Can We Have It All Together?

The other day I was browsing a magazine when an article caught my eye.  The topic was the age old question of "can working moms have it all together?" and so I got to thinking about my life.  Dangerous, I know!  As a working mom, how well am I balancing my job and my family?  What is my definition of having it all together?  I like to think I handle it well, my OCD constant list making keep me more or less sane.  I try to keep my kids, husband and home a priority, teaching lessons several evenings a week and rehearsing twice a week with my band.  Often, I multitask and bring a child (or 4) with me to rehearsals.  In addition to being a good listening experience, and teaching them how a band works, it also provides a great opportunity for them to sit still without mom or dad within reach.  They are not always perfect, and sometimes my 3 year old, the Beast, likes to rush onstage and scare the vocalist right in the middle of a song.  Each time this happens I can see my sound guy in the booth bordering on a panic attack as I holler at her to get down mid-chord.  For the most part though, the kids are really well behaved.  The price we pay for all this usually winds up as a funny story or memory.


One particular Sunday morning, I brought my oldest daughter, 8 with me, who likes to come listen whenever she can.  She didn't mention feeling sick...  We were in a run through after the sound check, before the congregation came in for church.  Right in the middle of the song, I Will Rise, my daughter projectile vomited exorcist-style in the front row.  Everyone laughed at the irony, but felt bad for her.  Thankfully my drummer helped me clean it up, everyone else said they don't do puke.  Thanks guys!  (In their defense they are all older than me and have probably dealt with their fair share of puke already).  With minutes to spare I texted my husband to come pick her up.  


So yes, we can have it all as working mothers and musicians, but there is definitely a price. Thankfully our church is not carpeted!  My goals are constantly being redefined, but are mainly to get through the tasks while taking time to enjoy the journey, learning from everything and creating something cool in the process.  Even if it means juggling kids, rehearsals, and a million other items.  Making sure everyone comes out unscathed and in one piece at the end of the day is good too :)