An optimistic 7 minutes

As we were saying our goodbyes to Daddy this morning, I made an EXTREMELY optimistic statement to the boys. I said, "OK boys, play kindly for 7 minutes so I can get ready (do my make-up and get dressed) and we can go to story time at the library." Let's get real...taking a shower while having an active 3 year old and 1 year old is never going to happen without another adult involved. John affirmed my optimistic statement by saying I was being quite optimistic. I guess a Mom's gotta have some HOPE at times!

After John left, we made our way to my bathroom and Noah had already closed the door on Luke trying to keep him out. And in my mind I stated, "well, there goes that. Maybe next time-again I've got to have HOPE they learn from the past." After some comforting, disciplining (cause that's obviously not the first time that has happened), an apology we've moved on.

At that point, I tried to start putting my make-up on while Noah proceeded to get on the bed by rearranging furniture to climb up, threw off all our perfectly placed pillows, all the sheets, and turned on the radio to jump; Luke was up to no good too. He had played in the water bowl that catches the water from the toilet leak for the 100th time. That may actually not be an exaggeration. As I again said, "No no" and redirected his attention by finding a toy, I tried to get on with putting my 'mask' on. At that point, Luke had already picked up the bowl again, dumped the water on the floor, and threw the glass bowl into the shower...yea, it shattered. Of course, Noah got bored with his song and dance and decided to try to climb into the tub like his brother...'Fun, broken glass, lets play in it' is probably the thought process running through his mind and that point. After I tried cleaning up the mess hoping neither John or I would receive shards of glass in our feet next time we shower, I was back at trying to put on my make-up. I finally finished my make-up and got dressed after Noah discovered what he called "a box of mysteries' in the bedroom and took out its contents, Luke took out stuff from several cabinets, both of them tried to tearing up a book, Luke put hangers in the clothes hamper, as well as other unnamed events.

But all was forgotten (except for now as I write this blog) when Noah said happily to me, "Do you want to sing with me? "Yes, I would love to. What song?" "No we can just cuddle in the bed," Noah smiled and said so sweetly. After we cuddled he asked to make stairs with the pillows and other shapes. And... all is forgotten. Snuggling time with my sweet boys! Love them! Although a 7 minute process can end up to be 30 minutes or more, I wouldn't change having these little one for one minute. And although we spend the time getting ready, managed to get in the car to head out, drove to the CLOSED library (due to a librarian's funeral), we drove over the train tracks per Noah's request and come back home to go on a stroller ride around the block. The only other place in Weatherford in the winter/rainy days is the YMCA and attempting that on Spring Break with all the other day-cared or schooled kids is not my idea of fun.

I know many of you can relate to this 'getting ready' experience with young children. I was actually shocked to read one of my fellow minister wive's blog to see that she attempts to take her showers on Sunday mornings. And even had optimistic thoughts of painting her toe nails that same morning with two little boys as I have. Let's be real here, putting all optimistic thoughts aside...that is not going to happen in this house! I can say that it has been over a 1 1/2 years since I've taken a shower on a Sunday mornings when another adult isn't present since John leaves around 645am. Let's just say that my friend didn't make it to her nails that morning. She was satisfied in the accomplishment of making it to church, even though it may not have been on time. So, I hope you all the best at being patient when you have none left, meeting your kids needs when all you really want is 7 minutes to get ready, and making it on time against all odds.  Maybe you just need to start looking for jackets and shoes 30 minutes before you have to go as I do...because it takes that long. Blessings to you all the Moms out there and the children God has blessed you with!