Perspective.

Usually, before I let Alex and Lucas come out of their room in the morning, I will go in the kitchen and get their breakfast ready and on the table so they can go right in, sit down and eat. It's easier than trying to keep two hungry toddlers out of harm's way in the kitchen while trying to prepare breakfast for them and a bottle for Audrey. Once in a while, Sarah will open their door for them and let them out before she comes downstairs. This morning was one of those times. I was still in my room all the way downstairs when Sarah came in saying, "Mom! The boys took their diapers off!" Yep. It was one of those mornings. I looked down the hallway to see Alex following behind Sarah, and Lucas behind Alex. Both boys were completely naked. They had smears of poop from head to toe, and Alex was holding a big ball of it. Gross, I know. I promptly bathed them, re-diapered them, then went upstairs to assess the damage. Keep in mind: I hadn't had the best day yesterday. It was crazy, hectic and stressful, and when I woke up this morning, I was looking forward to a new day and hoping that it would be less eventful. Not a great start. While I was pulling dirty sheets off beds, and putting poopy balls in the bathtub for washing, Sarah came in to use the bathroom. She said, "I'll go potty, mom, and you can go in the boys' room and clean up their mess." In response, I said sarcastically, "Oh, yeah. That sounds like so much fun." Of course, it did NOT sound like fun. Actually, I was pretty sick of cleaning up that same mess that keeps happening. But, being 3 1/2, and since I am usually anything but sarcastic, Sarah took my comment at face value. She excitedly said, "Oh, yeah. It DOES sound like fun! I'll go get my vacuum, and you can use your vacuum, and we can clean up the mess!" Of course, she doesn't actually have a little vacuum. But she was so sweet, and so excited to come help me. After realizing that she doesn't have a vacuum, she said, "Wait a minute. I don't have a little vacuum. But I can help you pick up all the toys." And indeed she did. Her excitement and enthusiasm to be helpful and clean the mess completely defused my bitter attitude and made me realize the more important aspects of raising young children... no matter how frustrating it can be at times.