Inauguration and Learning to Love the Piles

Last night Andy and I attended the Governor's Inaugural Celebration.  It was a black tie affair and I was excited to go!  I almost backed out because although I found this dress for a great deal last week I didn't have time to get it hemmed and I didn't know what else I could wear.  I thought about a short dress, but I didn't know what was expected.  Ten minutes before we left I decided that I would just hold it up all night with one hand, and walk VERY carefully.  That proved more difficult than I would have thought.  It was my first time without wearing my knee brace since surgery , I was wearing heals, and the event was on very uneven terrain.  I held my dress up with one hand and onto Andy's arm with the other, and walked VERY slowly.  :)

When I thought about backing out I had a close friend really urge me to go. I am so glad that she did, because Andy and I are apart a lot due to his demanding work schedule, and when I have an opportunity to join him I need to take advantage of it.  Her words really penetrated my heart and made me realize that I need to do whatever I can to be Andy's partner in anyway I can be.  Whether it's joining him at a work function or listening to him share about the busyness of his days or making it happen when he mentions wanting a date night.  I want to do a better job of coming a long side of him and helping to meet his needs. 

As a mom with little kids I get so caught up in my days and am often times worn down by the time Andy gets home that I don't listen as intently as I should and although I'm often not physically at his job, I do desire to be a part of his world.

One of Andy's colleague's had his new wife with him and I had a few moments to encourage her to be present at as many events as she can be.

I'm thankful for my friend sharing those words with me, and I want to pass them along to others, because I know that there is such wisdom in them.

With two of my favorite guys at the end of the night.

I went to say goodnight to Ellis so that I could show her my dress since she didn't really see it earlier and let her know one day she'll get pretty dresses too.  :)

P.S.  Right after I took this picture I changed into pj's and sat on the couch with a big bag of pretzel m&m's.  So glad I'm not trying to fit into another fancy dress anytime soon.  :)

It was nice to have a night out last night and time with my hubby, but it is a committee week which means long hours for Andy (and me!). :)

This afternoon the kids and I ran to Target and I decided to take them to Chic-fil-e for dinner.  By the time we got home it was dark, windy, cold and close to bed time, but I knew we needed to get clean.  We bought some bubble bath so the kids begged to have a bath all together (which is not our normal routine).  I started the bath and they piled in and I began looking around the house and this is what I saw.

Piles, piles everywhere.  Tonight I was drained of energy and the thought of needing to deal with these piles overwhelmed me.  

But, again I am reminded, it's all about perspective.  I was reminded of this as I went into the bathroom to referee some fussing (for the hundredth time today) and I couldn't help but smile at this picture.

There they are.  The reason for my many piles.  Happily enjoying a bath.  A bath in which they are all squished together.  Sure there may be fussing and splashing and water on the floor, but they desire to be together and that makes all of the piles in the world worth it.

Those of you in my world, I hope you will remind me if I whine or complain about being tired or overwhelmed, that it is the greatest blessing in the world to be entrusted with four precious souls and to get to spend my days with them.

One day the piles won't be here.  One day everything will stay exactly where I put it.  On those days I pray that I will be filled with warm memories of days gone by appreciating the moments with my children, my loves.

I hope you will go and hug and love on someone special in your life.  Make sure to tell them you love them.  (Once or twice or a hundred times today!)  :)