Thursday, November 15, 2007

Giving Thanks...Revisited

Okay, so I am having kind of a bad week. I doubt this is much of a shock, I haven't exactly been hiding it well. My kids are driving me c.r.a.z.y. Ben's trying out this new thing where I tell him to do things and he pretends I didn't speak.

Yeah. It's really charming.

Then I repeat my request, louder this time, and the battle commences. He didn't go to school today, because I told him if he didn't come here right now and put on his shoes, he wasn't going. I think it took him about an hour for it to register that I really wasn't taking him. And then we had another meltdown.

And Clara, bless her little schizophrenic heart, has been a whining, crying, fit-pitching monster for the last week. I think it's related to a molar coming in, but it's possible she's just conspiring with Ben to see if my head actually will explode.

None of this is really a big deal. One of the benefits of having been down this parenting road before is that I know this phase will soon be behind us and, most likely, replaced by a new challenge. It has however, had the unfortunate effect of making me grouchy and short tempered. Because, really, who can keep a pleasant demeaner when your toddler is whining 12 hours a day?

I've also been busy. Crazy busy. Thus the late night trips to Kinkos and for tap shoes.

All of this has made my "I will post something positive every single day in November" resolution a bit of a challenge. By the time I make it to the computer at 11:00 every night I am exhausted, and frazzled and would really rather not post at all. So I end up posting something like "I am thankful for wine. Or locks on bedroom doors....Or tubal ligation."

But that's not really gratitude. It's just another way of complaining about my day. Which couldn't be more contrary to the point.

So for the rest of this month, I am going to stop and find something I am genuinely grateful for each day. Even if it's small. Even if it makes for boring blog reading. Because the point of this wasn't to be entertaining. It was to count my blessings. Even on days when I don't feel blessed. Especially on days when I don't feel blessed. Doing it publicly on the blog, was just a way to keep me accountable.

And puleeze, if I end up posting something like I am thankful for Clorox Wipes (which I seriously am by the way. How did I ever get by without those things?) don't feel like you have to comment.

And today?

Today I am thankful for the woman at the mall. Ben and Clara were strapped in the double stroller to prevent another Ben disappearing act. Ben was whining because I wouldn't buy him something and Clara was in a full out turn-blue scream fest because I wouldn't pick her up. This kind woman stopped and tried to calm them down. And then she told me, without a trace of sarcasm, that I had beautiful children and I was very blessed. I almost hugged her. I wish she could know what a difference it made in my day.

And I am thankful that last night it rained. But I think everyone in Atlanta is thankful for that.

10 comments:

the dragonfly said...

We all have bad days. We all have bad weeks. I'm glad that woman was at the mall at the right moment, to tell you you are blessed. She's right! (even on bad days..) :)

Christine said...

oh joy-- i am thankful for you and your truthfulness and lovely heart.

Lindsay said...

Thank you for making me laugh. Your day/week sounds much like my life. I agreed to write everyday about something I was thankful for as well. I would agree that this has been a bit of a challenge somedays. But I can say that I find myself looking for opportunities to write about. Therefore, I find myself being thankful alot more.
God has/is using this excerise to focus my eyes on all that He has given.
When your day gets rough, I hope you find comfort in knowing that somewhere your blog is touching someone. Making us smile, making us laugh, and making us feel "not so alone".

Lori said...

Sometimes it really is down to being thankful for Clorox wipes. I've been there, sister!

Having a temperamental toddler and and an obstinate preschooler will fry the nerves of even the most experienced mom. You know it will pass, you know it is a phase, but darn it- it is still annoying!!!

Beck said...

Some days SUCK. And so do some weeks.
ANd then you're going to wake up some morning very very soon and you'll have a great day and like that - poof! - the bad day streak will be over.

Amanda said...

I/m thankful for you.

S said...

Oh, that woman at the mall showed up at just the right time, didn't she?

Thank goodness.

Sarah said...

I've been starting to feel like something is wrong with my kids! They're the same age as yours and we're going through EXACTLY the same thing. I feel like I live at the circus.

So today, I'm thankful for your post. Tomorrow, I may only be thankful for Oxy Power Spray and Wash.

Kyla said...

Oh Joy! I know. KayTar has picked THIS WEEK to turn into a screaming, flailing, dropping, irrational heathen of a two-year old. We are currently breaking BubTar of HIS lovely habit of tossing himself to the floor anytime we say the word "No." to him. So most of my days are spent telling him "You know you aren't to react that way. Go to your room and cool off." And sitting KayTar on the stairs and saying "Are you done crying yet? You cannot have the [insert random item here]. Okay? No more crying." And repeating it again 30 seconds after she stands back up. And then again. And again.

HEAD EXPLODING IN 3...2...1...BOOM!

The best part of my day has been the post-naptime walks we've been taking. They are both happy and quiet the entire time we are walking. That is what I am thankful for. :)

painted maypole said...

i think that same woman was on an airplane with me and an infant MQ once. I wanted to hug her, too.