Today I realized that I can continue to focus on what isn't done (like the budget, the piles, the photo boxes). Or I can stop and think of what I DID do today (as a mom...as a teacher is a whole different post)...
- I prepared lunch for Child 3 and myself for the field trip we thought we were going on before the rains came down...again!
- I held Child 4's hand during breakfast...why? Because he wanted me to. It is his love language. So I guess you could say I fulfilled his love language.
- I fixed the hair of two little girls.
- I got out of the house with three kids (Mark takes the youngest), all dressed and fed.
- I again (with gentle reminders) reinforced the pattern of prayer on the way to school, praying out loud for each family member.
- I got myself and the three kiddos to school...early!
- I hugged Child 3 in the hallway a couple of times just because she needed it.
- I found Child 1's glasses on my desk and remembered to bring them home for him.
- I finished up my work early so we could get Child 4 out of daycare early...it isn't fair for it to be a long day for him.
- I signed up to bring a snack for the Halloween party at Child 4's school.
- I made Child 4 a snack because that is his routine, even if he just ate one at school.
- I blended salsa and browned hamburger meat for our taco dinner (always a favorite around here).
- I checked backpacks, making sure the kids were caught up on school work and any other needed notes...I reinforced that education IS important.
- I folded a few loads of laundry, washing more in its place.
- I assisted Child 3 with her "chore" of emptying the dishwasher. In many ways it would be easier to do it myself, but I have to remember that it instills responsibility and a sense of accomplishment for her.
- I cleaned down the counter and washed my hands several times in hopes that we can stay healthy around here.
- I picked Child 1 up from swim team. Extra curricular activities are tough on the rest of us but they are important to him.
- I answered questions delicately and honestly for Child 3 about something she had heard at school that upset her (a current event), hopefully providing her some peace of mind.
- I prepared the house to look somewhat decent for an upcoming visit from Mark's parents.
- I nurtured my family with a yummy taco meal followed by Halloween sugar cookies.
- I maintained discipline (or tried to :), hoping that by changing some behaviors not, they won't be an issue later in life.
- I cleaned out one last box of summer/spring clothing...I am almost finished!
- I prayed for several friends and family throughout the day.
- I e-mailed (what I hope was encouragement) to some friends.
- I maintained my relationship with my sister who lives away from me through Facebook interaction.
- I helped save even a little bit of the earth by recycling rather than throwing away.
- I spent even just a few minutes talking or playing with the kids, connecting with them after being away all day.
- I researched possible summer vacation destinations, possible dinner for tonight, and other things.
- I spent some quality time with my hubby.
- I recorded some memories on Facebook and the blog in hopes that it will provide my kids with a written record of our family life for years to come.
All that to say, I am never going to be the ideal mom or wife. I won't always run the house in an organized manner. I won't always be on top of things. And some days, I am in survival mode. I think about all of the things our ancestors did (like churning butter, collecting eggs, sewing clothing), and I am so far away from being that "ideal woman". But at the end of the day, if I really think about it, I can look back and see that I have accomplished many things, that my heart is there for my family and friends, that I am "doing my part" for the world. I imagine you could do the same!
Reba
Sounds like you did more than I do in a week!!!
ReplyDelete