Nothin' but the Lovin'

After having gone to university to earn a degree and then struggle through substitute teaching to eventually gain permanent teaching contracts and then on to administration - next step - maternity leave. Last week I seemed more reflective about life and it's importance. Monday seemed like a long day and when Terry got home, I commented that I really didn't feel at all productive today. He chuckled and said that when I'm on mat. leave, I really don't have to feel productive every day. I took that positively; that my husband doesn't require me to do this or do that - it is almost always done anyway. He understands that it isn't that I am home all day doing "nothing" as one of our friends jokes. However, I tried to explain how I felt over not being productive. After having had a career for so many years, and going back to that career after Jaret was born, it is so much a part of who I am and how I define myself. As the week progressed, I realized that I needed to "redefine" myself so to say.
Tuesday came along and since I had not felt productive the day before, I decided to clean the house from top to bottom. As it turned out, this was more of a feat than I bargained for. It is difficult to get the whole house cleaned when a toddler needs attention and a newborn needs feeding. I cleaned in between feeding Kirra, changing her, feeding Jaret, cleaning up afterwards, and the cycle seemed to continue - moreso with Kirra. At the end of the day, my house was clean and I did feel productive that way but also felt like it wasn't a day well spent as their wasn't the quality time with my two children that I treasure so much. A lesson learned? I hope so.
Wednesday was a nice day weatherwise so we spent some time outside. I knew this was especially important as the weather was predicted to change. Jaret rode his bike around the neighbourhood and I had Kirra cuddled in the Baby Bjorn. As I stayed near Jaret, I realized how much he has grown and how independent he has become. Last year he required so much help on his bike but this year needs so little help. I stood there beaming from ear to ear as I watched him ride up and down the street. He is so proud of how well he can ride his bike. "Look at me, Mommy! I can ride my motorcycle (what he calls his bike) so fast." Let's hope that riding the motorcycle is a long way off. But, I do realize that time passes by much too quickly. It doesn't seem that long ago that I was cuddling Jaret in the Baby Bjorn. It is an amazing feeling just holding them, gazing at them, kissing them, and reminding them with gentle whispers how much they are loved. Each day I am reminded of the blessings of being a mom to two wonderful children. And as a friend reminded me, in response to not feeling productive - "I hope you got NOTHIN' but the Lovin' done today." What a great way to put it. My job as a teacher and administrator is something I have a passion for but my greatest job is that of being a mother to Jaret and Kirra. I pray that God continues to guide me through raising them in His perfect will and that I can remind them each and every day of the love Terry and I have for them but more importantly who their Heavenly Father is and the great love He has for them.
As we were out on Wednesday, the sky was a beautiful blue and the tree out front had really bloomed. The smell from it's blossoms was magnificent. As I watched Jaret bike, I stepped away to give him more independence (something that is so hard for a mother to do!) and Kirra and I stood together near the tree. I stood their and thanked God for the blessings in our life and took time to enjoy the simple beauty of His creation. By Friday the weather was really cool and Saturday we even got snow. I had brought the flower pots inside the garage to protect them from the frost and snow and was a little worried about the tree that was out front. However, it did just fine. Some blossoms got blown off and many have turned to leaves. It was a reminder to me that God looks after all that He has created - from the birds of the air to the tree in our front yard. How can I not rest in that promise and know that He is looking over us in our lives - guiding and protecting? He puts many people in our path and those people and our relationships with them, help us to learn important lessons that He has to teach us. If only we will take the time to do "NOTHIN' but the LOVIN'!"
Since the weather made it feel more like winter than summer, we spent a very quiet weekend. Friday Jaret, Kirra, and I went to Tim Horton's for lunch and then enjoyed time at the library. On Saturday we lit candles and had the fireplace on and hung out at home reading books and relaxing. We did go out to church in the evening and Jaret didn't want to leave since Lexi (one of my former students) was working in the nursery. He told me, "Mom, I love Lexi." Sunday we went shopping for a bit at Chinook but them came home and spent the afternoon putting together a floor puzzle in the living room. It was a family activity, but mostly done by Daddy!
Now the start of a new week. The weather is still cool so this morning we went out to Airdrie for a playdate with Hudson and Elle to The Urban Treehouse. Jaret had lots of fun! He and Hudson even played dress-up (and had fun "horsin'" around - sorry, couldn't resist - you'll understand when you see the picture). After two hours of being there, Jaret still wasn't ready to leave but we needed to get home for lunch and a much needed nap. Jaret was exhausted and fell asleep immediately. The sun is now shining and the weather, we are told, is supposed to warm up. We are hoping that is true so we can spend more of our days outside. I guess it is time to trust the weathermen who say no more frost or snow, and put the flower pots back out to enjoy.