*The picture above was taken after I wrote this post. Ellie was really quiet after her nap in her room. The crayons were in a pencil bag that has a zipper pretty high up in her closet. I threw those crayons away and I tried to clean up the toy box with no success? Any suggestions? There was also a p.t. disaster in the room, but I won't share a picture! I am so glad we are going out to dinner tonight. We all need a break!
It seems like the girls and I have had lots of these this week. Although, I know that each day with them is precious and a gift from God. We've been kind of busy this week with things to do at night to where Mike has watched them the past couple of nights. I get home and we are just wanting to lay around and watch gymnastics. I'm still wondering if the drama is ever going to end, but I just saw that Nastia is flying home today to DFW! I've been reading in my Beth Moore book about perspective and I have really been challenged to be careful of my thoughts and words. She is teaching on the Psalms and the verse that struck me is:
" I lift my eyes to You, the One enthroned in heaven." Psalm 123:1. She says "I'd like to suggest that an entire chain reaction begins with our eyes and ultimately affects our hearts, souls, and minds. Where we look-Where we ultimately fasten our gaze amid continual life challenges has a tremendous impact on how we feel. God is worthy of our fixed attention. Everything else will downsize into its proper place when we look to God alone."
I've thought about this a lot this week during this very short season of having two toddlers and feeling stretched in so many directions. It is so easy to feel sorry for myself or make excuses. When I think about this is exactly where God has me and He wants to use me here with Ellie and Anna it makes such a difference. I read a friends blog the other day whose stage of life is just like mine except she is pregnant with her third and her husband is an attorney. He's about to start working really long hours and often times she feels like she is doing a lot of the work. Her desire is to always have a big family (5 kids) and she was saying how easy it would be to say I think 3 is enough, but she knows she would regret not having more children just cause of the current stress level. It really encouraged me to think through this short season and enjoy it. I know it will only get more difficult, but I don't want to let the daily craziness of p.t., naps, working, laundry, crying, tantrums, etc.. bring me down to where I just give in to my attitude. I want to thrive during this season in the highs and lows. I hope you all have a great day!
11 comments:
Wow... Ellie is quite the artist! :) If you can't get it cleaned off, what about painting over it? Either white, or a cute design that would go with their room?
Oh Holly, you know I'm right there with you. If only we were closer and we could walk through this phase together. Sometimes I feel like I'm so alone here in Charlotte doing this mom thing. God is so good. You are a wonderful mom and I'll pray for your attitude (along with mine) that we will blossom as parents during these times=)
Oh yeah, did you try a magic marker? It worked for crayons on our walls...
I was also going to suggest paint...that's about all I've got.
Thanks for the sweet reminder that we will all too soon look back on these days wistfully. As I've been counciled by many seasoned moms, "Remember the days are long but the years are short."
Hugs for you!
Just kidding, I meant a magic eraser. That would really be something though...to color over her "art work" with a magic marker.
I think this is my cue to go to bed=)
so sorry friend...those lows can be rough. I hope today and tomorrow are better!
I think you totally hit it for all of us! I can relate too! When we go through busy seasons, I've learned I have to fall at the feet of Him who only can bring me peace and rest. With our husbands very busy, it does feel like we are all alone, doesn't it. I don't know how single moms do it.
oh, holly, you just summed up my entire life right now in one post!!! :) when I saw Ellie's artwork, I had to laugh (because otherwise you're always tempted to cry!). I agree... magic eraser works wonders! I'm totally struggling with being alone as well... Justin was gone 5 nights last week and Josiah has been really sick, so I havne't left the house in almost 2 weeks! Argh.... but God is good, and when I finally fall on my face before Him, He refreshes my soul and comforts my heart. It still makes me wish we all lived in Flaherty together though... what a playgroup we would have!!!!!
Holly,
I saw the artwork during our recent vist and i know it appears to be a big mess but I thought about little ellie and i know she worked really hard on this project and she was probably pretty proud of her art....while in the moment it was a huge mess...one thing to keep in mind is that it could have been the walls!! I know you have to not allow her to mark on furniture etc...but i think she probably couldn't figure out why her work was bad?? you also need to remember that her great grandma painted walls, barns, wellhouses, etc....ellie may be following in her footsteps...though i would probably purchase a small easel and white paper for future artwork...it might be fun to do nothing with the mess and keep it for a future memory with ellie..i am proud of you for seeing past the immediate problems and realizing the need to count the moments as they will pass quickly and the girls will be grown...i know this from first hand experience....as always we love you and are very proud of you..the mom of my precious grandchildren.
Love
Dad
Oh Holly, what a beautiful toy box :) I too sometimes feel stretched in all directions - but at the same time...being a mom is such a blessing. Like Tasha, I wish many times that we were closer to you guys and we could do some of this stuff together!! Did you try the magic eraser?? I think it should work!!
THANKS Holly. Oh I love you so much and you are such a great mom!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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