Nailed it

Perhaps you've seen this picture circulating Pinterest. It's my favorite. Every time I see it, I laugh uncontrollably.

Keeping this picture in mind, I recently had a few "Nailed it!" moments of being a mother.

William, Matt and I have exactly 750 sq ft of living space and William is no longer crawling. As a result, William likes to walk laps around the house. Yesterday I took pity on him and decided to go out, somewhere he could really roam free and have fun. There was one problem- It's freezing cold out side!! Since Will wont let me put a hat or mittens on him I thought the Mall play area would be a perfect option. But alas,  how wrong I was. 

We'd been before and he'd had a blast. This time he discovered there was no gate keeping him in. "I could escape and explore this whole place!" he thought. And try and try and try and try and try and try he did. It was so relaxing...

Because I like to keep things classy, I decided to run at full speed when he had, again, left the designated play area for the millionth time. Insert child, also running at full speed. SMASH! I plowed right into another child. I didn't even check to see if she was okay before I continued running to catch my child. After returning sheepishly with William in my arms, I tried to locate the parent who's child I just assaulted. Nailed it!

This morning while getting ready I heard water splashing. Immediately I went to investigate. The culprit? William splashing around in the toilet bowl and then trying to lap up the water and drink it. I screamed like a 13-year-old girl and scooped him up and sterilized everything in sight. Gross! Nailed it William. Curse the person who designed our apartment and put these handles on the doors.

 How the crap am I supposed to baby proof that?

Change of Heart

I have a lot to catch up with on this blog, but I just can't seem to write/think about anything else than this.

Did anyone else feel like the end of 2012 brought unusual amounts of heart ache? It seemed where ever I turned there was tragedy. Perhaps it is my age or situation that has finally helped me relate to these horrible stories, making me feel like there are more. I am a wife and mother and can put myself in the shoes of those who have lost loved ones. But tragedy hit closer than just the news, it hit people I love and care about, even family.

When the tragedy in Connecticut happened, I got angry. I was anergy for days. Just weeks earlier there was a "random" shooting at a Mall in Portland (one I've shopped at many times).  It all seemed like too much, I guess my heart snapped. Was nothing safe? Could I no longer go to a movie theatre? a shopping mall? Should I just home school my child or send him into school with a bullet proof back back?

A few weeks later we heard the news of Matthew's cousin, Damond who passed away suddenly, while playing board games with his family over Christmas break. Since we heard that news I  just can't stop thinking of Damond and his family. Not even when I try.

Tragedy was again creeping closer. Even closer. My anger changed to fear. My logic- tragedy can only come so close before it knocks on my own door. I began to be fixated on this horrible thought, as if preparing myself emotionally to take an offensive attack.

My eyes came across this quote by Mr Rogers himself, proving he had more than just impeccable fashion sense. He had a mother who focused on the good.

" When I was a boy and would see scary things in the news, my mother would say to me, "Look for the helpers. You will always find people who are helping." To this day, especially in times of disaster I remember my mother's words and I am always comforted by realizing that there are still so many helpers- so many caring people in this world"

Later, while talking these thoughts over with Matt (he always takes on my irrational tangents with ease) he said something that hit hard. He said, "I guess it's up to us (those not suffering) to prepare as best we can and then go to work and help those who are suffering."

Imagine if all the good and caring people hide out of fear, my initial reaction.

A few days later I received a message from my sister-in-law. She had decided to do something. Something amazing. She asked for family members to rally together and help (monetarily) Damond's young family he left. Her idea- an "Everything Sale," asking for donations of goods, services, talents and then to hold this sale on the same day in as many states as we could.

Though it has been a terrible loss, one I pray to never face myself, I have been grateful to be involved in this amazing cause. I have truly seen heaven's doors open and the good  best people stand up and help. There are helpers EVERYWHERE. I have been humbled by the generosity of others and brought to tears many times as I witness my very small acts of service multiplied by others.

I have again been blessed to know, it is only through the serving of others we find the greatest joy.

Many of you who don't live here in Eugene have asked me how you can help. Here's the answer- spread the word! If you would like to host a sale in your area, contact me.