Siblings

This has been a long week of parenting and I'm only halfway through it.  The kids are cranky and have cabin fever.  They've tried going outside to play in the snow, but it's so cold that the time is very short before they are back in again.  There are fights, cruel words, stomping, tears, and other things that I'm trying to forget.  It's been enough to make me wonder why in the world am I choosing to stay home and home school these nutty people.

I know I'm not the only one to feel that way.  Even (more) veteran moms are telling me their kids have become cantankerous.  I'm sure there were days that my mom considered leaving us at a babysitters, shipping us off to boarding school, or being anywhere other than with us crazies.  So in honor of all us mommies who are parenting through some of the not so fun times with our kids I'm posting this picture.  A picture of siblings who grew up together and did all of the normal sibling stuff.  Even though we are spread apart geographically, our bond is strong.  None of us are very good at picking up the phone and calling 'just because' but when we get back together again just watch out because you won't be able to get a word in edgewise.  I love my brothers and sister and miss them dreadfully.  But when there are time and distance constraints on your relationship you appreciate every moment together.

Zach, me, Taylor (in back), Ken (front), Auntie Young, Mandy

This picture is my reminder for today that yes mothering is tough, and there are lots of days when I want to throw in the towel and be done.  This is one of my hopes for my children-- a deep bond with each of their siblings--that neither time nor space will break.  A bond that will last well after my life has ended.  If my children grow up to follow Christ and love their siblings as deeply as I do mine, I will consider my role in their lives a raging success.