The weekend is coming to a close and I'm focusing on the week ahead.

I've already started my To Do list--and I already know I won't get it all done.

Such is the life of a mom.

Commiting yourself to mothering--whether you're a stay-at-home mom or a work-outside-the-home mom (or some combination thereof)--means you no longer are in control of your time and your schedule. The needs of children often take precedence over your own needs.

To be honest, I struggle with having to put others before myself. I guess it's my selfishness that makes me want to tell my family to take a number and get in line while I do some things that I want to do.  I wish I could just smile and not be bothered when what I want or need to do gets shoved to dead last on the list.

I've got three "mostly grown" children and one kindergartner, so I've struggled with this tension for years now. Some days I don't wrestle with it as much. Other days I just want to throw a good hissy fit and get my way. Not pretty.

Motherhood--constantly balancing me, myself, and I against the needs of my family.

I don't think that will change anytime soon.