kindness of kiddos

There are days. Days that I could pull my hair out and stomp my feet and wonder who the hell dropped these kids who fight and whine all day off at my house. On these days, nothing gets done. The kids need me and I need time to myself...a cycle that is not mutually beneficial or quiet. Although I know I shouldn't, I take score of how long it took them to start screaming, who made the last mess and how old someone should be when they start to retrieve their own underwear from their drawers. I forget that my housemates are four feet and under and are very immature...and for good reason! I get tired and sullen. They get exhausted and crabby. I feel sorry for myself and my 'lot in life' and have a little pity-party.

Then, the next day comes and mommy is sick with whatever ailment they have been battling. I feel achey and cold. My glands are swollen and I want to be tucked into bed with a hotwater bottle.

Then. Then! My sweet and thoughtful little six year old takes her little brother to the kitchen. I can hear them crashing around and giggling. I lay there anticipating and dreading the mess that I will have to clean up when I emerge from the coccoon of my cozy bed. Suddenly, two bright and sweet little faces bounce into my room with the larger one carrying a tray of food. Mommy's favourite breakfast of yogourt and granola and their standard morning fare of cinnamon toast. We sit in my bed eating with Liv so pleased that she could help and me so pleased with the empathy that she is expressing. And although again, I was anticipating the sugary crumbs I'd have to clean up, I am so thankful that I have these two little people to share my home with.

Later, when I pull out that vaccuum cleaner, an eager two year old tugs the hose from my hand and proclaims, "I do it, Mommy!" I happily relinquish the clean-up to him and relish the fact that I have such sweet, funny and kind little ones in my life. Thank you, you two. Mommy is so lucky to have you....even when you're not making breakfast or vaccuuming. Even when we have a stomping, growling, crabby day, I am so very blessed.