Hey Chaos Planners! Ok, I know you come here to see the cute things the kids are up to, figure out how in the world we manage 5 boys, and in general for some lighthearted fun. But today is going to be a bit different because this mama needs to vent. Yes, vent.
So, What Gives?
You see, I’m a master juggler. I’m the CEO of www.EverGroveLLC.com a thriving (read: barely-keeping-my-head-above-water) PMO consulting business. I’m also the full-time COO (Chief Operating Officer, obviously) of a five-man battalion – my rambunctious crew of boys aged 2 to 10. They’re all elbows, dirt smudges, and boundless energy. Don’t get me wrong, I wouldn’t trade this wild ride for the world. But here’s the thing, building a business from scratch feels easier than making mom friends, especially after the big move across the country.
The Past
Let me rewind about 5 years. Our lives were uprooted from the cozy comfort of Maine and landed smack dab in the middle of sunny Florida. Big dreams, fresh start, all that jazz. Little did I know, a global pandemic was brewing just around the corner. Talk about a baptism by fire. Suddenly, “meeting new people” went from a “should do” to a near impossibility. Masked faces, social distancing – it wasn’t exactly conducive to building friendships.
But What About Your Partner?
Don’t get me wrong, my partner, Papi, is a freaking rockstar. He’s hands-on, involved, and chases after those little tornados with the same gusto they chase after stray baseballs. But here’s the thing, having a supportive partner is one thing, having a mom friend who understands the specific brand of insanity that comes with raising five boys is another. Sharing a knowing glance with another mom across the playground, the one whose kid just launched himself off the monkey bars with reckless abandon – that’s a connection money can’t buy. It’s a silent understanding, a shared language of exhaustion and love that only another mom can truly speak.
The Present
Now, back to present day when the masks are a thing of the past. Just picture this: you’re at a “playdate” with another family. Sounds idyllic, right? But here’s the reality with five little boys in tow: it’s a symphony of chaos. There’s a constant soundtrack of whines, shouts, and the occasional epic wrestling match. You’re on referee duty, negotiator, snack dispenser, mediator of “who took my dinosaur?!” disputes. Where in this glorious pandemonium is there a moment to actually connect with another adult?
Baseball season brought a glimmer of hope. The boys finally found an outlet for their boundless energy, and I, naively, thought it would be a chance to connect with other moms. Here’s the thing: baseball moms are amazing. They’re organized, they cheer like champions, and they’re always prepared with snacks and sunscreen (unlike yours truly). But here’s the catch – with five boys underfoot, it’s a constant game of corralling, fetching, and cheering. Even during those post-game “get-togethers,” my attention is perpetually divided. I’m chasing a runaway toddler before he tackles the concession stand, or helping another one navigate the complex social dynamics of the dreaded “please don’t throw toys at your friend”.
OK, Let’s Solve It
Look, I know this might sound like complaining. In all honesty, it’s a cry for help. I miss the girl chats, the impromptu coffee dates, the commiseration over sleepless nights and epic meltdowns. I yearn for a friend who understands that “me-time” often comes in the form of a stolen five minutes in the bathroom with a locked door (and maybe a few tears while I’m in there).
So, dear Chaos Planners, moms, entrepreneurs, and anyone else navigating the beautiful chaos of life – are you out there? Are you the mom juggling work deadlines and diaper changes? The one whose car resembles a mobile toy store? The one who dreams of a conversation that doesn’t involve Paw Patrol or potty training? If you are, let’s connect! Let’s trade stories, share struggles, and celebrate victories. This mama needs a team, a squad of amazing women who understand the unique challenges and triumphs of raising a house full of little hurricanes.
Here’s the thing, life with five boys might be crazy, messy, and loud, but it’s also filled with laughter, love, and a whole lot of muddy footprints. I wouldn’t trade it for the world. But a little friendship wouldn’t hurt either. Let’s make this chaos a little less chaotic, together.
So, who’s in?
P.S. Leave a comment below, or email me at Diana@EverGroveLLC.com. Let’s build a tribe of moms who get it. And let’s ditch the judgment to embrace the shared experience. Let’s show the world that while we might be covered in this morning’s breakfast, clay from the field and um… ok I don’t even know what that is… that we still need someone to let us know we are doing all the right things, no matter how messy it looks.