Let me just start by saying that motherhood is not for the faint of heart. I also don't put too much emphasis on Mothers Day, because just like Valentines Day, we should be expressing our love and honoring our loved ones every day of the year; not just when Hallmark tells us to. But, I digress...
Mother's Day for me is no different than any other day of the year; and in fact it is because of Mother's Day that I am reminded "slap in the face style" that I am blessed more than I deserve. I know that I am a blessed momma; I am truly rich and blessed.
Today I observed my family, my surroundings and events that occurred and soaked up all the little blessings, even if they were raindrops. Let me give you a tour of my day.
I slept in until 8 am, when I heard my husband on the phone with his Mom, and then his step-mom. He had been awake since 6:30 and decided to tackle laundry. At 8:30, my kiddos wake up, forget what day it is, and then suddenly scramble out of my room and shut the door. Then, Bubba comes back in and says "um, I want to make you breakfast, but we have nothing". Yes-I forgot to get stuff for breakfast last night. So, I immediately think to myself why didn't my husband go get stuff! In the meantime, the older kids are tidying up they living room and trying to make a 'Happy Mother's Day' banner, and thread yarn through it so they can present it to me. But, Bubba is getting agitated with Sweet Pea because she is not lining it up correctly and they end uo arguing. Meanwhile, Lilypie wants nums and I still need to go to the store. Give her num nums and then put my grumpy shoes on, expressing my disappointment to hubby, and head to Fry's. I get to Fry's and there are a ton of men getting flowers for the women in their lives. I was like "Oh, come on!!" Half in tears yet at the same time, I hate getting flowers because you spend all that money, and they die. So I get home, cook everyone breakfast, which the kids barely ate because they were so excited to go swimming at Papa's. We rush to get ready, because we have to be at Papa's at 11:00; we get there at 11:30. The air in the van quit; it's 102* out; it stinks. We arrive and get ready to go in the pool. Emma and daddy are in; I am lotioning up Lilypie. Get Lilypie ready, she grabs her water wings and walks to the pool. Daddy is in, but, he's on the other side with his back turned. I yell "Chris, she doesn't have her water wings on!" And next thing you know, she is under the water. Bubba is screaming her name and Daddy is rushing to get to her, and as he gets close, he falls pushing her to the edge, but she is still under. he finally yanks her up and she is crying and I am shaking. :( Bubba is trying to comfort me and tell me she's okay, Mom, she's okay. I go in the house and I start to cry. I compose myself, get my suit on and head out to swim.
Lily is stuck to me the entire time; and I to her. My husband made a joke, but it didn't come out right and I cry again.
The early afternoon hours were pretty quiet; I enjoyed some company, lunch and watched my Lilypie pretend she was on a safari with binoculars; she spotted wild horses that were red, black and blue. The kids watched a couple shows and then we went home.
On the way home, we had disappointment come our way and it really bummed my hubby. the entire time hubby was down on himself, Bubba was our little evangelist, telling his father that God will never let us down, he is there the most in our darkest hours. I looked at Bubba and said "you are wise beyond your years". I watch our Bubba, age 9, try to carry the weight of the world on his shoulders, sometimes. He shouldn't have to. Somewhere in here, Lilypie drops the guinea pig, too. Oy!!
After some quiet time, I start some dinner and am completely blown away by my little woman in training, Em. She cleared off the table, reset it saying she needed to do it all fancy and put our bowls on out plates, and have us all cups, knives, forks and spoons. She took the baked potatoes out of the oven, put all the food on the table and plated everyone pasta salad and baked potatoes, cutting Lilypie only a half a potato. She also told Bubba that he had to at least TRY the pasta salad. lol She completely blew me away.
I clean up the kitchen with Bubba and settle in to relax with the family until it is time for bed. the older two are pretty compliant; Lilypie gave us a little trouble, but in the end after being strong and not caving in, she fell asleep.
I sit here thinking that yep, today is no different than any other day. Mommy duty doesn't stop because there is a special day on the calendar. But, I am glad my day was normal. I couldn't and wouldn't have it any other way. I am truly blessed, and every tear and every laugh brings us one step closer together and to God. I am seeing the fruits of our labor and so proud of our kids. They are amazing little people and try so hard!
Being a Mom is tough, no matter what kind of Mom you are or what you do. You have a 24x7 job and its got highs and lows; lots of emotion and commotion. See how my day went? It was like a rollercoaster ride full of happiness, amazement, awe, wonder and fear. And, somedays, I do feel like throwing my hands up in the air and screaming.
Its the best job I have ever had and I love my family to pieces.
Happy Mothers Day to all you Moms out there! May you find joy in your ride.
