Blessed Beyond Measure: The A Team Week 34: Winefest

...opps, I meant Whinefest.

On Mother's Day one of Eric's cousins shared this on Faceback from another Facebook page:

While I wouldn't say that it is true (I don't even drink), it did make me chuckle as I reflected on how much my kids can drive me crazy at times despite the immense love that I have for them. Lately Asher has started this new thing of asking for things in a really high-pitched, very quite, barely audible whiny voice. It is beyond annoying, and Eric and I have been working hard to nip it in the bud as quickly as possible. This, combined with the foul mood that I began the week with, did often make me wish I had a gigantic bowl of ice cream if not an actual glass (or bottle) of wine. I can't really say why I was in such a foul mood, other than lack of sleep, hormones, etc. I guess sometimes that is just the way it is, but unfortunately (although I hate to admit this) it is actually a choice...my choice. Sometimes we choose to allow things to affect us when we could just live in the light and let things go. This was a lesson I learned this week as I knew full-well that my attitude could be better, but really didn't care enough to attempt to change it. At the mid-point of the week ("hump day" as some would call it) though everything changed...but rather than it being downhill from that point forward, it went nowhere but up...I guess it was more of a valley than a hill.

Eric & Asher mowing the lawn on Monday.

Video: Mirror Baby

Avery playing with the mirror baby

When my day off (Wednesday) began, I was still in a pretty crappy mood. I just wanted some time alone, but instead had an entire day with my boys and I will admit that I considered working for the day simply because I wasn't sure I was up to the challenge of "mommying" all day. I tried to enjoy myself with the boys as they were both being very good and in very pleasant moods, but honestly a part of me was holding back. All morning we went for "boat rides", read stories, played outside, molded Play-Doh and colored on the driveway but despite the fun I wanted to be having with my boys, I just couldn't get out of the funk. Then, at lunch time, I was sitting at the table with Asher and Avery while Asher was begin really goofy. I distinctly remember a moment that I could feel a laugh coming on, but I didn't want it to come out. For some reason a part of me wanted to hold on to the Oscar the Grouch mentality and stay on the negative. In this moment, the Holy Spirit reminded me how stupid I was being. At a moment that I could be enjoying a silly, wonderful moment with my two awesome little guys I was ruining it by clinging to my anger/frustration/sadness/etc. It is then that I allowed the laugh to come out and it was then that the entire week changed for the better. It was all uphill from then on out...including a wonderful surprise that evening when Asher and I found that an anonymous friend had tied a smiley-faced balloon to our front door...totally made both my and Asher's day! :)

Avery going for one of Asher's "Boat Rides" on Wednesday

Ice Cream always makes it better! Even if it is Play-Doh!

Avery wasn't thrilled to be outside sitting alone as I played with Asher.

Asher working on the fence.

Building a fence like Daddy.

Big smiles all around!

Someone got into the sidewalk chalk when Mommy wasn't looking...

By the time the weekend came the whole family was in great spirits, allowing us to share a wonderful weekend together...

We went to the first Harbor Market of the season...

We checked out the lake and the duckies...

We played at the playground...

We tried one of the Mike's Donuts & Chicken that everyone keeps talking about (Personally, I wasn't too impressed. It was the most expensive donut I've ever purchased and it was probably not even in the top ten for the best ones I've eaten. We got the mint chocolate oreo donut and although it looked very pretty, it was WAY too sweet. I did enjoy getting to share it with my little man though!)