Chris and Jenni

I think this will be a fun addition to our Christmas decor

Originally uploaded by Chris and Jenni.

This morning was one of those mornings that I felt my hands were “too full.” Aidan had carelessly run over his sister’s hand with his dump truck, she was crying, I was dealing with his attitude and Eamon was loudly running through the house with the other truck. I told Aidan he had to put the truck in his room for now and that he needs to show me that he will be more careful with his little sister crawling on the ground…. He lost it, he wanted to play with his truck, I lost it, too many times hearing my son arguing with me about what I’m asking of him, the baby is still crying, Eamon is still being a little “too loud”

I sent the trucks into the dining room for a time out and the boys into their bedroom to play quietly while I rocked sissy to sleep and fell asleep myself for a few minutes (I’ve been tired, too many late nights wrapping presents and preparing gifts for Christmas I guess, or maybe it’s just needing to spend a few undisturbed minutes with my husband). Anyhow, in those minutes (before I fell asleep with Guenna on the couch) I had some negative thoughts. “I’m such a bad mom! How can I so easily lose my cool? How can I so easily get frustrated at my 3 year old’s response? What on earth am I going to do with four children?” And for a few moments I thought, I think I want to be done for awhile (a long while). How could I go to the store when my attitude was so rotten? How could I endure the rest of the day with my perspective so off? I couldn’t.

So I sat on the couch holding my baby while my littlest one would not let me forget his or her ever growing presence. And I prayed, “Father I need You today, I need you to help me to change my attitude, forgive me for getting so cross with my kids, help me to have joy the rest of the day, help me to lead my children in a life of joy and peace.” And then I took a little nap (sometimes we need that more than anything!)

When Aidan came in the room and informed me that he was ready to go to the store, so was I. God did give me the grace to ask my children for forgiveness, to move on and to walk in joy all the way through the busy store. And I will say this, we had more fun in the store today than we have had in a long time. Mommy’s attitude makes a world of difference. Our children are constantly playing “follow the leader” so when my kids are being rotten, it’s a good sign that I’m not having such a great day myself. I’m so thankful for God’s grace, for His forgiveness, for His mercies that are new every morning (and even after a short nap!) It’s amazing to me how just a little prayer can change my perspective on how “full” my hands really are, when we place our children in His hands, they don’t weigh nearly as much as when we try to carry them all on our own. And so with God’s grace I will face another after nap time experience today, with His perspective I will mother these beautiful children and teach them how to walk in His grace and forgiveness every day, with God’s strength and perspective.

“Bless the Lord oh my soul, and all that is within me bless His Holy Name!”

One last thing, on the way into the Costco parking lot, looking for a spot, Eamon saw a lady holding a coffee cup and he declared, “Mommy has a cup in her hand!” I think it’s so sweet when children see a woman and just expect that she is a mommy :)

Well I’m off, I better take advantage of these moments while all three of my children are sleeping so I can try to get the rest of my Christmas projects done before this weekend! We are going to have a fun and full weekend and we are really looking forward to it :) Hope you all have a lovely Christmas! Many blessings!

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