Thursday, May 1, 2008

The Kitchen Floor...

So, I left the gals together in the kitchen while I took the garbage out. On my way down the driveway I notice the remains of a bird that Spencer obviously didn't notice on the ground before he made his mad dash to seminary this morning. I couldn't decide whether to cry, gag or go and get something to clean it up. So, I tried to pretend I never noticed it (so as to avoid an unnecessary emotional scene). I had similar feelings the day I noticed one of my new flowers hadn't survived it's transplant. Still ignoring it.

I made my way back into the kitchen and immediately smelled a strong odor coming from the kitchen, which hurried my walk a bit. With enthusiasm and conviction, my precious two year old said "Mom, Kamorzy was messy and need she diaper off".

Bless her heart. She wanted to help a sista out and relieve her of the discomfort of a messy diaper (I know "messy"?...For some reason I just don't have the "P" word in my vocab. No, nothing wrong with it, just not for me.) So off the diaper was indeed, and on the floor, spread around in a painted fashion were all it's remnants. After a little "learning time out" and a quick trip to the bath, we were laughing together as we moped the floor. Adelaide apologizing repeatedly. "Mom can you forgive me. I won't do it again. I let you take off Kamorzy's diaper".

Can I forgive you? Wow. Something about that made me just want to cry and hold her for hours. I'm the one who constantly needs forgiveness from her and Father. I feel my heart swell and in my mind a little reminder of how much better I want to be, I CAN be.

...and heaven opens.

Among the usual snacks and meals that make it on the floor (maybe just to test the spiritual charge I got) we had additional butter and crystal light episodes. Needless to say, we spent some time on our kitchen floor today. All because of a helpful, wants to be more capable than she is, little one.

And I thank Father in Heaven every day that she's around to make the messes...and that I don't mess up on these precious days with her.

15 comments:

Unknown said...

You probably don't remember me - Kari "Jensen", I was friends with Jamie in West Jordan. I just found your blog through Jamie's and really enjoyed reading it. You sound like a wonderful mother and your girls sound adorable. I just wanted to say hello!

H-less said...

Kari- Probably don't remember you?! How could I not remember Kari Jensen! Our little broadway dress up shows. Of course I remember you! I'll write more on your blog!

JAMIE said...

My little angel neice...Sara please just give her the longest hug for me. I am literally sitting here sobbing while I was reading that...missing her terribly. Please don't let her forget her Auntie....

Amanda said...

What a little sweetie! It's those kinds of things that truly bring the Spirit into your home.

I'm a day into Women's Conference...and that, of course, got me thinking about you. I wish you could be here! :)

H-less said...

Oh' I wish I could be there too. No doubt you will enjoy it.

Sally F said...

You are such a great example of living in the moment and remembering the big picture. Who else would turn "mess" on the kitchen floor into a spiritual lesson for all of us?!

You sure are funny with those "P" words! I actually like "messy" better, too. Wish I would have thought of that earlier!

I love how protective and loving Addy is toward Mora. It's really a sweet thing to see. (It was so great how Addy told me the other night that Ty had pushed Morzy, and gave me the low-down. So cute!)

Chris & Stephanie said...

This is so wonderful. It really it so great that she wants to help and is doing everything she can to accomplish that - does she have a list too?! hehe

It's hard not to get frustrated (overly so) when having to clean up the same mess over and over again! Well, difference mess, same idea anyway. I've told my kids that when they get upset of frustrated with one another, they need to ask themsevles, "How would Jesus handle this?" And they usually make the right choice. Well, after wiping up spilled water for (at least) the 3rd time the other day (because independent little girls insist they can pour from the pitcher), I was so mad and made an "un-ladylike noise" as I started to clean up. My 3 year old said, "Mom, I think Jesus would do this!" And ran over and gave me a big hug. Yeah, I felt about 2 feet tall.

Kelli W. said...

I'm working on living in the moment too....or rather enjoying the moment, or making the most of the moment. Some situations are easier than others, but these small children moments won't always be here and I'm trying to remember that. It makes annoying situations so much better to have that frame of mind! I'll tell ya, I've had some doozy messes to clean up but never finger painting with a "messy" diaper before! Big kudos to you for keeping your cool!

rachel said...

What a WONDERFULLY PATIENT mother you are!
Thanks for such a great post... and such a great example and reminder to the rest of us.

Lakes are Great said...

First of all I love all my Texas girls and wish we were closer so I could sneak ya'll into the pool! Second of all you look so HOT(like that?) in your knew pics. And third we tried Blue Bell ice cream and I have to say I"m still not getting it...maybe we got the wrong flavor...who knows. Love ya. Miss ya. BFF's rock!

Rebecca said...

Your reaction to things always amazes me, only because I wish my reaction to be the same. You have such patience and long suffering for your children that I wish at times I had for my own. I am working so hard on that as I too know how precious our children are and how much we just need to cherish these irreplaceable moments we have with them in their childhood. Keep on keepin on!

Jenny Timmerman said...

Emma "helps" with Ethan's poopy diapers by grabbing a wipe and trying to wipe his bum with mom. Not my favorite form of help, but after reading your post it could very obviously be worse.
You are wonderful!

Anonymous said...

The music you play on your blog combined with your knack for writing make it easy to spend a little too much time on your site... :)

Your take on life is refreshing!

Best wishes...!

~ Kurt Manwaring ~

Jared and Delia said...

What a funny and sweet story. You have such wonderful daughters. I love how willing children are to help, and how humorous and endearing their attempts are. Don't get me wrong. I am also recognizing the gag factor here. I have never touched "messiness" so much since I have been a mom. Yuck! From one mom to another, sorry you had to clean that up.

Unknown said...

Hey daughter, you've got a popular site. You also have a gentle spirit and it looks like these little grandchildren of mine are going to have an open loving envirnment to work with. May you be blessed to see their growth having this blessing. We need more role models and less critics. Love Dad.