#11

I need to add an amendment to my last post. After yesterday, my list of ‘the good stuff’ in my life isn't complete with a #11.

11. Having friends who love on my kids when I’m not with them.

My friend Kim, told me last week that this was one of the things that she really valued in her life, and I witnessed it in my own life, just yesterday.

Staying home with my kids is incredible and I’m thankful that my job description includes ‘stay at home mom.’ However, the biggest dilemma that I’ve ever encountered as a mom who doesn’t have a regular babysitter, is finding a sitter for my kids when something comes up (I’m sure there are a lot of other parents out there who experience this). If I have a doctor’s appointment, need to run errand without the kids, have a haircut, or anything similar in the middle of the day, I have to line up a sitter or ask my beloved Matt to take time off work. If you know my husband, you’re aware that this rarely happens. He’d prefer to have weeks (or months) notice before taking time off work, unless it’s an emergency. Unfortunately, an emergency to me isn’t always an emergency to him. After all, without his job, we’d be homeless :)

Well, something came up yesterday that I really wanted to do and the only dilemma we had was finding a sitter. Two very special ladies stepped up (and one supporting husband) and loved on my kids all day in a way that according to my 5 year old, “was more fun than being at home.” Don’t worry, I didn’t take it personally :)

We have a dinner ritual in our house. We each have to name our most favorite part of the day. While sitting at the table last night with my family, Nate started the ball rolling. “What was your favorite part of the day, Mom.” “Well, Nate…I got to spend the whole day with Mamaw Judy.” Adrianna added, “That’s great. Good job!” This is usually her response to anything that sounds like fun. The next 5 minutes or so went like this (everyone was talking at once)…

Nate: My favorite part of the day was playing on Eli’s trampoline.

Gabe: … was eating my necklace.

Adri: … was riding in Miss Kim’s brown van.

Nate: … was being a car rider and going home with Eli.

Gabe: … was chasing chickens with Shelton.

Adri: … was watching the dancers on TV.

Nate: … was playing hide and seek with Eli.

Gabe: …hiding in Shelton’s closet.

Adri: …playing the piano.

Nate: …throwing bricks at Eli’s house (I need to talk to Carol about this one).

Gabe: …going on a field trip to the library.

Adri: …seeing Miss Peggy.

Nate: …playing tag with Eli.

Gabe: …showing Shelton how to clean his room.

Adri: …having snacks with my friends.

This went on and on and on… I couldn’t help but smile as I was taking in the joy they were sharing about their days. I thought to myself, “And I was worried about them missing me!”

Thanks you, my friends, for loving on my babies yesterday! I’m so thankful for my friends!