Compliment

On Monday, Justin had a final that went until 9:15.  Since E has school (and the idea of having to tend my children from 7:30 until 9:15 freaked me out) I begged Justin to beg one of his fellow students to bring him home.  As a coercive device, I offered chocolate peanut butter cupcakes.  That seemed to do the trick.

Anyway, the day had been an interesting one.  My mom had been in town last week - so I had a lot of catch-up with cleaning, projects, church stuff, and Christmas cards.  Since I am slightly OCD I spent the day cleaning the house.  This made me feel better (although it didn't really accomplish my most needful tasks in a timely matter, sigh).  The day had ended and I'd gone upstairs to finally take a shower.  (I know that's supposed to take place at the beginning of the day, but oh well.)

Earlier, I had gone to the store with E (end of school day, staticky hair from beanie), M (dressed herself in pumpkin orange pants and bright pink shirt, wearing yesterday's hair-do), and GQ (still in his jammies).  I was wearing my pregnant pants (aka sweats) and a sweatshirt.  Let's just say I got some funny looks at the store.  Apparently it is okay to have 3+ children when they look cute and adorable and you happened to shower.  On other days it is a mortal sin.

Then, just before bed I had yelled at M because she would not put her books away for Family Home Evening.  (Way to feel the Spirit Mommy!!!)  E picked the story to read from the Friend, which was about not speaking in wrath to others.  (Okay, okay, okay... I get it.)

Finally, Justin got home.  And then, he came upstairs and told me a little story.  He said that when he got home, he forgot to be polite and invite his friend in (he had just finished a final exam and wanted to eat his chocolate cupcake).  He handed the cupcakes I'd made to his friend and went to shut the door when Brad stuck his head in the house.

"Wow," he said, "it must feel so nice to come home to a real home with a family."

Justin said this, and then told me he appreciated me... which was very nice... but what was more nice what this un-thought out compliment that yes - somehow - when I am vacuuming, dusting, putting away, and scrubbing I am in fact creating a home.

It's not pointless, you see.  It made something.  It made a feeling.  And even if I am slightly OCD, and don't always dress my kids or do their hair, and yell at them when I should be "building family moments" - we are making a home.

And that is such a relief.

So, tonight, when everyone has gone to sleep - and no one can mess anything up or say something annoying - go downstairs by yourself - turn on the Christmas lights - and enjoy the home you're creating.

At least that's my two cents for the day.