Now I need a pep talk...

MommyToAshley wrote: This is probably going to be more like a vent.... I am so stressed. I am swamped with work... one client in particular has me so stressed out. I won't go into details, but I'm about to tell them to find someone else to do the work. I felt horrible today because I was stressed out, and Ashley closed a page I was working on and I yelled at her. She just wanted a little attention. I haven't been able to spend much time with her over the past few days... other than eating, ginving her a bath, and picking her up from school -- the necessities. So, I agreed to volunteer at Ashley's school when I probably shouldn't have because I had so much work, but I would have felt guilty if I didn't. I have almost no Christmas shopping done. I am hosting dinner for my side of the family and I have done nothing for it. I just mailed my Christmas cards yesterday, and I told you about my fiacsco trying to mail a package today. I don't know how I am going to fit it in, but I promised Ashley a trip to see Santa... no matter what, I have to make time for that. I can't sleep because I lay awake thinking about all that needs to be done, and then I am so tired during the day. Christmas is supposed to be the time of year for family, and I feel like it's been anything but that this past week.

Hillbilly Housewife replied: Sorry to hear that Dee Dee... good for you for knowing what's best for your family.

MoonMama replied: Oh Dee Dee! Take some deep breaths and try to relax, everything will work out in the end. I'm sorry you are so stressed and have so much going on.

A&A'smommy replied: I'm sorry Dee Dee.. this is the busiest time of the year!!! I hope it gets better and that you get to enjoy your christmas!!!

amynicole21 replied: I'm so sorry, Dee Dee. I always feel similarly during Christmas. There's just too much to do, and it's difficult to really enjoy it. I hope things settle down for your.

gr33n3y3z replied: I'm sorry to hear this about your pain in the butt client maybe they will back off. If not give them a boot with the reason why.
As for Ashley goes she is just going to have to learn she will get time with you but it may not be right now at that time when she wants it.
When you have a home business its so much more difficult then going out to work bc the kids think you can run at the drop of a hat bc your always there.
It will all work out hun just give it sometime

Mommy2Isabella replied: I hope you can find sometime in all the mess to destress before christmas so you can enjoy the time you have with your family

luvmykids replied: I'm sorry I felt that way last weekend....hadn't done a lick of shopping, house a disaster, company coming, etc. Then I got sick and it sent me into a tailspin. Last night I realized I was not going to let anything overtake this last week of Christmas, as bad as we want it to be the Norman Rockwell painting, sometimes it just won't be and we have to realize it's all about what we make of it.

Is there anything you can cross off your list, that you just don't "have" to do? I know it's hard with wanting to give the kids the attention they want and need too but sometimes, for me anyway, it's better if I can get a thing or two done or I am still distracted and stressed and none of us enjoy it anyway

coasterqueen replied: I'm sorry Dee Dee. I know how you feel and I have everything ready for Christmas, etc. Ryan and I are both just SO swamped at work we can't even see straight and just completely stressed. I always think Christmas time should NOT be a business' busiest time, but I know it's that way for both Ryan and I.

I hope things slow down for you soon.

MommyToAshley replied: I feel better, I just needed to vent and all your support helped as well. It's good to know I am not alone in feeling like this at Christmas time.

About yesterday... Ashley knows that she must be patient during work hours, and she usually is. I think it's because I hadn't spent much time with her for a few days. I don't feel bad for disciplining her for touching my work... but I do feel bad about how I did it (I didn't just raise my voice, I had that mean nasty tone as I was pretty annoyed ). I talked to her this morning, and apologized for yelling at her. But, I made sure she understood what I was apologizing for... and we had a talk about how she knows she is not to touch my work. And she said she was sorry too. I am glad I apologized. Ashley cuddled up on my lap and we just sat and talked for about 20 minutes before she went to school. I think both of us feel much better.

Rod is going to talk to the client today. I am usually the one who deals with most of the clients, but I think this client is just taking advantage of me. Plus, I think I am too involved, I need to take a step back, so I am letting Rod handle it. I can't even tell you what a relief that is. I feel like a burden has been lifted off my shoulders. We have been in business for ourselves for almost 10 years and I have never felt this stressed over a project/client before.

Thank you all again for your support, it really does help to know you all are here. I had my momentary break-down... now I am going to try and get something accomplished.

Kaitlin'smom replied: glad you feel better today. I am feeling overwhelmed. I am normaly done shopping by now and I feel like I have not gotten anything. I still have alot to pick up and then I still have to wrap things Let me know if you need anything

jcc64 replied: I know exactly how you feel, Dee Dee. For the last two weeks, I've been dealing with final exams and papers, and my kids are basically on their own, including Corey. She has logged wayyyyyy too much time in front of the Disney channel- she even gets her own food now. The boys have been making their own carpool arrangements to sports activities, b/c I'm just not available right now. The guilt is excruciating. I have apologized profusely, and have promised to be at their beck and call for their entire Christmas vacation. It's all I can do. And as moms, we need to let our kids know that sometimes this is just the way it's got to be. I know what a loving, involved parent you are, Dee Dee, and I'm certain Ashley does too. She's bright enough to understand that you will be available to her as soon as you can. Try not to feel too conflicted about it. Kids are resilient and resourceful, and no one is more loved than that little girl. She'll be fine.
About the client- sometimes I do think it's a good idea to have dh step in. Steve is getting involved in my whole Walmart mess, b/c as I told you, I'm a complete idiot when it comes to business acumen. If clients think you're a pushover- they'll take you for all you're worth. BTDT! hang in there, hon- it'll get better!

Boo&BugsMom replied:

Kirstenmumof3 replied: I'm so sorry that I'm just reading this now! It sounds like you need to just stop and breath! Take a few minutes to yourself and you will feel more refreshed and able to tackle more. We all get a little snappy around the holidays, like you said there is so much to do! Everything will fall into place! Just try to take it easy and make sure that you let your mind stop and get a good nights sleep!

Calimama replied: Do something for yourself. Once you're rested and re-focused you'll be able to get everything done better.

jem0622 replied: Hang in there, Dee Dee. Find every shortcut you can to keep your sanity!

I work at home on Fridays, and the kids are climbing all over me! LOL. I do get a lot done. I hit 'save' a lot or lock my PC because I cannot risk oopsies!

HUGS