But above all WE LOVE

My life as a mom can be the most fun and exciting adventure there is! I get to experience it all. I have experienced growing a person (Or three) inside my body. I have felt three precious lives move and toss and turn from the inside. I've been kicked in places some couldn't imagine and lived to smile and laugh and tell about it. I've watched three tiny people come into this world with awe over what a miracle life really is. I've nourished them. I've clothed, bathed, rocked, snuggled, and on and on... I get to be the center of their universe for a moment and know that beyond anything or anyone else, they.want.me. I am their comforter. I am their teacher. I am their dinosaur wrangler (because we don't do monsters at our house). I am the "best mom [they've]ever had"! I get to laugh and play and kiss and hug three precious ones for just a moment. Then...my joy becomes more than I can bear. The constant touching and pulling and needing just brings me to my knees where at times I want to throw my hands in the air and scream "I AM DONE!" My dream world of perfect children is non-existent. It's also irrational to expect them to be. It's funny how a moment when my two-year-old and I seem to go head to head in a match that is just unfair, blows up into something out of control. "Listen and obey!" I say. But he hears nothing. Today, after such a collision, I came to my dining room. I walked over to where I have the following saying hanging on the wall: In this house We laugh...a lot We are patient...most of the time We tell the truth We support each other We hug often We make mistakes We never give up We always forgive We keep our promises We always have fun But above all WE LOVE So, big mom fail. In the midst of trying to instill character into my children, do I lose sight of "above all WE LOvE"? I get frustrated and angry. I don't believe these are necessarily bad things. I do believe they can become bad when it becomes sinning in our anger and frustration. Before you start allowing your mind to run off with "How did she sin while disciplining?" I'll tell you it wasn't sin in physical correction but my tongue. Allowing my voice to raise to an octave no human being should ever have to hear and lashing out to get a point across that could very well have waited until I had a time to run to my Savior and ask for a gentle word. I want to leave an impression on my children as a woman full of grace AND a gracious word. Even when correcting unacceptable behavior. I'm thankful for my upbringing. Im thankful for the God of the Universe who chose me to take care of these precious lives. By His Grace and Mercy will I accomplish the goal placed before me. ~*Hope*~ "Hatred stirs up dissension, but love covers over all wrongs." Proverbs 10:12