Thank you for your kind wishes. I was thoroughly spoiled with chocolate, books, flowers and WOW, joining Facebook may be worth it just to feel like the coolest kid on the block on your birthday.
Weeks ago I registered for an Adobe Lightroom class at a local photography store. In one splendid session(yesterday 4-7) I would transform my messy, slow photo editing system into sleek efficient perfection. I knew it would be a feat– evenings rival only mornings for busyness in a momma’s day– but I had Ben and Erik watching my back.
Predictably, the day spun out of control. Violin lesson, scripture group, an unexpected visitor and 2 p.m. asthma check-ups that stretched well into the 3 o’clock hour. At 3:57 my mommy instincts requested one more test for Stefan– and proved that he needed new medications. After a quick call, Ben agreed to meet me at a gas station so I could race straight to my class.
Filling the tank and peeling a candy wrapper from the floormat, I gave Ben the rundown: take Stefan to the eye-doctor- dad will meet him there, drop Hans at basketball, can you take these packages to the post office?, Mary needs a snack and don’t forget Gabe’s homework. “Uh huh, yeah. Got it covered mom, now go before you miss the whole thing!”
I scanned the car, “Is everyone going to be OK?” The corners of Gabe’s smile drooped, Mary’s eyes widened, and though the older kids assured me all was well I knew we were at the tipping point.
“I just filled your car with gas Ben. You can go home.”
And so I drove thither and yon, here and there and home again to make dinner, finish homework, create birthday party invitations(yes, another birthday at my house), switch loads of laundry, play a few games of Uno and still leave plenty of work for today.
And somehow, it was much sweeter– for all of us– because I’d made the choice.
Blue
so sorry you didn’t make your class.
don’t you wish you could clone yourself some days?
missed you yesterday. 🙁
smart mama
the exquisiteness of sacrifice…
xo
jennie w.
I’m totally worn out just from reading that!
Jeanelle
not that you needed it (or asked for it) but you totally scored the best mom of the day award for this one! And you know, there will be more classes but the uno games will not be around forever. What a blessed girl you are.
TravelinOma
I’ve been a stalker for a while sent originally by Stie, and I love your blog. I have nominated you for the Kreative Blogger award. Visit my site at http://www.travelinoma.blogspot.com to see the honor bestowed upon you!
Tracy
One of my fav posts, Michelle. Very real, very true, very selflish and very you. Thanks for the morning tears of joy. xoxo,t
sarah
Oh, such a bummer you missed that class ( I was excited to talk to you about it) If I could ever find the right time to call ya. You are such an amazing mother and I truly look up to you and how you raise your kids and the kind of woman you are. I am going to need some helpful hits trying to juggle five kids. I am sure the day passed and you were willing to take on the next day.
xoxox
Denise
So true! I must often remind myself that there is, in fact, an “I” in choice.
Christie
Ugh. Days like that make me wish I was living on a ranch somewhere in the middle of nowhere.
And YES. Let’s meet in Hawaii!
martha corinna
You articulate so many beautiful aspects of what it means to be a mother. One of them is sacrifice, and there lies the beauty. I love it all Michelle.
Michelle
I just got the “Share a Birthday” Happy Birthday!
I just framed my pictures you took, and my husband (who is super cheap) oohed and awed, then said, “We are doing this every year!”
Thanks so much again for the treasures!
wenderful
I’ve been passing the past half hour glued to your blog. I found you on Mormon Mommy Bloggers. Your photograhy is gorgeous as is your family. Wow! hope you don’t mind my oggling over your pictures. I’d love to learn how to take better pictures of my kids. Do you have any suggestions on where to start?
stace
sorry you didn’t make it…
let me know when the next class is. I need to come and take it.
Did you get my email?