My Coffee Needs Coffee and Crybaby Soup & Link Up On the Edge #91

As I am sitting down to write this post at the final hour, I am really wanting to climb into bed after a hectic day that ended with the most trying of times with my 5 year old. You all know that I don’t like to complain much, especially on my blog, but this is quickly going to turn into a major bitch session. For that I apologize. I will try to inject it with humor at least. In the meantime, would somebody please start cooking up some crybaby soup for me?

*This is not a sponsored post.  All thoughts and opinions are entirely my own.

1. That first paragraph took me approximately 15 minutes to write. I was interrupted by various family members no less than 6 times while trying to compose 5 short sentences. Said interruptions resulted in my getting up from my desk to meet someone else’s needs at least twice.

2. How the hell does anyone who works from home actually get any work done? Like ever?

3. I do believe that my 5 year old is well on his way to a diagnosis of Oppositional Defiant Disorder. He has us at our wits’ end and we are not sure what to do. Dinner tonight ended with him being sent to his room for the rest of the night just after 5:00 p.m., stripped of every privilege and non essential item in his life. The tears, the screaming, the attitude, and his mouth have pushed me to my limit. But I can proudly say that tonight, the husband and I won the battle. But the war is very far from over with this wee one. And I am tired already.

*Jacket: Old Navy Sueded Knit Moto Jacket

4. Why does everyone in this house have to ask me all the questions? I don’t want to answer all the questions. I want someone else to figure it out and solve it on their own without my help. And I would like to change my name from Mommy to something else. Perhaps something that no one knows how to pronounce. And really, I am quite over wiping little bottoms.  Wipe them yourselves, sons!

*Graphic Tee: Old Navy (Sold Out)

5. Why is my wine glass empty? Isn’t there a server in this place to fill it up for me? Oh wait, that would be me. Guess I will go refill my own wine glass now.  Be right back. I will stir the crybaby soup on my way through the kitchen, too.

6. Why am I so damn tired all the time? (Too much wine probably.)

7. Why is it still snowing? It has literally been snowing here for 8 months. EIGHT MONTHS. That is obnoxious and rude, in my opinion. Please stop snowing.

8. Here’s a good one…I went to the doctor on Monday and he told me I am too young to be experiencing perimenopausal symptoms. All of these symptoms must be something else. He also implied that I don’t really know what I am talking about. Because I have only lived in this body for nearly 44 years. And he met me once for 15 minutes. So, I mean, what the hell was I thinking to present myself as an educated person with knowledge of my own body? Silly, silly woman that I am. Oh wait, that must be the menopause talking. Sheesh. Effing hormones.

*Jeans: Torrid Fishnet Inset Boyfriend Jeans

9. Now that I have that all off my chest, I do believe that when tomorrow morning comes round, my coffee will definitely need coffee. That’s just the way it is.

10. With that all being said, I am very grateful for all of the blessings in my life. And if I had just called into the other room, “Hey, hun, would you please refill my wine glass,” my husband totally would have done it for me. And thankfully, the 5 year old has cried himself to sleep so at least that torment has ended. For now.

Today has pretty much kicked my ass.  I think I will go catch up on some recorded television shows now. Tomorrow will be a much better day. After my coffee and I have some coffee.

And now the featured posts from last week’s link up.
Lorena of My Every Day Wear shared a really fun pattern mix in her post, Does It Match? Why yes, Lorena, I think it matches quite nicely! You are a pattern mixing master, for sure!
Lorena of My Every Day Wear
Liz of Lizzie in Lace shared a really great post, 4 Ways to Make Friends as an Adult. These are some great tips for anyone trying to branch out later in life and make new connections and find new friends!
Liz of Lizzie in Lace


Keeping it on the edge,
Shelbee
Linking up with these Fabulous Link Ups.

I am a midlife woman, wife, and stay-at-home mother of 2 boys and 2 cats. I have a passion for helping other women feel fabulous in the midst of this crazy, beautiful life.

75 Comments

  • Laurie

    Don’t get me started on the work thing! I have the same problem and it’s only me and the other half!
    We need some Zen huh?
    Laurie xx

    • shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com

      Laurie, this comment just cracked me up! Thank you. So just the other half is driving you nuts!? Oh dear. Although, I’m sure without the little ones acting as a constant buffer, I would be in the same situation. Sending some Zen your way!

      xoxo
      Shelbee

    • shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com

      Cheers to that, Debbie! And this morning has started out rough over here, too, but I am trying to make the best of it. I need those positive vibes! First thing this morning, I dropped my computer mouse on the floor and broke it. Grrr. And I cannot work with the mouse on the laptop. I hate it! So struggling through until I can replace the broken one. Thanks for stopping by and joining my miserable company! I hope your weekend is relaxing and prepares you for next week! Hang in there, you’ve got this!

      xoxo
      Shelbee

  • Kellyann Rohr

    Oh yes, tomorrow (today) will be a better day of course. It’s good to get things off your chest especially when your audience knows all to well what you’re experiencing my friend! I am incensed by your doctor’s remarks, what in the world is he talking about? I hope you can find someone better. Someone who listens.
    Sending hugs and coffee your way sweet Shelbee!!!
    xo,
    Kellyann

    • shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com

      Kellyann, thank you so much for being on my side! And allowing me a weak moment of venting and bitching. Ha. I don’t like to do that often because I feel like it just fuels my own fire and puts me in a bad mood. And you know, I am not a fan of bad moods! I am finishing my third cup of coffee now before I head out for a makeover! Have a wonderful weekend, my friend.

      xoxo
      Shelbee

    • shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com

      Kathrine, thanks so much for offering a glimmer of hope that this too shall pass. I know when they don’t need me so much anymore, it will make me very sad. But right now, it is just driving me crazy! I hope you have a fantastic weekend.

      xoxo
      Shelbee

  • Chanda

    OH NO!!! I hope that you have a fabulous, stress -free, well-mannered child and someone serving you filled weekend Shelbee! I must say that I know that feeling and it’s not a good one! :(. At least you look badass in this outfit and I absolutely NEED this top!

    xx, Chanda | http://www.mschanda.com

    • shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com

      Chanda, thanks so much for this comment! Sometimes, I just need to put on my battle gear and conquer the day! Feeling badass in my clothes definitely helps a little. I hope you have a wonderful and relaxing weekend as well.

      xoxo
      Shelbee

  • Maria | passion fruit, paws and peonies

    My sister is your age and has been told she IS experiencing perimenopause. I was told I was just having mild depression and to try yoga etc. I stopped going to the doctors for years. You know yourself, seek help elsewhere. I go to a hormone clinic and it’s made a world of difference! x

    • shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com

      Maria, thank you so much for sharing your experience. I have blood work in a few weeks and I will see what they say after that, then I may have to look for a hormone clinic. I am so glad that you have found a solution! Here’s hoping I do soon as well. Have a great weekend, my friend!

      xoxo
      Shelbee

  • Melissa

    Shelbee I am right behind you! This has been my week for sure. Every person under the age of 13 in this home has an attitude. They all had projects this week which required all my attention and I mean ALL of it, for some crazy reason (what do they do when in school? I’m not there with them) and I can officially say I’m exhausted! So I feel your pain, but girl you did win that battle. Cheers to the weekend, may we get some sleep, wine and coffee and may these kids behave… at least for an hour 🙂 Thanks for hosting,

    xo
    Melissa

    • shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com

      Mel, thanks so much for sharing your crazy week with me! I have told my kids that they must be completely self-sufficient by the age of 14, so that they have a solid 4 years of self-sufficiency while still under parental supervision…then at 18, they need to leave my house! They don’t like when I say that! We will miss them needing us when they no longer need us, I think. But until then, they will drive us crazy! And yes, cheers to the weekend, sleep, wine, coffee, and kid kindle time! Have a great one!

      xoxo
      Shelbee

  • Mireille

    Keeping it real! Your 5 year old sounds like my 7 year old. Thankfully we’ve had 2 tantrum free days! His goals 5 days in a row for a reward and respect until full month and big reward. We shall see!! And I’m with you for changing my name from mommy and not wiping bottoms! Got 4 boys and 2 need to learn that this summer!!! Hope today is better! On another note, love that jacket. And I have read that perimenopause can start in early 40s s. I actually think I was starting to have symptoms of it and then I had baby 4 at 42, lol!

    • shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com

      Mireille, thank you so much for sharing your experience. And sheesh…4 boys! I don’t even know what I do! Two are challenging me enough. We were trying for number 3, but at 42 I called it quits and had my tubes tied. So speaking of wiping bottoms, my 5 year old suddenly wants to do it himself…which is great. Except this morning as we were about to walk out the door for school, he went and wiped and was oh so proud. I said please let me check before me leave and boy am I glad I did! What a freaking mess! A whole new change of clothes was needed and a full body wipe down! Too much. But then I laugh in the midst of the struggle, so at least I have that going for me. Hang in there, mama, we’ve got this!

      xoxo
      Shelbee

  • Amy Christensen

    Shelbee, if you accomplished one thing with your post, that of making yourself feel a little better after a good rant, then that is a good thing. However, I think you accomplished much more than that. You let us know you are real, an believe me to this blogger that means the world. It is hard to see so many beautiful, successful bloggers and not think, “what is wrong with me, that I don’t have that perfect life”? I know that is not true, but still it helps when real people put their struggles out there. Though my daughters are grown, I still have them and the hubby constantly asking me this or that or can you help with this, etc. Tired? I hear you….tired of getting older with all its’ many physical challenges, heck I can’t even eat whatever I want anymore!! But where would the world be without us moms, wives, bloggers, etc? It would be a lot worse off! Ha, ha. Thanks for always being honest and real. You made me laugh!! And that means a lot! – Amy
    http://stylingrannymama.com/

    • shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com

      Wow, Amy, thank you so much for this comment! That means the world to me. Sometimes we don’t realize how hard it really is to expose all of our stuff to the world. But then it comes back to the issue of vulnerability, I guess. And if we can be openly and unashamedly vulnerable, I suppose that does show a certain amount of strength…and like-ability. Because none of us wants to feel like we are the only ones struggling with this or that..no matter how mundane or ridiculous the struggle may seem at the time. I am so glad that you can relate, that I made you laugh, and that you appreciate what I do! It really is what keeps me going. I cannot thank you enough! You rock! Have a fabulous weekend, my friend!

      xoxo
      Shelbee

    • shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com

      Cheryl, thank you so much for the encouraging words. I look forward to adulthood with my kids! But I know I will miss these days, too, even despite how hard it can be. Hanging in is about all I can do at this point. Ride the ride even if it gives me a headache sometimes! Have a lovely weekend, my friend.

      xoxo
      Shelbee

  • jodie filogomo

    Today will be a better day. It’s amazing how kids can be so exhausting….and I don’t even have any…ha ha!
    But let’s just look at how many friends you have that come visit you—already your linkup is up to 100 and you are such a dear!! That to me is a sign of wonderfulness—and even if everything else is crazy—you do crazy great!!!
    Love ya!!
    XOXO
    Jodie
    http://www.jtouchofstyle.com
    PS…Feel free to come visit me anytime—-no kids, great weather (usually) and lots of wine!!! I’m here for you!!

    • shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com

      Jodie, you are so awesome! I am so blessed to call you friend! And I may very well start planning a trip to Colorado soon. I do love that place! And I love it even more because I leave my kids in New York when I visit! Ha. Thanks for all of your support and accepting me in even my venting stage. Love you, too!

      xoxo
      Shelbee

  • Jennie

    First of all, you look great. I really like the fishnets peaking through your distressed jeans and that tee is so cute! I can remember those days and I will say it does get better. I had a very headstrong child and he tried me to no end. There were lots of tears on both sides over the years, but we survived and I think he is a pretty cool guy now – one who definitely stands up for himself, but very cool.

    • shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com

      Jennie, thank you so much! For the compliment and the encouragement. Yeah, we have definitely all been brought to tears on occasion with this one! I do believe his tenacity will serve him well later in life. At least, I hope it does! And hopefully, they will both turn into pretty cool guys as well. I guess that makes all the frustration worth it in the end…when we realize that we were responsible for creating these amazing people! I cannot thank you enough for sharing your experience with me. It does give some hope! Have a fabulous weekend.

      xoxo
      Shelbee

  • Maryanne

    I loved this post and how you kept it real!! As for perimenopause, YES you can be having symptoms of that at 44. I started going through it at 39 (!!) and it is NOT in your head. Like we don’t know that things are different? Sheesh! Good luck on your journey (and if hot flashes are starting, I highly recommend black cohosh capsules- they changed my life!!).

    • shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com

      Maryanne, thank you so much for validating that I am not, in fact, a crazy person! I have been having symptoms for just about 2 years but they have gotten really bad in the past 6-8 months. I do get occasional hot flashes, but my biggest one is severe cold flashes. Bone chilling, can’t stop shaking, can’t get warm cold flashes that last for hours! I wonder if the cohosh capsules would help that?! I will have to look into it. Thank you so much for sharing. Have a wonderful weekend!

      xoxo
      Shelbee

  • Patrick Weseman

    I remember those days. LOL. My kiddos are 18 months apart and my oldest was the one always calling me for something and the younger one just kept under the radar. Now, that they are adults (22 and almost 21) nothing has changed. Always remember it was a good day “Nobody died or was killed”.

    Thanks for hosting and I hope that you have a wonderful weekend.

    • shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com

      Patrick, thanks so much for understanding my parenting plight! And it is very often when I classify a day as successful when they are both asleep at the end of the day…breathing, alive, and unharmed! Sometimes, it really is the little things that must be counted as successes! The struggle is real. Have a great weekend!

      xoxo
      Shelbee

  • Chrissy

    Ahhh, Shelbee. Alwalys a breath of fresh air, even in your venting. I can relate to your day in so many ways! And that strong willed boy will grow up to be a great leader because his parents are sticking to their guns!!! Good for you. And I laughed out loud about your remark about the snow. 8 months is crazy – and rude! And your outfit – LOVE it. Every little bit of it.

    • shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com

      Chrissy, thanks so much for the wonderful perspective. If he is as tenacious and stubborn as an adult, he will definitely go far if applied correctly! And it really is rude how it just keeps snowing! I looked out the window this morning and it was freaking snowing again. Not gonna lie, but I dropped an eff bomb on that sh*t! Ha. It is simply ridiculous! I hope you have a wonderful (and warm) weekend, my friend.

      xoxo
      Shelbee

  • jacqui

    It gets better – I promise (but does get worse when they are teenagers – sorry) stay strong and keep drinking the coffee, you’re doing great Shelbee. I love the bit about re-filling the wine, that does get better when the kids are older, but they join you for a drink too! (the wine doesn’t go so far – lol) Have a super my friend. Jacqui mummabstylish

    • shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com

      Jacqui, thanks so much for the encouraging words! The struggle is real, isn’t it?! I know I will miss it though when they no longer need me, but joining me for a drink after a trying day might be kind of awesome as a parent, too! I hope you have an amazing weekend, my friend!

      xoxo
      Shelbee

  • Lana

    I’m sorry you’ve had such a rough week. I’ve been there – and sometimes you just need to get it all off your chest! I promise, things will get better! Hope you have a great, relaxing weekend.

    • shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com

      Lana, thanks so much for the encouraging words! It is the weekend now and we lift the kindle ban for the kids…so that always helps get them off my back for a bit! Now I am trying to catch up on work…after lots of makeovers and photoshoots that will be coming soon to the blog. I hope you have a fantastic weekend!

      xoxo
      Shelbee

  • Laura

    This post made me laugh out loud because I could have written almost every single word! Terrible twos?? PUHLEASE!! More like terrible 5s! I try to take comfort in the fact that my daughter will be a fabulous lawyer one day because she loves to argue her point!

    • shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com

      Laura, I am so glad that you can relate! Each year presents us with a whole new set of challenges, doesn’t it?! I do hope their stubborn tenacity pays off in adulthood! Have a great weekend and stay sane!

      xoxo
      Shelbee

  • Nancy Baten

    Ha ha ha, ooh I’m so sorry that I had to laugh. But you have the talent of writing in such a visualising way! But I really feel for you me dearest! And believe me, you haven’t had the worst part of menopause yet……hot flashes! Oh my god😬😬😬😬😬😬

    • shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com

      Nancy, I am so glad that I made you laugh! Even though I am venting, I am still trying to keep it light and funny. And I really appreciate your compliment about my writing style! Thanks so much. Have a great weekend, my friend.

      xoxo
      Shelbee

  • Emma Peach

    Sorry to hear you’re having a crappy time. How the hell does the doctor know you’re not perimenopausal without doing any blood tests? No-one knows your body like you do, so get a second opinion. I know exactly what you mean about the questions, I’m constantly being asked the whereabouts of toys, clothes, homework book, husband’s wallet/phone/glasses, but it’s usually easier to just find them rather than put up with the huffing and puffing and ransacking of the house! The constant interruptions drive me crazy and frazzle my brain! I really want a glass of wine now! I hope you have a calm and relaxing weekend 🙂

    Emma xxx
    http://www.style-splash.com

    • shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com

      Emma, thank you so much for relating to this stay-at-home mom blogger gig thing! It really can be quite frazzling, right? Sometimes, I feel like my head may just explode. I need to start buying wine by the case, I think! My house seems like it always ransacked, too. Sometimes I look down at the floor and see random toys spattered about haphazardly and I think that I cannot possibly bend down one more time to pick up one more toy. At which point, I start just stepping over the stuff or kicking it into a corner. Will I ever have control over my house again?! Maybe in 10-15 years, I suppose. I guess that’s the light at the end of this tunnel. Hang in there, momma, we will get through this! I hope you have a calm and relaxing weekend as well, my friend.. Now go enjoy some wine!

      xoxo
      Shelbee

  • Marilee Gramith

    Having read through a few of the comments and your responses to them I have concluded that you have some wonderful support among your followers. Those who are or have been parents really seem empathetic and I truly hope that helps You at least feel that you’re not alone in the parenting challenge. As a former middle school teacher I encourage yoU to get professional help when you need it. If you think your youngest son has ODD you should consider speaking with your pediatrician about whether and when an evaluation makes sense.
    YOU are smart, creative, honest, flexible and sensible Shelbee. These are qualities that make you a resilient parent. You also have the sense of humor necessary to ride out a these bumps and the tremendous endurance and strength required to persist. Most importantly you LOVE your little rascal and a few more poopy butts just isn’t going to defeat YOU!!
    In 37 years of teaching I had many challenges. Like you, I didn’t EVER give up on a kid. You CAN do this!

    • shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com

      Jude, thank you so much for these words! I appreciate your input so much. I did speak to his teachers yesterday about my concerns and they informed me that they have dealt with students with ODD and they do not really consider his behaviors at school a concern. Apparently, he only acts this way at home! Which I guess is a good thing. My understanding of ODD is that the behaviors will permeate throughout every area of his life. So if he is saving it mom and dad only, that’s good! Lucky us! Ha. But I am definitely on top of it and have no shame in seeking help if needed. I fought way to hard to get to a good place in my life to ignore any type of symptoms in my children. And I have definitely defeated more powerful things than poopy butts! So, I for sure, got this. Thanks for making me smile and encouraging and supporting me on this crazy journey. And you really must be a saint teaching middle school kids for 37 years! That is a super tough age!

      xoxo
      Shelbee

  • cherie

    I’m still laughing at your post Shelbee. After raising four children I can more than relate to the lovely day that you had. Deep breaths, time for yourself, sleep when you can, outings with friends, time with your husband and lots of coffee and wine will take the edge off of parenting 24/7!! The fact that you can find the time to put a coherent sentence together is impressive, so pat yourself on the back. XO

    Cherie
    http://www.stylenudge.com
    STYLE NUDGE

    • shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com

      Oh my goodness, Cherie! I just laughed at your comment especially that last part…I am often impressed at my ability to somehow formulate coherent sentences in the midst of the noise and chaos! I really, truly don’t know how I do it sometimes! Ha. Thank you so much for your encouraging words and for making me laugh on this first morning of Spring break…9 days of all day parenting! Wish me luck and have a great weekend!

      xoxo
      Shelbee

    • shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com

      Rania, thanks so much for relating to my chaos! While I do enjoy working from home while the kids are at school, sometimes I think it would be so nice to have an actual office away from home! But as long as I keep the coffee fresh, I make it through! Thanks so much for stopping by. I hope you are having a wonderful weekend.

      xoxo
      Shelbee

  • Paula @Sincerely, Paula

    Well Shelbee I’m right there with you with a defiant almost 4.5 year old. Mouthy, sassy and loud. Acts like she doesn’t hear me. Refuses to eat anything healthy. Naughty. Super stubborn. Super annoying. Tiring. Also calls me every few hours at night to cover her back up like she’s incapable of doing so herself. And I’m so tired and disoriented I do it. Having a child this age in your forties doesn’t help the exhaustion issue. But then I think of how it won’t always be this way.

    On the bright side I love that jacket you’re wearing. In the 80’s I had a very similar one with a few more zippers. I also had a black, shiny, sorta patent leather jacket. Loved it and still have it. Maybe I’ll put it on and take my photo. Maybe haha.

    Hope you’re having a good weekend. Although I say when you have kids every day is the same.

    • shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com

      Paula, thanks so much for relating and understanding my pain! And yeah, definitely being in our 40’s exacerbates the issue, doesn’t it? Because we are 20 years more worn and tired than people who have kids in their 20’s! It is a crazy ride and we will all survive, although certain days that feels like an impossibility! Hang in there, we’ve got this. And I do want to see you rocking out that leather jacket! Happy Sunday.

      xoxo
      Shelbee

  • Claire

    Love this look Shelbee, love your jeans and fishnets 🙂 Thanks so much for sharing your post with us at Creative Mondays. Have a great week and we hope to see you soon!

  • Emma

    Hi Shelbee, I’m a new reader of your blog, and love what I’ve seen so far. As the mum of a now 14 year old with ASD, I can relate to your day!! We had many such days in our house when he was younger. Before he was diagnosed with ASD, I thought it might be ODD (and he still has definite ODD tendencies). A great book that I found helpful “The Explosive Child” by Ross W. Greene. I still follow a few of the tips I picked from that book ten years on! My thoughts are with you – stay strong and look after yourself. Easier said than done, I know, when you’re at the bottom of the list, but everyone in the family benefits when Mum isn’t overwhelmed and worn out.

    • shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com

      Emma, thanks so much for reading and commenting! And even more so, thank you for sharing your experience with me. I will definitely check out that book because at this point, I will take any help I can get! And now we are half way through their Spring Break from school and I am even more at my wits’ end then I was a week ago. Fortunately, I am heading out of town tonight for a girls’ weekend, so hopefully I come back all rested and recharged and ready to tackle all of the mom obligations! I appreciate your support and your words so very much. Have a fabulous day!

      xoxo
      Shelbee

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Shelbee on the Edge