Reality Check!

This is that time of year when people slow down and express their gratitude for all the blessings they have in their lives.  As mothers, I think we quickly learn to be thankful for the little things, like having a change of clothes when the baby has a blowout diaper, or getting to go to the bathroom by yourself.

Last week I had one of those days which really put it all into perspective.  It had been a rough day.  My husband was out of town for business for 2 days, so I was in survival mode.  It was bitterly cold out, but the 2.5 yr. old needed to burn off some energy, so we braved the playground in 30 degree weather and snow flurries. Afterward, we had lunch and I treated the little man (and myself) to doughnuts.  I even posted a humorous picture of his doughnut to Facebook (see below).

How a 2 yr. old eats a doughnut.

Later that night, for dinner, I made up for the doughnut by making Brussels sprouts and mashed potatoes for dinner.  Yes, I was being bold by trying such a risky thing, but sometimes I get cocky like that.  Much to my surprise, my 2.5 yr. old gulped down a big bite of Brussels sprouts and then moved on to his mashed potatoes.

As I turned to finish feeding the baby her baby food, I was feeling so good about myself!  I had managed the day on my own AND GOTTEN A 2 YR OLD TO EAT BRUSSELS SPROUTS!  I felt like I was now a candidate for Mother of the Year!

And just as my head was getting a little too big for our dining room, I turned back to my 2.5 yr old and found him painting the floor with his mashed potatoes.  So much for that award.  I kept my cool (barely), finished up dinner, and put the kids to bed.

I headed downstairs to clean up the mess.  I was feeling a bit defeated and frustrated, especially when I discovered that the mashed potatoes had become a paste-like substance which would require some serious scrubbing.  I cursed to myself as I went to get the bucket and scrub brush.  And as I started to scrub my floor, one of my dogs came over and added insult to injury by crapping, right there, next to me, as I cleaned.

And that, my friends, was my "Ah ha" moment.  Yep, when the dog took the crap.  It made me realize things could always be worse.  Rather than focus on the negative, I can make the choice to instead focus on the positive.  Yes, I had a mess of mashed potatoes and dog crap to clean up, but I have 2 wonderful, healthy kids, 2 (relatively) good dogs, 4 sweet cats, and a husband who works hard to support this whole zoo.

So that was my lesson for that day.  Always focus on the positive.  And never turn your back on a 2 yr. old.