Here's the deal. I don't climb out of bed until 6:00 am but having those extra ten minutes is a real luxury to me. I use that time to enjoy the warmth of my cozy soft blankets, the sound of complete stillness in my home and a quiet conversation with God.
First, I say good morning to Him. Then I thank Him for a safe and restful night of sleep. Before the grandfather clock in our foyer strikes 6:00 am, I mentally run through my to-do list for the day and ask Him what needs to be the priorities and what can wait until the next day.
This morning Carson (our youngest son) was up earlier than normal. It's because he fell asleep on our sofa, while reading last night, at 7:30 pm. We let him sleep there until 9:45 pm then carried him up to bed. He was obviously exhausted from our busy weekend and slept almost twelve hours long!
I fixed chocolate chip waffles with fresh strawberries and whipped cream for breakfast. Yum, yum, yum. I know this won't win me the most balanced breakfast award but my boys love chocolate chip waffles so once a week we just go for it.
The waffles were a big hit and before Carson headed upstairs to brush his teeth, he asked "Mom, will you stick my shirt and jacket in the dryer?" He had a big ole smile plastered across his face and I knew exactly what he meant.
Carson didn't want me dry his shirt and jacket because they were damp. Or, because they were wrinkled. He wanted me to place them in the dryer so they would be warm and soft when he put them on.
Now that our weather is cooler and mornings greet us with lower temperatures, Carson has been asking me to warm up his jacket and shirt every morning. It's become our special little routine that puts a smile on his face every single time. As he slips on his Downey scented, warm, and soft shirt, he response with a resounding "aahhh, that feels SO good!". His reaction always puts a smile on my face too and I respond by wrapping my arms around him with a big bear hug.
As he bounced out the door and ran for bus stop this morning, I couldn't help but feel good inside. This morning I was seeing myself as a "good mom".
A mom that fixed her children chocolate chip waffles with fresh strawberries and whipped cream for breakfast.
A mom that packed their lunch boxes and included a small pack of Skittles as an extra surprise.
A mom that got their backpacks and shoes together by the door so they wouldn't forget anything.
And yes, a mom that even put her son's clothes in the dryer so they would be warm when he put them on.
Do I do this every morning.... No, sirree (not sure about that spelling).
Often times, I'm pushing my boys out the door with a granola bar hanging out of their mouths, shoes in one hand and an open backpack (with it's contents spilling out) in the other.
Aahh, this morning was special and I'm relishing in the memories of it.
Come to think of it, I believe it's those small things that we do for our children that mean the most to them. Things that don't cost a lot of money or require much sacrifice. Just the simple things that say " I notice and I love you".
Maybe tomorrow I'll whip up some french toast (from the freezer, of course) and do it all over again.
Those are the mornings they'll remember all their lives, too. You ARE a fantastic mom!
ReplyDeleteLeah - what sweet moments! I agree - you are a fantastic mom. I, too, love all the little things. I was just reminded my ten year old and 14 year old that i used to scavenger hunts for when they got home from school. I'd hide clues that would lead them to something very small that their little hearts would be tickled by - a small prize, snack or 4 quarters. Those were the good old days:) But I love these days too!
ReplyDeleteCan I come live with you? lol
ReplyDeleteThanks, it reminds me to slow down and do those special things they will appreciate you for. (one day, anyway).
My girls adore chocolate chip waffles. So do I. :)
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