Domino Lessons

A few days ago, I wrote the following statement on my facebook page:

Crazy comment of the day: "The baby just slipped and fell in Mayer's (my six-year old) throw up." Yeah, that was a fun mess. 4 out of my 5 kids were dry-heaving while the other one was crying through the entire process.

If only that was the worst of it because I have caught something horrible too.  Fortunately, I didn’t get the stomach flu the kids had, but a nasty cold found me.

Today, I wrote another ill-ed statement on facebook:

Chandler made me a mango smoothie, my in-laws came over and help my kids do homework, my mom brought over homemade vegetable soup; I hate being sick, but it's amazing watching those who love me serve me.

With the big kids back at school, I’ve only had Reef and Eden home.  They play so well together.  I’ve been in bed while they’ve played the same game for 3 days on the floor in my room. 

Dominos in this Sesame Street village, both found at garage sales this summer. 

Dominos in the trap door.

Dominos down the slide.

Dominos in the tire swing.

Eden holds onto the same domino for long lengths of time while Reef builds long roads, lined around the village.

Eden walks over to the bed and I pull her up into my arms.  She hugs me for a few minutes, than wants to get back down to play.

Yesterday, through I felt horrible, I couldn’t help but count my blessings.  In some ways, I feel I’ve had to little family units; the big boys at school, who do so much together, and the babies, still at home who are best buddies.

The task of caring for these last two children leaves me in awe of the very art of mothering.  Caring for them is a sacred joy.  With kids in school full-time, I can appreciate how fast time goes.  Reef started Joy School, an opportunity to play with his friends a couple days a week.

He's so excited to be a big boy.

He was a bit shy at first, but in a few minutes waved good-bye to me and I knew he was ready to play with his friends.

 Sure, there are days I’m overwhelmed, but being sick forced me to slow down and really look at things, really look at my kids.

Chandler runs home from school the last few days, right into my bedroom to see how I feel.  He brings in his assigned reading and is more then willing to snuggle.  Last night, while I scratched his back, he said, “I can’t wait to read with you again tomorrow, Mom.” And I realized he’s actually enjoyed me being sick in bed because I’m not busy every minute. 

I can’t wait to feel better, it can’t come fast enough, but I will remember to take time every day to slow down and count my blessings, one beautiful child at a time.