Thankful for the Mess

     

 

     I am beyond thankful that nothing in my life has turned out the way I imagined.  Years ago when I pictured myself having kids and being married it was like "playing house".  I dreamed of putting the baby dolls in the crib for a nap.  I imagined making homemade sand pies that were cooling on the window in the fake kitchen.  I envisioned sitting around the dinner table nicely conversing with my stuffed animal family about our days.  Reality is so much better than I have ever dreamed it to be.

     My babies did not fall asleep after nicely tucking them into their cribs each night.  Yes, this would have provided me with much more sleep as a mom.  However, I am thankful they didn't because I would have missed out on so many things.  The feeling of rocking them and singing songs to them.  Even now I tell my older girls what their favorite songs were when they were babies.  The feeling of my tired babies relaxing into me in the middle of the night because all they needed was to be close to me.  The amazing and slightly annoying way that they still ninja crawl under my blankets in the middle of the night and snuggle up next to me.  Reality is so much better.

    Pies have never been cooling in any of my windows.  Yes, it would have been lovely to have fresh baked goods for my kids especially since I love baking.  However, I'm thankful that I haven't taken any time away from my family by focusing on baked goods.  There have been times that I have baked with my little ladies. After these bonding baking experiences it takes me about 2 hours to clean the kitchen. It was unimaginable the delight that my children would get from just stirring.  Even if they are only making  a lemonade mix, that stirring gives them so much happiness and pride.  They will proceed to tell everyone they encounter about the delicious lemonade they made.  Reality is so much better.

     Nobody is ever nicely sitting around the dinner table.  Yes, it would be nice if everyone used a fork, had a napkin, and stayed in their seats.  However, I am so thankful for the chaos that comes with our family dinners.  My kids feel free to tell us anything which gives me so much joy.  My independent women have no trouble speaking their minds and telling me or my husband that they don't like the dinner we have prepared.  They share details about their days and often jump out of their seats with excitement.  Usually we experience dancing routines and singing of original songs in between bites.  Something always gets spilled or dropped on the floor but there are always extra napkins on the table to accommodate.  Reality is so much better.

   My crazy life is so much better than I could have ever imagined. I never dreamed if I just opened up my arms a chubby little toddler would run and fall into me.  I never dreamed that my bed and my heart would be totally full with little arms and legs on top of me. I never dreamed the amount of loud giggling, squealing, and screaming would be so melodious to me.  Although nothing has turned out the way that I expected it to be, everything has exceeded my wildest dreams. For all that and so much more I am so very Thankful!  Happy Thanksgiving!