Whipped Cream

Last night was New Year's Eve, and I must admit I had a second of feeling sorry for myself. Brian had to work. I didn't make plans. I was worn out from the holiday and it was just me and the kids. Again. Three weeks without school for Jaden. Every day without a break. Exhausted.
I made dinner. We ate. I then decided they should have a special New Years dessert. We had pie with whipped cream. And I mean LOTS of whipped cream ~ the kind from the can. The kind I never buy. The feeling where you top your pie and then just keep going, and going, and going. A mountain. Jaden laughed hysterically. He thought it was the funniest thing he had ever seen. He absolutely loved it. It is amazing that giving a child a bowl full of whipped cream can make you a hero in their eyes. The coolest mom ever. To experience unbridled joy. I laughed with them.
We ate our dessert and then called those we loved and wished them Happy New Year. The kids really got into shouting "Ha-ppy New Year." We laughed and played and chased and tickled for the rest of the night. We snuggled in my bed to watch a movie, a tad past their bedtime. When Brian called and I left the room to talk I was soon distracted by noise in my room. I peeked in to see every blanket and sheet off the bed and the two of them jumping for all their worth. Once again laughing. Precious and sweet and oh so fun.
I took time putting them each to bed. (Not my usual, I can't take another minute, my patience has been exhausted by the end of the day and if you make one more request of me I may absolutely lose it.) Ailia and I rocked and sang and talked. I reminded her that there is no other one made exactly like her, she is special, and God made her just like she is supposed to be. She told me there is another Lia. And I reminded her there is no other Ailia Elizabeth Butler. We went on to discuss members of our family and who was a Butler and who was a Toomey. She talked about Aunt Hiliary, which lead to a phone call. Then it hit me, sitting in the rocking chair (which I have been reluctant to give up even though she is fast approaching 3! (my baby!)) as we were singing Twinkle, twinkle, there was no better way to be spending my day. What people long for and miss, and aim and strive for, but there is nothing as pure and as tender and amazing as this. I am so thankful for my time. I know it is short. Even though I am tired, and sometimes overwhelmed, and impatient and frustrated, I wish I wasn't. I know this is what matters most. May I have that perspective. And may God continue to grow me, and appreciate the moments, and give me the power and the strength, and the love and the patience.
Ailia proceeded to take advantage and ask that I change the CD she was listening to. I gave her several options and as she was indecisive I finally informed her she would listen to the Curious George story I had selected. She told me, "Mom, I can't listen to that one again. It will hurt my feelings!" What could I do but laugh?
I took extra time with Jaden as well. He wanted to discuss the movie ~ Handy Manny wins the race. It is amazing what insight and intelligence he shows. His mind is constantly working, figuring, and observing. He is demonstrating critical thinking skills, which if I remember developmental psychology correctly is a bit ahead of him. It is fascinating to watch as he attempts to demonstrate an appropriate use of humor and deflection. At one point he asked me to put the correct time on his clock as he had changed it. After questioning him about this he revealed that he had attempted to change the time so he could leave his room for quiet time when he heard Dad get up and get ready for work. We discussed him being sneaky. I thanked him for being honest and reprimanded him for sneakiness. At that point he attempted a joke, a deflection, and an attempt to be cute and coy. Remarkable!
Sometimes I am humbled by the task God has entrusted me to. To guide and shape these children. The importance of my heart being close to Him, walking in His ways, and constantly in His word can not be overemphasized. I feel so unworthy. I trust Him to take over when I fall short and fail yet again. To leave them in His hands. No place I'd rather be. I am so very blessed.