Reflections

I had an interesting experience today that reminded me that I need to change my perspective. As I was walking home this morning (after dropping the kids off at school and going walking), I ran into an acquaintance from the kids school. We've become friends over the years, not super close or anything, but friends. She stopped me and said the oddest thing. Now, I know she wasn't trying to be rude or anything. Just probably one of those things you just say because you don't really have anything to say but want to start up a conversation. I didn't take it personally, but it really got me to thinking. Let me preface this by saying that for whatever reason, she only has one child. I'm not judging here, just stating a fact. She asked me, "Do you ever get tired of all these kids?" My first thought, was "Heck Yes". They drive me crazy, don't obey, make messes, make too much noise, create too much laundry, cost money, eat a lot, fight, nag, irritate, whine, make messes, yell, throw temper tantrums, are grouchy, have attitudes, beg, make messes, argue, think they are the boss, cry, act crazy, drive me crazy and did I mention, make messes? So yup, I get tired sometimes, but not of them, just the things they do. So I noticed today so much more all the things I don't normally notice. The things that really bring me joy.

I walked to school three times today to drop off and pick up kids. The second two times, I let Brooklynn walk (with her little doggie backpack "friend") and we left extra early so we could take it slow and smell the roses. We held hands, talked, and I watched her view the world through 2 year old eyes. Every little thing we passed was exciting to her. She picked every wildflower and dandelion we passed, saying they were special, just for me. She picked up rocks and showed me how pretty they all were. She pointed out dogs and lots of fallen leaves, apple trees like ours and a cinder block fence she'd like to walk on. At every corner she whipped her head back several times while saying, "left, right, left, right, left, right, no cars, cross". She reminded me today that it's ok to slow down and enjoy the simple things.

After lunch, McKenna and I read books together and then made Brownies while Brooklynn napped. We talked all about school and the story she had written with her 6th grade buddy, which she was so excited about. We licked the bowl together and I didn't even get upset with her for dripping chocolate all over the counter, the floor and herself.

After Lauren got home, she sat down to play the piano and I had a glimpse of what I hope are days to come. She was working on Ode to Joy, which she is getting pretty good at. And while it wasn't really a calm, peaceful song, it was so nice to hear her play (mostly correct notes). I can't wait for the day when she can play anything and just sit and play for hours like some of our nieces can.

After school, Tyler had a friend over and this is when it really hit me. They were playing Nintendo together and laughing. It was a joyful, infectious laugh that was just pleasant to listen to. The sound of their laughter stopped me in my tracks and I just had to listen. They sounded so happy. I have no idea what could be so funny about Madden NFL, but whatever it was, they had a good laugh over it. Then they all went out to play. The day was so beautiful and warm and the happy sounds of all the kids playing and actually getting along was beautiful.

I know it sounds like a pretty nice afternoon, and it was, but this is NOT normal for our home. (Just ask our neighbors) But even though these days are few and far between, they are the ones that make it all worth it. So do I ever get tired of "all these kids". No, not at all. I'm so grateful for each one of them. They bring such joy and happiness into our home, I couldn't possibly imagine life without them.