A Morning Vent

This morning I thought it would be fun to surprise the kids and take them to the museum.  So I got them all ready and we were about to walk out the door when I smelled something really stinky.   At first I though it was just the trash.   But then I knew that it was poop.   

I asked both of my kids if they had to go to the bathroom, to which they both answered, "No."   Then I checked just to make sure my 2 year old hadn't had an accident in his pants.   No.    Then, my daughter, the 4-going-on-14 year old said, "Is it you?"   "NO!"  I said in response, like I would have a hard time making it to the bathroom, and would be blaming someone else if I was making the stench.

I had the thought to look in the laundry room, where our dog sleeps at night, to see if it might be coming from out there.  And sure enough, our 10 year old black lab, had had diarrhea all over his bed, and all over the laundry room.     

Usually, I would have been able to weasel out of clean up duty, and let my sweet husband have that honor.   But lucky for him, he was already at work.    So, I got to do the dirty deed.    And I tell you, I don't really mind my kids poop.     But there is nothing worse to clean up than dog crap.     I almost threw up myself it was so nasty.

Anyway, after all that we ventured out, and picked up Sweet Maddie, before heading to the museum.   I treated myself to a latte on the way as my reward for the nasty morning chore.   Then, after walking hand in hand with the three little ones into the museum, I realized I had left my hot latte on the top of my car.    Oh well.    There's nothing I hate more than splurging on a special drink, and then not getting to drink it.  But I wasn't about to drag all three of them back out through the parking lot just to get my latte.     So, I just had to let it go.   I decided I would be "refrigerated" by the cold, and I would heat it up and enjoy it later.   Which I did.   Hopefully no one poisoned it.     

So, we had a great time playing in the museum.    I even let them each paint a picture.    I specifically said to the girl that we would be back after playing to let the dry.    You can probably guess where this is going.    After having our playtime and eating lunch, we went back to pick up our paintings.    The girl started to look around, and then started asking questions, like "Were their names on them?"   "Yes."  I replied without emotion.    I'm thinking to myself, "Are you kidding me?  I'm the crazy lady who brings 3 kids all under 4 in at once and lets them all paint a picture, and you don't remember us?"   She remembered "River" because who forgets that name, and found hers.     The other two, who belonged to the 1 and 2 year old, and who had worked equally as hard on their masterpieces, but to the art lady probably just looked like scribble scrabble, were gone.   I asked in an agitated voice, "Which trash can would they be in?"   Without apologizing, she began to look in one, and motioned to the other can where they might be.

I found them, balled up, wet, and torn.   I was really sad, and irritated that she had thrown them away, and then not even apologized.    I had been excited for their time working with colors and using good paint strokes, and the lady had even helped them with each of their smocks.   I know she was just cleaning up her area, but I said, "WE'LL BE BACK IN A LITTLE BIT TO LET THEM DRY!"     Can you tell I'm totally over it?    I did not fuss at her, but I was not very kind.    I'm sorry "art girl".     Even though you did not apologize or act remorseful in the least bit, I should still be just as kind and loving to you.

We walked back out to the car, and even though my backseat barely seats three, I cram three car seats in somehow.    And I have to pull and push and maneuver and hold my face just right to get all the buckles to go where they're supposed to go.     Today I think it took me taking one of the car seats out 3 times before I got the booster buckled the right way, and the car seat back in the right way.   What the heck?!     Why don't they make retractable bottom clickers, that don't go back under the seat when you're trying to buckle them?    Why don't the seat belts just click in any of the clickers?     I was gritting my teeth, and leaning over one child, and calling the buckle "stupid" when my daughter said, "Mommy, stupid's not a very nice word to say."   I prayed for self control to not lash out and said ridiculous instead of the word 4 letter word I wanted to say.    After 15 minutes, I finally had them all in, and I called my husband and vented about how ridiculous it is that we have such a small car for 3 car seats, and how "I JUST CAN'T KEEP DOING THIS!"    Then we talked about a plan for a van.

In the grand scheme of things, these things are not a big deal.     I realize that.    In Bible Study the other night, we talked about things that make us angry.    We talked about how the things that make us angry are usually the things that upset what we value in life.     A clean poop-free house.   My morning coffee.     My children's artwork.      Car seats that buckle easily.   I value these little things that usually do not make me want to scream and kick and say ugly words.    However, it is in these little things, where I see the places in my heart that need Jesus so desperately.   These little things that take more strength than to move a mountain to get through with the right attitude and loving kindness.      It is these little things that I have to ask the Lord to create in me a clean heart.   And renew a right spirit in me.     

What are the little things that are driving you crazy today?    I'm not the only one, right?  RIGHT??!!