i have to remember

I've been trying to roll with the punches a little more often than not. Lately, if I don't roll with the punches, I just might go crazy in certain moments. 

In the moments that Tucker decides it's way more fun to smear his hands in the food on his plate and then push his plate off of the table onto the floor, I have to remember. In the moments that Grey just has to have that giant leaf for his never ending collection that will end up crumbled up in tiny pieces on our rug, I have to remember. In the moments that my little explorers get into the pantry and dump out entire boxes of pasta, bags of pretzels, or rice, I have to remember. When I can't see through the window to the deck because of all the caked on film, I have to remember. When I am scraping squished raisins off of the floor, I have to remember. When I watch Tucker throw an entire bowl of yogurt onto the floor just to watch it spew, I have to remember. When I am explaining for the 5000th time in a day that "yes, he will cry if you body slam him on the hardwood floor and he bangs his head," I have to remember. When I am cleaning up the 5th cup of spilled milk in a day, I have to remember. When I have repeated the phrase "you need to choose to obey the first time" 400 times a day,  I have to remember.

I have to remember.

To be thankful that God has provided the food to fill our tummies that sometimes ends up on the floor. To be thankful that Grey and Tucker are healthy and curious little boys that have each other to play with. To be thankful that I have the ability to clean up tiny hand prints. To be thankful that my boys have the capability to learn and to grow and to play. To be thankful that I get to spend my every day with them.  

The physical demands are great. The needs of my children are great. This phase of life with young children can leave me completely and utterly worn out at the end of the day (and the middle of the day). Physically, mentally, and emotionally worn out. These days are full. I have to remember to be thankful in all things, for God willed such a time as this. And at this time of the year I am so very grateful for this time in our lives. No matter how exhausting it can be at times, the joy is unending.