Today

When the three big kids go to school and Ashton is taking a nap I find moments like this to feel oddly quiet. Looking at the remnants of a busy morning displayed here in the bathroom I can't help but miss the chaos when they are not here. The fighting, the disrespect, the noise and the pushback only proves to me my work here is not done. I'm not sure why they can't seem to put their toothbrushes back in the toothbrush holder or why there is toothpaste on the counter, but I wouldn't trade it for the world. I love the people they are becoming and it is exciting to know I get to witness the rest of their lives. I have been faced with a job opportunity this week that would require me to work Monday through Friday. This job is very attractive and it would give a great satisfaction to my career as a nurse. But when I look around my home and see piles of laundry on the coffee table that need to be put away dishes pencils, baby wipes, hair detangler and jackets all over the sofa and toys all over the floor it is clear my work here is not done. These children who cannot put away their toothbrushes or leave the bathroom tidy are more important to me than any job opportunity. They may make me lose my mind they may destroy my house but nothing gives me greater satisfaction in being their mom. So while they're in school and while Ashton naps, I will do the laundry, clean the bathroom, pay the bills, write my paper for school, work on my 2014 photo book, and plan dinner. Nothing brings me greater pleasure than to be the mother of these four messy, caring and amazing humans, even if they leave the bathroom a mess.