Just for Today....

Victoria was literally awake for over half of the night.

Matt's out of town and although all of the children were put to bed at about 8:45, it was 10:30 before the girls got to sleep. Tori woke up at 1 and from 3- 4 am , then again at 5. Now, for many moms with young children, that's a typical night. We have gotten past the stage of frequent night-waking, so a night like that kind of rings me a new one! Then, when Daphne woke up at 6:45 and woke up her sister as well, I found myself on the verge of a toddler-like temper tantrum. Okay, maybe I was past "the verge".

Daphne got up and Isaac woke up shortly thereafter, I was thankful to get Victoria back to sleep (or at least quiet in her room without me), and when I laid back down, I tried to sleep more, but I couldn't. All I could think was how Daphne must have felt waking to my frustrated, ill-tempered manner rather than a Mom who was grateful to see her; grateful to have another day with my precious children. I just laid there and prayed, and finally arose to ready myself for a day, slowly shedding the frustration and irritation of unexpected sleep deprivation.

When I went to get some Motrin for my pounding head, I came across this poem taped inside my medicine cabinet. The author is unknown, and I have had it taped there for years. But I needed it today. Just in case someone else needs it, too:

Just for this morning, I am going to smile when I see your face and laugh when I feel like crying.
Just for this morning, I will let you choose what you want to wear and smile and say just how perfect it is.
Just for this morning, I am going to step over the laundry and pick you up and take you to the park to play.
Just for this morning, I will leave the dishes in the sink and let you teach me how to put together that puzzle of yours.
Just for this afternoon, I will unplug the telephone and keep the computer off, and sit with you in the backyard and blow bubbles.
Just for this afternoon, I will not yell once, not even a tiny grumble, when you scream and whine for the ice cream truck, and I will buy you one if he comes by.
Just for this afternoon, I won't worry about what you are going to be when you grow up, or second guess every decision I have made where you are concerned.
Just for this afternoon, I will let you help me bake cookies, and I won't stand over you trying to fix them.
Just for this afternoon, I will take us to McDonald's and buy us both a Happy Meal so you can have both toys.
Just for this evening, I will hold you in my arms and tell you a story about how you were born and how much I love you.
Just for this evening, I will let you splash in the tub and not get angry.
Just for this evening, I will let you stay up late while we sit on the porch and count all the stars.
Just for this evening, I will snuggle beside you for hours and miss my favorite tv shows.
Just for this evening, when I run my finger through your hair as you pray, I will simply be grateful that God has given me the greatest gift ever given.
I will think about the mothers and fathers who are searching for their missing children, the mothers and fathers who are visiting their children's graves instead of their bedrooms, and the mothers and fathers who are in hospital rooms watching their children suffer senselessly, and screaming inside that they can't handle it anymore.
And when I kiss you good night I will hold you a little tighter, a little longer. It is then that I will thank God for you, and ask him for nothing, except one more day...

I know there will be more nights like last night. And I'm sure I will fail to be cheerful enough on several more mornings, but I'm going to try harder to be better every day.
My Mom and I took the kids to the Treehouse museum today and then we stopped by Farr's for ice cream on the way home. I'm hoping the weather will hold out long enough for a trip to the park, but either way, I thank God for this day with them.