I was totally “that mom”

nasty food court chinese food

nasty food court chinese food (phone pic)

Tonight I was totally that mom.

Apparently someone woke up on the wrong side of the crib after nap time today and so we had an… interesting afternoon.

By 5:00pm I was over it and knew we needed to leave. the. house. immediately.

I had no plan.

I just got in the car and started driving. Driving away.

Since it had been raining most of the day I decided to take the boys to the mall. At least I could let Levi run around a little.

I was wearing a nursing tank and yoga pants. My hair was in a french braid that I did this morning for practicality, not one that I would ever intend to wear in public – hello 1988. (And no, it wasn’t a cool bo-ho looking one that you’d see plastered all over Pinterest at the moment.)

And to complete this picture: no make-up, flip-flops, and bags—no, suitcases—under my eyes.

What a sight.

(Side note: I saw at least 15 people I know there – I am so not exaggerating.)

As soon as we got to the mall Levi wanted to hold my hand. (Well done son, but don’t you know you need to run a little this time? You have my permission. Please? Run just a little?)

Judah fell asleep in the Ergo and I had some unexpected retail therapy. (Hello Target home sale.)

Since ours is all but broken, I bought a new microwave for 50% off.

Actually, I didn’t buy it. I put it on lay-away. (Many reasons for that, but mostly because it was too big and heavy for me to bother getting into the car and home by myself.)

We then went and ate yummy (disgusting) Chinese food at the food court.

Classy.

And then, as all sane women would do, I went grocery shopping. With both kids. At an hour past bedtime.

Poor choices, anyone?

But I was desperate.

Desperate to be out in the real world with distracted kids who were remarkably ANGELS the moment we set foot out of the house. (Seriously, Levi was so cute and sweet and adorable and good-mannered. I fell in love with him all over again. *sigh*)

No doubt I appeared a little, um… trashy?

Completely undone. No doubt looking as if I have close to zero self-respect whatsoever. And two babies out past bedtime. (Thank God I at least had the forethought to put shoes on Levi before we left the house. I seriously almost skipped it.)

But yup, that was me – a sight to behold.

I was “that mom” and for a brief moment I wondered what other people thought of me as they saw me in all my mess. (I thought I was doing okay at managing but one lady did say, “It gets easier” with a warm, empathetic smile as I was going through the check-out at Woolies. Apparently she was reading between the lines.)

We made it home and into bed with the help of a friend I called from the parking lot. (“Can you come help with bedtime?” I pleaded.)

Up to this point I’ve been doing ok single-moming it for the week. (Not supermoming it mind you, but doing fine nonetheless.) Tonight, however, was just a little bit silly…. A little bit harebrained.

But you know, just as I was about to reach it (the end of my rope), that’s when the grace showed up… in the form of my angel children and my quick-to-say-yes friend.

Moral of the story? Get out of the house if it’s all getting a bit much. Ask for help when you need it. Pick nice friends. And don’t judge “that mom”… cuz you just might be her one day.

Ok, four morals.

Dear friends, have you ever been “that mom”? If you need a little giggle today, this might help.

P.S. Maybe just a little disclaimer here… I’m also not one of “those moms” who have to look perfect before I leave the house. Far from it! I often go make-up-less, wear yoga pants, or have funky hair. I just try not to do all of those things all at once. hee hee. I think it was the 80’s french braid and kids up past bedtime at the MALL that sent me over the edge tonight. 🙂 Just sayin.

 


About Author

Adriel Booker is an author, speaker, and advocate based in Sydney, Australia who believes storytelling, beauty, and the grace of God will change the world. Adriel has become a trusted voice in areas of motherhood and parenting, Christian spirituality, and global women's issues. She's also known for her work with the Love A Mama Collective—serving under-resourced women in developing nations through safe birth initiatives—as well as her years spent as a Bible teacher and leadership coach. Her latest book is Grace Like Scarlett: Grieving with Hope after Miscarriage and Loss and she's made the companion grief journal available for free. Find Adriel across all social media platforms at @adrielbooker or sign up for LoveNotes, Adriel's 'secret posts' that aren't published anywhere else online. ✌️

17 Comments

  • Rachel J.
    16 March 2012 at 1:06 am

    I bet you were doing a lot better than you thought. So far we’ve always had good trips out, but I still get the “you have your hands full” comment from understanding older mothers.

    And I did the single mom thing for two days right in the middle of a growth spurt, and that was plenty enough. 🙂
    Rachel J. recently posted..I’m Totally Normal. I Promise! Okay, I’m A Little Weird.My Profile

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  • Tarah
    16 March 2012 at 2:46 am

    Oh yes.
    I totally have those days, especially living in Montana being inside all day in the winter is not a option!
    You are a great mom, love your posts, it makes me feel like we are all in the same boat together!

    Reply
    • Adriel @ The Mommyhood Memos
      29 March 2012 at 3:24 pm

      oh, we certainly are tarah. 🙂 i feel for you. montana winter would be tough!!
      Adriel @ The Mommyhood Memos recently posted..watching brothers become mates | nurturing your children’s relationshipsMy Profile

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      • Tarah
        29 March 2012 at 4:39 pm

        Yes, I certainly appreciate your posts and blogs, God uses them to encourage. We are moving to Australia this summer, big changes ahead! God is good though and I am so happy that we have Him every step of our journey, He fills it all with His grace and adventure!

        Reply
  • Krystle
    16 March 2012 at 2:59 am

    I reached my point at 3:57pm yesterday and we hit the road…my car instinctively went to Starbucks. I was wearing blue sweats, a black and white striped sweatshirt, and running shoes… my hair wasn’t washed and I had a huge zit on my chin.
    But oh, just to get OUT!! I so understand.

    Someday’s just call for it 🙂

    Reply
  • Emily @ Peck Life
    16 March 2012 at 3:49 am

    Oh sweet woman! I can understand this soo much and at a certain point, you just have to block out the rest of the world and go into coping mode. Getting out of the house always helped me too…sometimes it’s just what you have to do. 🙂 Glad you made it!!!!
    Emily @ Peck Life recently posted..Perfectly PantoneMy Profile

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  • Jessica W
    16 March 2012 at 5:41 am

    I love this because I have been “that mom” so many times! Whatever it takes somedays! So glad you survived. And I bet you looked better than you think al natural. : )
    Jessica W recently posted..The Medical Community: Our Partners in CareMy Profile

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  • Maxine
    16 March 2012 at 8:06 pm

    Sometimes out depends on your circumstances.. Out for us meant mud, puddles, more mud and then well, a bit more puddles. Sanity is saved! Glad you broke free = we all need to at times. Besides, the old saying about those living in glass houses shouldn’t though stones is perfectly true – we shouldn’t make too many rash statements about mums – until we are one ourselves! After all, who else gets to do 24hr child care, house cleaning, cooking, chauffeuring, grocery shopping, peacekeeping, infant nutrition, reception, social planner and WIFE with no pay, no sick leave and all for the love of it!!

    That’s right – WE DO!

    Reply
  • Steph from Be Positive Mom
    17 March 2012 at 6:11 am

    I’ve had those days! You are not alone 🙂 And, if I am not going to work, it’s yoga pants and hair in a bun, too. I’ve been practicing a little of the retail therapy myself… it feels good once in a while. When I see “that mom” I start to feel her stress… because we know how hard it can be. Those days come and go!
    Steph from Be Positive Mom recently posted..Totally StressedMy Profile

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  • Branson
    17 March 2012 at 12:48 pm

    I love it! I read a post on a blog I followed faithfully once that said she judged women who didn’t manage to look nice on a daily basis and it was like a slap in the face (and a quick unfollow later I was over it, ha!). I am almost always “that mom”, LOL! Not only that, but yesterday I finally made it to the park during the time when moms of littles could visit without dealing with the school-agers, and of COURSE I looked a hot mess after a long walk but the bubs (who is usually quite clean) was covered in gooey cereal bar caked with dirt because he fell down before I could wipe off the goo. Needless to say I skipped trying to make new friends, hahah…
    Branson recently posted..#3in30 Check-InMy Profile

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