Faith, Family, and Fun x 11
This morning as breakfast was clattering to a halt, my 2-year-old son ran into my waiting arms. Flashing a grin and clinging to my waist, he gave a firm, full-body hug, rubbing his head from left to right, before heading off to the day’s first adventure.
It wasn’t until I walked by the bathroom mirror two hours later that I realized what I thought was an outpouring of affection was actually an intelligent, resourceful toddler finding the fastest way to wipe the chocolate chip pancake remains of his off his face so he could go play.
Nice. You would think that by the time I was working with my ninth 2-year-old, I would have seen that one coming from a mile away. But oh no — -I fell for it… hook, line, and dimples.
Rather than taking the time to change, I quickly threw a hoodie over my chocolate-smeared shirt and ran out the door to chaperone my high schooler and her friend as they participated in a community leaf raking service project.
And so the day marched on.
My college-aged daughter sent a picture and a text first thing before she headed to the library for the day in a town far away.
I drove a forgotten cell phone and wallet to my husband. Having directed my 8-year-old to measurements and ingredents for Dad’s Famous Scratch Pancakes whilst donning his white shirt and tie, Dad had put the forgotten personal items down when he stopped to help preschoolers cut their breakfast before running out the door to church meetings.
I complimented my children on completing their Saturday housework while I was off raking leaves.
I coached my teens on learning to accept direction from as well as to gently give direction to siblings while Mom is away. After all, this is a life skill you will use in our home, on a mission, with room mates, in the work force, in a marriage, for the rest rest of your life. Now is the time to practice.
I put my one-year-old down for a morning nap and helped my preschoolers find their ever-absent shoes.
I attended a baptism for my friend’s children and ran my tween to her friend’s house.
I went to Wal-mart for a few items. Then I stood by my sobbing, terrified son while he gave back a bag of golf balls he had picked up from the golf course during a cross country meet a couple of weeks ago. He didn’t talk to me for an hour after that hard life lesson.
I helped my 6-year-old in rocket pajamas make his desired spaghetti and green beans for dinner. This process was broken up by intermittent rocket sprints around the house because “these pajamas make me so FAST, Mom!”. We were also supervised by one confident 4-year-old who reminded his big brother about every three minutes that he was NOT a chef.
At one point in the day, I sat down to answer a myriad of text messages and smiled to feel the movements of our eleventh child in my growing “baby bump” of an abdomen.
I am a mother.
Now, this is not a parenting blog. On the contrary, every parenting theory we had 18 years ago has been sufficiently shattered by one child or another as our children have grown.
The goal of these posts will be to share how faith in Jesus Christ has helped us in our attempt to raise functioning, contributing members of society. I do not have a lot of answers, but I believe with all my heart that we can be connected to One who does.
The quote of the week comes from Russell M. Nelson, President of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. As it hangs on my bedroom wall, I read it as a personal reminder every day.
“Foster your faith. Fix your focus with an eye single to the Glory of God. You can accomplish the impossible.”
