Perpective

3 years ago I quit my job to stay home with my children

after 20 years of working outside the home my career drastically changed

taking care of tiny humans is not the toughest job

but it is tough

some days more than others

but on those tough days I remember what my dad always taught me 

find perspective in my life

what has meaning? 

where is that meaning?

how can I use this to leverage the situation to move myself forward? 

not just move forward, but enjoy every meaningful moment

thank you dad

because of you........

I will not complain about the screaming

because one day my halls will be baron

the rooms will be silent

and I will miss the shriek of a toddler and the laughter of my young ones

I will not long for uninterrupted sleep

because one day I will lie awake

wondering what my children are doing

or if they are home safe in their own beds

I will not wish for a sparkling clean house

because one day I will find small tokens

of children grown, a rattle, a sock, a long lost lego

and I will treasure memories of messy floors in a home well lived in

I will not cry over broken dishes

because one day those cracks and chips

will become fond memories that will bring a smile to my face

I will not worry on long busy days that leave me exhausted

because one day I will be bored and take up hobbies to fill my time

while I fondly remember those days of long "to-do" lists

and days that 12 hours was just not enough

I will not commiserate during long sporting events 

standing in the hot hot sun, carrying a baby on my back

with sunburned shoulders and achy feet

because one day I will only have photos for those moments

I will not shoo my children off my lap

or out of my kitchen

or out of my bed during morning snuggles

because one day my lap will be too brittle to hold them

my kitchen will only hold food for two

and my bed will seem too big for just my husband and me

I will not beat myself up over a missed run or workout
or let my body image warp because I enjoyed a piece of birthday cake
because my kids will remember that I was healthy
and balanced
and fun
and lived in the moment

I will live for today

I will savor each loud, interrupted, messy, broken, exhausting, hot, long day

because someday

my boys will look back and from their perspective say

"Thanks Mom" 

and I will know that every minute counted
whether I can see it right now or not

This is my youngest son Cooper. Most days he is a hot mess. He came into this world screaming and 20 months later, he hasn't found a reason to stop. He challenges me every day to be a better mother.