Things I Know...or, It's okay, I'm a mom

I admittedly am not the smartest or most successful person, but there are a few things I know for sure.  Having one child is a life changing, beautiful adventure.  Having two children is manageable chaos.  Having three children is circus mayhem.  There is a reason they call it a three ring circus.  If you're lucky enough to have three children.  You have officially earned the title of "Ring Master".  Put on your top hat grab you whip and bull horn, own this title or you will be eaten alive.  I know that in 2 minutes several day destroying things can happen.  A crayon can be lodged up a 2 year old's nose.  An eighteen month old can successfully scale the counter to the cupboard where you keep the Dimetapp, and drink the entire bottle.  Your two adorable dogs can take a perfectly cooked, 14 pound turkey off the counter, eat it, leaving nothing behind, not even the wishbone and feel no ill effects or remorse. Your three year old can decorate your yellow lab with colorful Sharpies. In the next minute they can paint all of their big sister's stuffed animals ,"toes" with nail polish and confidently say the dog did it.  A barbie placed on top of a lamp, can become "disabled" barbie when their arm melts off.  Dog food  becomes a crunchy, healthy, in between meal snack.  Bangs that didn't exist before suddenly appear, and are significantly shorter than your hairdresser would recommend, again, the dog has done this. A VCR can become a make shift depository for money and grilled cheese sandwiches. I know that your children can and will repeat everything they hear, in front of your Mother in law, at church, or to a group of other children who will then repeat everything to their parents. " I love you" and "I'm sorry" mean more than you know and aren't spoken often enough.  "Sticks and stones will break your bones." Broken bones heal. "but words will never harm you." Words can leave scars that last a lifetime so choose them carefully.   People who say they feel better in their 40's and 50's are obviously suffering from dementia and don't remember what it felt like, physically, to be 20. The way to a man's heart is through his stomach.  Get the "Joy of Cooking" and use it!  A thoughtful word or a gentle pat on the back can turn someone's day around.  I know that there is no easy way to get gum out of hair, lipstick out of carpet or red latex paint out of car flooring.  I know for sure that good friends, family and faith can get you through anything.  Laughter is good medicine, and being able to laugh at yourself is the best medicine.  I know that bubble gum, a rubber band and a paperclip can fix just about everything. I know for sure as you get older time does goes by faster.  Enjoy your children.  Stop. Smile. Get on the floor and play with them while you can.  I know for sure that there is a God, he is awesome, sovereign and he answers prayers. Pray, a lot...for humility, patience and forgiveness.