THIS IS WHAT IT IS ALL ABOUT.

As I stood at the kitchen sink doing dishes last night and listened to Dave read Blake a story down the hall, I thought to myself, "This is what it is all about!" Me....my life. Dishes, laundry, picking up, more dishes, making beds, laundry, boo boo kisses, tight hugs. Essentially serving my family. Being a MOM. And I thought....."How lucky I am. I am a MOM."

I have to say, there is much enjoyment for me when doing the dishes (not so much unloading the dishwasher....it is my least favorite job). It is a time that I reflect. Reflect on my role in our family. And relish every part of that role. I truly love my responsibilities that come with being a mom and wife. Nie Nie taught me to love that roll and now I still often think of her and how she cherished each moment she was able to serve her family and how she looks forward to serving them again. And my own mother was an amazing example to me in happily serving her family. If I wasn't harassed as much as I am about not making my husband lunch by her, I might have seen it earlier!

While growing up we were woken with a cheerful "Good morning, sunshine." We had a hot breakfast most mornings and lunches were packed for all of us with a little handwritten note on our napkin folded neatly inside our brown paper bag with our name written on the outside. My mom listened to music and sang while she worked around the house. I need to turn on music more often. I have wonderful memories of work interrupted with my sister, mother and me running to the silverware drawer, grabbing a spoon and returning to a spot on the fireplace hearth to sing, with "microphone" in hand at the top of our lungs. After a few songs, Mom would remind us "back to work, girls"! What wonderful memories.

As I stand at the kitchen sink doing dishes I also wonder if the memories I am creating for my children will be good. If the good will outweigh the criticism that I sometimes let slip out in frustration. If, I as a mother, am doing enough for my children. Do I put them off for too long over unnecessary distractions. Am I strict enough with them about enforcing manners, respect for adults and good study habits. Am I kind enough, gentle enough, sensitive enough? But even with all these doubts, I still know enough about myself and that I am doing some good to be able to enjoy this role as mother. This is what it is all about. And I want to make it count!