A Day in the Life of a Pioneer Mom
This morning started at the crack of dawn, around 4 AM, as I set about preparing our daily bread. The fire needed tending, and the dough required rising before Pa and the boys returned from milking the cows and caring for the livestock. I managed to fry some salt pork, the last bit from last fall’s hog slaughter, and we had just enough fresh milk for the little ones—a true blessing. I often reflect on the heartache of losing a baby due to my milk drying up when we lacked a milking cow, and the nearest neighbor was miles away. I would have given anything for a way to nourish her.
She now rests beside the vegetable garden, along with three other children we’ve lost—one to measles, another to scarlet fever, and one trampled by a bull. It’s a heavy burden, but I find solace in the seven children who thrive and help us on the homestead. I’m grateful to have lived to see my first grandchild born this past year, even at the age of 34.
Pa often jokes about my youthful appearance, despite my daily corset and sunbonnet that keep my skin pale. I try to soothe my cracked hands with tallow each night. This morning, we hoed the garden and planted a new row of potatoes. The littlest girls churned butter while the older ones and I prepared headcheese, baked six pies, five loaves of bread, and a pot of hominy. With food being scarce this time of year, we were fortunate indeed.
Pa had to discipline the boys for throwing stones instead of plowing the oat field. There’s little room for nonsense, after all. I let the girls play nearby while I boiled some ashes from the cookstove to make lye for soap, all while hauling buckets of water from the well.
Pa is considering a trip to town next week—25 miles away—to trade pelts for calico fabric. I long for new clothes, especially since I haven’t had a new dress in three years. And I can’t wait to hear from my sister back East; I miss her, and we exchange letters yearly. I need to make some ink from pokeberries to write her back.
Last night, Pa shot a bear near the chicken coop, which brought us so much meat. I roasted some for dinner, and the boys enjoyed a hearty meal after a long day in the fields. After dinner, we’ll read scripture by lamplight and prepare for another busy day tomorrow. I have a long list of chores: ironing, finishing hats, mending socks, baking bread, changing the straw in the mattresses, and sweeping the dirt floor. It won’t be so bad, really. Perhaps I’ll even treat myself to a cup of warm water, saving the last of my tea leaves for a rare visit from friends.
A Day in the Life of a Modern Mom
Let me tell you, today has been an absolute whirlwind. Ugh, I can’t even! This morning, my kids Ava and Jake flat-out refused to cooperate. I tried explaining that we were running late for preschool drop-off, which would mean I’d miss my favorite yoga spot by the mirror! Jake wouldn’t put on his shoes, while Ava gagged on the green juice I painstakingly made. Do you have any idea how much of a hassle it is to clean the juicer? It’s a nightmare!
To make matters worse, I forgot to charge their iPads overnight—so no toy unboxing videos to soothe them during our drive. They were practically in tears without their screens. After finally getting them in the car, I discovered they spilled vegan cheddar bunny crackers everywhere. And of course, we hit traffic, which had me eyeing three Starbucks with drive-thru lines that spilled onto the road. Just my luck on a day when I needed my venti cold brew with coconut mylk the most.
After dropping the kids off, I was greeted by a sub at yoga—this new teacher who plays way too much dubstep. It was unbearable! Then I had to brave Whole Foods, where finding parking was a challenge. I was running low on chromium and resveratrol—definitely not an option to skip shopping today, especially with the cleaning lady coming soon.
Back home, while Yolanda cleaned, I treated myself to ordering a waist trainer (because apparently that’s what the Kardashians are using), along with two shirts for $500 that I just couldn’t resist. Soon it was time to pick up the kids again for their creative-movement and imaginative-play class, followed by a playdate at the park.
But of course, the park was a whole new worry! Bees buzzing, mosquitoes, and the fear of a kid falling off a swing—it’s exhausting! Plus, the slide was too hot from the sun, which made Jake uncomfortable.
As the day dragged on, I realized my Botox was wearing off, and I needed to schedule another appointment. I looked so pale—time for a spray tan! Dinner was a rush; I threw together grilled cheese for the kids, feeling guilty about gluten and casein. I wish I had thought ahead and grabbed some vegan almond cheese.
Finally, after bathing the kids and giving them their iPads to keep them occupied, I zoned out with mine, engaging in a heated Facebook debate with a woman who thought formula feeding was okay. Seriously, how could she not consult a lactation consultant first?
After a FaceTime call with my friend Julee, I snapped an adorable photo of Ava and Jake with the dog to share on Instagram. Once they were tucked in bed, I could finally unwind with a glass of wine. What a long day! Honestly, I don’t know how I manage it all. Motherhood is truly exhausting.
Conclusion
In summary, while pioneer moms and modern moms face vastly different challenges, they both embody resilience and dedication. Whether navigating the harsh realities of homesteading or juggling the complexities of modern life, motherhood remains a demanding yet rewarding journey.
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