In Pieces

November 18, 2009

Yesterday, I decided it was time to get out a few Christmas decorations. This excited my children to no end, especially Breckin. He was thrilled. I got out the nativity I bought half off at Target last year and placed in on the bookshelf. I got out the 5 stocking holders I also bought at Target for 50% off last year, in hopes that by this Christmas we would have 5 family members, and put them on the mantle. The stocking holders are trains that have lights on them. You can turn each train on and it lights up. They are really quite cute and I waited until after Christmas last year to buy them because I was not about to spend $15 each on them, but $7.50 seemed totally worth it. Anyway, as I was putting up the decorations Breckin and Arwyn are running around screaming about how exciting it is that Christmas is coming and asking me time and time again, “When can we put up the tree!?” Their joy was clear.

Well, this morning we woke up and the kids wanted to turn the trains on. I, of course, let them. Breckin could reach the trains without a problem so he was getting them down and turning the switches, when one train fell off of the mantle. My first internal reaction was to be very irritated. Thankfully I did not show that side. While I was a little upset that the train had broken, I could see quickly that Breckin was much more upset than I. It was an accident after all and he cares about those trains more than I do. He turned, ready to cry and said, “Mommy can you fix it!?” I decided in that moment that I could teach my child one of two things depending upon my reaction. If I reacted badly, I could teach him that my feelings about one little train are more important than his sadness. But, if I reacted well, I could teach him that things are just that, things. And while it isn’t fun when things break or go wrong, it is okay. I wanted him to know that I cared far more for his feelings than I did a train that cost me $7 a year ago. So, after counting to 5 , I assured him that with a little super glue the train could be fixed and all would be well.

I think as a mom sometimes my expectations are a little high. I expect obedience, a clean house, respect, nice things to stay nice and in one piece, etc etc. But I have three small children. They will disobey and make me crazy sometimes. They will break things, new and old. But, they will fill my heart with joy, my house with laughter and arms with hugs. That is totally worth the trade-off.

Posted in Uncategorized