Life's Lessons

It was just a few minutes after five when I rolled over and looked at the clock. Joe was awake crying in his crib. I went into the dark room and patted his back with the fingers crossed on my other hand hoping he would go back to sleep. No luck. We snuggled downstairs until I heard the older two whispering, Camilla getting out the cereal and milk and Hyrum protesting something with that high pitched scream of his. Morning had come. I groggily made my way upstairs and handed the kids a brownie since we didn't have time for a real breakfast. They played and ran around the house while I asked them (not all that politely after the tenth time) to get their shoes and jackets on. We had to drive Daddy to the clients today to save him from a six O'clock bus ride. I was glad to do it since it meant we got to see him for just a little while longer before work. I popped some bread in the toaster for Mr. Stannix and then took the kids out to the car. We were all still in our Jammies except for Daddy of course. We made it home with enough time to get everyone dressed, rooms tidied and morning prayers said. The children quickly ate breakfast before we were out the door again and on our way to CJ's first swimming lesson. As we left I realized that Hyrum's pants were on backwards. I shrugged and off we went. Camilla loved her lesson, and did good! I kept Joe in our hiking backpack and Hyrum played in the "dryland" play center on the side of the pool where we could easily keep an eye on Camilla.

We got home, played with our favorite friend while her Mamma ran some errands and then made lunch. I tried putting Hyrum for his nap, but he wasn't feeling tired enough so we opted for a movie instead. By the time we finished, the littles were feeling hungry, so we went up for snacks. On my way up the stairs, Hyrum  turned and said, "You're my bestest Mudder ever". He also had some great squeezes and hugs for me today. Moments I will cherish always. I got the older two some yogurt and then I slipped upstairs hoping for a few minutes of peace. I came back down to all three children quietly eating a yogurt. Camilla had gotten Joe his very own and he was enjoying it thoroughly. After he had finished, I stripped him down to his white onesie. There's something about a baby in a white onsie. I could have hugged and squeezed him for the rest of the day... He toddled around the kitchen while I cleaned up, scrambling up on the kitchen chairs and finishing up everyone's left overs.

After a late dinner, Joseph went right up to bed while the other two had a quick bath. Hyrum went to bed earlier than usual since he didn't nap. By eight our house was silent. I kissed Mr. Stannix good-bye and took off to take advantage of 10% day at the grocery store. We had run out of some staples like salt for baking, butter, ice cream, soda crackers and fruit smoothie ingredients. My list was a mile long, but I was excited to tackle it sans kiddos and take my time at the grocery store. I grabbed my cart, took off my gloves, and reached into my pocket to find my list was no where to be found! I spent a good chunk of time browsing the aisles and trying to trigger my memory. I think I only missed two things. The guy who bagged my groceries said something like,"I bet you don't have to come back for a while!" I explained that I have three little kids and only like to go out once a week. He replied, "Wow, I'm never having kids, they're expensive!" I smiled and went on my way. I got home way too late, but enjoyed some time to myself.

And now here I am, going over the moments of my day. The stress from this morning has almost been forgotten, but not without lessons learned. I've learned I need to slow down a little, relish in the moments that I have with the children while they are still at home.  Even though it's tough when Joseph wakes so early, I have vowed that from now on, no matter how early in the morning, my children will always be greeted with a simple "good morning" and a big hug.

"Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication." 

~Leonardo Da Vinci

I've also learned to laugh more. The other day we were all at the mall. Camilla was sitting in the bottom seat of the stroller. We were walking fairly close to the wall and suddenly I heard a "clunk". I looked down to see Camilla rubbing her head. She had been looking out the side of the stroller to see where we were going and I hadn't noticed. I bent down beside the stroller to see if she was okay. As I spoke to her I started to giggle. I couldn't control it. Thankfully she joined right in and we had a good laugh together. I may have laughed quietly to myself all the way to the doors. It felt good to laugh like that again. Sometimes I'm just plain too serious. Today Hyrum decided to sit in the block bucket and got stuck. I also may have laughed a lot as I pulled and pulled on that bucket to get it off. My goodness, these kids are a riot.

I'm finally starting to feel like my "old self" again. It feels good to be back...