Mommy's Meltdown

Well, this picture is to remind me that they all are quiet once in a while, getting along once in a while, are all healthy, all are happy, and are all blessings. Yes, this what was brought back to my memory after having a bad day yesterday. I haven't had one in a while. So, I was due. I was really at my breaking point and needing a "Mommy timeout" yesterday. I don't mean a bathroom break, shower break, etc. while everyone fends for themselves and I have to clean up the mess later. I don't mean a moment to clean up the kitchen, put away clothes, or facebook a moment while I pay bills with the kids outside playing (only a few minutes before someone is hurt). Yes, it's nice to grocery shop alone, but that's not really doing something for yourself. Believe me, though, when I'm alone shopping it is a breath of fresh air, though. I am also thankful for a husband willing to feed dinner, give baths, and do bedtime. So, I can do this once and a while. None-the-less I was in need of a reality check yesterday, and God sure gave it to me. I was just having a day where I needed some time to myself, and in the midst of wanting this every little thing was getting to be an irriation to me. Therefore, I gave myslf a bad day. Anyway, after homeschooling Dillon, feeding 3 children breakfast, a snack, lunch, and cleaning it all up, the boys were off to get their haircut. We just love Mrs. Michelle! She gives out lollipops too!! So, off we went. They both look even more handsome than ever!! She does a fantastic job!! After, I knew it was naptime, but decided to pick up a few things I needed from HT, which is right across the road from where we get our haircut. I was just planning on getting a few things and I had already printed and clipped the coupons I needed. I knew it wouldn't take me long. Well, 45 minutes later I was trying to check out with my children and coupons in tow. On a sided note, coupons are a part time job in itself. I handed the coupons to the clerk. After a few minutes of trying to scan the coupons, she said well, we can't take ones that won't scan. She didn't once try and get a mananger to help. I was at my breaking point of the day with the kids at HT. You know when you've had enough. I had pushed them, disciplined them, wrangled them, etc. for almost an hour. So, I took my coupons and told her to keep the groceries. She said, "All of them?" I said, "yes, I'm done." I got the kids, and left. Now, there was nothing I had to have. I was just getting items that were a good price and that we could have used. So, I got the kids out of the cart, and we walked out. I wasn't yelling, demanding anything, etc. I just left. I was furious and upset. I started crying, and called my mom. She prayed with me. I called the manager. He said he was sorry. I know he really was, but the only thing he asked me to do was come back inside. I had the kids buckled up and ready for nap. So, I said, no. He was very nice, but I was just upset no one offered to get a manager or help the situation. They really just let me leave. I told him that I mostly try and go to HT because of the friendliness of the staff, customer service, and deals I can get. I just wanted him to know what had happened. I don't like complaining at all. I like praising people when I have such a good experience much,much more. So, to end this little drama story and get back to my picture, here goes. We started on the way home. We all needed some down time. Dillon says somethig to the effect that God just wanted us to have a bad day today. I forgot to mention my Kindle and phone had messed up terribly since the morning. It was a day nothing was going my way. Again...my way...I said, "You're right. He did allow all this to happen, but it's how we deal with it and praise Him even when we're having a bad day." I took a deep breath and said, "And look I have 3 beautiful, healthy children all here with me in the car. So, I am thankful for all of you." Yes, the same 3 children that messed up my electronic devices, the same ones that get silly and play off of each other, the same 3 that get loud, the same 3 that run to get samples like they've never eaten before, the same 3 that needed some quiet time, etc. They are my blessings. Yes, I needed to cry and needed some perspective yesterday. God, sure gave it to me. I had my timeout right there to refocus on what mattered most. It's not about me. It's about HIM!! I have to see HIM and HIS purpose in everything I do. Without HIM I am nothing. So, I calmed down, and yes went back to HT Thursday night, where I met my parents. I got my shopping done without children and even used most of those coupons. Today, has been a better day with even a little more love for my 3 little blessings.