! sigh.
Is the yellow fabric your skirt or part of your sewing. I want this fabric! Can I ask where you got it?
Love the sandals and the toenails too.
We have the same colour tastes :o)
Posted by: hanna | July 11, 2009 at 04:39 AM
I'm with hanna. I'd love to know where you purchased the yellow fabric on the sewing project. Although, I respect that you also just posted about how busy life is right now and how most of your time feels owned by other people!
Only if you find a moment.
racheldenbow@gmail.com
GREAT sandals.
Posted by: rachel denbow | August 05, 2009 at 11:50 PM
your toe nails look so cute yellow! I did this to mine and it just didn't work. love the sandals of course!
Posted by: mer | October 02, 2009 at 08:49 PM