Easter 2014 was filled with plenty of chocolate, food, family, and ample tantrums. Lady woke up to her Easter basket (as did d. and i, but that's not nearly as exciting, is it?) and a little egg hunt. She loved it, obviously. Then, she promptly ate half of her candy. At 8 o'clock in the am. Awesome. Church was a sugar-crash-induced-tantrum (one right after the other).

After a lengthy nap, we crashed the Paiser's house for dinner and another egg hunt. There's just something about being with family on holidays, isn't there?

But, the festivities weren't done yet. Because I'm not (nor will ever be) as good as my mom - I had procrastinated dyeing eggs. So, when we got home that evening we hurriedly boiled a few eggs and colored them. There's nothing that challenges the control freak in me like dyeing eggs with a (nearly) two-year-old. But, we survived, and had a blast rolling the eggs down the hill (slope) on our back lawn. In true Harrison fashion, girlfriend hurled the eggs and crushed them in her hands.

Really, though, I didn't hear a word that was spoken in church. But, I did hear the primary kids sing "He Sent His Son." And, that was the perfect reminder. Because of Him, we get to be this chaotic family forever. And that's what Easter is really all about.






 

I've been ranting about change, limbo, and uncertainty for awhile around these parts. And, it's official. Big changes are coming to the Ackerman family: we are about to take on Stamford, Connecticut. 

Girlfriend started out the week sick. Leading to double ear infections. Which obviously lead to cling-to-legs-in-desperation mode, spit out the antibiotics endlessly, and whining (oh, the whining). And, now, it seems as we start to wind down from the sick bug, this illness has propelled her (what previously seemed to be slow) transition to terrible-two's, to settle upon us like, now. Right  now. I can't even tell you how many times I've been told, "No!" and, "Stop.It!" today. Today alone. Abby has no clean pajamas, and I'm pretty sure her face is covered in her dinner still (which she ate roaming around the apartment, because she refused to sit in her seat). Also,  instead of a bath this morning, I brushed the chocolate pudding out of her hair, and disguised the remainder in pigtails. And, yes, she ate chocolate pudding before noon.

It's been a long week. (thanks aunt morgan for making it so much fun, despite the difficulties!)

Today, I read a post of another mother. She was admitting that her new life with a baby was difficult. Midst her gushing over her baby, she was confessing the difficulty that comes with a newborn baby (almost embarrassed, it seemed). I think that sometimes in this cyber world we have at our finger tips, other mom's seem to bask in the joy of motherhood. And, while I do think the reward it priceless, it is still hard work. It's not all sunshine and rainbows. But, sometimes it is easier to focus on the sunshine and rainbows; regardless, it is difficult - for so many reasons.

I got asked the other day if I missed going to work. My answer: sometimes I miss a paying job. I went to work. I did my job. I was rewarded with tangible payment. It was satisfying. But, I still work. Everyday I work.

When I talk to women who work outside the home (no right or wrong, guys.) I seem to mumble, "I just stay home..." To which they reply, "Oh. That must be nice." And then I get this feeling that I am not a contributing member of society, that I'm not pulling my own weight.

But, I am. My work is important. And, it is hard work. Never ending. Because of that, it is alright to admit once in a while that I've had a long day, that I'm tired because: my work is hard. It is priceless and rewarding, and I wouldn't trade it for anything. But, I don't "just stay home." I work.

I guess after a week like this one, I needed this. Watch it.

"In speaking of mothers generally, I especially wish to praise and encourage young mothers. The work of a mother is hard, too often unheralded work...Through these years, mothers go longer on less sleep and give more to others with less personal renewal for themselves than any other group I know at any other time in life. It is not surprising when the shadows under their eyes sometimes vaguely resemble the state of Rhode Island.

Do the best you can through these years, but whatever else you do, cherish that role that is so uniquely yours and for which heaven itself sends angels to watch over you and your little ones." -- Jeffery R. Holland

Please know that in no way am I complaining about my role as a mother, neither am I bragging. As much as it is difficult, it is far more rewarding. Let's be honest: I wouldn't have lasted had there been no rewards. I'm far too much of a wimp for that. That sassy toddler is the best thing to ever happen to me. I mean, she made me a mom.