Being The Parent

Sometimes, it is hard to be the parent.
Like when:


You have to drive in the car for the entire weekend with a motion-sick toddler.
And you don't complain.
You bring extra plastic bags, wipes and clothes.

You really want to present yourself as well-put together at Church, but all you can do is grab the box of 64 Crayola crayons for your tantruming 4 year-old and throw on a semi-crazed look.

You just walked in the house from a loooooooong day of work and the first child that greets you wants to take your picture.
So you smile.

You have to play "defender of the present-opener".
Without hurting anyone's feelings.

You try to read ONE, SMALL section of the Bible...and only ONE, SMALL child listens.
The other three are off, role-playing David and Goliath.
But you still read it for that one child.

You really would prefer that your two-year-old wore shorts.
 But he never smiles like this when he has a full outfit on.
So you let it go...

You have sleepovers on work nights because you haven't seen the children in forever...
and you kind of miss them...

You make a big deal about birthdays and baptismal days and the days she takes a shower, etc.
 But HEAVEN FORBID you forget another FEAST DAY!
So you celebrate that child, again.

And have another sleepover in the living room on a work night.
Complete with princess tent and air mattress.
Because, really, being the parent isn't so bad...and it just goes too fast to not appreciate these moments.