Bed Hogs....

No one ever tells you about all the BAD stuff that comes with being a mom. And I've come to the conclusion that maybe there's a perfectly simple explanation for that. Human existence would cease to exist.

Deep down we ALL love sloppy kisses, bone crushing hugs, over glued and glittered projects, goofy toothless smiles, boundless giggles, new discoveries, and so on. They all seem to melt away our frustration, anger, disappointment, resentment, and fatigue. We want the best for our kids and above all, we want them to be healthy and happy for many many years. I wish we could wrap them in bubble wrap and protect them from hurt, harm, judgement, disease, disappointment, and disability. I wish we could stop worrying about insane people who could snatch them, take away their innocence, kill them, and try to cover it up. I wish mothers who kill their own children would take their own miserable lives instead. I wish our worst fears and nightmares never came to life.

I like to live in my own bubble where I believe nothing bad ever happens to anyone. Especially children. I never wanted children when I was younger. I couldn't understand all that neediness that goes along with them. And I couldn't understand why anyone would want to purposefully set themselves up for a life time of worrying. I changed my mind dramatically one early fall morning when I witnessed the birth of a good friends son. It was so moving. He was small and perfect and priceless. And I wanted one. Five children later I conquered the neediness fear. I still have not, nor will I EVER, let go of the constant worrying. Some days it eats me up, other days I have to believe and trust that I'm making the best decisions for them. Some days I'm good, other days not so much. But at the end of the day, when they are fast asleep, I am eternally thankful that they are all a part of my life, and that they are all healthy and alive.

I have a king size bed that I share with the dumb dog. I have been sleeping on the edge of it now for ten plus years. If it's not the dog sprawled out, it's my kids. Bad dreams, bad weather, sickly, needy, you name it. I've heard it all. I absolutely love my sleep. I am NOT a morning person. It drives me insane when they all pile in and start horsing around. But I wouldn't change it for ANYTHING in the world. Nothing at all. It is a constant reminder that even when they think they hate me, and that I'm the worst mother ever, deep down they love me with all their hearts. These are the stories we share with other moms so that there will be more children. This is why being a mom is priceless. This is why it is so incredibly devastating to hear that someone harms a child.

My wish for Christmas is that all missing children are finally accounted for, sick horrible people who prey on children are removed from this earth, and that love and laugher rein supreme for every child on Christmas morn. It seems like a huge undertaking for Santa. It seems like a huge undertaking for God. In reality, it's our own responsibility. And one we should never ever take lightly. EVER!