Playing with this little guy in the mornings while Justine naps is one of the best things about being a mom. We play golf and tennis and pass. We water the garden. We swing on the swing set. He’s cute, sweet and polite. His golf swing isn’t too shabby either!
I loved watching my children swing together this afternoon. They each had a swing and they each had a smile on this beautiful spring day.
“A child can teach an adult three things: to be happy for no reason, to always be busy with something, and to know how to demand with all his might that which he desires.” – Paulo Coelho
I needed to wash my floors. I have a high tolerance for crusty broccoli, caked on sweet potato and dried milk, but enough is enough. I (kind of) had time, so today was the day. Justine took a nap. Avery saw what I was doing and wanted to help. I gave him a spray bottle and a cloth and he sprayed everything he could. Everything but the floor.
I was slightly annoyed, but because he sprayed the walls and the dining room chairs, more than just my floors are clean. He likes to help. I’m thankful for that. I hope he stays that way. A mother can Hope.
We had a great visit this morning with some moms and their children. I met some very new babies. They reminded me of how small my kids once were. It is a joy to host playdates.
After our friends left Avery decided he wanted some fruit loops. I did not know this. I found him in the living room with an empty bag of fruit loops insisting he needed a bowl. All I really could do was get my phone to take a picture and a video, and then of course, we vacuumed it all up.
Justine tried solid foods for the first time today – peas! She didn’t seem to spit them out besides the regular tongue thrusting, so I think she liked them. I love watching her learn to do new things. I also love watching Ayla and Avery watch Justine.
Every day I take care of my children.
Every day they warm my heart.
Every day I am amazed that God would entrust me with their well-being.
Every day I would live over and over to cherish moments like the one in the above photo.
Every. Single. Day.
Avery is at the stage where he struggles to communicate what he wants. He had two intense freak outs today – screaming, crying, laying on the floor for several minutes.
I do my best to vocalize different things he may or may not want. He’s struggling. I’m struggling. We all want what we want. Keeping my cool is a priority, but it wears on me.
As he rests his head on my shoulder while I’m rocking him before bed, I think how privileged I am to be his mom (and Ayla’s and Justine’s). God will guide me, I just have to ask and listen.
These past couple of days I kept Ayla home from school due to illness. That means my attire has consisted of yoga pants and a bathrobe (I have been able to shower, thankfully). It also means that I haven’t had to rush to do anything or go anywhere. Ayla was feeling better this evening.
Because we’ve been home, I have focused to consistently start potty-training Avery. Prayers are welcome, for him and for me. It’s not an easy task!
I had to stop and take some breathers today, like most days, but I wouldn’t trade this life for anything.
“Sometimes she must leave God at the altar and find Him in the housekeeping.” -St Frances of Rome
I came across this quote on two different occasions today. I guess I needed to see it!
I’ve thought about and talked about this subject with other moms and wives before. Whether you are a stay at home mom, or a work outside of the home mom, you clean, cook, do laundry, and perform many other household tasks. God is there. In the second load of laundry. In the crummy dinner plates. In the fingerprint laden windows. There is hope in the housework.
I enjoyed some mommy time at MOPS this morning. I am grateful for that fellowship twice a month; however, I am more grateful for the kind people who watch our children in the nursery. Avery doesn’t always want to stay and play without me, but he eventually settles down. That is all thanks to the ladies (and one man, Bud, who reminds me of my grandfather). Without their kindness and love, I (and all the other moms), would not be able have a little time to talk, laugh and relax for an hour. I know Avery is in good hands.
Hope in Everyday Blessings 