Peace and Quiet, either one would be nice!

I have a pillow that says this on it and on days like today, I think, that is so true! I could sit here and "vent" about my day, but I won't. Instead, as I sit here typing in the peace and quiet, I will be thankful. I am thankful for my peace now and I am thankful I made it through today. Did you ever have one of those days? I am thankful that I have two beautiful, healthy children who are able to speak, even if it is when I am on the phone. I am thankful that they have 10 fingers and 10 toes that allowed them to run wild today and drag out all of their toys. I am thankful that they play nicely together most of the time. I am thankful for their curiosity which prompts them to ask many questions even when I don't feel like answering them. I am thankful that they enjoy Christian music even if it means I have to play Jesus Freak by DC Talk for the millionth time. I am thankful for their creativity which drives them to want to cook (CJ) or draw every chance Kaydee gets or play in makeup. Even if it means more dishes for me to clean or more spills, more walls to scrub, another lipstick ruined. These things are temporary. My children will be grown before I can blink. I won't remember days like today, but I will remember the look on CJ's face as he made his "dish" . I won't remember the crazy trip to Target where I didn't get half of what was on my list. What I will remember, is CJ picking out a beautiful bouquet of roses and bringing them over to me with a huge smile on his face. I will remember that he saw a huge watering can and commented on the size of it. He asked if I would like it because he noticed that both he and Kaydee have one, but I don't. How thoughtful is he? It's funny how I am the parent, but am constantly learning from my children.

Tomorrow as I am doing laundry, I think I will wear a "tiara." If it works for Kaydee, maybe it will work for me! I have had a hair bow in her hair since the day she was born. About six months ago though, she started protesting the hair bows! Now, I put head bands on her curly little head and call it her crown...no more protest because every princess needs a crown, right? So, tomorrow when I am back in the throws of chaos and doing laundry, maybe if I wear a tiara, it won't be so bad. I can be the princess of laundry! Maybe I will even wear pink! But, tonight I will be thankful and I will sleep well. I will sleep well knowing that tomorrow brings a new day. A new day with more messes, spills, and chaos, but I will wear my "tiara" proudly and relish the chaos. God chose me to be their mommy and they are both such a gift from Him. I cannot imagine my life any differently nor would I want to. I will kiss their heads once more before I head off to bed and I will sleep well.

Dear God, thank you for my two precious gifts. Please give me patience as we start a new day and help me to be slow to speak and quick to listen. Help me to relish the organized chaos and to build them up. Help me to cultivate their curiosity and creativity. Most importantly, help me to lead them to you. I am far from perfect, but each day brings a new start and in all my ways, in all I do, I want to be like you.