Monday, April 6, 2009

Bliss

I am startled out of sleep by the loud, merciless beeps. It is chilly this morning, and the tiny warm body in my bed is snuggled up close, stealing my body heat. I smile at her tangled mass of hair and wonder how she makes that perfect rock star hair in her sleep. I sigh and hit the snooze button at least three times before I can force myself out from under the warm covers.

I strip down and stand on the scale. I smile, for today it has been kind to me. I pull on the workout gear and slip into my pink, fuzzy slippers. I plod down the hall to wake the boys. As usual, they are already up. Up, at the crack of dawn.

Just like their father.

I chuckle and shake my head in awe, not comprehending how it is they manage to wake so early every day. And do it so cheerfully, too.

At breakfast, their sleepy faces start to light up as they speculate about the upcoming day. I take the morning poll and find out who is bringing and who is buying. I can almost always predict this, even without asking. Today they all surprise me and want to bring.

I suspect it has something to do with the pan of brownies on the counter.

I do dishes. I pack lunches. I blow dry the now smooth and very un-rock star-like hair. I smile and listen as she chatters on about every boy and girl in her class. I love her endless chatter, and silently wonder if everyone is lucky as I am.

I tie shoes. I zip backpacks. I look over and notice that both boys have a peanut butter smile on their cheeks. I laugh and send them in for a wash. I wipe counters. I sweep floors. I give hugs. I give kisses. I miss them already.

I stand at the door and wave. I watch the big, yellow bus take them from me, as it does each morning. I pray in my heart for their safety and happiness, as I do hundreds of times a day.

I sigh, content.

And I think to myself, what a wonderful world.

32 comments:

Anna said...

I agree with you. In the future,each time I hear women say that motherhood has taken their individuality from them that they "don't know whom I am anymore" I'm going to send them a copy of your post. Love ya.

Anonymous said...

What a sweet post. Perfectly written!

Jenny said...

Thanks for this reminder. There are days when I struggle with the thought of here I go again. I am blessed. My world is wonderful.

Hillary said...

I think that today I will look at my children a little differently. I will listen to them a little more intently, too. Thank you!!!

Holly (2 Kids and Tired) said...

I love mornings like that! Terrific post.

Celia Fae said...

Everyone cries at my house on Monday morning. Separation anxiety, I guess. They all manage to get to school early, though...

Terra said...

Oh that gave me chills, seriously. The almost tear jerking kind of chills. That was beautiful. Thank you.

Lisa-Marie said...

It's the simple life, and we love it.

Very beautiful, Christie!

Lauren in GA said...

That. was. beautiful. Beautiful. Beautiful. Beautiful.

I love it when my kids talk to me like you described Hannah talking to you. They have no idea how happy it makes me.

brooke said...

That sounds so romantic. What I was thinking when I read it was 1)she gets up and puts on work-out clothes. That must be the ticket to actually working out at some point during the day. 2) All of the kids were leaving on the school bus. LEAVING! FREEDOM for mom! Someday that just might be me. Glorious day it will be!

Margaret said...

What a lucky mom they have!

Annie said...

Amen.
I love it when you wax poetic. Great mama's version of Louis Armstrong's What a Wonderful World!

Jenibelle said...

My favorite song ever.

You make parenting sounded blissful. I'm making Lauren read this. Might as well start the indoctrination early. Way to be a great example to my kid, she's going to smack me and ask why I wasn't more like you.

Travelin'Oma said...

I'm so glad my grandkids have you for a mom!!

Christie in Dallas, TX said...

Oh, I didn't know mornings could be like that! That's lovely! I think I would learn to like mornings at your house!

Jake said...

I think the greatest blessing is contentment. Glad you are content today!

Andrea Almond said...

I too feel so lucky to be a mom. How greatful I am to stay home and share in all these wonderful moments.

Cindy said...

Very well said.

Anonymous said...

How can we all be as lucky as you?

Bridget said...

LOVE those mornings. Very well written, my friend. You are a fabulous mom.

Kimberly said...

This might be my favorite post ever. I wish I could capture that joy.

Jenibelle said...

I had to come back and tell you that I loved this, truly loved this. My second favorite ever of yours. Of course the UPS guy wins first, but this IS a close second.

Ilene said...

I hope you sat down and had a brownie and skipped your work out session.

Obviously the scale said it was okay, right?

Well, that's how my mind works.

Annemarie said...

I love what Gab said. Contentment is the best. What a great feeling and a great way to start your week.

diane said...

You totally rocked the "Be of good cheer" message.

Dalene said...

Again, totally crying (and I am totally going to steal this idea very soon).

Joy & Casey said...

Christie-in high school and college I thought you were just the best bs-er...now I know you have always just been talented!!! You could whip out an assignment and talk your way into/out of lots of things...you are amazing! Love this post! These days are the best-way better than the days you want to pull their hair out and hope they don't fight with their friends and argue with their teacher like they are with their siblings & you all morning! :)

Diane said...

What lucky kids to have you for their mom!

Tracy said...

Aaaaah, If we could only freeze time. They are so lucky to have you as a mom. I will be nicer in the morning because of you.

Emily said...

I love reading your words about your kids Stie. Makes me glad to be a mother.

Michelle said...

That is a beautiful post! And wonderful reminder. Their life with us is but a moment and soon they will be gone to start their own adventures and families. It is good to always treasure the moment.

Musings of a Housewife said...

LOVE this. :-) Stumbled.