One of Those Days

Today I was having one of those days. I had gotten a babysitter for the 2 little ones, the big kids are at camp, and I had a list of things to accomplish. The first 2 things were going to Walmart and then to get my car washed. I got to Walmart and got everything I needed, which included school supplies. I was so glad to get that done. Being that I was doing this early instead of a few days before school starts, I really tried to think about each of my children and what they would want. You know, what color pencil box would Riley get if she were here. As I am buying their supplies, I am a little saddened that the summer is coming to a close quickly. And another year is upon us, which will be over and behind us just as quickly. My children are growing much faster than I ever imagined. But that's another post all together....back to my day. I left Walmart and went through the car wash. Then pulled into a parking space to vacuum out the car. OK..all those little warm fuzzy feelings I was having about my precious children melted right on the hot pavement. I looked in my 'way' back seat, as we affectionately call it, and there was the biggest mess I have ever seen. There were shoes, torn up paper, candy wrappers, candy, pens, pencils, etc, etc, etc. By the end of the clean up, my children were never going to have anything new ever again nor were they ever going see the sight of another electronic device. I was really upset with them that this was how they had treated our car. I know I should not be shocked but the backseat isn't like this and just assumed the 'way' back was the same. Boy, was I wrong. Anyway, after much mumbling and complaining, I came up with a plan and discussed it with Charles. We made a plan together of how to help our children continue to learn about responsibility and helping out as part of this family. That is not the point of this post. Tonight I sat down at my computer after much struggle to get our 4 in the bed. I was just going to quickly look at facebook and then go take a bath, but I happen to come across this website on a friend's status who has 5 children. Motherhood Is a Calling (And Where Your Children Rank). Wow! I was instantly reminded of what my calling as a mother really is about. I am blessed beyond measure by my Heavenly Father. I have had many people look at me with my 4 and ask me if I know how that happens. How sad that people think so little. All those little things like messy backseats or spots on the sofa are just small potatoes. I have the opportunity to teach my children that they are a gift and God has put them on this earth for something special. Or I can teach them that they are a complete burden. I make the choice each day. I pray I will choose the first and make a conscious effort to show them that.

Preparing for Easter

This year was my year to have Easter lunch. I had my whole family over, my brother's family, my sister's family, my mom and dad, and my in-laws. It was wonderful. We had such a fun time together.   

 (Side Note) It is funny how when we get together we end up telling the same stories over and over from our childhood. We are all just dying laughing and our spouses and children are looking at us like we have lost our minds. I guess we feel some wisdom can be gained by telling these stories in the first place and then we retell it because someone obviously did not get the point. Maybe we just think we are getting old and need to relive the past to feel young again. Anyway, I love my hubby for allowing me to tell those same stories and he acts so surprised and laughs at just the right spots. Bless his heart. 

(Now back to the point) As I was preparing food and table decorations, I was starting to stress out a bit. Now, I love to host a party. Absolutely love it! I would not have had it any other way than to have Easter at my house. That all said, I do tend to stress a bit when it gets to the day before. I start getting that feeling that everything is not going to come together, my table decor looks awful, the house is not spotless, the food is going to taste terrible and so on. A real little "woe is me" moment. And , of course, I started doing this Sat. night. I had to stop and remember why I was doing all of this. Not to show off my spotless house or the pretty flowers on my tables or the yummy food or even our Easter attire. It was to enjoy spending time with the family I love so much, sharing old, worn out stories, laughing together, getting so full we could barely breath, loving on each other. Most of all, I realized that in my anxious state, I was not focusing on the real reason we were getting together in the first place, to celebrate the Risen Lord! What was I thinking putting any of this Easter Celebration on me? It has nothing to do with me and everything to do with Him.