I’ve retreated to my home office with a tall glass of milk and what’s left of a package of Mint Creme Oreos. Yes, the last few days have been the kind that leave me with tension headaches and fighting back tears. My sweet little 10-month-old refuses to nap or sleep at all unless I’m with her. My 4-year-old will not. stop. talking. This silence-loving introvert usually gets up really, really early just to grab some sanity before the sun rises and wakes the kids, but the baby won’t let me leave the bed until she and her brother are ready to initiate the chaos.

The house is a mess. I’m cranky and feeling guilty that I’m so cranky. I can’t seem to accomplish anything and feel guilty about that, too. In fact, all I accomplished this morning was to wash my hair, but then I went and looked at our camper and managed to stick my hair in the thoroughly-oiled-up part of the exterior. So here I sit with a streak of oil in my still-drying hair, but I have milk and cookies and a brief moment of silence. Beggars can’t be choosers.

I could wrap up this post by saying how thankful I am for my kids, how fleeting these years are, how tomorrow things will be better, how I’m a good mom even though I don’t feel like one.

Instead, I’m going to savor every crumb of these cookies and just be for a bit.

I’m disappointed by my weakness.
I’m frustrated at my need for escape.
I’m sad for my children and husband.

But these are just feelings and I know you’ve felt them too. Above all I’m not alone in any of this.
It’s in hearing someone say, “I’ve been there!” that I know this too shall pass.

So here’s me saying it to you other overwhelmed, under appreciated, frazzled, cranky moms: I’m with you. I’m not sure how I’ll make it through the day with my sanity intact, but I will. And so will you. Hang in there!

P.S. I could totally use some “Worst Day Ever” stories from other moms, if you’ll indulge me in the comments!