I could lead into this post with a bunch of mumbo-jumbo about how transformative motherhood has and continues to be for me.

But you probably already know that because it's been the same way for you.

I could aim to grab your attention with a semi-long-winded, sounds-like-I'm-whining, endearingly, embarrassing relatable anecdote, but I'll spare you the pain of such a predictable intro to a story about motherhood.

Because you've heard them all and you live those similar stories in your own home.

I could lie to you and avow that I've found balance and peace amidst all the chaos that is mothering three rambunctious children and send you a link to a course -- one you'd have to pay me for, of course, at the expense of your money and any minimal spare time you have -- so that you too, thanks to yours truly, can get your hands on some of your own non-essential oil or pill-driven serenity.

I'm not going to do any of that because I am no sage, no teacher, and am an expert at nothing.

Except for one thing.

My saving grace, perhaps?

Ever since I started making babies and then hit the ripe 'ole age of thirty, I have no desire to fake that I'm someone I'm not and to portray motherhood in general, me as a mother, or my family as anything but a bunch of overtired, sleep-deprived, schedule-driven, responsibility-avoiding, attention-seeking, fun-motivated, adventurous, joke-telling clowns.

And, I've got to tell you, that if motherhood has taught me anything about myself, in addition to learning to be more concise in my delivery 'cause God knows a verbal, behavioral, or tantrum-decorated interruption is on the horizon, it's that I feel motivated and inspired to be a better parent when I have raw conversations with other women who are imperfect mothers, just like me.

So, if you're seeking some straight-talk this evening so that you might feel

understood,

empathized with,

supported,

in good company,

encouraged,

or just because you need a good laugh,

here are 10 honest AF things about motherhood for me and me as a mom:

1. I CAN'T COOK. I don't want to cook. I don't like to cook, and nobody in the household likes what I make anyway.

2. I NEED MORE ALONE TIME THAN I EVER HAVE. Maybe it's the incessant calling of my name, touches on my body and people underfoot and on my tail, but I have never in my life enjoyed solo-time, until now, and these days, I crave it.

3. I AM PROBABLY THE REASON MY KIDS TALK SO MUCH. Please pray for my poor husband.

4. THE WORST PART ABOUT BEING A PARENT IS ALL THE FREAKIN' LAUNDRY. Sometimes my lazy arse doesn't even fully unload the dryer before I add freshly washed clothes to it because why the heck not.

5. I'M A YELLER. And I cannot stop, no matter how hard I try. But, I'll tell you this -- I'm going to keep trying.

6. I'M A HYPOCRITE & I KNOW IT. You know all those reminders I give my kids to brush their teeth, clean up their messes, put stuff back where they found it, etc.? Sometimes, I don't do any of that shiitake without being prompted by the hubs.

7. I'M OVERLY-ATTACHED TO MY KIDS AND SPOUSE. But I don't think it's so unhealthy and I'm not working on it.

8. I HAVE DREAMS TO BE MORE THAN A MOM. And I think that's okay. I think I have more than one purpose, though my family will, without fail, always be #1.

9. I SPEND TOO MUCH MONEY. On myself, the kids, clothes from consignment, but mostly food.

10. NOT BEING MENTALLY PRESENT WHEN I'M PHYSICALLY PRESENT IS MY BIGGEST DOWNFALL. But awareness and acknowledgment is one small baby step to remedying that.

Well, there you go -- just a very few of my many, got-to-work-on-these-one-day truths, and here's hoping me airing them out helps you out in some way.