Green beans, coffee & sleeping queens.

If you could've been a fly on our wall last night, you would've witnessed quite a scene. I mean, really.  It couldn't have gotten more entertaining if I tried.  There are those moments when, looking back, you have to just shake your head and KNOW that you will remember this day for the REST OF YOUR LIFE.  That was my night.

The day started with a bang. Triplet #3 was finally struck with the fever & puking business that her little cohort had the previous week.  I hate seeing them so sick.  Tugs at Mama's heart strings, that's for sure. But, my day was hijacked from a morning at Bible study to taking care of my babies.  By 11am, we had exhausted our usual routines and it was time for operation: leave the house.  Our 6 month old had a doctor visit.  So we all piled in the minivan and went across town.  Of course, we were early (um, that never happens). The office was locked for lunch. We had to wait in the car, playing hangman and talking with some lady who commented on what a "full car" I had. She then proceeded to say that one of my triplets looked older than the other 2 (that created quite a debate later).  Sigh.

Anywho, the kiddos were fabulous during the two hours we were there.  I actually stopped for a treat from Starbucks for myself (the baby DID get shots, after all).  Then we got home.  I'm not sure what exactly happened but something went spiraling downhill. fast.

The baby's leg got stuck in the crib. Kids decided it was imperative that all 3 wear swimsuits while the baby was crying.  I forgot the rice on the stove and was reminded when I smelled the delightful burning from upstairs.  Got baby calm and realized that I had no more sweet potato left for her.  Make green bean puree (what was I thinking!?).  Baby spits out green beans like I have officially violated her taste buds.  Quickly give avocado.  Same thing. Screaming ensues and I let her drink milk happily from a bottle that her 5 yr. old siblings feed her---while fighting over whose turn it is.

Before dinner can get on the table, it is decided that a rousing card game of Sleeping Queens should be played exactly where I was going to put the plates of food.  Of course! Why not?! It is one of those nights, after all.  I convince the trio to wait for the game until after dinner and we all sit down to eat a meal of saved rice with some chicken.  Must read certain Bible story about Prodigal Son. Lots of questions to field.  Is it bed time yet?

After dinner, comes cleaning and finally playing 2 rounds of Sleeping Queens ( I had to at least win 1 game).  Bed time followed.  Thankful for new day tomorrow.

Why am I sharing this?? Cause it got ugly. I mean, U G L Y. And not just "it".  ME.  I did not execute self-control, patience, kindness or gentleness very well.  I was a wreck.  I mean, it was stressful!!  But as I think back to last night, the story of the Prodigal son hit me like a ton of bricks.  They were asking why the older brother got so angry that the father would throw a party for the younger one.  I explained that the older brother had followed ALL the rules, had stayed close to his dad and had worked hard.  The younger brother didn't do any of those things yet the Father loved them both equally.  My kids were not so convinced. Until I reminded them of Jesus.  I told them we ALL make mistakes, we all can be unloving...but we can also be prideful.  We can think we deserve something when we really don't.  Which makes Jesus so wonderful. He is the only person who is perfect.  He is the only reason that I am fully loved by my Father in Heaven.  Thank goodness that when I placed my trust in Him, God sees Jesus' perfect record and not my ugliness.  Jesus and His perfect life covers my sin and makes me clean.
And for that, I am grateful.  For that, I can wake up today ready for a new start!

And maybe...just maybe...my baby will eat those green beans I made for her :)