Many Small Children, pt. 2

In my last post, I was focused on the overwhelming, all-consuming, demanding parts of being a mom of small kids. Every word of that post is true, and I would say that most days I would love to have someone help me in one of the ways I listed. However, since posting that I have been struck by the many incredible gifts of this time with little ones underfoot. I am praying that I will focus more and more on these gifts and less and less on the interruptions, inconveniences, and frustrations.

Here are a few of the gifts that I know won't last forever:

A little guy who wants to dress in costume for days to do everything:

The sheer joy of being able to climb onto a stool

 When they share their snacks:

  The being able to sleep ANYWHERE:

Or thinking it's funny to sleep on the snow:

The imagination:

Here he's saying, "Dino, please don't eat my sunglasses!" and then, "Thanks, Dino!"

and here he's "going to school" (obviously!)

The fun of "peek-a-boo!"

and of course, the snuggles

Obviously, I could go on...there's the silly voices, the mispronounced words, naptimes, etc...but I think you get the point. I'm truly thankful for each of my four kiddos and the various stages that they're in right now. Each stage, like each child, has it's challenges, but overall, there is much to enjoy about each one. I'm praying that God will give me the eyes to see the gifts in the moments that aren't what I would plan or that interrupt my schedule. That He would give me the grace for each moment, and the love that each kid needs, that they might be drawn to Him more and more each day. 

*Disclaimer, lest anyone think I'm too idealistic, I recognize that there will be moments of cleaning up poop, crying over spilled milk (literally and figuratively), frustation when shoes can't be found and we're late AGAIN. I'm just trying to remind myself that there are frustrations in every phase of life, and try to remember the truly special things that are surrounding me each day.