Magical Mothers

Well, I started this post weeks ago, but here it is.. :)
    In my subconscious mind... I've been waiting. Waiting for life to get easy. Waiting for the day when my eyes are bright with abundance of sleep. Waiting for the day when I don't have to shower at midnight (ok so maybe that is exaggerated, but barely!:). Waiting for the day when I am caught up with my work. When I can go to bed, close my eyes to a tidy house, at a decent hour. Waiting for the day when the baking is done. Waiting to sit on the couch in the quiet with my favorite magazine. Waiting until I remember every birthday of my extended dear ones. Waiting for the day when every meal looks like it popped out of Better Homes and Gardens magazine. Waiting until every snack for my children is nutritious. Waiting until I can craft cozy baskets full of cute Christmas goodies for all our dear friends.Waiting until I can be more like all the amazing mother's around me. Waiting to be a mother who has it "all together".
   I'm slowly awakening. This awakening is a bit of a lightening bolt. This is a mother's life. Mother's everywhere are going to bed with the crunch, crunch of cheerios under every step they make towards bed, on a floor just swept 2 hours ago.   T h i s    i s     l i f e.    I realize this life would come on more gradually for most. Most would have around 8-12 yrs to birth 4 children. Our home went from zero to four in 3 yrs and 9 mo. So yes, this is a bit sudden, but this is normal! And I have a friend who went from zero to three children ages 3,2, and 1 in one day and then I think of the mothers who have triplets...they have THREE BABIES! So no I'm not so special after all :). A mother must be very, very brave. I'm not very brave yet. She must love. She must laugh. She must smile a lot! She must do these things when she is tired. She must do these things when she is sad. She must give and give and give.
   I think about the brave mother's around me. The ones with candles burning in their kitchen, the ones setting the table with a simple yet yummy meal, the ones with fresh cookies in their freezer, the ones with clean clothes in the drawers, the ones with secure children and a happy husband... I'm beginning to realize this magical mother doesn't just happen. When the going gets tough, the tough get going! These mothers often get up early and many times work late. These mothers are tired much. Yet these mothers prioritize. These mothers organize. These mothers make menus. These mothers take control of their life, so life doesn't control them. These mothers smile! These mothers are brave! My New Year's resolution is to be a brave mother. Courage to all the brave mother's who read this!
   (I have more updates to write about, but I don't have time right now if I am to take my house into my hands and become a BRAVE mother!)  ("Prioritize, mother.")