Little Treasures

Is motherhood a thankless job? At times, it can certainly feel that way, can’t it? Coming off from the Mother’s Day high where we are gifted with sleeping in, breakfast not made by us, and adorable handmade cards from the ones who call us mom; there’s no doubt we felt the love and gratitude.

But, what happens as the week starts to take hold? We often we go through our days dressing, feeding, and cleaning these pint size replicas of ourselves and come 5 o’clock, we’re more than ready to throw in the towel.

If one of our mini-me’s dares to ask for a snack just at the moment we’re heading upstairs for bedtime, that request will most certainly be met with a growl and a frown. At least, that’s how it goes in my household.

On many days, seeing the beauty and magic that is being a child can be difficult when we are mired in the drudgery of the day to day business of raising and caring for our children.

However, in this quiet morning, as I sit here with my delicious cup of coffee, stealing some me time before the hustle and bustle begins, this is what I see…

Two tiny handprints separated by a red heart hanging just above the small table in our kitchen. I am reminded of the day Little Sister brought this home and how happy she was when I hung it on that wall.

Next, a giant mug, hand painted with flowers and a bird. A single white flower is carefully planted inside. According to Big Brother, it would bloom in two days…it did and it is lovely.

On the counter sits a giant lady-bug, cut out carefully by Big Brother and inside it reads: I spotted the best mom in the world- YOU!

Walking around the corner now, with coffee in hand, I see Little Sister’s smiling face peeping through a hand painted flower frame. I can’t help but smile myself when I come across it.

Now I’m in the playroom that was once a dining room. I see a kite, a portrait of me, and a sunny day scene…all made by the tiniest hands in this house.

These little treasures surround us. They are gifts bestowed upon us from the little ones who love us most. So, while they might not always say the words thank you, or their demands seem endless…we are clearly the ones always on their minds.

Do these little treasures make up for stalling at bedtime, the poopy talk they can’t seem to get enough of, or the constant jumping on the ottomans even after being asked to stop for the tenth time?

Yes…I believe they do. Most of the time anyway.

These little treasures, well, they keep me going when the day gets long and I’m wishing for bedtime. I just have to remind myself to stop, look around, and bask in the joy of their childhood.

What treasures have you found lurking around your house lately?