Tuesday, July 12, 2011

We Need to Pray Just to Make it Today

Fear grips your heart. Beads of sweat form on your furrowed, nervous brow. Will I be able to do it? What if they overpower me? What if I'm just not strong enough? What if... Can I...

Can I really get the babies to bed by myself? Dun dun dun...

Never fear. It always works out. Albeit barely at times, but it always works out.

Every once in a while, Chris or I are alone at bedtime. Sometimes it's because dad is working late. Sometimes it's because mom flees the house as soon as dad walks in the door. (It's always his suggestion, don't worry.)

It's not a unique or unusual thing for a household to be a little chaotic near the end of the day. If I were a betting woman, I would let it ride on nearly every house in America having a extra layer of stress in the evening, right before little eyelids shut. We are no exception.

For illustrative purposes, I thought I would share with you a round of prayers that was said during one of these nights when I was all by mysellllelelff, don't wanna be... (Celine? Anyone?)

The last thing we do before we say goodnight and shut the door is individual prayers with each little rascal. So here is what was prayed over the other night...

Sunshine:
We are grateful for her creativity, curiosity, persistent spirit and problem solving skills...
This was prompted from her unyielding attempts to take off her pjs. First the snap at the top, then the zipper, then she would go to work on her diaper which is now being duct taped each night. It took her a good 5 minutes each time I redressed her. But she kept on keeping on. She's very determined.

Christian:
We are grateful that he loves to read books so much and loves to cuddle with mommy...
I call Christian my "lap crasher." Regardless if my lap is already occupied, here he comes, barreling in with a (hard) board book he wants me to read to him. The book not only knocks me in the mouth, but usually nails whoever is sitting in my lap right on their noggin. So he lands the book, then turns and SITS. Hard. Again, he doesn't really notice or care if someone is already there. He happily snuggles down, with the cutest grin and is even patient while I soothe whoever he just ransacked. He really likes books.

Gabe:
We are grateful that he is quick to forgive, is so smart and wants to be like his mommy...
This phrase was prompted from Gabe's, repeated and unwavering attempts at taking off my glasses. I really need my glasses. I feel like a new born kangaroo without them. I need to be able to see across the room. In my situation, it's terribly important. What might look like a child harmlessly playing with a toy, could actually be someone trying to escape down a vent hole. I need to be able to see. But this night, Gabe decided he really needed them too. He would NOT STOP trying to take them off. Keep in mind, this is in the middle of one child undressing, another lap crashing, it's not like I was just sitting in a corner doing nothing. Whew! So at about the 84th try at reaching for my glasses, and me jerking my head back, I grabbed his little hands and with a firm mommy voice said, "NO." Well, whatever tone I used, he knew I was serious and started to cry. Big, sad, why doesn't mommy like me, tears. It almost made me cry. I gave him a hug, told him I loved him and that I needed my glasses to be able to see. I asked him if he wanted to hold them for a minute and his bottom lip retracted a bit. He nodded. I told him to be gentle and handed him my glasses. He put them on his eyes. Just like mommy wears them and gave me the biggest grin. I told him he was very smart and asked if I could have them back. He smiled and handed them over.

So that's why I pray. I pray with my kids because I want them to pray. But I also pray with them to keep my perspective on what's important. Someday they will actually do things ON PURPOSE to get my goat. But now, their sweet little faces and curious little minds are just learning and taking everything in. Then, when it's time to say my own prayer before going to bed, I pray for patience (again) and the inspiration to let each one be themselves.

I need to keep up. They are quick little goobers, and I'm thankful for every single moment.





4 comments:

Karen said...

Wow look at your three little toddlers!! I love seeing pictures of them. I love what you say in each of their prayers. Hunters prayer usually goes like this. PLEASE or please let him sleep a LONG time tonight. And we love him lots and lots too!

Kelsey said...

cute! Tip: Don't introduce a routine that involves monster movies before bed. I have learned that doesn't help with sleeping.

michelle grange said...

ADORABLE! the pics you posted are freakin killing me! i love two kids in a basket and sunshine with her bear. how do you do it with three little 'uns?? you are awesome kara!

Hamblin Family said...

Scotty and I are sitting here looking at the pictures of your kids. They are the cutest things we have ever seen. That little Sunshine looks just like you! They are all so adorable! If you are ever up here make sure you stop by.