Getting Something Done

Dear Elijah,

This morning I had a project out in the yard that I have been TRYING to work on for a couple of weeks now. So I was determined when I woke up today, that I was going to get it done. I got all the tools and equipment for it and starting working.

Well, in the midst of starting to work lots of different 'mom' things happened. Talia needed help going to the bathroom, Gabriel needed help getting something down off the shelf to play with, you needed a diaper change, Talia and Gabe got into a fight so I needed to help regulate and teach, a bug bit Talia.... you get the picture. So after going back and forth... then back and forth... then back and forth AGAIN to this project after about 2 minutes, you started to cry.

I found myself getting so frustrated. I pulled off my gloves, threw down my stuff I was working with and as I was walking to get you I found myself saying, "This is why I never get anything done." There are 1/2 finished projects everywhere in my home, 1/2 cleaned rooms, 1/2 folded laundry, just so many things that I just never get DONE because of getting called upon by a baby and a couple toddlers constantly.

But as I picked you up and started hugging you, you leaned back and just looked at me... just stared in my eyes for a couple minutes. It was one of those soul touching experiences where you look into and see my soul. Then you smiled really big. In that moment I swear if you could have talked you would have said, "Mom, helping and loving me IS getting something done."

My breath caught a little bit. It is true that:

Loving my baby is getting something done.
Helping my son is getting something done.
Soothing a sore is getting something done.
Teaching my daughter is getting something done.
Cuddling with my kids is getting something done.

I don't give myself enough credit for what I am getting done when I accomplish things on this list, not necessarily my 'to do' list.

So keep on asking me for help, needing me to love, crying in my arms, running to me for teaching, and calling for me to come to you. There will be many days ahead when I will accomplish lots of various things, but for now my 'getting something done' list is to focus on you.

I love you,

Your Mom