I Am so Done With Pampered Chef (Vent Alert!)

[crystalscookingnow]

With regards to your husband's job & the kids, why not either have them up when he comes home OR when he leaves, not both? That's just too much for all of you. If they wake up early to see him off, then have them go to bed early enough that you can have some personal time or some phone time. If they wait up for him instead, use the morning to get ready for the day or to relax. You deserve some kid-free time! Good luck!

This is great advice! No wonder you're pooped! Cranky kids are no fun, trust me, I know! Even my almost kindergartner still takes a nap b/c I just don't have it in me to deal with whiney kids. Sometimes, I lay down with them, other times, I do some office work. It just depends on how I feel that day. No wonder you're pooped! You need a break! I have 3 kids & it's tough some days to do what needs to be done. I totally feel for you. Take a deep breath.

 

[quiverfull7]

It's AMAZING what a little bit of money incentive will do... tell them what little things they can buy with a few saved up quarters and your feet will be in pg woman heaven in NO TIME!!!!!!!! My daughter used to slather that lotion all the way past my knees... it was quite a production... she'd drag in a towel and her bottle of lotion... and away she'd go... I was SO sad when she outgrew the desire... I'll have to get her to train my 3 year old now... my heals are really dry...
I just want to commend you for sharing with us how your are feeling... you DO NOT have to be super director... or super mom... based on what I've learned from you and about you here... you are already a super mom!!!!! and I sense that letting things go as far as housework etc isn't easy for you and having things upside down causes more stress.. .not less... so choose your battles... clean but buy paper plates... sit and rest ... and hug those kids... but try to let one thing go every day... and rotate some things... just for now... it will all be alright

 

[AJPratt]

Sorry to hear that your finances are where they are. I've been there... even spent a night in my car after leaving my first husband.

Just keep in mind that no one expects you to be perfect! I'm sure you want to put the best foot forward in all that you do, but give yourself a little break. And, listen to that Cheffer with 7 kids. She knows what she's talking about! LOL

 

[AJPratt]

It's AMAZING what a little bit of money incentive will do... tell them what little things they can buy with a few saved up quarters and your feet will be in pg woman heaven in NO TIME!!!!!!!! My daughter used to slather that lotion all the way past my knees... it was quite a production... she'd drag in a towel and her bottle of lotion... and away she'd go... I was SO sad when she outgrew the desire... I'll have to get her to train my 3 year old now... my heals are really dry...

OMG! rotflmao!!!

 

[lsm72]

Gillian - My dear, it's okay to vent (and that's why we're all here). Sounds like everyone here has given you great advice. My advice would be to take of yourself before baby #3 arrives - that's most important. "Me Time" rarely comes for any of us, so try to find time now while you can. Don't give up on PC just yet. Obviously you're good at it and your downline, I'm sure, appreciates your leadership. Hang in there!

 

[Stampaholic1961]

Can you get your husband to go to the doctor with you & have your doctor explain why you need less stress & more sleep & more support right now?

I'm so sorry you are going thru all this. I feel for you so much that reading your post almost has me in tears!!! And I'm not pregnant!! I only had 2 kids...I can't imagine going thru what you are right now. If my hubby had pulled something like that he would probably have a permanent imprint of a crow bar on the side of his head!! Sorry, I'm not nearly as nice or patient as you!!! Good luck with everything!

BTW, I'd probably slap your SIL too!! I never had to deal with any of that because we live far away from every relative!

 

[katya_fabel]

take a deep breath and relax.Gillian, I was so impressed with your progress, you promoted so fast being with PC this short time. I think you are a very formidable woman and after learning your whole family situation, I am even more impressed that you can function at the level you do . Your down line will be understanding of all the challenges you face now and you don't have to push yourself to be the star director now that baby is almost here. Things will fall into place, take it all one day at a time. Can your parents help?

Kate Fabel

 

[karlene]

first of all Gillian, I can tell YOU are concerned about others and always helping others and making sure you have everything done. I was just chuckling to myself as I was reading all these posts, and how you have ANSWERED EVERY SINGLE ONE OF THEM!!!! Soooooo, that's the first thing I will give you as advice....you don't need to respond to everyone of these!!!! ha ha ha
YOu should be sitting back and relaxing for a while. I think I am a lot like you!!! Except I had the kids all first, then was crazy enough to start my business with 5 kids under the age of 7!!!!!!! Thought I had to be at the top of everything!! If PC offered an incentive I figured I had to achieve it...yeah..sure, I was doing over $6,000 every single month of my business from the first month I started...I didn't know any different...I became a director pretty quickly but after a while, I had to shift gears!!!!! I had to realize I didn't have to be like all the other "directors" or whatever in the business!!!! I set up what was realistic for me and my "crazy" family. I thought I would have to take medical leave 31/2 years ago when I had to have a total left hip replacement!!!!! But, I was able to use the "sympathy" thing and people did book shows for me and I was able to hang on without medical leave...but just remember, it is there for you to take, and not feel guilty about!!!! Do what you can and leave it at that...and be sure to take care of yourself first...The Pampered Chef will still be there!!!!
take care and enjoy the little ones....it gets even crazier when they are all at the age of having to be driven to different places...and it usually happens all at the same time...ha ha
karlene reaser director in ohio

 

[AJPratt]

Oh, and by the way:

THANK GAWD your SIL is taking care of the salsa and chips! Phew... I thought the shower was going to be ruined.

 

[gilliandanielle]

LMAO Annie!! She has called 3 times and I am not answering because I don't want to deal with her crap! She lives across the street and can see that I am home, so maybe she will get the point.

Bev- I have tried to get him to come to the doctor with me but he is stubborn and just doesn't see why this is different from going to the dentist. He is very supportive generally and wants this baby as much as I do, he just doesn't get "into" the pregnancy.

Kate- thanks for your input! Welcome to the community- as you can see there are so many wonderful people here to help no matter what your problem is!

Karlene- I know you told me to stop answering these but I can't. You all took time out of your day to help me with my problems and issues- the least I can do is agknowledge and say thanks. I don't think the sympathy shows are that far off- hopefully I can at least get my Fall director package (1250 in May and in June).

 

[Pampered Laura]

LMAO Gillian, knock it off!

 

[Pampered Laura]

On a serious note... I feel your pain. I think I went in a growing pains cycle (still am a little right now, too)! All I know is that Pampered Chef didn't design a $350 minimum for Directors with a 6 month time frame to lose it - for nothing. They know. And they also know that not all of us are going to be top performers ALL the time!

Tell yourself what you would tell your downline. If you had a girl who was totally stressed (and pg) and taking on TOO MUCH, and she called you to tell you she was ready to quit, what would you say to her?

You'd tell her:
"Take it easy, just slow down. Why do you LOVE Pampered Chef? What made you start in the first place? You dont have to do everything, beauty of this business is that it's flexible. It ebbs and flows just like life. "

Right?

 

[gilliandanielle]

That is very true Laura! That is exactly what I would say... thanks for that perspective!!

 

[tpchefrebecca]

Gillian-

I am so sorry you are feeling overwhelmed! I can understand the frustration you are feeling. MY DH works all the time too. He leaves at 9am and comes home at 12pm. However, for us if the kids aren't up the kids aren't up! If they are asleep then they are asleep! Mine are older 4 & 8 but it has been like this from the beginning. When my son started noticing Dad not there he use to ask why he worked all the time. I told him why and for hime to tell his Dad about how it affects him. It hasn't changed his hours, but it has put him on notice on how much the kids need him. Do you have a Mommy Day? I get one every now and then. It was something DH came up with. If you feel overwhelmed cash in your MD Card. They can usually handle one day.
Take the leave next month. It was wonderful for me to know that I had that cushion. Just think, if you have sales next month of $200 then you don't need to worry (Unless it is different with directors). You have two more months to get another $200. Ask your downline if you can do email training with a monday motivation for example and one conference call a month. They will understand.

I so wish I could help you out. I totally understand your frustration! Some people will probably agree when I say you are like a single parent even though DH is at home. Ask him for help and talk to him. He needs to know. I almost quit PC too, but hung in there. I hope you will too!

 

[Stampaholic1961]

Too bad you can't do a "Freaky Friday" switch on him & let him be pregnant for a day or 2!!! He'd be singing a different tune then, wouldn't he!?!?

 

[KellyTheChef]

Gillian~

Everyone else has told you exactly what I would be saying...so all I can say is WE LOVE YOU!!

Don't make a rash decision on anything right now!

Don't kill your SIL!! LOL (kind of...)

{{{{{{{{BIG HUGS TO YOU!}}}}}}}}}}}}

 

[tpchefrebecca]

Gillian~

Everyone else has told you exactly what I would be saying...so all I can say is WE LOVE YOU!!

Don't make a rash decision on anything right now!

Don't kill your SIL!! LOL (kind of...)

{{{{{{{{BIG HUGS TO YOU!}}}}}}}}}}}}

HERE! HERE!

 

[dianevill]

I agree. I don't have too much to add as so much excellent advice has been given. Just Definitely don't make a big decision right now!

Big hugs, too!

 

[baychef]

Gillian~

Everyone else has told you exactly what I would be saying...so all I can say is WE LOVE YOU!!

Don't make a rash decision on anything right now!

Don't kill your SIL!! LOL (kind of...)

{{{{{{{{BIG HUGS TO YOU!}}}}}}}}}}}}

Not pregnant but tired right now...this is what I wanted to say too...I was wondering how you were doing. We may have to call HO and tell them not to let you make any decisions for a bit yet! To add another layer...being a new director can sometimes take your confidence down...making you feel like you are letting everyone down, etc. I know this because I experienced this...with no small children, a busy DH and being far from pregnant. You just have too much going on. Do what you can do and leave the rest. Your family comes first. I didn't hear the call today, but don't let the expectation thing get you down. I do what I can do. I can't recruit 12 people a year because right now I can't properly train the new consultants that I have!! My parents had health issues last year and so much fell on my shoulders...along with my full time job and PC (no husband). I really thought I would loose my mind along with everything else. In January I happended to look back at a year ago and my business HAD grown. It just takes time and not everything can be done perfectly. Do what you can . I gotta get to bed! (I've said this on 3 posts now...please, cut me off! )

 

[ChefLisa]

Thanks Chris- I in no way want/need money (let's not get that started, LOL!), but I wanted to explain why it just isn't feasible to pay for help right now. If I needed more money I would work more, and not be thinking about quitting. I do feel everyone's support and thank each one of you from the bottom of my heart. I love you all so mucha nd that is why I come here to vent!

Linda- I tried asking my SIL to drop off the food ahead of time and she flipped out because she has to be getting ready for her show the night before (what? packing up candles takes hours and hours?). She said she would drop off the plates and cups the night before but she won't be at the shower until 3:30 (30 minutes LATE). I try not to talk to her too often because my blood pressure can't handle it!

This is why we all are Pampered Chef Consultants. We don't want to take the hours needed to get a candle party ready!

 

[gilliandanielle]

Thank you everyone! I am looking forward to some "downtime" tomorrow at my scrapbook retreat and hopefully I will have some renewed energy on Monday after the shower...

 

[heat123]

hang in there Gill, rest and relax and have some fun youtime at the retreat!

 

[pcchris]

Enjoy yourself tomorrow while scrapbooking! You deserve some "me" time.
Keep us posted, please....we all worry about you!

 

[lacychef]

Ok, everyone has already given you great advise.....just wanted to say I agree with them all! Hang in there & definately DON'T make any rash decisions while preggo! We are all here for you when you need to vent or need support. As far as SIL's go, I think we've all got one of those! I do anyway! I definately agree with asking dh to pick one; either see the kiddos before work or after, (before would probably be better; then they'll go to bed earlier!) let him know it's just too much on you. And as far as 'what other directors do'....that's them! It works for them; just worry about what works for you!

{{{{{hugs}}}} I'm here (usually in the mornings!) whenever you need to talk...

 

[Trish1953]

Gillian,

I just wanted to say that you are such a POSITIVE force here (and most likely, with your cluster). I would hate to see you give it up. Your advice and mentoring has really helped me.

I know it is not easy right now but, everyone has given you such great advice. I would only add that you need to trust you. Do those things that will help you feel better, even if it means doing something in ten or fifteen minute increments. It's a cliche, I know, but, Rome wasn't built in a day and neither is a new addition to the family. Just take it easy and BREATHE. You are the OWNER of your LIFE, so don't let anyone else set goals for you Even if PC thinks all directors should act a certain way, it doesn't mean you have to follow suit. PC is a business that we can adapt to our own special circumstances!

Don't guve up! We need you!

Trish in Texas
Independent Consultant

 

[AJPratt]

Um... We won't let you quit. How's that sound? How would you like a mob of angry cheffers at your door if you do? Hmmm? Well? I'm waiting. (tapping foot)

(Sorry, that's the joisey coming out in me)

 

[apriljc]

Gillian,
I agree with everyone else's advice. Try to relax ( I know easier said than doen) and get some help. I am sure if you ask for it people will be glad to help. I am kind of going through the same thing, thinking of quiting. I am not pregnant but I have two boys, work a FT job outside of the house, am going to school, and have a DH who is hardly home. I have absolutely nothing on the books, and it is not lack of trying. I just can't get anybody to book. I am not sure what I am going to do.
Hang in there and things will get better.

 

[lacychef]

Um... We won't let you quit. How's that sound? How would you like a mob of angry cheffers at your door if you do? Hmmm? Well? I'm waiting. (tapping foot)

(Sorry, that's the joisey coming out in me)

How funny
And that's right; we won't let ya!
Anne, you can come pick me up in Ks, then we'll fly to Ak....

 

[4kids4me]

I totally feel for you, and completely agree with all the advice you've gotten here. Especially about your dh seeing them in the am OR the pm - not both.

The one thing I haven't seen mentioned is the importance of routine. I don't know how old your others are, but I have 4 kids that are within under 4 years of each other. (The twins were kind of a surprise, lol). My kids are 5, nearly 4, and the twins are 20 months. I also have a homedaycare with another 3yo and two more 5yos. Yes, it's busy. I also had my daycare open until my c-section with the twins. I know about the exhaustion. Also, my dh works many long nights, and is out of town quite a bit. That's really hard.

Keys to my sanity: First, I have accepted that the kids do not need a bath every night. If they eat chicken nuggets for dinner once in a while, or even (gasp) fast food, it's not the end of the world. The biggest key, though, is having a tight schedule. They really do thrive on routine. We have breakfast at 8am. We do preschool activities at 9am (coloring, painting, etc). We go outside at 10am. we have lunch at noon. We go down for naps at 1pm. Kids are up from naps at 3pm. Snack at 3:30pm. Bus stop at 4:30pm. Daycare closes at 5:30pm. Dinner at 6:30pm. Bath and bedtime routine starts at 7:30pm. Kids all in bed by 8:30pm. That's when I do the dishes. I also have the older girls help me pick up toys and what not before bedtime, while I"m bathing the twins. So once the dishes are done, I run on the treadmill, shower and go to bed myself. OH, before I go to bed, I load the wash with dirty clothes. In the morning before I head downstairs, I start the wash. I switch loads when I'm upstairs putting the twins down and start another load. Before I get the twins up, I fold what's in the dryer, and while the girls are saying their prayers, I fold the 2nd load and put both loads away. As long as I keep up, I can stay on top of it. I also run the dishwasher in the evening and put away dishes while the kids are eating breakfast.

Sorry this is so long, but I have found these tips have really helped my life be more manageable. Honestly, things go much smoother when dh isn't here!

hth, Debbie

 

[pamperedlinda]

Wow Debbie....are you and Jilleysue long lost sisters!! I am tired just reading about your day these are great ideas. I only have one child and I can't believe how much more disorganized my house is these days.