Mid-day Mom Recharge
I need to mend
It's about 11:30 in the morning, but already I'm craving the mending of a full night's sleep. It's been that kind of morning. The kind where Elliot doesn't feel well, the state of the house gives me a glimpse of hell, and I find myself struggling exceptionally to be patient with these little people.
"You guys go out for recess and I'll call you when lunch is ready."
They must feel the depth of my need for quiet because no one argues and soon I hear their melodic voices through the open window, having such fun together.
I slide on my cozy grey slippers, a Christmas gift from Caleb a few years back, grab my favorite warm camel-colored sweater, and press one earbud in my right ear.
As I pop open a can of lemon limeade sparkling water, I hear the voice of Sarah Mackenzie on the Read Aloud Revival Podcast, and things start to feel right again. I'm recharging.
Biscuits and chocolate gravy
Flour, sugar, baking powder, cocoa, milk, butter, vanilla, the makings of great chocolate gravy begin swirling in my cast iron pan. As I stir and the scent of chocolate fills the air, my heart rate settles. Tender feelings for my children return, and I'm excited to connect with them again.
When Vivian pops in to see if she can help, I welcome her with kindness. Life is so magical at four-years-old; instead of plain boring circle biscuits, she insists on cutting some with cookie cutters, a black cat and a pumpkin. She's definitely an October baby.
We sit down to enjoy this special lunch together as we listen to the final chapters of Half Magic. It's been a different sort of afternoon. I didn't go out for recess, like I normally do, jumping on the trampoline and pushing Elliot on the swing. I didn't make smoothies for lunch, like I normally do either. But that's the beauty of a daily rhythm; we live within the comfort of its consistency most of the time, so I don't worry when we go outside its bounds. I trust that it will be there when we need it again.
Mentioned in this story:
Read Aloud Revival Podcast #19: Reading to Toddlers - The Why and How
This episode was a true comfort to me. Elliot is a busy boy who sits still for very little, including stories. I found solidarity in the stories of Haley and Sarah from Aslan's Library.
Here are a few of Elliot's favorite books at two-years-old, in case you also have a busy body toddler:
Love,
Elizabeth Erin
