Mornings, Boys, and God

I have two wild and crazy, energetic boys. These two boys wake up in the morning hyped up like they just had 7 Red Bulls and while I am still wiping the sleep out of my eyes, they are asking me, "mom, what are we going to do today? Are we going anywhere today? Is anyone coming over today? I'm hungry, what's for breakfast? Can I go play with Sarah in her bed? Will you go get me something to drink?"

"Woa, woa, woa, slooow down buddies! Please let mommy wake up. Yes, you can go play with Sarah. And I will make breakfast in a minute, (or in an hour).  I'm not sure what we are doing today. "

And so it begins. Typically, not less than two minutes later, Sarah is screaming at the top of her lungs because the boys are making her mad by holding her down trying to give her huge squeeze hugs and she wants to escape and explore.

That's what the mornings look like around here. It doesn't really slow down until after the boys are in bed around 8pm, and then they usually come out of their rooms 800 times to ask for something to drink, to tell on eachother for hitting or stealing toys, or to ask Jason or I some sort of random question. Some days we think it is funny, and some days we want to cry because we are so stinkin tired!

And then, after I have had 30 minutes to an hour of just sitting in a comatose state of being, my brain  starts to work again and I try to connect with my husband. Some evenings, it's impossible. Some evenings, it's really good when Jason and I can spend time together.

So I have been thinking a lot lately about how to make some adjustments around here. I have been begging God to help me make the most of our days and to set up opportunities to feel more productive and "successful" as a parent.

Isn't it hard to feel successful as a parent?  How do you measure it?  How is it ever a "finished" job?  Does it mean you are failing horribly when you have friends over for dinner and when they leave you feel embarrassed by your kids behavior? 

Doesn't it feel good though when your child gives you a big hug and tells you that they love you?  Or when you see your child loving on their siblings or being nice to their friends?  Is our "success" based on whichever one you see more of?   Whew, I'm tired just thinking about it!

So these days, I am pulling out the discipline charts, working on our school work more diligently, locking the boys outside more often to run off some of that energy, and praying A LOT. I also like to have worship music on in the house that helps me to be in a spirit of worship, which reminds me to be thankful, nice and dependent on Jesus. ;) I'm also giving myself projects and outlets, so I can place a definite check by atleast a few things!

One of my favorite posts that I have ever read is right here.  I think about this principle pretty much every day.  Elise calls it, "taking the day back."  Elise is awesome.  I love her blog.

So, here is my check for sitting down and blogging, which is something that I love and enjoy doing.   Happy Tuesday friends!  You are loved.