October 9, 2017

My legs are incredibly sore.  It's difficult to sleep.  I was actually grateful when my Monday morning helpers called to see if they could come clean on Tuesday morning instead.  I thought I would just take it easy.

As I got moving and working, my legs actually didn't feel too bad.  I looked around at the mess from a wild weekend, the piles of laundry, and the load of dishes and decided that I'd rather get put together than rest.  I started slow, but about four hours later, I had things in better order.  The dishwasher was running, my laundry machines were going, the house was spotless, and I was marinating the chicken and veggies for fajitas.  And, of course, I had the windows open.

After dinner, all of us went to Austin's football game.  Emma stayed home to have some dinner and work on homework since she had just gotten home from volleyball practice.  I thought we'd enjoy a lovely evening at the football fields.

Instead, Lance cried and whined the whole time.  I finally wrapped him in a jacket and consoled him enough that he held still in my arms.  Just a short time after that, he fell asleep.  I snuggled him close, thankful for the quiet, and watched Austin play and Greg coach.  It was such a fun game!  Austin ran for a touchdown, completed a bunch of passes, threw for a touchdown, and snagged three interceptions!!  He played so well and Greg was so excited.  Even after all of Lance's crying, it ended up a very fun evening.

On the drive home, I prepared myself for what I would find at home.  I geared up for hours of homework with Emma.  Lately we've been putting our heads together late at night, working on math problems until I want to cry or Emma actually does.  I prepared myself to see the dinner still sitting out, even though we asked Emma to put the food away once she dished up her fajitas.  I even prepared myself to see her lounging on the couch in her volleyball spandex, knee pads still pulled around her ankles, staring at her phone, scrolling through Instagram.  I tried to tell myself that she is a busy girl, it had been a long day, and she needed some down time, too.

So when I opened the mudroom door and walked in through the kitchen, I nearly had a heart attack.  Music was playing softly from the kitchen speaker.  The counters were gleaming and bare.  The dishwasher was humming quietly.  I went straight back to lay Lance in his bed, and then came out to find Emma.  Just then, she walked down the stairs with a towel wrapped around her head.  She had a huge smile.  She proudly announced that ALL of her homework was done!  I grabbed her and hugged her tight.  It was the best surprise.  It was one of those moments as a mom when you wonder if maybe you are doing things right.

We read scriptures and had family prayer.  Our hearts were full as we prayed for Jaron and Joni and their family, as well as my mom, and well, all of us.

I got everyone into bed pretty quickly, and even Emma climbed into her bed early to read her Princess Bride book for school.

I'm so grateful for my kids.  I'm so grateful that they are so very good inside.  I love them all.  And I'm so lucky to be the mother to this beautiful bunch!

I love you, Emma!!