Well … just a little.
We were in Chicago this past weekend celebrating Mother’s Day. And despite the title of this post, we had a great time and I actually felt a peace inside that I haven’t felt in some time.
Anyway … a couple of things happened that I wanted to share …
I’ve talked before about raising my children with a love for God … and wondering the best way to do that … and more importantly, how will I know they’re getting it? One of those “ah-ha” moments hit me as I was reading to the girls Friday night before bed.
As I was reading, there were ambulance sirens blaring on the street below. Honestly, I half heard them and continued reading. But Wynter stopped me and asked if we could pray. Sadly, I didn’t even get what she was saying, as I said we’d say our prayers when I was done reading. She continued asking until I finally got it!
So I asked if she’d like to say the prayer for the people in the “hospital car.” I was floored by the sweet prayer that ensued as I was once again reminded that, guess what? they are getting it! And nothing thrills me more than these subtle reminders!
{our visit to Sweet Mandy B’s :: aka, best cupcakes in Chicago}
Alright … onto the martyrdom stuff! It was just a tiny thing that happened, but still something I wanted to document …
Piper woke up in the middle of the night after wetting the bed and came to get me.
Can I just ask … why is it children always come to mom in the middle of the night?
So I stumble into the girls room and immediately go into action. I had only packed 1 pair of pj’s for each girl, so I found the “comfy” clothes she wore the day before and put those on her. I get a towel from the bathroom, lay it on the wet spot. Pull the comforter out from the bed and turn it around so the wet is at the bottom. I put her pillow over where it’s dry and pat the bed for her to get in. Probably 5 minutes tops and she was tucked in comfortably and dry.
As I stumbled back into bed and next to the sleeping hubs, I got a tad bitter that it was my Mother’s Day weekend … but he’s the one sleeping soundly. Humpf!
As I snuggled myself back under the covers and started thinking … I realized that the reason it’s mom that’s woken up in the middle of the night, is because mom knows exactly what to do. Mom always makes it better. Quickly, efficiently … dare I say perfectly? she knows just what to do.
I guess my big epiphany is that I pray my girls never stop coming to me … whether the middle of the night, or the middle of the afternoon. I want to rest in the fact that they know this mom will always do her best to make it all better.
This post is linked up with Emily at Chatting at the Sky
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I think you’re absolutely right! She knew mom was the perfect one for the job…and I bet you finished the job off with a big hug and kiss too! :-)
P.S. you guys look super cute at the cupcake shop! Yum!
I love this!! You are so right. I, too, get a bit bitter at times that I’m the one up huffing around in the middle of the night…but they call me out of love and security. And that’s something to cherish (difficult as it sometimes is at 3 a.m.!)
That routine is so familiar! The towel, the comfy clothes b/c you’re at a hotel, turning the covers around…I wonder how many of us were up in the wee Mother’s Day hours doing just that :)
Amen to that! Couldn’t have said it better myself. Even though Mark has woken up for the kids a few times, I’d lay awake waiting for a report…then interrogate him to make sure he did it right…or “my way”. So what’s the point? Mom’s knows BEST!
Nothing like a mama’s touch to a little one.
Beautiful! :)
What a lovely post, thanks for the reminder that it is a gift, not a burden when our children need us at the most inconvenient times.
Blessings.
I also tell my kids to say a prayer when they hear an ambulance.
Your daughter’s are gorgeous and I love their names.
I also erase night time bitterness by reminding myself I can take care of quicker then EVERYONE can enjoy more sleep.
Nice to meet you.
I often have to tell myself it is just best for me to fix night time problems. That way everyone involved will get back to sleep quickly.
I have to say that I have never thought about it quite that way before. Thanks for putting it into perspective. I have felt the same frustration before, but will embrace the wake up calls from now on.
Oh my, I always love visiting here…I am the middle daughter of three girls :)…love these pics.
Needed your mom insight today. You are so right. I really do never want them not to come to me when they need me. It is just hard to remember that in the middle of the night :-) Your girls are so beautiful. Looks like a fun weekend.
I had a similar situation Sunday morning as we were rushing trying to get to early service. Lauren approached me asking if I could tape the ear back on her bunny notebook. Really? Now? I guess Mommies fix owies the best. :)
Beautiful!
i love the shot of you & your girls… and then the three of them around that cupcake! yum!
as for getting up in the middle of the night… i know. it is always the tap on our shoulder. i like the conclusion you came to… and it made me think that had the tap been on dad’s shoulder, he would have woken you up anyway- to ask what to do! and then you would’ve been madder… at least i woulda :) sounds like all in all it was a pretty nice time… i hope taylor had fun, too, and that she will be wishing you your happy mother’s day soon!
LOVE THIS!
Covered in toddler puke last night I thought the same exact thing! Even in the hardest moments it is so wonderful to know that we are needed, loved and adored… it really is!!! And that cupcake place looks pretty darn AMAZING!!!!
i guess it’s our own fault … for being so infinitely qualified in “domestic mess engineering” … :)
i suppose it’s our own fault … for being so infinitely qualified in “domestic mess engineering.” :)
i suppose it’s our own fault — for being so infinitely qualified in domestic mess engineering…
As usual, I love your perspective. :-) I have had similar grumbly thoughts when I’m called into service at a less-than-opportune time, but now I’ll remember to feel grateful that my kids DO need me and know they can come to me when they do!
So true. At least, I HOPE it’s true…
Tracie, What a beautiful post. Thank you for this inspiring message.