Strange title, I know.
So, here is the story. Sometimes I feel the need to share my everyday life with these little fellas. Here are three examples of how I am being grown and stretched by Landon and Connor.
We have decided to join Hope Valley YMCA for many reasons, mostly the pool for this summer (for pregnant me and for Landon to get more exposure) and the childcare while I work on getting back into shape at their gym that will be open in 6 months. I have been taking the boys and it has been a blast. We will in fact, go this afternoon. There is a lot of preparation when getting two boys ready for the pool. Not to mention, myself. So, as usual, I get them ready first, then myself. I put sunscreen on both precious little ones while they wiggle, run and squirm and then on myself, except for my back- that I can't reach. "I will get someone to do it at the pool." Well, I forgot (not sure how that happened...) and came home with a fried back.
In caring for my boys, I often forget about doing things for myself or I just cannot find the time or space to do so. This scenario makes me think about the times I forget to have my quiet times in the mornings. On those days I am much more easily broken, stressed and just "burnt" out at all of the demands on my life right now. Taking the extra time, even when it seems there is none, really makes a difference. Also, keeping focused (my problem with the sunscreen and certainly devotional times) is imperative to doing those things necessary for growing into the woman of God He designed me to be.
The overdone bread...Well, my sweet neighbors just had their third baby and I wanted to make good use of my fresh zucchini last evening by making them some fresh zucchini bread. While I manned the two boys, I managed to make three loaves of bread and dinner. The kids ate dinner, I put the bread in the oven and realized that I had to quickly get them into their baths because bedtime was going to be early (no naps for either, sassy mouthed 5 year old and mommy in desperate need of a break). There were 20 minutes left on the oven to make my bread perfect...you know the deal. I came upstairs to give the boys a bath and decided one would be in the shower and one in the bath, to eliminate any fighting. That. was. an. ordeal. Trying to get them to decide which one would do which was exhausting...they were tired, mind you, but seriously, tears... I finally got them in, washed them both and got them out...running downstairs to get my bread. That smell. That overdone bread smell.
Stinker! I was upset, but have become very accustomed to similar scenarios and just shrugged my shoulders, "Oh Well." I got the bread out and it was not burnt. I was glad about that. This reality in my life that happens so often reminded me of my constant running around trying to do everything...making everything I do a little less effective. I was struck by how this hit me and the need to work on practicing the art of saying NO to even good things jumped on my back like a monkey! I am a people pleaser. I have tried to work on it, but I often slide backwards. I think I have done that lately and have left myself feeling overdone, just like my bread. In order to be the best mom that I can be, I really need to focus on the task at hand...that of raising these boys and "Rather than wishing I had other gifts, I need to make good use of the gifts God has given me." NIV commentary on Acts 9:36. I need to be the best me I can be and that means an undivided me.
Now, the above picture can be referenced for this final part of my post. I decided to plant a small garden this year. We planted tomatoes, peppers and a cucumber plant. Landon picked all varieties of the plants and has been diligently watering them and keeping an eye on their progress. It has been a great learning experience for him. We have had three things picked from our garden and two are in the picture above...and they were NOT intended for my dad's famous "Fried Green Tomatoes". I took a deep breath, took the boys to the garden and calmly said, "We do not pick green tomatoes, only red ones. Now these cannot be eaten." Connor of course, said, "Oh No!! I sorry Mommy!". Landon sheepishly looked at Connor and said, "Connor did it!". I know Landon. He is two. Landon was then reminded that he and his buddy picked the only pepper that has come off our vine when it was about the size of a large grape...
Another mommy pruning moment. How often do I try to get things before their time... I want things now. Then, I teach my children about patience...I am not a picture of patience myself. All things are good in the Lord's time, not mine. I swallow hard as I realize how much I am like my children in all three of the listed instances. I am yearning to be better, but it is hard. I am yearning to be an effective mom who really is purposeful in every interaction I have with my children.
Lord, fill my cup with your love and patience, I can't do this job without you.
