Sunday, May 17, 2009

The Daily Routine


When I married Dan last year, I not only became a wife, but also an instant step-mom to Christopher and Cy.  While I thought that my many years as an "old maid" had given me time to prepare for life within the walls of a home, I quickly found out how "unprepared" I actually was! Don't get me wrong.. cooking, cleaning, laundry,organizing.. I could do all of that with my eyes closed.  It's the small things that knock you off your feet! 

Over the last few months, I have worked at building a relationship with the boys.  I didn't want to come on too strong or make them feel as though I was trying to replace their mom. This isn't a competition.  Kids don't need parents or guardians competing for their love or attention.  I made a conscious effort to give them alone time with their dad, but I have also planned family activities that would hopefully bond us.  During this time, I would stand back, let them play and then interact here and there.  Honestly, I believed I was doing a pretty good job with all of this! Then, two weeks ago at dinner, Christopher wanted to pray for us, he began thanking God for our food, then the pets, then his Dad, for working so hard to provide, then his brother that he always has to play with, and then me, for whom he thanked God cleaned so well.  It stopped me dead in my tracks.. HE'S THANKFUL FOR MY CLEANING!!! That moment began a work in my heart.. we all probably remember a time when we wanted our parents (or step-parents) to just stop what they "needed to be doing" and just play with us.  It wasn't the that Christopher couldn't see that I was trying to make a good home for him, his Dad, and Cy.  He just observed that I spent the bulk of my time doing busy work.  From that day, I really purpose to sit down and do something that they want to do... and believe me, I don't have much experience with boys! Nope, I wasn't a tomboy either.  I was pretty much a "play with Barbies, play house, an ohhh, don't get me dirty kinda girl! But when I see how they love that time with me and how quickly those moments bond us...I remind myself that dirt washes off and the laundry can wait!

4 comments:

Mrs. Valente said...

SO true! Thanks for sharing your life!

Shannon Richardson said...

Amy...that is so very true! And written so eloquently! Thanks for being transparent and letting us all peek in and see how ou live...it is priceless! Don't you love blogging??

Shannon Richardson said...

I meant "how YOU live"

Dolly said...

This is such a good post! That's neat how the Lord spoke to you like that and good for you for purposely making a change. I bet those boys love you and I'm sure you're doing a great job! Keep it up!