16 In Articles

I have TWO helpers!

Since you asked…

I have two people that help me. {And I’m not talking about my children or my husband– although they all help me too, not necessarily the ways I always want to be helped but they do help!}. I’m talking about 2 women. They are both older than me but not “old”.

One is named Annie. She babysits for me one day a week for about 4 hours. She is truly a gift and blessing to me, my children, and our family. I wish I could have her more often. She makes me a more pleasant mommy. The girls go to “school” for 6 hours every week. That’s 3 hours on Tuesday and 3 hours on Thursday. While they are in school I am usually at home picking up {blogging or sewing} while the man-child is napping or fighting a nap. While I cherish those 6 hours of time I am never quite “alone” because the man-child is with me. Those of you who have been there and done that know that “alone time” is essential for a human being’s sanity. Annie has afforded me alone time during the week and I’m grateful. I no longer have to take my children with me to Sam’s. She’s a sweet, sweet person who I consider a friend. I need to get a picture of her and John Martin because he loves her!! {and the girls do too!} Maybe next week.
The second person who helps me is named Melinda. She cleans my house twice a month, usually every other Thursday. She is a blessing to me, makes me a better mommy, and makes our house smell good and look even better. She also {inadvertently} forces me to pick up my house every other week so that she can get to the floors, toilets, beds, and counters to clean them. She first came the week before John Martin was born and has been a tremendous help ever since. I probably won’t ask to take her picture… that might make her feel a little strange, can you imagine: “Excuse me, Melinda, do you mind to pose with that mop in hand while you wipe tee tee dribbles from our toilet?”

Both are worth the sacrifices I must make in order to have them. I’d rather be a happy mommy with a clean & tidy house than to buy a new pair of shoes or new outfit… or try to clean my house myself while shouting at my children “WATCH OUT FOR THAT PILE, DON’T WALK ON THE FLOORS THEY’RE WET, COULD YOU PLEASE GET OUT OF THE BED WHILE I MAKE IT?” or even worse, “Y’ALL STAY HOME, MOMMY’S GOING TO WALMART, I’LL BE BACK IN A COUPLE HOURS!”

Happy Friday, friends!

You Might Also Like

  • J
    November 14, 2008 at 3:11 pm

    I’m the first to leave a comment? No way! Glad you have the help. T and I consider the help we have with our home an investment in our marriage! And truly, that’s what it is…an investment! Happy weekend to y’all!

  • The Pavliches
    November 14, 2008 at 3:34 pm

    I know, I have help too and I don’t know WHAT i would do without it!!! And I agree with the sacrifice…it is definitely worth it! But I don’t think those few hours would be enough for me to finish as many projects as you do if that is the only time you do them!!! Amazing! Really cute quilt.

  • becky
    November 14, 2008 at 4:00 pm

    that seals the deal…i’m leaving this place and moving in with you. i could shoot myself for not sending seth to preschool both days like i did luke (don’t know what i was smoking…) anyway, i definitely get that you aren’t “alone” because of “three”. i unfortunately rely on my hubs to get alone time, which means i do my errands on saturday or in the dark of night (so safe). i need to find someone. why don’t they have “nannies for hire here??”

  • MIMILEE
    November 14, 2008 at 5:13 pm

    I know you are very appreciative of your helpers…..I would be too!
    Being a busy mom can be so difficult without a little help along the way.

    Great for you!!! Have a Blessed weekend!

  • Lindsey
    November 14, 2008 at 7:40 pm

    Hey D-we miss you too! Av would have loved to come over and play with Paige today. We will miss all the Stickler’s so much. Please give everyone (including Annie!)hugs and kisses from us. I know we’ll come to see you when we visit Dothan. Love you!

  • erika
    November 14, 2008 at 8:01 pm

    I wish I could come help you 5 days a week… that’s what you deserve! You are the best mom and homemaker I’ve ever known (okay, well maybe 2nd to our mom)! I dont know how you do it! I LOVE YOU.

  • Mandy
    November 15, 2008 at 6:20 am

    I am glad you have help, too! I have one 3 year old girl and one on the way and I can hardly stay on top of everything. I have someone clean my house once a week and it has saved my life, sanity, marriage, etc…shall I continue? I teach part-time in the mornings and it is a lot of work taking care of kids, cooking , cleaning, driving to and fro all over the world…oh and being a wife and active memeber of a large family and church! Did I mention, that I too need time alone??? Have a good, relaxing weekend! Mandy

  • Cousin
    November 15, 2008 at 6:49 am

    I’m so proud of you for being such a great mom! You always seem so calm, cool, and collected! I’m sure you lose it sometimes (who wouldn’t) but you always keep it in perspective. I only hope I’ll be as good of a mom that you are! I love you!!

  • thelaundryisneverfinished
    November 15, 2008 at 11:08 am

    You guys are doing the RIGHT thing. I hope to do the same once we can afford it; did you know that in certain countries you are expected to hire help because you are actually helping the “helper” out as well? I think it’s so smart, and brings blessings all around!

  • Ashley
    November 15, 2008 at 2:48 pm

    i’m also glad that you get a break! a much deserved break i know! i also wanted to say that i enjoy the picture of your little raiger! i am still refusing to MAKE sawyer give up his beloved “bah” -in the back of my mind i think…it can’t hurt…little paige stickler’s still got her paci too! 🙂 hope you’re having a great weekend!

  • Hillary Dunham
    November 15, 2008 at 8:24 pm

    I had a maid who I loved named Melinda who QUIT on me recently. Over the phone in a voice mail! I’m so sad and miss the smell of a clean house- and being forced to pick up. I’ll have to find somebody else soon. I think the dust bunnies are going to attach each other.

  • Dianne
    November 16, 2008 at 7:02 am

    I am so glad you have help. You are the best mom and homemaker. I am constantly amazed at all you do. Don’t worry about $$ for clothes, just steal Erika’s.!!!!LOL Your money is well spent!

  • Jessica Ranjbari
    November 16, 2008 at 3:41 pm

    Thanks Darby! 🙂

    I wish I could have helpers… one for cleaning, one for cooking (on the days I work), one for chasing after Adriana when I’m too tired… and to think you have 3 kids – it should be a necessity to have helpers at that point! I can’t wait until Adriana’s in a mom’s morning out program – she’ll love it and I’ll love the little break 2 mornings a week. I too am glad to see Paige still has her paci – I’ve thought about getting rid of ours, but I just can’t yet!

  • Kellie Patton
    November 17, 2008 at 6:39 am

    You are too funny! Well, that makes me feel a LITTLE better – but you are still an AWESOME SUPER MOMMA! I have no help and work part-full time, but I’m one of those crazies who actually LIKES cleaning house, so that part doesn’t bother me, but the shoving my kids off does – Thankfully they are good nappers and I can get alot done in 2 hours. (this IS why I haven’t tried my hand at sewing though)

  • annie
    November 17, 2008 at 6:17 pm

    Darby and Justin, I really thank god for the both of you because ya’ll are a blessing to me and my boys. I love spending time with your kids and just being able to let darby have some me time because we all need it. MAY GOD BLESS YOU AND THANKS FOR THE NICE COMMENT AND INCLUDE ON YOUR BLOG

  • Abbie
    December 1, 2008 at 8:00 pm

    I totally agree: I’d rather have cleaning help than new clothes. We have once a month help and it is always one of my happiest days of the month! 🙂