Where There's Smoke, There's Fire

Mom, I am really sorry that you had to put up with us during the days that nothing seemed to go your way. I now understand how many years this took off of your life, and I hope that the laughter and stories you gained from such occasions helped to replenish your lifeline.

My full grasp of this phenomenon came yesterday. It started the same, if not better, than any other day. Nathan left for work at 8:45 a.m. on the grounds that I would see him at the church just 45 short minutes later to tie up some loose ends before our moms group met. Who knew that in such a small span of time that life could take on such chaos?

Jonathan promptly walked out the unlocked front door. When confronted on why, he simply replied, "I'm going on a walk, Mom." (direct quote) He was unimpressed with my rebuttal that we don't go on walks by ourselves, but was more taken to chase the stray kitten running around our house. When I caught him to take him inside, I was greeted by Avery the dog running out of our house to join in the cat chasing fun (she is a sucker for a good cat chase, we've found). I got both of them wrangled into the house and seriously thought in my head, "That was fun...I guess now we have our fun story for the morning." How silly of me to dream of it being over.

Naomi needed new clothes. I took her upstairs, set her on her changing table, and watched as she kicked EVERYTHING off of it. I tried to keep her on it, pick up the mess, and find her an outfit. We took her downstairs (where I could keep an eye on both kids) and literally wrestled her into her clothes, taking small breaks to clean up the spit-up and referee Jonathan. He got in trouble for playing in the dog food, leading to the next episode.

I took him to the bathroom, where he didn't have to go repeatedly. Then he got a time out in his room. This leads to the token screaming, which gave me a chance to finish changing Naomi. However, the screaming stopped. And we all know, where there is smoke, there is fire (proverbial, of course). I went into his room only to find poop everywhere. Cleaning up the mess, I should have known that it would lead to a day with seven accidents and me quitting potty training. But, I held out hope for the day.

That led to the next mishap. I started smelling something strange. And we all know, where there is smoke, there is fire....literally this time. I found Jonathan's denim hat in a metal mixing bowl on the table that reflected the sunlight at just the right angle to burn a hole in the hat! (not kidding) Who would have thought. So, the morning completed itself by me trying to pop popcorn, only to burn the first bag, make a perfect bag, empty the good bag into a Ziploc bag, and culminating with the fact that hot kernels melt through plastic bag (who would have known?) and chasing the stupid stray cat out of our garage (cat starts with "c" and kitten starts with "k"...talk amongst yourselves).

All that, and I was only ten minutes late to my group. Mom, I understand that there are just days that go this way. Unfortunately, the day continued that way. Thank you for watching the kids through the afternoon so I could finish our errands. Only a mother who had fought through not having that ability could know that was exactly what I needed. I am so glad that you could rest on a Savior whose mercies are new every morning. How great is His faithfulness. Thanks for letting us build your character a bit. I am sure that we gave you more than your share!

With Love,
Your Favorite Daughter, Kendra

Because of the LORD's great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. ~Lamentations 3:22-23