I wrote this a while back for What to Expect but found myself in need of reading it today, maybe a few of you do too…
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Balancing the plastic tiara that dangles from my head, I turn for a clip-on princess earring. My three year-old fastens it to the top of my ear, grinning at her progress.
I can only imagine what I look like right now. No time to even change out of my pajamas, showering has become an unattainable dream today. I brushed my teeth, I think, and a steady flow of coffee has kept my eyes open through breakfast and lunch and snack.
My kitchen sink is towering with dishes and there is nothing thawed for dinner.
Cries and protests replaced what should have been naptime and my lap has not been empty for a moment.
My checkbook lays open on the counter, a streak of ink across a half-written check. A pleading toddler pushed my arm as I tried to pay a few bills.
Toys topple over my legs as I sit in defeat. I cannot accomplish anything today so we will spend the rest of daylight dressing as princesses and connecting trains, pushing dump trucks and toppling blocks.
Trying to stop a to-do list from scrolling through my brain, I concentrate on the knobby knees and clumsy hands at my feet. The last of today’s sun peaks through the window. I watch it shine on a tuft of blonde that managed to escape my little boy’s pirate hat.
My daughter tilts my head. A second dangling earring is ready for application. As I lean towards her, sloppy toddler kisses meet my cheek and I cradle my youngest in return. Eyes beaming with pride, my daughter steps back to admire her creation.
“You are a beautiful, beautiful princess, Mommy.”
Suddenly I am content, my house a castle of thriving children and beautiful messes.
I have accomplished everything worth doing today.
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Robin | Farewell, Stranger says
Oh, those days are so hard. And that perspective is so hard to find, but I’m so glad you did.
Alexandra says
It’s so easy to forget to be part of the moments, to create the moments: that’s where memories come from.
ioven says
I like material like this. This is a fantastic post and I genuinely enjoyed reading it. You’ve got an original style that makes your tips stand out from other writers.
Ariana Lemarr says
The photograph reflects perfect moment of mother and daughter. I didn’t know much about clip-on earrings. I guess, the tiara seems a nice accessory for the head. I love the lines: “You are a beautiful, beautiful princess, Mommy.” Thanks for the interesting post.
Teresa (Embracing the Spectrum) says
Those are the moments we live for…
Tonya says
They say a picture is worth a thousand words. They are right.
Shanon says
I love the pics. The one created from your words and the one created from your camera. Thanks for this!
Shanon
Leighann says
Yes!
This is a great reminder that through the busy schedules, loads of laundry, piles of dishes, and never enough money there is the ones we do it for.
Thank you Jessica.
Miss Marina Star says
I love this and would never have seen it had you not re-posted. So, thank you. It was just what I needed.
Charlotte says
Such a sweet post, Jessica. I’ve never read this one before but am happy you shared it again. And that photograph is too beautiful for words.
Stacey says
Thank you. I needed that today.
Camille says
That’s a beautiful story and what a gorgeous photo. There’s nothing more pleasing than getting a sincere compliment from your own child.
story says
This is so beautiful and such a good reminder. It is so hard to stay in the moment and be content. So. Hard. Thank you for this.
Lady Jennie says
It’s beautiful and not messy at all. 🙂
Shannon from 'mynewfavoriteday' says
Such a beautiful post…it’s a lovely reminder that sometimes what we are “meant to accomplish” is just seeing the smiles of our precious ones and watching them light up with joy that we are spending time with them. The picture is gorgeous and the purity in that moment is inspiration in itself!
John says
Those words would fix just about any day.
Rosy Stinson says
You’ve such a lovely daughter. And as your lovely daughter says “you’re a beautiful, beautiful princess.”
I loved the photograph and the article even more.
Thanks for sharing.
-Rosy
Kimberly says
Swoon.
Makes me want a girl 😉
Chunky gives me sticky kisses and fart pies.
Yes.
Fart. Pies.
Mrs. Jen B says
Oh, so sweet. 🙂
The Anecdotal Baby says
Wow! Beautifully captured. I had exactly this day today, well, close. I’m realizing just how much messes are unimportant and living is truly the only important. Thanks for the reminder!
Lanie says
Thank you for sharing – you have reminded me to enjoy the “rock star hair” my twins try to create and forget the laundry ( which will be there long after they are asleep).
Sending you hugs and good thoughts today and always. Take care.
Jackie says
I love that picture! It’s such a sweet moment.
Your kids won’t remember the mes, that you couldn’t take a shower, or that dinner wasn’t perfect. What they will remember is that you are always there for them.
Traci says
It’s so great when kids put things into perspective. Never forget that you are her princess.
Kisha says
It all goes by so fast, dishes can wait! Lovely post.
Amy says
When we do the girls’ hair after bath, we let them look in the mirror and tell them they look beautiful. They’ve recently started coming up to both hubby and me, mess with our hair, and say, “We’re making you beautiful!” It really is the cutest thing, to watch two little girls play with your husband’s hair on the floor “making him beautiful”, especially when said husband does not ever ever ever like anybody touching his hair.
Jennifer says
Everything you wrote shows that you are the most perfect mom for your kiddos. They are so lucky to have you. XO
Jessica says
Aww, thank you so much.
Emmy says
Okay try again- tried to comment but it totally showed up under the wrong post! Sorry :(. But as I said before, I love love this! Yes, you were doing what truly matters.
Jen Has A Pen says
This is such an important reminder- even for me. Good for you, mom.
Catwoman says
Such a sweet photo! Both of you look so adorable…beautiful!
Life As Wife says
I needed this today! Thanks for reminding me that my mess is beautiful!
natalie says
No matter what my to-do list says, that is ALWAYS the most important priority on my list (now I just need to remember that…)
Jennifer says
Some days we just have to do what’s most important. 🙂
Brittany says
You are a princess and yes, thank you for the reminder! Sometimes it is hard to appreciate our precious gifts in the middle of all the chaos of small children.
angela says
I loved it then and loved it now. It’s so applicable every day, and I have a habit of forgetting every once in a while.
Nan says
Its helpful to be able to go back and read posts and find wisdom from your own words, I wish you a gentle day, take a deep breath and I’m lifting you up friend. Love, Nan xxxooo
Jessica says
Oh Nan, so good to hear from you. I think of you all the time. Hope you are doing well.
Barbara says
Beautiful post, and that picture shows just pure joy and love!
Shell says
You did what was most important!
That to-do list will wait!
Galit Breen says
Stunning, perfect.
xo
Farrah says
Such a sweet picture. I hope you have a good day!!
Mirjam says
I did needed to read that, you have no idea!
Thank you.
jenn says
Beautiful 🙂 I love the picture, pure joy right there!