The Simple Things

Today I was reminded that sometimes the simplest things in life are the most wonderful. This morning I sent my big girls off to school, then started my normal routine of showering and putting on makeup. And then it happened. My three year old daughter ran into the room, bringing with her love and light and everything that is wonderful about being young and innocent. She threw her little arms around me and declared, "Mommy, I love you so!"
Call me silly, call me sappy, call me whatever you want. My heart experienced the purest form of joy in that moment, and I wouldn't have missed it for anything in the world. It means so much to me that I can be here when she goes to bed at night and when she wakes up in the morning. Maybe I was overwhelmed when the twins were babies, but I just don't remember taking time to reflect on the moments like this one. With them, sometimes it became all about keeping everyone alive until tomorrow. Now I try not to take a single second for granted.
There are those that have questioned my decision (both to my face and behind my back) to leave the career that I worked so long and hard for in order to "just stay at home." I guess I don't see it that way. The other day while I was chaperoning my older daughters' field trip, one of them apologized for making me miss a barrel race that afternoon. I replied that there was nothing more important in this world to me than spending time with her. And I meant it. Staying home for me is about putting my family first, ahead of any and every other worldly thing.
Veterinary medicine will always be there. My babies won't. One of the most precious moments of my day is having my daughter come flying into my room, throw herself at me, and say simply, "Snuggle!" Maybe I'm old fashioned, but it just doesn't get any better than that.

Well, I tried!

I'm still here! For those of you who have wondered if the kids tied me up and did me in, they haven't. Yet. I am finding that being a mother of three, training for a half marathon, and keeping two barrel horses in shape requires each and every one of the 24 short hours in my day. As much as I enjoy blogging, and boy do I always have plenty of material, when I sit down to write at the end of a day that began with a 4 mile run at 5 AM, my body tends to simply refuse to stay awake any longer. So I am doing the best I can!
Here's a quick update: Kirk and I are both training for the St. Jude Half Marathon in December. I am still blissfully happy with the horse we got in July, and am looking forward to several barrel races in the coming weeks. I have an awesome idea for my next book project, which I am already working on in my head. Actually, I have several amazing ideas, but simply not enough time to get them down on paper. I am eating healthier, exercising harder, and seeing a chiropractor every week to help keep me feeling great for the race. And if those things happen to help my migraines go away, I'll consider that a bonus. I promise to get more posts written (I know that's how many of you who are family keep up with my kids.)
Here's one for the road. The other day Sheridan and I were in Kroger. Naturally, when we got to the checkout line, she started asking for everything under the sun. Any parent knows that after the asking comes the whining. I felt like I was doing well and staying strong. I had made up my mind. No was no, and I wasn't budging. I'm used to whining in stereo. One measly kid wasn't any match for me! And then it happened. My three year old offered up a poorly aimed, poorly timed kick at my shin. Her foot barely grazed my leg, but my face was enough to elicit the "oh sh%t, what have I done" look from my child.
In as quiet a voice as I could muster, I exclaimed, "Sheridan, did you just kick me?" She looked at me, and without missing a beat replied, "Well, I tried!" At least she's honest.