If Momma Ain't Happy

I started a post a few days ago. It was a complaining post. I complained about how my house is ALWAYS messy. I complained about how much Tralee loves to color on our walls and furniture (no matter how much we tell her not to and put her in time out for doing so). I complained about not having enough time or energy to keep up with the messy finger prints, poopy diapers, meals, scrubbing, dishes, and dusting. I never finished that post because I didn't have enough time to do it. One of the kids needed me, and so away I went leaving my post half finished, and feeling sorry for myself that I wasn't able to get 'er done.

We went to church yesterday and as always, I hopped to get something out of the experience. It's a little hard to listen to the the speakers when there's a two-year-old constantly putting a pen in your hand and paper in your lap, asking you to draw her various animals. Meanwhile, your husband is asking you where the pacifier is because your infant is starting to fuss. However, in the midst of the madness there was a five-minute lull where Hunter was still, and Tralee was happily coloring on her own. In these five minutes I heard what I needed to.

The speaker -- who I believe is in our stake council -- gave a talk based on one of President Monson's. In the five minutes I was afforded, the speaker said something to the effect of "now this is for all of you young couples, with young kids at home." My ears perked up. He went on to say something like, "Don't let the stresses of everyday life take over your happiness. Don't let the finger prints, smudges, overflowing laundry baskets, dirty dishes, and toys scattered across your home get you down, because someday they'll be gone and you'll really miss them. Someday the house will get cleaned, but for now just enjoy your children. Find joy in the journey. Don't let the messes stress you out, because all too soon they'll be gone." Tears welled in my eyes and an enormous weight was lifted off of my shoulders. I have been super stressed about the mess I call home, and was getting angrier and more bitter about it. Yesterday I let all of the pent up anxiety fall from my shoulders, took a deep breath, and re-focused my energy on where it should be: My family. It's made me a lot less stressed, more loving to my children and husband, and probably more fun to be around.

So, if you happen to drop by, I will forewarn you. There will probably be toys scattered across my living room floor. Crums will lay unswept on my kitchen floor, and laundry will be waiting patiently in a basket to be done. BUT. . .my kids will be happy, because (hopefully) I will be too.