Patience

Hello all.
It's been a rather pathetic amount of time since I've actually written something here, but really wanted to tonight! After reading all my friends' blogs, it's sparked again the flame within-- I do love to write. :)
I've been learning a lot about patience lately. Martha (from the PBS show "Martha Speaks") explains to Skits (the other dog at their house) that patience is not being seen by a doctor, but waiting without complaining.
My patience can be quickly tested by two young children, but I'm learning that if I remind myself that they are so little I can lengthen my patience; learning that using it can improve relationships, build trust, and relieve stress. I get caught up in the "now" sometimes- so much so that I have little or no patience at all. I get impatient wanting to know what's coming next in my life. What obstacles will I need to overcome today? When will certain things happen? Why can't I have certain things that I want right now? Why can't I always do what I want, when I want to do it? It can be overwhelming.
So, I've come to a decision: It is time to laugh at all the things that would typically try my patience. Here's the list this week:
* Ben asking for the tenth time in one conversation if he can have a pet
* Ben and Claire laughing hysterically (maybe maniacally is a better word) at each other, for no apparent reason at the dinner table (Theory: the kitchen has a pretty good echo, maybe they just want to test that)
* Ben turning on the piano, and then pushing the "demo" button and blasting it through the house. "I just wanted some music, mom!"
* Claire pulling all of my Ziploc bags out of the drawer
* Trying to share popcorn with the kids, while they run their hands all around the bowl
* When my primary kids pipe up about the latest SpongeBob episode, or the new game on poptrpica.com in the middle of the lesson (I think I'll laugh inside about this one :) )
* Claire pulling out various shoes from my closet, to wear them around the house
* Ben at the store, in his most persuasive voice "Mom, I WEALLY want a new colowing book. I would be so good, I PWOMISE."

Sorry so serious- more to come at a later date.

Mmmmm. . . Delicious!

Today, I had the best lunch I've ever had. It wasn't anything from a restaurant. I had a Hot Pocket, Macaroni and Cheese crackers, a string cheese, chocolate pudding, and a plum. Why did it taste so good? It was packed by my little boy!!
I was getting ready this morning, and felt really sad that I couldn't stop to watch Elmo's World with Ben. I was running late! Ben said, "What do you need to do, Mom?"
"Well, I need to finish my hair and makeup, and pack a lunch, and then go."
"I can do that!" Ben said, and left the bathroom.
I assumed he went back to watch Curious George, which had just started.
When I finished my hair and makeup, I walked into the kitchen to see Ben on the floor, with his favorite kind of cheesy crackers. He was packing up his own favorite crackers for my lunch! When he finished, I had put in a hot pocket and a plum, and Ben asked, "What else do you want in your lunch, Mom?"
"Well, a string cheese would be good."
"I can get that!" and in went the string cheese. "What else do you want in your lunch?"
"How about a pudding?"
"I can get that!" and in went the pudding.

And so, thanks to the help of my little boy, I couldn't help but smile as I ate my lunch!