Tender Moments

There are times when I want to scream and yell and run away. Usually at bedtime. And sometimes I do a few of those things. But sometimes I try something different and am amazed by the outcome of just a little plea to heaven to get through bedtime without turning into a fire breathing dragon. Was I still fuming inside while brushing their teeth and herding them to the living room for scriptures and prayer? Yes! Did I cringe when the 7 year didn't have his bed ready to climb into even though he had alllllllll day? Absolutely. But I didn't get angry like I sometimes do. And because I gave a little effort to be a little better, I was able to see the tender side of those little balls of energy shaped like little boys. Matty gave me the biggest, squeeziest hug. The kind I love. James and Liam were determined to have a sleepover in "nannie's" bed. Liam calls James nannie for some reason. We have no idea why but we all think it's hilarious. I did't let them because it never ends in sleep. Mostly just more giggling and craziness and crankiness. Seth man and James feeding sweet little Anders his bottle. Then when I finally got a giggling Liam to his bed with a firm declaration that he must stay in his own bed now, I went to lay Anders down. Of course he was going to cry so I was about to take him out when 5 year old Matty said, "Mom, don't worry. I know how to get him to stop crying. I just sing to him and he stops." I never knew he did that. But  sure enough I laid Anders down, he started crying, I shut the door, I heard Matty sing, and then I heard silence. Magic. For a moment I got to stop and realize just how amazing it is to be the mom of these amazing little men. And to feel grateful to have all five of them so they could learn how to sing to and comfort each other and hopefully others too one day. It was a beautiful moment....And then the oldest two got out of bed again asking for this or that....of course they did. haha. moment gone, but thankfully memory is not. I had to ask if they wanted to wipe down the chairs and table and, funny enough, I haven't heard a peep since. Guess they decided they really were tired. 

From Mother's Day. All I wanted was a picture and you'd think I'd asked them to cut off an arm. 

Guess we just have to practice more.