Queen For A Day

There are those women who let the housekeeper in in the morning after a long night of uninterrupted sleep, go soak in the tub and dress in extravagant clothing while a cook prepares breakfast and a nanny cares for the children.  They then head out for a day of shopping, lunch with friends, and time at the spa.  At least I think there are... I don't really know anyone who does this. Maybe it's just in the movies. Seriously though, in real, true, gut-level honesty I don't care to be one of those women.  Okay, well maybe on the spa part... ;)  I'm a sucker for a massage or a facial...and I like a great pedicure...

Anyway, I really, truly love my life.  Every day.  I love waking up to care for the most precious houseful of children and being a helper to the most amazing man alive.  I don't want a housekeeper (well, once in a while I do) and I definitely like being the one to choose the meal planning and preparations for all the hungry tummies that live here.  And you KNOW how I feel about being the ONE person my children spend the most time with.  This is an area of fierce jealousy for me...  They are MINE and I don't anyone else raising them...  Well, unless we're blessed to have Daddy home for the day.  But even then, I want to be right there... joining in all the excitement!  (Of course I'm not talking about older teens who have part time jobs and outside of home activities occasionally... I'm mostly referring to anybody under 13 or so... you know the ones whose little hearts are still being discipled and trained and who are SO EASILY influenced.  And even still, my heart desires for ALL my chicks to be right near my wings whenever it's possible!) 

I want to do the work.  I do.  I know it may sound nuts (certainly next to the world's standards). In fact, I might have to glance back at this in a few weeks to remind myself what I said.  But I WANT to be the one up in the quiet of the night nursing my baby.  I WANT these privileges that are really only available to me for a small piece of time.  When you think of the life span of a woman, the amount of time that she actually has her children in her womb, in her home, close for her to care for -- it's a very small amount of time!  I WANT TO BE PRESENT FOR THIS SEASON!  (yes, I am shouting... hoping you can hear me!)

But, can I just tell you that on Monday I got to have a "splurge" day.  It was really amazing to me.  And even now, days later, I'm still feeling the sweetness of it just wash over me.  There were 4 big TREATS for me that day. 
#1.  I had a dr's appt for our sweet Abby girl and Troy and I went alone to the appointment... which means that for several hours (drive time and a few errands added on) we got to just be together.  A date with my husband.  ahhhh...  wish you could hear the deep, contented sigh that just came out of me. It was so nice.

#2.  While on this date, while running errands, I got to run (ok, not run - waddle quickly) in and get a pedicure.  If you could see how swollen my feet are and how large my tummy is between "me" and my feet, you'd know that this was a much needed, deliciously wonderful treat.  It. felt. SO. good!  And my toe nails are pretty too!  Yipee! 

#3.  Also during these errands, we stopped by the cleaners and picked up ALL OF TROY'S WORK CLOTHES!!!  That's right!  For the next couple of weeks I don't have to stand at the hot ironing board and iron!!!!  Now, let me be clear.  This is usually one of my homemaking chores that I quite like.  (I know, I'm kinda weird).  I remember my senior year of high school talking with all the girls around me about college, degree plans, future successful careers...  I meekly admitted that I just wanted to iron my future husband's shirts and take care of him.  Of course they all laughed.  But it's no laughing matter.  God had planted a seed in my heart for homemaking waaay back then.  Somehow in my young and immature teenage girl brain, I understood the glory and privilege of being a wife and a helper to a husband.  Thank you Jesus for working in me - even then.  ...........Okay, back to my point though - ironing is not so much fun when you are full term prego, hot ALL THE TIME, and did I mention that my feet and ankles are the size of watermelons?  So the fact that my hubby removed this chore from my list to give me a break... just might be the most romantic thing he's ever done!  ;)

#4.  And last but not least, my friend Sarah cooked supper for us.  Baked chicken, veggies, cream corn, and BROWNIES!  I probably don't have to explain or elaborate on how this blessed me.  It was just so nice to have the break from the kitchen, but still get to eat healthy, delicious food!  Thank you Sarah!  And YUM!

So, yes.  For just one day I had so many sweet little blessings that I felt as though I was queen for the day.  I am grateful to Troy and Sarah for these gifts... but no matter how small these things may seem to some, I take the time to bend my knee in gratitude to the ONE who knows just when Mama needs a little break and some TLC.