I'm thinking of starting a new club. The Sisterhood of the Traveling Husbands. Except we won't actually share the husbands, like the pants in that book/movie. Instead, we'll just sit around and be tired together. We won't have to say a word, we'll just know. It always feels good to be truly known.
Yesterday, as the snow continued to come down and I was just plain sick of it, I remembered that old "attitude is everything" saying, which made me want to drive right into a snow drift. But I didn't. Instead, my attitude was adjusted for me, in a much more positive way than crashing my car.
I pulled Asher out of his car seat at Target and hoisted him on my hip. If it were raining rather than snowing, it would have been what we call a downpour. I started to think about how I'm really sick of it already, and then I looked at Asher's little face and saw it. You know the look. The Wonder. He was staring up at the parking lot lights, watching the snow swirl. He was totally enthralled. He started to giggle and then so did I and we just couldn't stop.
Suddenly the snow was only slightly annoying, and maybe even beautiful. Especially the flakes that attached themselves to Asher's eyelashes.
To me, one of the greatest miracles of mothering is being pulled through your fatigue and frustration and given new eyes to see by the very same little people who wore you out in the first place.
It's in the little things they do.
At times, life with kids is absolutely exhausting in every way. It can feel way too big.
So I love it when those little moments come along and hit me square in the heart, giving me a new vision for the rest of the day. Or even just for the next hour.
These moments are everything.
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So very true!! My kids always seem to put things into perspective for me and they teach me sometimes more than I teach them!! BEAUTIFUL post!!
I WAS THE #1 COMMENTER!! YIPPEE!!
I love the special things they do that kind of lift the fog. Those turn out to be the best days.
I agree! I was completely frustrated with Lael yesterday morning because she was dragging. I needed a sweatshirt to throw on over my tshirt so I grabbed one that was on the chair and fussed at her to hurry. She stopped and looked at me with her head cocked to the side and said:
"Mommy, didn't you wear that shirt the other day."
"Nooo...." (I knew I did)
"Yes you did, you wore that at MahMah house."
"Ok so maybe I did."
"It's ok mommy, I know its your favorite shirt and you want to wear it everyday without washing it."
How can you be mad at that? All I could do was giggle with her and give her a big bear hug!
Holy cow! I just love the way you say things! You should write a book about mothering. It would be a best seller. Yep!
"To me, one of the greatest miracles of mothering is being pulled through your fatigue and frustration and given new eyes to see by the very same little people who wore you out in the first place"
THAT should be in a book. Perfectly put :)
Oh Heather, you are so talented! And I agree, to take a moment to see through their eyes, is fantastic. I love those rare little glimpses. Puts everything into perspective doesn't it?
Cute cute cute. I love looking at their adorable little smiles on my fridge everyday!
awesome post!
They both just look so happy in that snow picture!
Such a great insight. I have been really grumbly about the snow, and it seems to have been passed on to my kids. Except the baby, who is absolutely enthralled with it. I need to get some of the magic from her!
I want to be in your club!
I love your perspective on life, mothering, being a wife, everything!
You know I just love "a surprising happiness"!
I would not be able to be in your club. My Hubby doesn't travel. I really feel for you. One of the first things I asked Rob when we met was if he was in the service? Then did he travel? He used to, for fun before I came along...then we did together...then we had kids. And nobody goes everywhere. I hope you get a big group, then you can have lots of play dates.
Amen amen amen! Anja is entranced by the snow...it's such a joy for me to watch her as she stands by the window and oohs and aaahs. Or rather, says "Oh wow!"
So true my friend, so true. These moments are everything.
Hi Heather -
The snow does not sound so lovely, but Target does. ;) What a cool moment - thanks for sharing it.
It is kind of like when I was totally annoyed with poopy diaper 12 of the day and when changing Phoebe she sees the look on my face and says "that is sick" --- maybe she has heard a diaper or two described that way!?!??? not sure.
:)
much love.
I know just what you mean, but I love how *you* said it.
I wish we could capture their joy in the simple things life offers....just capture it and keep them in that state of mind forever. :)
Yes, you're so right. I was not enjoying the weather yesterday, either, but it does have its blessings. Thanks for the reminder.
I saw the same sense of wonder on my baby's face this afternoon when he got to see and touch a cat for the first time. His total delight compensated for having to deflect him from pulling the cat's tail all afternoon.
"my attitude was adjusted for me, in a much more positive way than crashing my car.
I pulled Asher out of his car seat at Target and hoisted him on my hip"
I was sure the visit to Target was what had changed your attitude. I think if I had a Target within driving distance I would ALWAYS be happy. :)
Really, though, those moments are amazing. It's like you're just suddenly given a different perspective entirely.
I really love Asher's ham face, and Miles is such a handsome boy.
Those little moments are everything. They add up to be more than they should, on paper. Glad you had a little giggle fest with Noggin.
You have such a beautifully descriptive writing style. I love it. And you are so very right about it all.
Hope your hubby can be off the road and with you all through the holidays.
Merry Christmas!
LOVE the way a toddler turned a fatiguing annoyance into a gigglefest. You are the best mom! I wish you lived around the corner so I could join in the fun.
Speaking of where you live, could you email me your home address? I want to send you something fun I found today.
xo
Oh, and I forgot to say that I love, love, love the bit about the snowflakes on the eyelashes. You are so good at noticing and describing those essential details.
I live for those moments. I'm not sure I could do this without them. Lately, when I feel my irritation/exhaustion levels rising quickly, KK will suddenly stop and caress my face or tell me, "Mommy, I love you SO MUCH". Then, I take a deep breath, reprioritize and, just like you said, I can go on again.
Good idea with the socks on his hands. My 2 year old lost his mittens and he began to cry... really he did, when he picked up snow without them and the cold started to sink in.
Just have to say that I needed this reminder because I grumped about the snow all day today.
It is magic, if I look at it from their eyes.
You are so right. It's all about having a positive attitude. But I'm not so good at that....
You put perfectly into words exactly what I was thinking just yesterday -- how my kids exhaust me and yet constantly rejuvenate me, and how fo every time I'm *dying* to get away from them, there are so many times that their presence is my greatest joy.
Great photos and again you show that you are a wonderful mom by being able to enjoy the moment.
Maybe we could all live together and then at least have some company? I am in for sure!
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