Of Bon-Bons and Bubble Baths...

Ha! Not even close!

A pre-teenager, a 9 year old that has hit the dialectic stage phenomenally early, and a 17 month old diabetic toddler that has had wonderful blood sugars lately, but apparently just needs a little character training already... and has an incredibly powerful right arm.

Well, you can just imagine. The constant roar in my ears from bickering, baby screaming, or just one person talking over the other person... Let's just say that the peace of the evening is beyond priceless to me.

I have to say that I wouldn't trade one single second of any of it. I can see their little personalities blooming. Their convictions growing. (Even if it makes them clash with one another) They are developing a strong sense of right and wrong and working out in their heads where they will compromise (IF they will compromise). So much to be gleaned from all of this interaction as a family. Oh, how I want to snap my fingers and be on a peaceful beach somewhere... but what eternal reward would that bring???? : ) Not that occasional immediate rewards are terrible...
oh no, that isn't what I'm saying....

But, I have to be reminded why I keep going. Why do I endeavor to dot every I and cross every t in their hearts? Because let's face it, motherhood doesn't hand out awards. No trophies, no plaques, no wall of remembrance to the amazing valiant mothers out there. But, really, isn't that what makes it all the more noble? Do we love and snuggle and guide and cherish and teach and discipline all with no one watching? Yes. We do. Because, our creator is watching and He will have no less of us.

That my friends, is what we must remember. Yes, I drank too much caffeine to survive the day, and yes, I probably ate too many things just to try to make myself feel better. My thighs are getting slightly larger by the moment. No, I didn't cope perfectly today. SIGH. But, each day brings me a new opportunity to try again. The question is not am I surviving, but in the middle of it all, do I still manage to be salt and light to the little ones I'm raising and ALSO, to those I encounter? Really, I don't know. LOL. I hope so.
But, this I know, I WILL try again tomorrow.

FoTos

No one can get a laugh quite like Sissy and Bubby...

We have 4 teeth now. Judging by the amount of drool, we must be working on a few more.

He's definitely getting expressive. We have no doubt what he wants, and doesn't want. LOL

I clean up this exact mess approximately 10 times a day. : )