How Will I Serve Him This Day?

"The greatest disease in the West today is not TB or leprosy; it is being unwanted, unloved, and uncared for. We can cure physical diseases with medicine, but the only cure for loneliness, despair, and hopelessness is love. There are many in the world who are dying for a piece of bread but there are many more dying for a little love. The poverty in the West is a different kind of poverty -- it is not only a poverty of loneliness but also of spirituality. There's a hunger for love, as there is a hunger for God.”-Mother Teresa 

After Peyton and I got married and I got pregnant with Annie and I knew I wouldn't be teaching for awhile (or really doing too much of anything else outside of our home), I struggled to find my calling in anything apart from mothering. Honestly, I think those first four years, that was the Lord's grace. I'm not sure I had the wherewithal mentally, emotionally or physically to pour myself into anything else. But, we're at a point now where I could think about that kind of thing more and this year I really started thinking and praying about it. 

Back before Christmas a dear friend of mine who was newly married messaged me on Facebook. She was using a day off work to do laundry, clean house, cook things- to serve her little family. And she messaged me to say that in doing those things she thought of me, because she felt like I do them well. Of course my first reaction was audible laughter. But my second was tears of deep gratitude for a friend who loves so well. It was incredibly meaningful first of all because these things oft go unappreciated (I mean that in no way to shame Peyton, his diligence and hard work oft goes unappreciated, too) but also because they are areas I sometimes feel pretty inadequate and it helped to have that affirmation. But it was significant for another reason, too. It helped point me toward something I knew the Lord was placing on my heart. I thought about my friend's words for days and every time I'd pray "Use me this way, Lord". I wasn't sure how, but I desperately wanted to speak into other people's lives that way. 

It became increasingly important for me to use this space well and I've felt a burden for my blog and the words I share with y'all. I also started treating people in the service industry more the way my husband does- going out of my way to try to serve them well and be vocally appreciative of their service. [Sidenote: I was telling Peyton how surprised one of the guys who works at Kroger was to see me the other day without the kiddos and he listed about eight or so employees by their first name and asked me who it was. I've still go a ways to go.]

But I also realized there was more to this. After a couple of interactions with some old friends from high school who were in the trenches with little ones and after reading and sharing countless blog posts written by others that affirmed and encouraged mommas but were also delightfully transparent and honest I realized I was on to something. I knew I wanted to speak this love and truth into others and I knew it would be easiest for me through the shared experience of raising children. So that's when I asked one of the women I love most in world, my dear friend and mentor, Darlene, if she'd help me start something like this at our church. 

 I read something a few days ago about how there was some research done recently about factors contributing to stress. Among them were poverty, chronic illness, trauma, and the list goes on and on. But one big thing that stood out in the research was a powerful tool for combating stress: community. I felt like that was so on point and it perfectly solidified what I wanted our group to be. I'm not saying parenting is the same as coping with a lifelong illness or living below the poverty line. But it *is* hella stressful at times. Am I wrong? 

 We had our first meeting last night. It was so free of pretensions. There was so much laughter. I know I left with a little bit lighter burden and I can only pray the same for the rest of my friends. I was so nervous this would fall flat on its face. I know it doesn't sound like much of a big deal, but it's the first time in a long time that I've been confident enough to dream something up and then say "Let's try it" in more than a whisper. 

A week or so ago, I was having a really hard day. It was one of the first times (lately) that I've let myself really feel the weight of this NYC thing and how much will realistically change for our family with the move. It's a lot to process and there was just a heaviness in the day. I talked to a close friend about it and his words were balm. He really didn't say all that much- things along the lines of "You're awesome wife and mother and you're strong enough for this. I love you and I will pray my guts out for you"- that was the gist of it.  I sort of dissolved and told him that few people are fortunate enough to have friends who feel that way, let alone say it. Sometimes I think I'm scared to be that vulnerable in my affirmation of people- "What if I say those things and they just look at me like I'm crazy?" Well, WHAT IF THEY DO? So, last week I wrote cards to many of the women I hoped would come to our group. I made them personal. I focused on their unique personalities. I praised their gifts and affirmed the ways they are allowing God to work through them. I took a risk because it seemed like a silly thing and frankly, sort of dorky. 

Every single one of them has told me that they appreciated it or that my words meant something to them. 

 I realized something after that talk with Ellis the other day. I used to really want to be a counselor- like a family therapist. Mainly, I think I just wanted to do something intensely relational. Peyton quietly discouraged it. And he was right to do so, I believe. I don't know that my anxiety could have taken it or even that I would have been necessarily good at it. Here's the thing, though. In my life now, in my real life, with whoever I have real, authentic relationships with, I get to do some of that. I don't have the burden of needing to help them figure out a solution. But I do get to be the person who listens and the person who affirms. 

 I want to be a person who, in my little sphere, helps rid the West of the horrible disease of loneliness and isolation. Who helps rid it with love. 

And that's how I will serve Him this day.  

Weekly Smorgasbord

Well,  I'm back this week with a pretty solid list of posts. There's a good variety, too!

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On Faith: Touchstone Archives: Writing What Your Readers Will Hear Posted: 09 May 2013 09:43 PM PDT "Perhaps a sociologist or historian could explain this, but I really don't know why so many people assume that mastering the content and duties of the Christian religion is supposed to be easy, so that people who will jog miles a day, go on near-starvation diets, deprive themselves of accustomed pleasures to pay for a new car or a vacation or a child's college education, stay up into the morning hours reading for a night-school class, with dictionary, notebooks, and highlighters at hand and in use, will think reading Mere Christianity or The Problem of Pain too hard. People who have carefully and patiently worked through problem after problem in their own field assume that if a religious question can't be answered immediately, it is not to be answered, at least by them." Fascinating article about C.S. Lewis and his use of analogies as an effective tool for discipleship. On Parenting: Having Babies {in Opposite World} Posted: 08 May 2013 08:48 PM PDT I've thought about this a lot after having Annie. It was actually Peyton that pointed out to me that (not to cast all the blame away from ourselves but) the culture we lived in had a lot to do with how we viewed an unexpected pregnancy. Peyton came from a Catholic background and while I know the Catholic church has changed/is changing there were a lot of families he knew where this sort of thing would be celebrated. But in many of our circles, it wasn't. No one said anything rude to us, but I felt very surrounded by a mentality that said "You have two kids at most. You do it AFTER you've established a career. You have kids at exactly the time you were planning to and not before". Babble.com: My Wife Is Expecting Twins and I Am Not Happy About It Posted: 08 May 2013 08:41 PM PDT I saw this passed around Facebook so much in recent week and it's with so much horror. But the thing is, if you know our story, you know that Peyton and I can kind of relate to this guy. I was actually sort of amused to see Peyton commenting on it to a mutual Facebook friend. I think there is a bit of difference in that now that we've experienced the blessing of child (or two!), I don't think we could possibly feel that way again. But at the same time, I have a good friend who got pregnant with twins while her first was still really little and really struggled with accepting her new reality. Anyway, I don't think we should be so quick to pass judgement on the guy. I do, however, think it's indicative of the culture we live in- a culture that really doesn't value babies and children as it should and that treats them as necessary inconveniences, mostly. I think we need to do better at this. I also think we need to do better at being the village (e.g. "hey, there fellow shopper lady, you look exhausted (don't really say that part!), can I put up your grocery cart for you?" I need to do better about this myself, for sure! Parenting and Passions and Making Nerds of Your Children | A Deeper Story Posted: 08 May 2013 08:20 PM PDT SERIOUSLY, what kind of nerd are you (and what do you hope to pass down to your kids a passion for?) "In a wonderfully ad-libbed answer to an audience question at the Calgary Comic Expo, actor/writer/cultural ambassador Wil Wheaton explained in a much-shared YouTube clip about why it's "awesome" to be a nerd. He declared that the defining characteristic of being a nerd was loving things. It's not what we love, he said, but how we love: with passion. That passion makes us nerds...Ours is a world that often seems cynical, detached, and passionless. Ours is a world that needs more nerds. And we need more parents to pass along their nerdery to their kids. I can think of few things more life-giving than saying, "this is something I love and I want you to love it, too." Maybe it's music. Maybe it's backpacking. Maybe it's cheese.Doesn't matter the subject. What matters is the passion. What kind of nerd are you?" SD: 1. Reader Nerd 2. Writer Nerd 3. Music Nerd 4. Analyzer of All Things (personality theory, psychology, sociology, pop culture, ect.) Nerd * I care pretty deeply about building a heritage of words and music in my kids' lives. And I will engage them in conversations of the number four variety, but it's not something I care too much if they enjoy. (My guesses) for Peyton:  1. Reader Nerd 2. (wannabe ;) Hiker Nerd 3. Theology Nerd 4. Economics Nerd * My guess is he cares most about a legacy of the first three, but I'm sure he'd fall over dead to have someone not bored to tears with number four in the house. We are clearly out of control nerdy. Why parents should leave their kids alone Posted: 13 May 2013 08:13 PM PDT "In 2011, Unicef asked children what they needed to be happy, and the top three things were time (particularly with families), friendships and, tellingly, "outdoors". Studies show that when children are allowed unstructured play in nature, their sense of freedom, independence and inner strength all thrive, and children surrounded by nature are not only less stressed but also bounce back from stressful events more readily. But there has been a steady reduction in open spaces for children to play. In Britain, children have one-ninth of the roaming room they had in earlier generations. There has also been a reduction in available time, with less than 10% of children spending time playing in woodlands, countryside or heaths, compared with 40% a generation ago. Younger children may be enclosed on the grounds that adults are frightened for them, and older children because adults are frightened of them...Children need wild, unlimited hours, but this time is in short supply for many, who are diarised into wall-to-wall activities, scheduled from the moment they wake until the minute they sleep, every hour accounted for by parents whose actions are prompted by the fear their child may fall behind in the rat race that begins in the nursery. Loving their child, not wanting them to be lifelong losers, parents push them to achieve through effective time-use. Society instils a fear of the future that can be appeased only by sacrificing present play and idleness, and children feel the effects in stress and depression". There are chunks of this I don't agree with, but it's an interesting premise with some truth, I think. Poem: The Birds and the Bees | Simple Mom Posted: 13 May 2013 07:59 PM PDT Poetry about sex. Because, obviously. No, I'm kidding- but seriously, really good. his eye is on the sparrow: Sorry my little boys act like... little boys. Posted: 13 May 2013 07:36 PM PDT "She never apologized to me for her boys. She never said "oh my gosh, I am so sorry he is melting down, he is so tired and etc. etc." or "sorry, they should not be jumping on the couch, BOYS STOP! GET DOOOOOWN!" or "sorry they are being so crazy" or "sorry, I'm so embarrassed my house is a mess, these kids... " She never apologized for her messy and beautiful life with small kids. And that ministers to me as a mom of little boys now. Because I feel like I am ALWAYS apologizing for my sons and their behavior." *This* ministered to me. I get on my soapbox as long as the day is long about teachers expecting little boys to act like little girls/little adults and the ADHD epidemic (which we all know I have experience with...ahem) for as long as the day is long, but when it comes to my TODDLER boy, I feel like I need to make excuses and apologize. Totally illogical. Thankful for this reminder. On Ole Miss Culture: Hotty Toddy: Understanding the Ole Miss Cheer, Its History & Significance | Bleacher Report Posted: 08 May 2013 08:53 PM PDT "While it's commonplace to hear "Hotty Toddy" in the Grove and at Ole Miss games, what's special to Rebel fans is how much further the saying extends past athletics. It only takes seeing an Ole Miss logo or design on a shirt, hat, etc., for a fellow Rebel to proudly say, "Hotty Toddy." In return, the other person proclaims a warm "Hotty Toddy."" On Powerful Words: The Power of 'I Don't Know' - NYTimes.com Posted: 08 May 2013 08:42 PM PDT "This voice is trained into us early on, back in high school or Comp 101, when we're taught to make our arguments as succinct and cogent as possible, omitting wishy-washy qualifications like "in my opinion." You'd think these disclaimers could go without saying; every piece of writing includes the tacit caveat: Or I could be wrong. And yet quite a lot of readers respond to your personal observations with wounded outrage when they fail to reflect their own experience, as if you were proposing your idle speculation as totalitarian law." I have really struggled with this dynamic at times and I think the writer makes a great case for "the power of I don't know". On Peace: Seth Haines | Nationalistic Platitudes and Hokum Pokum (Alakazam). Posted: 08 May 2013 07:53 PM PDT "I am thirty five years old, and there has not been a day in my life that the flag has flown in peace, at least not as I think of peace. And don't get me wrong, I love my country and I turn inside out when someone burns the flag, but this doesn't change the fact that we often exchange peace for platitudinal notions of it. We love to fly words high, let the wind whip them around for dramatic effect. And we don't relegate this penchant to nationalistic tendencies, at least not in my experience. But that, too, is a discussion for another day...Words are easy. Doing is not." On Breastfeeding: Attention-deficit disorder associated with br... [J Am Coll Nutr. 2012] - PubMed - NCBI Posted: 08 May 2013 08:54 PM PDT "A highly significant inverse relationship of ADHD to exclusive 6-month and 3-month breast-feeding in 2007 was observed. Direct relationships were observed between premature births, low birth weight and very low birth weight, obesity, infant deaths, neonatal deaths, and ADHD." G Good to know. Maybe the crazies won't take over my house after all ;) On Blogging: simple stories [an invitation to old-fashioned blogging] Posted: 08 May 2013 07:46 PM PDT "Let us not desecrate the magnificence of the sacred days we've been given with the lie that our words no longer hold value, that nobody will take seriously the life lived well. The simple truths, shared intentionally, are shaping communities, online and off. These stories deserve to be told."

Enjoy them!

Letter to (Twenty Five Month Old) Graves

Dear Graves,

You seem like you've grown up so much since your turned two last month. The two biggest areas are your speech and your potty habits.

You are still a little behind in the language department, but you're picking up words so much faster now. You don't always say them correctly, but you're trying. And I think it's so neat how, most of the time, I can understand you, even when most people can't. You repeat words a lot and you like to talk about animals- cow, dog, cat and the sounds they make. You say please ("ee") and you ask to be excused from the table ("'scuse?"). You've also picked up on thank you ("aa ew") and you say "stand" (meaning "I understand") and "Ma'am" (meaning Yes, Ma'am).You have such good manners! You also LOVE to sing, we've realized. Sometimes it's just made up songs, which is pretty cute, but the other day you said "Row, Row, Row...Boat!" and I thought I was going to die. You call Babar "bar" and when I asked you the other day what sound a piggie makes you told me "wee wee" (as in: all the way home). I thought you couldn't get any more precious, but hearing you talk makes my heart nearly burst.

The other thing is the potty. We were nowhere close to starting this with you, but one day a couple of weeks ago, you decided to try the potty. And you actually did pretty good. And so I bought you some underwear (which, gosh little boy underwear is about the cutest thing ever- I mean I don't know if I've ever seen you in anything more adorable than super hero under-roo's). Anyway, you still have some accidents, but you're doing great. I'm not one to want to jinx things, though, and it'll be months before I call it.

Another big thing lately is your love for "Bapa". He mentioned it in the letter he wrote you last month, but my sweet momma's boy is now eaten up with his daddy. Sometimes it stings a little, but I'm so happy to see such a strong connection finally solidifying between you two, it mostly just makes me smile.

You've actually started to have opinions on clothes. The other day you had on a jonjon with ducks on it and I took it off because you had gotten a good bit of your lunch on it. You started crying and saying "Duck, ee?" (Duck, please?). It was so sweet and fortunately, you have a duck bubble, too. By the way, you're wearing a good many things from last Summer- Minnie just moved the buttons. But you were in the sixth percentile for weight when we went to see Dr. Denney.

By the way, your appointment was great. You seem to be meeting all the milestones, except the verbal ones, but I don't think anyone is terribly concerned. You are a very smart boy and we know it!

But more importantly, you are a sweet boy. The sweetest, really. You're so full of affection and just love to smile and laugh. You keep me and your sister especially from taking life too seriously. I love you so much Graves, more with every single day.

Love,
Momma and Papa

P.S. Your robot jams are 18-24 mo.

Weekly Happenings #216 (May 6-12)-- A Tiny Trip and Mother's Day

Last week was such a good week, overall. First of all, my sinus stuff finally seemed to clear up. We didn't have a lot planned and I got a good bit of stuff done around the house. We took a short trip to Oxford over the weekend because Peyton was speaking at a meeting for pharmacy students on behalf of MPhA and also wanted to go to graduation. Sunday was Mother's Day and it was laid back but really enjoyable. 

I got up and got ready for the CPC on Monday and actually left on time. I got a lot done there- we had our devotion/prayer time and then I started working on pulling files and putting up vitamins. I input some data and filed some things and talked a little bit about answering the phone and responding to abortion minded clients. I ran by Target to get a bulletin board and Peyton left for work when I got home. I started laundry, did the composting, straightened the house, and started dishes. I fixed the kids' lunch and had to bathe Graves afterward.

While they rested, I ate my lunch and got on the computer. I read my Bible and took a short nap and when the kids got up, we just played. I folded laundry and then they ate supper. We took about a million trips to the potty and I cleaned out the screen in front of the air filter.

 

The similarities will never cease. [My most favorite thing when I was little was squeezing into little nooks.]

 

 Spider monkey in her "highchair"

Annie worked on tracing and Bud colored and we played some finger play games and I looked at the Slow and Steady activities for the week. I folded some more laundry and put it up and then we cleaned up the kids' room and I got Graves to bed. Annie and I did her nighttime routine and then I gave her a bath and put her in bed. I got on the computer and when Peyton got home, we visited. I finished a post and uploaded pictures to Flikr and the hard drive and went to sleep.

I spent the whole day at home on Tuesday and it was really productive. Peyton hadn't gotten much sleep on Sunday and so I let him sleep late on Tuesday. He's so generous to let me sleep in a bunch, so it was nice to "repay" him a teensy bit. Anyway, I got up with the kids, but we just had a laid back start. Peyton got up a while later and cooked some eggs and then I took my bath. We mowed the yard and I started doing "morning things". I made a few phone calls and got laundry dishes going. I also did the trash and recycling and started thawing some meat. I ended up scrubbing down a few atrocious areas in the laundry room (it's our inside-outside kitties' home). I put up some toiletries from the grocery and organized a bit under the bathroom sink and kissed Peyton goodbye and worked on memory work with AP. The kids ate lunch and I unloaded and loaded dishes.

After the kids went down for rest time, I ate my lunch and wrote some letters for to send to people in the moms' group we're starting at church and then got on the computer. I got pictures started uploading to Flikr and the blog and checked Twitter and then I read my Bible and folded and watched The West Wing. The kids got up and we played a bit and then I vacuumed the kitchen, hardwoods, and bedrooms. I also mopped in the kitchen and vacuumed often overlooked nooks in the den and under the couch cushions. I think it was a record- all that in forty five minutes! After I finished, I took the kids outside for a bit. I played with them and read a few pages in Fresh Power. We came in and I started a play dough activity with Graves and got AP working on some tracing. I cooked spaghetti and they ate while I cleaned up the kitchen and boiled eggs. I got Graves to bed and then did AP's nighttime routine with her. I really hadn't payed her as much attention as I normally do, so we read for longer than is typical. After I got her to bed, I ate my supper, did the last of the kitchen clean up and made some more egg salad. I got on the computer and wrote a blog post and organized the pictures on Flikr and the hard drive until Peyton got home.

Wednesday was another day almost entirely at home. It had a slower feel to it, though, for some reason. I slept in a bit, but then I got up and got a bath because Peyton was leaving to work in Natchez. I started laundry and dishes, wrote a few more letters and folded some laundry. We straightened up and then I took the kids outside for a picnic lunch. Annie and I went over her memory work out there and we played some and got sweaty.

We came in and I got the kids settled for rest time and then got on the computer to do a few things. I checked Twitter and wrote a post and then I read my Bible and folded and watched The West Wing. The kids got up and we got ready and headed to my parents' for supper.

 

 One of my favorite pictures ever of my girl!

 It was a really nice visit and we had a great time, as always. I put the kids right to bed when we got home. I read blogs and put pictures on Flikr until Peyton got home. I boiled some potatoes and fried some bacon for a dish I was making for lunch the next day.

We got up on Thursday and Peyton and I chatted and then got ready for the day. The kids both had early check ups that morning, so we headed to the pediatrician's office. They both got great reports- Annie was in the TWENTY SECOND percentile and Graves was in the sixth. Dr. Denney also said that we'd monitor his language development (he is slightly behind- but not alarmingly so) and see where he is at 2.5 before we leave for New York.

 

 ...despite wearing a (comfortably fitting) 24 mo. bubble the day before ;)

After that we stopped by Lowe's and Hobby Lobby for a couple of things and came home. We got to work on lunch- Peyton grilled steak kabobs and I made some roasted potatoes. We also had to clean out the fridge because something spilled. I started my potatoes and took out the compost and recycling and did some dishes. I also changed AP's sheets. We ate lunch and Peyton left. I cleaned up the rest of the dishes and emptied all the trashcans in the house and took the trash out. I wrote letters and straightened and started some laundry and then I read a long book (a picture book, but one with a good many words on each page) to both kids. It was a first for me to try to that with Graves and he didn't do great, but it's something I want to start attempting more. I got them settled and got on the computer. I wrote a post and started several others and got on Twitter. I relaxed some and read my devotion until the kids got up. When they woke up, we just hung out and played. I was going to take them outside, but the afternoon got away from me. I did let AP help me pack her bag for the trip- another first. I fed the kids supper and bathed them both and put them to bed. I just read blogs until Peyton got home. I addressed my notes and packed myself and finished packing the kids and went to bed.

We got up pretty early on Friday morning and I got ready and finished getting things together for the trip. I even got the dishes in the dishwasher and made the beds. We got on the road before eight and picked up Minnie and then headed to Oxford. We made pretty good time- I think we stopped once. Anyway, when we got there, we dropped Peyton off to go give his speech and we got a little snack at Bottle Tree. After that, we went in an antique shop (a big sort of newer, shabby chic feeling one) and Tuesday Morning to kill time. I'll say this- the kids weren't bad, but I think the time left in the double stroller is short. They just didn't want to be in it for long. I parked it and let them both out and to my surprise, Graves actually did well walking and holding a hand. We picked up Peyton and headed to New Albany. We at lunch at one of my favorite places (one of like three "real" restaurants in town) and then my mom's friend, Judy, who happened to also be in town, picked her up. They drove out to my uncles and Peyton and I and the kids were going to just meet them. We ended up driving my Bump's (my grandmother who passed away right before Peyton and I got married) house and the lady in the window smiled and waved real big when we slowed down. I was SO glad she was sweet. And the house looked well cared for. We also drove by the "city park". Cookie and I used to play there, but it had gotten very run down. Anyway, someone painted the playground equipment and there was a big mural. It was really nice.

We stopped by Walgreens to get stamps so I could mail my last few letters and then headed to Allen's. We had such a nice visit with him and Gracie and the kids enjoyed seeing his cows and the garden he was growing. We left and drove around a bit and looked at houses and then headed to the hotel (that is, motel). We got settled and by that time it was after six. Graves hadn't had a real nap and everyone was tired, so Peyton went to pick up food after I fretted because I couldn't figure out what I wanted. We ate and all went to bed pretty early.

 

 about an hour and a half past his bedtime

My mom snores horribly and I don't think it bothered anybody else in the least (Herrington Hard Sleepers, here) but I had a rough night. Finally, in the early hours of the morning, I got an extra pillow and put it over my head and put the kids' sound machine like inches from my face and got a couple of hours of good rest. Oh, AP also had a tee tee accident and I got a headache so bad it woke me up.

We got up on Saturday and had a low-key morning. We got a light breakfast at the motel and got ready and then headed back to Oxford after we had packed up. We ate at Newks and then dropped Peyton off for the graduation. We had seen a Fancy Nancy bus parked near the square and we drove back to find it. First of all, we parked on this steep hill and as I was pushing the stroller down it, I felt like I might loose control and go into the street running perpendicular. My shoes were slippery and I felt like I might fall an minute. I ended up purposefully running into a curb to slow down. It was really scary. RIGHT after all that, when we got to the bottom, the truck pulled off and left. We walked around and found out that the illustrator of the books had done a signing at Square Books but she'd be coming to Lemuria this week. After that, we just walked around the square. I took Annie in Old Venice to use the potty and there was a line. I thought she was about to tee tee in the floor, but a lady let us in front of her. We just walked and window shopped and we took AP in Neilson's for just a minute. She saw these Madame Alexander dolls- they were beautiful- and was so memorized. They were in a case and I don't think she really knew you could buy them. She just kept asking me if she could look some more. I hope she still loves dolls when she's older and I can get her one. There's nothing sweeter!

After that, we stopped at a church with a playground. I was hesitant, but another family walked up right then. The kids played and I was happy they could get out some energy before the trip home. Graves had a bad diaper that ended up going through his whole outfit, so we headed back to the car. This precious little boy and his family walked up to the park as we were leaving and I told Minnie "Wow, that looks like a jon jon yet to be pooped in". Poor Gravey. On the way back to the car, we ran into Peyton's friend Katie, who lives in Chicago. They had talked about trying to meet up but there just wasn't time. It was good to see her though. [Oh and while we were there I saw my friend Bailey from high school, another friend's mom, and my friend Brooke from elementary school. Whoa.]

We got back to the car and changed Graves into a sweet bubble and were sitting on the sidewalk when a car speed into the parking place right in front of us. We grabbed the kids (I mean they were right by us), but my nerves were SHOT. The kids both wanted to walk/stroll some more (Graves wanted to walk, Annie wanted to stroll- uh, no) but it was getting close to time to go get Peyton. We put them in the car and before we had left the parking lot Graves was asleep. AP fell asleep not long after. We waited for Peyton for about fifteen minutes and go ton the road. We stopped for ice cream and one on the side of the road for Graves to tee tee, but we made good time. We dropped off Minnie and came home. We fed the kids leftovers and I bathed Graves and Peyton got him to bed while I unpacked. I got everything unpacked from the trip. I know it was a two day trip, so that's not super impressive, but it was a first for me. I read to AP and did her routine and Peyton bathed her and we put her to bed. I got on the computer for a bit and went to bed.

Sunday was Mother's Day. We didn't do anything to exciting, but it was a great day. I probably did more housework than I'd have liked to, but I also took a nap and we all went on a walk so I can't complain, plus it felt nice to have the house in order for the new week. Anyway, I had children's church on Sunday, but we went to Sunday school first. I talked to Darlene before Sunday school and made an announcement about the mom's group in another class. Sunday school went well and then we went to church. Children's church went relatively smoothly and we came home and Peyton helped me with the kids' lunches. While they ate, I cleaned up the kitchen and then Peyton and AP picked up toys. Peyton got Graves down and left to go pick up take-out sushi. He took AP with him and I got on the computer for a bit. When they got home, he got Annie settled and we ate together and visited. I took a nap after that and he did some work stuff. When the kids got up, I helped them clean their room while he finished up. We got ready and headed to the park. I forgot to change Graves out of underwear and I took him to the potty once. Like five minutes later, he pottied. Um, we didn't even have a diaper bag. I dealt with that and then we headed home. Peyton ran to the grocery store while I fed the kids supper, changed over laundry and bathed Graves.  When he got home, we took Graves's monthly picture and our family picture and Peyton got him to bed.

I did AP's nighttime routine with her and then he took her outside and told her a story. She went to bed and I unloaded and loaded dishes and started more wash. I ate supper and got on the computer and went to bed "early" for me.

I think this week should be pretty laid back, too. Tomorrow is my birthday, but we don't have anything very big planned. And Peyton is working a lot this week, but since there's not a lot else going on, I know it'll be manageable. 

When she started crying yesterday morning because she wanted a flower at church, I told her, with big tears in my own eyes, that she was the baby that made me a momma and of course I'd share mine with her. When he went commando under his bubble at the park because Busy Bud doesn't slow down for nothing- even the potty- I knew in that moment that as undignified as mothering him often is, it will be one if my greatest contributions to the world. There is nothing I am prouder of, and nothing that has brought me more joy, than being their momma.