As I sat in my backyard today, I had a choice to make that was about as clear as mud. We have some construction going on in the back and I don’t know what it is about construction, but with my kids, construction seems to always have “mud” written all over it. Well it’s been about 3 weeks and they had done a good job of controlling themselves. They hadn’t given in to the “mud bug” yet, but today it hit them real hard. They could no longer take it–the mud was calling their name. Now I don’t know if it being my birthday and I’d decided to take off my mom hat to do a bit of reading or whether it was the learning we’ve been doing about archaeologists, but they began to dig and dig. Next thing I know water had arrived.
Well, I don’t know about you, but for the most part water and mud are not my favorite two ingredients–especially on my birthday. Who the heck wants to do extra laundry and clean up muddy footprints throughout their house on their special day–or any day for that matter? Well not me, but today I had a choice to make. Would I demand my way on my birthday and insist they keep everything cleaned up for me, but have no fun or would I throw caution to the wind and have a bit of fun with my kids?
Today I chose to have fun and I’m pretty sure I created some memories worth repeating. In fact, it took me on a trip down memory lane. Along with some pictures from our muddy fun today, I included some pictures from 2003 when my kids were 4,3,2, and 1. We all still clearly remember that day. Back then The Negotiator wanted nothing to do with mud and even got his goulashes on to insure his cleanliness. Whenever we look back at these pics we have a good laugh at the contrast. Today he was still cautious, but decided to take the dive in to fun and I think he enjoyed himself.
So I had a bit more laundry, some stain work to do and some floors to clean on my birthday, but I’d say it was worth it. May dirt never rule out smiles, laughter and fun and may I never hold so tightly to my “rights” on my day that I can’t relax and jump in with both feet and play alongside my kids.
I say to you my dear mommy friend, join with me in letting it go today. In honor of my birthday (or whatever excuse you need), let go of the germs, cleanliness and orderliness. Have some fun and get down and dirty with your kids. I bet you’ll never regret it. I don’t. I may not have gotten roses, a dinner out or a clean house, but I got happy kids and a smile on my face. What better birthday present is there than that?
(Sorry, blogger won’t let me make paragraphs today.)
thanks Brandy for that post, I needed that, I will read it again tomorrow because I’m sure I will have already forgotten…Happy Birthday Brandy!
Love it, love it, love it! A great lesson for me!
Well, I read your blog a little too late today. I already did two loads of dishes plus some by hand (which I hate), swept and mopped the kitchen floor and did 3 loads of laundry. I sorted through Mia’s old clothes and toys to give away and picked up around the house. Perhaps tomorrow I will take your advice and sit back and relax a little in honor of your birtday!