Friday was a bit of an irritating day for me. I just wasn't on my game... pretty much woke up on the wrong side of the bed. I let everything bother me and I hated letting things get to me like that. The kids were being loud and Caitlyn just wouldn't stop with her constant questioning of everything.
We went to visit David, bring him lunch at work, and let him show off our new addition to his co-workers. It was a break in our normal routine, so of course the kids were going to be a bit off schedule. David works on the far side of Houston so it was a bit of a drive, and then started pouring down rain which made things worse. Accidents were here and there, huge puddles all over, and construction on various parts of the freeway. The drive there wasn't as bad as the drive home... it took me an hour and fifteen minutes to get home! I was beyond irritated by then, but trying my best to get in a relaxed mood for the kids.
They wouldn't settle down which in return didn't give me much of a chance to settle down myself. We had to make a run to the grocery store when David got home, and by that time my nerves were frazzled to say the least. Diaper bag packed, we were on our way. Though the store is only two miles away, Caitlyn just wouldn't quit with the questions... again.
As I asked her kindly... again... to stop, I felt myself growing more frustrated. This was not going to be a good grocery store trip like this. Not a second later David leans over and whispers into my ear. "I know you have had a rough day... but you need to remember something. You are teaching her how to be a parent. Everything you say to her right now, that is how she learns how to parent her own children someday."
His words struck me. Oh my goodness... I felt low! I felt horrible. What am I teaching her? That Mommy is having a bad day and that allows Mommy to yell and be angry over tiny little things like repeat questions? No. I want better for her. I want her to know patience. My patience is rather thin at times, and I want more for my kids.
Everything I do... everything I say... is showing my children how to act with their own families. He said, we are not teaching them to be kids, we are teaching them how to be adults. They already have the kid thing down. Wow. How did my husband get so smart? He always was of course, but in times like these all I can say is WOW!
I am going to do better. I am going to have more patience... read that story one more time though we have already finished it three times in a row... put down the dishes to sit and color with them... and let them play just a bit longer in the bath tub. Putting off the dishes, laundry, or vacuuming might bother you at that moment... but in years to come you will thank yourself. They only stay little for a few years. They only want your attention for a few years. Soon, you will be the ones chasing after them for attention.
Cherish each and every moment you have with your children. Play with them, read, act goofy, and most importantly, love them unconditionally.
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1 comment:
Janae, you need to post this on Cafemom. This really hit home with me too b/c I often find myself snapping at Troy b/c of the constant questions, chattering, noises, jumping around, picking on his sister, etc. Derek has told me time and time again that he reason Troy acts the way he does is b/c he's mimicking me...and BOY IS IT ANNOYING! Tell David that he's a genius and that I said thank you for giving you that tidbit b/c it helped me too =)
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