This is my Life

A picture easily says 1,000 words. 

That's my life right there and I should probably stop there.

But for therapeutic purposes I will continue.

Andrew is busy. Really busy. I don't remember this busy stage taking quite the toll as it is this time around. Maybe that's because I had more time to clean up after James and Daniel or maybe it's because not only is Andrew getting into every cupboard of mine, but he also find great satisfaction in getting into his brothers' toys, especially their Legos. 

Meanwhile, empty hangers because the laundry is stacked ceiling high with dirty clothes, a random balloon hanging out in the laundry room (of which Andrew later popped), pull-ups strewn all over the ground because my anxious 5 year old (where on earth does he get that from?) still wets the bed, no pants on the kid because they are soaking in the sink with strawberry stains all over them. Good thing I entirely gave up on even attempting to get a cute kid Easter picture when James refused to wear his cute purple shirt or tie to go with it.

Can't remember what brothers were up to at this time. Possibly watching Diego. Miraculously (and probably after much prayer on my parents' behalf), I have renewed my desire to speak Spanish even though we are in America and Diego helps me to teach it to the boys. Or maybe they are outside in the snow jumping on the trampoline with no net or pads-- Mike and I collectively agree that a broken bone a year will still pay for that toy. Perhaps they are eating chicken nuggets since that's all they want to eat these days. Or maybe the are going off the neighbor's bike jumps-- entirely without parental supervision. Wherever they are in this pic, they're not bugging me and that's happy :)

BTW, in the time it's taken me to write this post:

James and Daniel stacked all of the couch cushions and pillows and tried to climb and jump off of them. With Daniel continually saying: It's gonna be derangerous!

The stack of pillows was then transformed into a boat and then a into submarine protecting them from alligators. Andrew got into a pile of plastic bags and scattered them up and down the stairs. 

and now, James just said: "We're packing up, Mom. Because we're gonna go to a new house."

Sounds like a good deal to me!

(caveat: they're playing a game, and the stack of pillows is now a road for their hand-me-down Dora car)

With all that said, I am surrounded by 3 angels. 3 of the most tender, loving, caring, thoughtful, happy, and fun choice little Spirits fresh from Heaven. Each day they make me laugh and smile. They fill my days with fulfillment and completeness. Each day as a busy mom is rich and satisfying. I'm learning to set my boundaries and to take time out for myself. I'm accepting the fact that the more kids I have exponentially effects my standards of perfection. Some days feel like the kids are never going to grow up and move out of the house and others (especially at night when they are peacefully sleeping in bed) it seems like the days fly and my babies are already beginning the parental separation process and are drawn to higher horizons out in the world.

So, even though my head is a fog, my limbs are tired, my eyelids are drooping, my shirt smells like Andrew's throw up from this morning, and my house is a wreck, I wouldn't trade this picture for the world. Because all of the good nights sleep, hours to spend however I wanted, and jeans that fit were never as joy-filled and happy as they are right now, in this perfect moment.