Patience

This is NOT my strongest virtue. In all honesty, I am very much lacking in this department. I'm not quite sure when it happened. Well, I have somewhat of an idea. I started losing my patience with Annabelle around her 2nd birthday. Up until then, I was actually quite calm and very laid back with her. I honestly think it had something to do with hubby traveling every week back then in the fall of 2008 and Annabelle's clinginess to me and the fact that she turned 2 amidst all of his traveling. She wanted me to do everything, and I had a harder time telling her no since hubby was only around on the weekends with him typically leaving again on Sundays before dinner.

And then I got pregnant. And I was feeling horrible. And yet again, hubby had to travel during the peak of my morning sickness. Yet again, my patience was very much lacking with this high energy, non-stop talking drama queen of mine.

And then came Sophia. I've tried so hard to be patient. And, fortunately, besides the first few weeks after Sophia's birth, hubby has not been traveling as much. (Hubby, with the birth of the next child, I strongly encourage you to wait at least 6weeks before traveling, if possible. Remember, the hormones are still raging dramatically up until then). Yes, I know, I just totally jinxed myself! But, my patience is still severely lacking. She just takes way too long to do anything!!! And she finds every possible way to annoy her Mommy because, well, that is what girls do to their mamas.

I just realized lately how often Annabelle says "I'm sorry Mommy" when she spills her drink or drops something on the floor or gets paint on her pretty dress. Perhaps I've been a little overbearing lately because I'm a bit overwhelmed myself and cannot find time for everything I feel I need or want to do. I'd like to think I'm just raising her up right. But, I can tell by the look in her eyes that she is just waiting for my response hopeful I want get upset or angry.

So last night I prayed. I prayed that God would remind me that most everything I fret over on a daily basis will not matter in 5, 10, 20 or even 50 years. What does matter? The respect I show my children. I impact their lives dramatically by my reactions because they are constantly watching me.

And, today, today was a great day! Despite our setbacks, the following was accomplished:

1. Grocery shopped (spent $17.59, but saved $31.80 (65%)!) Pigs, you've created a monster! But, you are still my cheapness idol. I still need to pick your brain for more grocery saving tips. Your $40/week grocery budget still intrigues me. How do you do it?
2. I made crock pot mac & cheese for a dinner party this evening.
3. Annabelle and I baked a homemade pound cake while Sophia napped.
4. I laughed with Annabelle when I normally would have found her behavior that much more annoying and she giggled even more.
5. Annabelle and I watched and cheered Sophia on while she progressed in her steps to crawling. She is now starting to push herself forward occasionally! She's been pushing herself backwards for awhile, but she is quickly learning how to move herself forward. Of course, she pushes herself forward with her knees, but then her arms fall underneath her and she plummets chin first to the ground.
6. Annabelle dressed Sophia up as a pumpkin, and I took their pictures.
7. We made it to the dinner party by 5:15 p.m., only 15 minutes late! Yes, I hate being late, but it seems inevitable for me, especially considering hubby was out of town this weekend and the pound cake had just finished baking at 4:35 p.m., it needed to cool for 10 minutes before I could dump it from the pan and then cut it into pretty slices, and at 4:45 p.m., I had to nurse Sophia again. Excuses, excuses, I know!
8. After the dinner party, we stopped by Kroger for me to grab their list of participating items for their Mega Event Sale because I received a rain check on a few items, and I needed the list to show to the cashier in the next 30 days to claim my 50 cents off each item if I purchase 10 participating items. Blah, blah, blah, you'll understand if you start couponing by the book!
9. Trip to Target after Kroger to get another rain check on my favorite Sterilite 70 quart clear boxes. It wasn't the best price I've seen, but I need to pack away some summer clothes for two cute kiddos I know.
10. Both girls in bed by 10:00 p.m. (old time). Okay, well, I don't think Annabelle actually got in bed until 10:30 p.m. (old time), but that is Annabelle for you!

In this next picture, Sophia tried to take Annabelle's lollipop from her. I captured the picture at the tail end of the action, but it was still pretty funny. Annabelle was laying on the floor originally, but then turned upright when Sophia grabbed her lollipop. "No! No! Sophia!," she exclaimed!

So this weekend I have learned that a little prayer goes a long way! Well, I guess I knew that, but it always seems so enlightening.

And I learned yet again not to judge others as you really have no clue what they may be experiencing behind closed doors. Instead, put your faith in the Lord. Wow! Maybe things are starting to click with me. A little Bible reading goes a long way!