The Price of Sanity

I cannot be the only mom who does this. Who goes to the mall to replace a worn out pair of jeans and comes out of a "'Quick Look" in The Children's Place with 2 pairs of capri pants and some matching tee-shirts for Diva Girl and a sundress for Zen Baby. Not to mention the inevitable sunglasses (2 for $8! How can anyone be expected to resist such a deal?). But no jeans.

In almost every instance, if given the choice between spending money on myself or on The Ladies, I will choose The Ladies. Not because I'm so unselfish, because lord knows if there is only one Oreo left I'm gonna lie and say they're all gone so that I can eat it myself. And not because I'm all about sacrificing myself on the altar or martyrhood; I truly do not believe in that model of motherhood. And yet, I haven't had a haircut in nearly a year. The Ladies though? Have enough ponys, clippies, barrettes, and hairbands to coiff a small South American country.

I don't begrudge my daughters their stuff. (Well, maybe when I'm doing laundry or staring at the debris strewn around the playroom, but who doesn't then?.) I enjoy their treats and cute necessities as much as they do. But sometimes, like when I realize I've had the same sandals for 4 years, or that no amount of creative patching is going to save the knee of my overalls, I start to feel a little left out. Like in my desire to make sure that The Ladies are well provided for, I've forgotten about me.

New Summery Wrap Around Skirt: $3.99
Gap Jeans at Consignment Store that give me MomAss, but were on sale for 50% off: $3.50
Cute Polkadot Summer Purse: $7.99
Ballet Flat Sneakers: $24.99
Kickass Sparkly 40s inspired Black Pumps: $9.00 (gotta love BOGO)
Knowing that I actually did something for myself for a change: Priceless

Comments

Good for you! We all deserve it but rarely do it. The question is, what did you buy the ladies when you were there???

So enjoy this time. As they soon grow up and you can't buy them the stuff they like.

Mine is 15 and male. He can't stand it when I buy him jeans or T-shirts

I here ya.

I know it tough to spend time and money on ourselves, but it is important. It's good for your girls to see you take care of you!
I also did the same thing this weekend. I felt so guilty walking out of the mall with two shopping bags for me and not one itty bitty thing for my son, but when a three year old has more shoes and a better wardrobe than the parent, it's time to re-evaluate.

PS-I went home and took my clothes out of the shopping bags and what did I find...sticky orange lollipop stuck to my new shirt!
Oh the joys of motherhood!

I did n't buy The Ladies one single thing on this trip. It was all about me me me!!!

Stephanie, that happens to me all the time. Except the lollipop is usually stuck to my ass.

I laughed so hard. My 5 year old son really does have more shoes and clothes than I do. It is so hard to resist buying for them. I have been in line many times and put something back that I had in my hand for myself, just to get him something. It is getting harder though, to buy him things. At least, not without his approval. The last few things I got him when I was out shopping alone didn't pass the 5 year old cool test. I was met at home with arms folded and a disgusted tone of "Mom, that is so not cool". What does a 5 year old know about cool? :)

It's like I don't even have to comment because you are describing my life!
Solo mom. No dad around. No child support. It's all me all the time.
Buy yourself things. I go check out Target or Old Navy once a week and buy one thing for myself. It feels good, and i'm learing that "I deserve it".
Just realized...I need some new shoes!!!! Gotta go!

please get urself something lavish stuff.
jewellery ,a massage,steam bath,foot spa,some sex (safe)
and take ur child to the children play grd and make heads turn!
hey buy a favorite book from the store and read!
take care
Cha'
(tumusic@mtn.co.ug)

Oh how you are living my life. But here I am with 3 girls ages 5, 3, and 1 and another baby on the way. Even though I am married I am basically a solo mom. He works 6 hours away and only comes home every other week or so for about the same amount of time. And when he is home he is not really. My girls are my life. I have put things back for me to get them something. I have gone in the store to get just one thing for myself and walked out with 3 bags for them. But I do treat myself once in a great while. Although I do have to say I have had the same pair of sneakers for the past 5 years.... Maybe I should go shopping today. Nice to meet you all.

Sabrina, I know how you are feeling. When I was with my son's father he worked ours like that also. I know it can be difficult especially when your kids are little and they start to get used to daddy being away and then they have to bond with them all over again and as soon as they do it's time for daddy to leave again.
Many Blessings to you and your family and your new bundle of joy!

This post made me lol. As a first time Solo Mom (love the phrase, btw) of a 10-week-old, I just had my first experience with this. I went into the store to get some new work clothes which I desperately need, an left with $100 worth of outfits for my son and nothing new for me except a confused and vaguely frightened expression. At least I don't have to justify my spending to anyone else!

Hi!My name is Gwendolyn and I have a beautiful baby boy named Noah.I get no child support and I'm on disability.I could barely take care of myself financially before Noah,how will I take care of both of us?I just moved to a new are and I don't have any friends and I can't get my drivers license renewed because I don't have a car to put insurance on.Will I ever get out of this rut?My email addy is noahsmommy102505@yahoo.com.I'd welcome email from someone.I live in Mebane NC.Thank you for reading this.