A "Great" mom day.

So very often I feel like I'm not a good mom. I often feel tired, and my feet hurt so much I am not inclined to walk, hike etc with my kids. Or I'm worn out and exhausted with the frustrating aspects of a "terrible" two and "frustrating" (disobediance, demanding, challenging) four year old. (adjectives derived from my MOPS forum, my new best friend). Admittedly, I have sometimes nicknamed my children (when speaking to Mike) PITA's... Pain In The A.... (that would be an example of the "bad" days, when all I want to do is lock myself in my room for quiet time and use the bathroom in PEACE! ARGHHHH!

BUT suddenly a day like today comes around, and I know that I have it in me to be a good mom and it even happens sometimes.

I've been having Caleb save the pop cans from around the house for a couple months. Auntie Brittany and Grammy have chipped in a few cans too. Last weekend, Caleb (and mommy and Daddy helped, and even a bit of help from Jockey) got the cans all flattened. Today we took them to the recycling center here in Monroe. We asked what they do with them and learned all about that. They weighed them and then gave Caleb the money. He EARNED $3.00!!! (and the guy, although I really really tried to refuse, gave Caleb another $2.00, for a total of $5.00!!!!) Caleb was so excited, especially the recycling guy mentioned C-A-N-D-Y! So with that idea burning a hole in Caleb's pocket, we set off to the place with the best prices on Candy. Best Prices (think Stupid prices but even CHEAPER). We stopped before going in and talked about tithing, and set that money aside, then we talked about savings, and set that money aside. That left Caleb with $3 to spend, he was excited. So we went in and started choosing and deciding. I had to explain what the price tags mean, especially in quanitity of Candy etc. In the end he decided quantity was more important that size. He selected 10 /$1.00.... but when we went to the register, they were "ON SALE" (aka, in the wrong bin) and he got them for $.02 ea... meaning only $.20 total. (And the lady behind the counter had heard what I was doing, and gave me a little verbal kudos, which felt good.) Caleb was so excited because he had more money left over, to which I promptly explained that that was why Mommy shopped/bought things on sale! So then he wanted a toy, we went to the dollar store and I let him pick out a toy. I got to explain tax to him, and buying things still means that he had to follow the rules with his stuff (Ex: mommy bought the car, but I have to still drive the speed limit; he bought candy but Mommy can tell him enough, or after dinner etc, and the toy is an outside toy etc. Good lessons, all.) And then it really touched my heart when he said that he wanted a slurpee for himself and Jockey too. The slurpee part wasn't surprising, but his generous, sweet, caring heart to want to share with his little brother. AHHHH. I'll pay for Joshy THIS time. But the thought was soooo nice.

Well, such a great experience for Caleb. I'm sure that he is going to keep this up. And now, calling all cans from any who want to contribute to Caleb's cause. Caleb will completely appreciate it.

So we have recycled today and taught Caleb some valuable lessons. It is a good day in the neighborhood of motherhood. Plus it is another BEAUTIFUL sunny day. I am going to make sugar cookies and let the kids ice them.... I save the beet juice from dinner this week and will be able to color the icing with it. Perhaps the icing will be pink and more appropriate for last week's holiday... BUT I can't have great idea, great time AND a great day! And then of course is Awana tonight and I help in the classroom.

In Joshy News: He and Daddy went to the Sportsman show at the fairgrounds. Daddy was blessed that Joshy was Free, and a very kind man offered Mike a FREE ticket to get in. AND then as if Daddy-time wasn't great enough... Joshy caught TWO TROUT at the free trout pond. JOSHY'S FIRST FISHING experience. Normally he would just get one, BUT because it was during the day and so slow, he was allowed two. (Mike and I had been talking about getting some fish to smoke... now we do, and they were free... The Lord has BLESSED us today, as always! "all things work for the good for those who trust and believe in the Lord" I forget the scripture address.)

Well, that is our day so far. And I have hope that it will continue in such a fashion.
Thanks for reading.