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| This is one of the many funny and distracting things they did to get out of going to bed. |
We had a wonderful weekend.
Lots of family time, 2 naps for me, both cars washed and detailed with lots of
sunshine and laughter. We had plenty of fun while accomplishing a few tasks.
I had an unusual week last
week and was unable to get to the grocery store. Sunday, at around 5, I packed
the girls up and went to HEB. Upon returning home I looked at my refrigerator
with wonder and horror. There was MUCH to be eaten, tossed and cleared. What in
the world had I been doing having fun all weekend? Fortunately, Mark was outside detailing my
car, (best husband ever) and I allowed Lola to take Selah in the front to play.
If anyone has ever had a toddler, they know cleaning out the fridge can be a
logistical nightmare. At this point it was 6:30, our usual eating time. I could
feel my anxiety starting to rise. I still had to clean out the fridge, unpack
groceries, cook dinner, eat dinner, bath the girls, read books and put kids to
bed. Please breathe self.
Dinner. Rounding children up
from playing outside for three hours is an unfortunate task for all parties
involved. I know the kids are going to go to bed late and I am already
anticipating a cranky morning so I am feeling stressed about something that has
not even happened. Daddy is exhausted after being play-mate #1 for 2 days,
all the while fulfilling my to-do list. The kids, on the other hand, are trying
to pull themselves from an outdoor world of relative freedom and sunlight into
an indoor world of grouchy parents and a cacophony of questionable
leftovers. They don’t move fast enough
for Pete’s sake. When we say “GET INSIDE!” in our loudest yelling voice, it
does not mean take the bikes for another turn around the cul-de-sac. This
grouchy/frustrated/time-is-ticking situation can turn a lovely weekend, into a
sad ending with kids feeling confused and parents feeling frustrated and
guilty. I feel sad when I think of how many times I barked at Moses to EAT
already. As if it where his fault I did not grocery shop until Sunday, or that
Mark is a perfectionist when it comes to things like detailing the car. The guilt
did not come last night mind you. Oh, no. There was a well justified reason
behind my hurried push to get the kids to bed. (At least I thought so last
night)
Morning. I am homeroom
parent and on the Hospitality committee at our school. Both are relatively easy
jobs with little responsibility most of the year. However, Teacher Appreciation
Week is a biggie. I had signed up to bring Kolaches and serve the teachers
before school started on Monday. I woke myself at 6, showered with full make-up
(whoot). Woke up Moe from a fit-full night of sleep (in our bed) in order to
push him in the shower. I rolled Lola out of bed and into her clothes, and
picked up baby from a peaceful slumber and shoved her in the car. I absolutely
cannot believe that I got all three kids and myself in the car by 7. It was a
miracle. I gave myself about 2 seconds to marvel at said accomplishment and
then sent my mind racing to the next task at hand. Get 2 dozen kolaches, donut
holes for the kids…oh, wait Lola wanted a kolache too. AH, and Moses wanted a
chocolate donut, go back in shop to get promised donut. Here is where you can
start to see the guilt seeping in. I actually got out of the car again and went
back in and got him another donut. Who am I? Anyway, we arrived at school at
7:15 and we were the second car in the parking lot.
Hmmm? That is odd. I glance
over at the school marquee and notice STARR testing is this week.
Hmmm? Another oddity. They
did not even let us each lunch when the 4th graders tested a few
weeks ago. How are we going to deliver goodies and treats all week?
Ahh well, no time to ponder,
“Get out!” Kids, kolaches, stroller and
back packs hauled into school before anyone else. HOORAY!!! I WIN!!
That is until the Vice-Principal
informs me, very gently; Teacher Appreciation Week is next week.
I have never thought of
myself as a perfectionist, at least not much. However, having children has
shown me I am control-freak perfectionist. I want their bed time to be perfect,
even if, night after night, for 8 ½ years Lola shows me not every kid goes to
bed at 8. I want them to eat everything I put on their plate at dinner, even
though, evening after evening; Moses shows me not every kid is hungry at
dinner. I want their manners, behavior; love of each other to be perfect, even
though growing up is a process that takes day after day learning things that
take a life-time to accomplish. It irritates me to no end when they have not
learned these lessons post-haste. How
long does it take? My behavior dictates
that I seem to be in a rush. Well, how many times did I sing “ABCs” before they
could sing it back? I don’t know, about 60 times a day for three years.
What in my intent? To raise perfect children? Heavens no, or at least I don't want it to be. I want to raise persons that love Jesus, love others and know how to deal with rules and expectations. What is in my heart? Am I looking to raise perfection in order that I may look good? I will have to think on that.
Luke 6:45 says. " A good
person produces good things from the treasury of a good heart, and an
evil person produces evil things from the treasury of an evil heart.
What you say flows from what is in your heart."
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| Lola, the babushka. |
Guess what? We get to do it
all over again next Monday, because that is actually TAW. What to do different?
Well, who knows? Not be so irritated that things are not right on schedule.
Enjoy the fact that they get to eat donuts on a Monday morning. (Any day
really) They are FUN kids! And, funny and ridiculously entertaining and creative. I need to remember, I am doing all this volunteer work so my kids can
have a better experience in public school. Stop reminding them of that fact,
and take into account, as far as their concerned, if it does not affect them
directly they see no real value. They might or might not appreciate it one day,
no matter. Stop rushing them, stop
rushing myself. Why put stress on little ones that already have to face a day
without mommy after a weekend filled with loving parents? It will all get done,
one way or another. Pray. A lot. Pray for grace, patience, love, and peace in
the imperfections and a heart that produces words worthy of a tape recorder.
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| Words escape me. We were CRYING we were laughing so hard. (He is dressed up as Mark in a wig) |
