Always be Happy

As I went to bed late last night my heart was heavy and my mind weary. It had been a really long day with lots of things to do, and my patience was wearing thin come bed time. As we gathered for night prayers I turned on a hymn to help set the tone. Everyone filed into the living room, but a few of the little ones had more energy than they could handle and were bouncing all over the couches instead of coming to kneel with the rest of us. There was lots of chatter about video games and no one seemed focused on the task at hand. I became grumpy, and then upset, and after what felt like the millionth time of asking, I finally peeled a bouncing child off the couch and sat them in my lap for prayer time. They fought and whined for the duration of the prayer and tears stung my eyes as we knelt together. 

Then began the long process of getting all of the littles into bed. We brushed teeth, flossed, got drinks, went potty and then I tucked in Lily with a hug and a kiss. Next, I went down to Sawyers bedside where his regular back scratch and song were requested while Cooper tumbled around in his crib upstairs. I turned out the light afterwards, and quietly made my way up to the kitchen to make a bottle. Cooper was waiting with blanket in hand and we had a moment to snuggle together. When I placed him in his crib, he did not roll over and drift off to sleep like usual, instead he jumped around for a while and then got really upset that he was stuck there. I sat quietly in the chair waiting for him to settle, laying him down and picking his covers off the ground multiple times after he would throw them out of the crib. Finally, after all else had failed, I went to his crib side and gently patted his back to help him calm down. Eventually he fell asleep and I was able to leave and greet Mr. Stannix and the big kids who had just arrived home moments before.

When I went out into the kitchen I noticed Oliver sitting at the island with a piece of paper and his art kit. It had gotten dark, so I turned on the island lights for him and went to work warming some food for Mr. Stannix.

Next I hugged Fin and Ollie goodnight and they headed down to bed, and soon the teens were also on their way downstairs, dreading the early school morning ahead.

When I finally made it to bedtime myself, I noticed a piece of paper left on my side of the bed. "Always be Happy" it read. My dear Oliver had noticed my frustration over the course of the evening and decided to cheer me up with a little note. Tears of gratitude stung my eyes for that little boy who took time to cheer and to bless. I am forever grateful when my children see a need and fill it. I placed it safely on my bedside table as a daily reminder.