Mom real talk: It is that time of year. We have our schedules balanced, our carpools coordinated, and our leave times down to the second. But wait… here it comes.

Throw in the holiday parties, the school plays, teacher gifts, extra practices for concerts, extra babysitting jobs, cards to address and mail, and new pants to buy (because last winter’s pants just will.not.fit.).

We have got to go easy on each other. If I show up with mascara on only one eye, just whisper it to me gently. Let me know and for heaven sakes, do not let me go to meet my husband for lunch like that.

If I send the teacher gifts in a few days early, it is NOT because I have it all together. It is because I am terrified that I will forget if I don’t go ahead send them.

If I don’t invite you to our annual Winter Housewarming, it is because I have decided not to have one this year because that would involve putting away the five feet of laundry at the top of the stairs.

If you see me buying paper plates at the store, it’s not because I’m having a party. It’s because I just need a little break from the piles of dishes that seven people can generate with one meal.

Let the words out of our mouths speak goodness to one another. Let the glances towards one another be grins and kind smiles.

Together, we can make this crazy season we are about to walk into be lovely. We can pick each other up and give our families a season to remember.