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Wow!

Ok, so this blog has been happy and cheerful...until today. How many mothers can relate to the sound of a boiling tea-kettle emanating from their usually happy child while they sit in time out? Houston, we have a gallon-sized issue coming from a pint-sized little girl!

I am always amazed at how early selfishness is seen protruding it's ugly head into the human gene pool. You see children in grocery stores shouting and throwing a fit at their mother for some little piece of candy. My child?? Never. Our issues only happen at home when wills cross each other.

I've learned a tremendous amount in the few short years I've been entrusted with my daughter. I've learned about myself and how I relate to God, most of all. I've learned how selfish I am. I've learned that God is amazing, incredible, ______ (you fill in the blank with your favorite positive adjective). He loves me through all of the fits that I throw over silly things. He patiently guides me and helps me to grow through those experiences when He has to discipline me.

Thank you, God! Thank you for character building trials that only help me to blossom.

Monday, Monday!

Little One has a play date today. She has such fun with her little friend. I miss her while she is gone, but it allows me to catch up on very important little things around the house that have been neglected.

My husband and I share a quiet lunch together, rare now-days. It's pleasant to sit comfortably in the presence of your partner, not feeling the necessity to talk, just enjoying the company. We work on various projects together and then Daddy goes to pick up Gracie-girl. They will spend the afternoon together running errands.

As the day wears on, I begin to look out the window often, wishing, hoping to see the car arrive in the parking lot. Finally, I hear a door shut and know it's them. My family has returned! I quickly open the window and shout "Lulu!" She looks up at me, smiles and waves, then runs to the stairs leading to our apartment. I open the door and wait for her to ascend, then give her a big hug. "I haven't seen you all day!" I say. "I missed you!" She just smiles and nods. Mommy can be a little silly sometimes.

Sometimes, I'm ashamed to admit, I wish for complete quietness and order in my life. It's days like today that make me glad that my wishes don't come true. I would never trade anything for the complete joy I feel when I am in the circle of my family.

Sunday Morning Cookies

Daddy comes home today. We leave for the airport, chattering all the way. What a treat to see him after four days apart! Smoothie in the car, being careful not to spill! The best I can do for breakfast on the run.

Daddy! Little face wreathed in smiles as he hugs and kisses her. Luggage in, belts are buckled, we are on our way. Together. What a relief to have my partner home with me. We fill him in on all the events of the week, little things of grave importance.

When we arrive, Daddy sleeps. Long day and sleepless night for him yesterday. We quietly leave and close the bedroom door. What now? "Let's make cookies for Daddy!" I suggest. "Yay!" Peanut Butter will do. Baker-in-the-making pours in every ingredient while Mommy operates the mixer. We shape the cookies and place them on the cookie sheet. Little One licks her fingers then rolls more dough. Inwardly I smile, outwardly I admonish. Cookies are now safely in the oven. They'll be done soon.

Off to the store for a few necessities, then back to jump on Daddy. Tickling ensues and shrieks of elation ring through the house. Thank you, thank you, for this delicious noise! It's been far too quiet.

We eat supper together, looks of contentment passing from Daddy to Mommy. Ahh, sweet satisfaction. Story time together as a family, bath time for Gracie, then snuggling before going to sleep. Now it's my turn! Relaxation is about to commence.

Good night, world!

Saturday

We woke up late today. Rushing, rushing! Eating cheerios, fixing hair, putting on little dress and shoes. Mommy is the last to get ready. I have plenty of time, I tell myself. When I look at the clock again I'm late. Argh! Kindergarten will have to start without me, I guess.

Little one clings to me during the program. This happens occasionally, and I don't know what precipitates it. Relief comes during story time. Interest is arrested as a familiar story is told and the accompanying memory text is given. She knows the verse well and is excited to receive her reward sticker. I am proud of her. We say good bye to her teacher and friends and walk to church.

Afternoon is spent with friends: me ~ talking and laughing; her ~ running and playing. I watch as she races with her companions, sunlight gleaming on her golden hair and not a care in the world. What a wonderful gift! She comes to me, breathless, for a drink, then back to the race. All too soon it's time to go. We have more plans for the evening.

Fellowship with friends is sweet, as is the warm delectable cake they make for my belated birthday. Music and worship complete the day and my sweet one falls asleep in the car on the way home.

Tomorrow my other half will be home and I am glad. I've missed him. Life is good when our family is complete.

Friday

Morning already. 7:45 a.m. "Mommy! I slept in my bed all through the night!" "Mommy, I had a dream about my white shoes..." Groggily, I try to force my eyes open. Why can't I get a good nights sleep? Oh, that's right...my hips ache so bad that I have to keep turning from one side to the other. Thank you, little baby boy growing inside!

"Mommy, I'm hungry." Ok. We walk to the kitchen where my little helper girl gets out peanut butter and syrup for our waffles. I've been making waffles and freezing them so that we have a quick nutritious breakfast. Today she asks to put on her own margarine. "Ok, but Mommy will supervise." She is doing well, so I turn my attention to smoothie making. I look back. OOPS! She is intentional about making sure that every square has margarine in it. I assist her in removing some of the margarine, then apply peanut butter and syrup. I know, I know. Not a healthy combination. She moves to the table, I turn back to my smoothie. "Mommy, I can't eat yet." "Why?" I ask. "We haven't had prayer yet." Ahhh, yes. Heads bowed, prayer given, eating begins. Food finished. Dishes in dishwasher.

"Gracie, I need your help today with making sure our house is clean." She runs to clean her bathroom - a favorite pastime. I learn a new method of cleaning. Squirt hand soap in the sink, rub with hands. Rinse with spray bottle. She runs to me. "Mommy, come look at my sink!" "Gracie! What a good job you've done." She beams. Now on to clean around the sink. Once again, footsteps run. "Mommy, come look!" "Give me five, Gracie! This looks fantastic." She grabs my hand in excitement. The simple joy of a job well-done.

She picks out her outfit today, perfectly matching. I am proud of her. What a big girl she is becoming. We play dentist while I brush her teeth. She tells me that her mommy is at work today so she drove the car all by herself to her "appointment". Oh, please help me! She's only three and she wants to drive the car already? Have mercy.

Now, off to a play date while I clean the rest of the house and prepare food for tomorrow. She'll help me with banana muffins later. We talk about the Good Samaritan in the car. She tells me the story verbatim. I wish my memory was that sharp.

She'll run and play and fall asleep early tonight.

A Bright New Day

Sunlight filters through my partially opened window blinds, nudging me awake. Quiet little footsteps signal the approach of my three-year-old daughter. She comes to my side of the bed. "Mommy, can we do research on petunias today?" "You want to research flowers now?" I whisper. My day, begun.

Breakfast, bath. Dress. Story time, sharing song. Little girl over-actively jumping on the couch. "Mommy, I need exercise!!!!" UGH. My eight month pregnant belly won't let me. What now? Creativity needs to kick in. What creativity? My brain is all but drained. I just want to sit and rest. It's only 11:30 a.m.?! I have the whole day in front of me....Bible video to the rescue so I can take a shower.

Shower accomplished...Now to the two loads of laundry. Manicure/Pedicure scheduled, YAY! Yesterday was my 31st birthday. I use some of my birthday gifts to pamper myself. Little one accompanies me. She is so good while I sit and relax. She wants her nails done, too. I tell her that I will give her a manicure when we get home. Out to dinner with just us girls and then home to unwind. We research donkeys instead of Petunias. Put together a cute craft using donkey cut-outs, glue stick, and toilet paper tube. Play hide-n-seek, modified tag, too. Momma can't run so well with her big belly. Now bath time.

I can see the end approaching. Time to take a deep breath. Relax and enjoy sweet companionship with a squeaky clean little girl who will soon be tucked safely in bed.