THE REALLY IMPORTANT THINGS

The other day Brinlee drew up a bunch of squares with little pictures in them and hung it on the fridge.  When I asked her to tell me about it, she said

"This is a chart of all the REALLY important things I have to do every day!  
Like, set the table, brush my teeth...
I drew a bug here for 'not bug mom',
and a bed here for 'let mom nap whens she's tired',
and this one is 'give mom her quiet time!"

... hmm...
  
And if that doesn't already say a little too much about what some of my days are like, later when Tim got home and asked her about it, she said "Oh yeah, mom has some cranky days!" 

Sigh.

Yup.  Mom does.
But most of my days really are fun, happy, and wonderful.  
And even though her little chart was innocent, and darling, and actually pretty sweet, and did give me a chuckle, it did also make me realize that maybe I need to do a better job showing my girls what the "really important things" really are.  Because if I were to draw up a chart for myself of the really important things I need to do every day, the boxes certainly wouldn't be full of pictures of me sitting alone all the time, having quiet time just to myself, or napping, or not being bugged (though those things are nice from time to time, let's be real here!). 

If I were to draw a chart of "the REALLY important things I have to do every day", it would be full of those little angel girls, and all their little moments that make my life so sweet, 
and all the little giggles and squeals I get to hear, 
and all the hugs and kisses I get to give,
and all the games of Princess Go-Fish I get to play,
and all the little books I get to read over, and over, and over,
and all the sweet little prayers I get to hear them pray,
and all the questions I get to answer,
and all the bad dreams that I get to cuddle away at night,
and all the peanut butter and jelly sandwiches I get to make,
and all the imaginary games I get to play,
and all the little toes I get to nibble,
and all the little bums that climb up in my lap,
and all the bubbles I get to poor into the bathtub,
and all the boo-boos I get to kiss and tears I get to wipe away,
and all the little stories I get to hear them tell,
and all the little songs I get to hear them sing,
and all the little pictures I get to hang on my fridge,
and all the little fun adventures and errands we get to run...
    
Because, as it turns out, those little blonde-haired, blue-eyed, kind, sweet, smart, loving, goofy, funny ladies are my most important things! 
And, even though I do get tired... and yes, sometimes cranky, 
I am amazed, and so SO grateful every day that I am blessed to be their mama!

BECAUSE

Because sometimes you just really need to be a cowgirl for breakfast.
Which is perfect, when you're such a dang cute cowgirl!

BECAUSE

Because sometimes dad's shoes are more fun than your own.

Because sometimes your day just wears you right out!

Because sometimes you just need to grocery shop in style.

Because sometimes a fort makes everything more fun.

Because sometimes traditional studying methods just don't work for you.

Because sometimes you just need a pool day.

Because sometimes you're up early enough to catch beauties like this.

(Ok let's be real, Tim is up early enough for this kind of thing)

Because sometimes your little hairs start getting long enough for big girl hair-do's.

Because sometimes you just want to paint.

Because sometimes you can't believe how fast they are growing, 

and still can't believe how blessed you are to have your counter tops and memory boxes 

full of papers like these.

Because sometimes your sister is awesome at counting and is the best story time reader.

Because sometimes your husband builds you kitchen shelves 

and you want to try your hand at live herbs.

Because sometimes you get a haircut, and nobody really notices, 

but you feel like a whole new woman anyway.

Because sometimes you need your toilet seat decorated 

(Design by Brinlee Borup)

Because sometimes you feel really crummy 

and just want to cuddle with a beach ball in a steamy bath.

Because sometimes you still feel crummy and need someone who can sympathize.

Because sometimes you are trying to sing your toddler to bed, but she serenades you instead.

Because sometimes you realize how awesome and creative your 4-year-old is.

Because sometimes mom is the best at hide and seek.

Because sometimes you need a wild-haired little helper.

Because sometimes you run over the cell phone cord with the vacuum, 

and your 4-year-old has to text dad right away and tattle on you, complete with photo proof.

Because sometimes upside down goggles are at the height of fashion.

Because sometimes,

it's the littlest parts of your day 

that bring the most smiles and make your life the most fabulous,

and make you feel the most blessed,

and make you wonder how in the world you got so very lucky!

Tiger In Our Tub

The other day Brinlee and I took yet another trip to the DI and Goodwill.  I frequent there looking for toys and books.  Not that Brin doesn't have more than enough to keep her entertained (seriously, her room, wow!), but you never know when you are going to find that one perfect thing.  Well this time her little eye happened upon a silly little tiger toy... not my idea of "the perfect thing", but she just had to have it.  Her eyes lit up and she started pointing and growling and as soon as I handed it to her she was complete.  It cost me 50 cents, and she loves it!  It has been drug all over this house and has set up permanent residence with her toys in our tub.

I journal quite a bit.  That is not to say that I'm fantastic at keeping up.  I play catchup... a lot.  But I keep a written journal (kind of), jot down notes on a calendar, take way too many pictures, and blog probably too often (as Tim has lovingly given me a hard time for more than once).  It takes a decent amount of time, but I find myself already forgetting things.  And I want to remember.

I want to remember Brin's sweet smile, her first steps, first words, and how she dances so cute in her tutu.
I want to remember how she makes a sweet little woof noise when you ask what a puppy says, or that she brings me book after book and climbs in my lap so I can read them for the hundredth time while she points and talks.
I want to remember that Tim brought me flowers for our anniversary.
I want to remember that I get super frustrated with work and cherish when I can just be a mom.
I want to remember how Tim makes Brin laugh, how cuddly she is when she's sleepy, or how she's so proud of herself for running fast or throwing a ball.
I want to remember us as newlyweds and brand new parents, how Tim smiles when I laugh goofy, and how Brinlee giggles when we chase her around or make animal noises.

50 years from now, I want to remember what four years of marriage felt like and what our young little family was up to, what we worried about, and what we looked forward to.

Someday, I want to remember that silly little 50 cent tiger toy in our tub.