Runaway

Sometimes running away isn't a bad thing. Or at least that's what I keep telling myself these past few days. Running away has been exactly what I have wanted for the kids and I. An escape.

Our days have been going pretty smooth now that we are getting into the groove of our new routines and our new home. But mini meltdowns have still been prevalent. Nothing major that would ruin your day per say. Just the many, mini tiny issues that pop up seemingly every 15 minutes. I am fine and can handle most issues, but after issue #548 and crying meltdown #3 I have to run into my room, shut the door and ask for God's good grace to come upon me quickly.

I know these are the type of things every single mom on the face of the earth faces. But somehow that fact does little to console me. God reminds me that He is working in and growing me just as much as He is my children through these years. But wow. Some days are exhausting! Not hard, per say. Just exhausting. I know the recipe:

Pray. Love on my children. Read. Fights happen. Discipline according to the crime. Set boundaries. Stick to my guns. Repeat.

This is literally all my life some days. Like, all 12 hours. It's not hard. Just beyond exhausting.

So, that's how life was this morning. As I was in the bathroom pretending to pee for the 40th time that morning praying, I decided we needed to go! (Not to the bathroom) But away, out of the house! there are still 110* temps out there, so we went to one of our favorite places in the whole world.... the Library! The Clute library is one of our favorite getaways. Something for mom and the kids!

So, we went and spent a whole solid hour there! I tribute Bat Boy lasting that long to my oils. Seriously, really. These oils are truly a blessing and have changed my life. A drop of doTERRA's grounding blend (One of my favs!) and a drop of lavender oil to his forehead and wrists and he lasted quietly for an hour! ( If you buy one thing for "yourself" this year, buy these two oils. They are magic. And if you use my link, I get a commission ;) doterra oils Meg Isaacs )

After that, we went to Mc Donald's so the kids could run off some steam and I slowly sip coffee. It was amazing.

After that, the kids suggested we try the "new library" which is in Freeport. We fell in love, again! Oh I love good libraries! Freeport is a small Texas town, but their library was perfect! An adorable children's area with a pirate ship that the kids could play on and find a reading nook to read in. Lots of computers, a good selection of books and chairs positioned just right for moms ( or dads!) to be able to read and do their own thing while still supervising the children's area.
It wasn't by any means large, but the selection was good and the area open and inviting. We used doTERRA's grounding blend and lavender and this time stayed 90 minutes. 90 minutes!

Bliss!

After we finally left, Daisy girl brought up how sad she was that she didn't get a cake on her birthday a few months back. Her birthday happened to fall on closing day on the house. While my parents were here from Wisconsin. She got some amazing gifts, it was crazy. There was no cake. So in some last minute change of plans, we bought a birthday cake at the store on the way home. :)

So tonight we set at a Elsa and frozen themed dinner table and sang happy birthday together and ate cake after dinner. It was divine! Daisy girl's heart was filled with joy and all was good. Then Bat Boy and Wonder Girl and all of them melted down again. But you know what? That's ok. Today was good. We all got a break. We all had fun. No tvs, no computers no friends. Just us and lots of books and story telling. Everyone's love cups were filled and it helped us get through the last evening slump and tonight, when I go to bed. I won't be pouring out my heart to God begging for the strength to help me make it at this mothering thing. I'm going to hold onto all the joyful moments of today and savor their smiles and thank God that I get to do this.

So if you are at your wits end and parenting feel exhausting and you feel like you're going to lose your cool. Say a prayer and run away. With your kids! Be it the backyard or the library or just get lost in a book. Taking a break from the days helps reset everyone.

Stay joyful friends!