Back to the Basics

It's days like yesterday that make me want to have a LOT of alone time. Full of arguing kids, dirty clothes,and grocery lists. But then there are nights like tonight that make me remember with gratefulness why I love being a mom and having a family to call my own.

This morning started with fussing at Austin and Abi because they weren't happy about doing there school work. I asked them to make sure that they were fully dressed to include a good brushing, the living room free of any of their toys and all the blankets and pillows returned to their rightful place by the time I got out of the shower. They were so engrossed in the cartoon that they were watching that they only got dressed without brushing teeth. That's it. I won't lie, I was pretty upset! The consequence is that they lost TV for the rest of today and tomorrow. I told them that since the cartoon had been their distraction from doing what I asked, then they would have to lose that privilege for a while. It didn't end there. Once Austin got started he was fine, but it was a battle with Abi almost all day. She was so against doing her school work that she still had quite a bit to do when we returned home after her dance class.

When we returned home Mark was already home. I don't know about you guys, but the TV is a 'must' in our house. I actually enjoy the silence when home alone, but Mark can not stand to not have the TV just ON for the sake of having it ON! I was surprised to see that when I came in the house the TV was off. Austin  immediately ran out to play soccer with his friends. I got started cooking dinner and Mark and Abi giggled together on the couch. I love seeing Mark interact with our kid-o's. He's such an AWESOME dad!! He can make them laugh like no other! I thought to myself, as I watched and listened to them, that I am so blessed. THIS is my life, and how amazing it is!!!

After dinner and baths, Abi still was working on her school work. She was camped out next to me while I played a few games of UNO with Austin; which he totally beat me at!!! Mark was watching us while he worked on some stuff for work. The dogs laid practically on top of Austin. We were laughing and trash talking. I love my family. I love laughing with them. I love spending time playing cards with them. I love laughing at them when the dog sneezes all over them.

The night wouldn't be complete without tucking the kids in at bedtime. We pray with each of them, I laughed some more with Austin and then read some Junie B. Jones with Abi. When I came downstairs Mark played this song for me:



All around it was a night to make me remember and want to return to the basics of what it takes to be a good mom and have great family time!!