Something Nice?? About Me??? Hmmmmm

I'm told on a daily basis that I'm "just too hard on [myself]." I don't find that to be one bit true. I like to think I'm constantly working on improving myself. When I told this to my friend, she suggest that I work on saying nice things about myself--she even challenged me to do a weekly post stating something I like about myself and include an example. I've accepted the challenge and have found that this is going to be so hard for me. I don't think I can do once a week, but maybe twice a month. Here goes C.
A few weeks ago I received a "Daily Gem" email with this quote. When I read it, I actually forwarded it to Case and told him that here is something I think I'm good at. I think he was excited to hear me say something positive about myself. I know he wishes I would do it more. The quote says....

“What can. . .young mother[s] [do]. . .to reduce the pressure [of raising young children] and enjoy [their families] more?. . . Recognize that the joy of motherhood comes in moments. There will be hard times and frustrating times. But amid the challenges, there are shining moments of joy and satisfaction. Author Anna Quindlen reminds us not to rush past the fleeting moments. She said: ‘The biggest mistake I made [as a parent] is the one that most of us make. . .I did not live in the moment enough. This is particularly clear now that the moment is gone, captured only in photographs. There is one picture of [my three children] sitting in the grass on a quilt in the shadow of the swing set on a summer day, ages six, four, and one. And I wish I could remember what we ate, and what we talked about, and how they sounded, and how they looked when they slept that night. I wish I had not been in such a hurry to get on to the next thing; dinner, bath, book, bed. I wish I had treasured the doing a little more and the getting it done a little less."

I like that I'm a live in the moment kind of mom--for the most part anyway. We have a basic routine that we follow, but on a lot of days, I'll completely blow the routine to savour the moment. Don't get me wrong, I have my fair share of challenges and frustrations, but I really do love "doing" what a mom does.
Just this past Sunday, I woke up early to make sure we made it to church on time, well the boys were so fun and playful that morning that I couldn't resist tickling, wrestling, and playing with them--the result I was late for church. Case and the kids made it on time, but not me.Would I trade the opening hymn for those sweet giggles? Not ever!!
*I am NOT advocating missing church or even being late--just giving an example!!
WOW--that was so HARD for me!!! Hopefully it will get easier!!

Where Are They??

All day I've been wondering...where are they? Where are the magic little fairies that are suppose to come clean your house, cook dinner, and take care of the kids when both the parents in the house are passed out on the couch with a horrible case of the stomach flu. Not only are the parents passed out, but two of the four kids are suffering from the same thing. Oh my gosh--this has been the longest day of my life!! I've had several offers from family and friends for help, but really, how can I expose anyone to this awfulness?? Annie's offer was the best. Can I bring Lou Lou lunch? I'll just leave it on the front porch and call you when I'm far far away!! It turns out we didn't need her because Lou Lou is really good at making herself peanut butter sandwiches.
Poor Buggie, he still has the worst case of diarrhea, but even he knows if he wants to be changed, he's gotta tell us with a diaper and wipes in hand.
Finally, everyone is asleep. I'm on the couch watching a great chick flick hoping I fall asleep and that I don't have any conversations with the porcelain king tonight.
Why am I on the couch you ask? I can't risk hearing Casey throw up. He is so loud and sounds like he's dying. It's far too disturbing for me.
Anyway, here's to wishing my family well!! (And thanking my lucky stars that the chick flick I have recorded is NOT August Rush--one of the worst movies I've ever recorded and watched).