Worst week ever, best lesson ever

Worst week ever. Like literally. Last week the boys were out of school on Monday. It was rainy. Justin left for work like normal but was going out of town for 4 days. So no back up. No grandparents to bring in for reinforcements. We got by on Monday with a little bit earlier than normal bed time after the regular resistance to cleaning up and showering and getting ready for bed. Then Tuesday started with a phone call from the school, 1/2 and hour into the school day from the nurse. Nurse: Your son was punched in the gut at breakfast after punching another boy in the face. He is ok, but please talk to your son about not fighting at school when he gets home. Me: Yes, I will (again). I’m sorry. Thank you.

Somewhere in their add broken tooth brush holder (because the youngest wants to be in the bathroom doing anything BUT potty training) and stuffing 5 double rolls of toilet paper in the toilet all at the same time and the dog doing her business on the rug right by the front door. Then the next day doing her other business on the carpet and discovering it only after my son stepped in it and trekked it around the house!!  Like I said — Worst. Week. Ever! This kind of week sticks with you. I was major miserable and feeling like I was a major mom failure. But I survived and I remembered children are work. Uggh, so much work.

I recently read an article from another mom that talked about not apologizing for her kids when they are just being kids. That thought resonated with me. I had an “I’m sorry” montage flash in my  head of the worst week ever and from the last almost 6 years.  Some of those I’m sorry’s were definitely warranted but many of them were not. My children were not born perfect and I’m not perfect either. Kids break stuff. Kids make messes, and mistakes.  I didn’t handle every situation the way I would have liked but I did learn something from each situation about myself and about my boys.

I also need to remember the many compliments I receive when on occasion  my boys listen, use their manners, and are civil to each other and strangers.

I don’t need to apologize for my boys while they are still in the process of growing and learning. I will remember that they need grace and mercy and forgiveness. I will remember that I am in need of grace and mercy and forgiveness.

“Peace is not the absence of trouble; it is the presence of Christ.” Sheila Walsh