Every week I like to take a moment to showcase the moments that brought me the most joy. Sometimes they are awesome activities and other times it’s a sweet moment between the kids. There are always moments that can fill us with joy if we choose to see them with a thankful heart.
Last week was a STRUGGLE. The little guys are on a nap strike. As in every single day last week they refused to nap. I think a big part of it is how early I need to put them down in order to give them a chance to sleep before needing to wake them up for school pick-up. They simply aren’t tired at noon! But because we need to pick up the big boys before 3 I can’t really put them down much later. No naps for little guys = super grumpy moods by dinner time. I really pray this strike doesn’t last much longer or mommy might go crazy with all the whining from a lack of sleep!
However, there are always things to be grateful for and plenty of chances to choose joy.
1. Family outing
Micah’s new glasses came in last Monday so we took the time to turn it into a mini family outing. We grabbed a couple pretzels (with free coupons the big boys earned for reading at school) for a snack, threw pennies in the fountain, peeked in at all the animals in the pet store, and visited a few other stores.
2. Binoculars
We snuck in one more walk before the weather returned to winter temps last week. Mercedes ran ahead of me and made binoculars to watch me getting closer. I adore seeing my kids using their imaginations!
3. Clean laundry room
I can honestly say I never thought a clean laundry room would bring me joy but this week I was super pleased to scrub this room down as part of our new homemaking routine. And now I know it will be an easy job to tidy up each week rather than letting it get super icky again. How does a room filled with soap get so dirty?
4. String art party
I set up a string art party for my MOPS group this week and it sounds like everyone really enjoyed creating art for their homes. I love getting together with mommy friends and being crafty was icing on the cake!
5. First haircuts
It finally happened. I had been talking about it for some time but I could no longer ignore the amount of food and other gunk kept getting stuck in their long curls. Both boys did really well for being just over two. I’ve had to touch up a few spots but overall I’m pretty pleased with my amateur cuts. It will be interesting to see if they keep any curls as their hair grows back out.
6. Mommy-son date
Parker and I went out for our mommy-son date on Saturday to Olive Garden. He heard they have endless breadsticks and he was sold – definitely my child! He picked mac n cheese because it was the only entree that came with two sides and I ordered portobello mushroom ravioli with a sundried tomato sauce. Amazing! We also ran a few errands and he was a super great helper. On our way home he told me how much he enjoyed getting to go on a date and getting to spend special time with me. Awww, that’s why we do these dates!
What brought you joy this week? What were your favorite moments? Did you find joy during any struggles this week?
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