But what did happen yesterday, was one of those evenings that, as a mama, I pleased to say, that I reveled in the moments before me.
After school, I tutored and then made my trek back to Ontario. Tuesday, March 25th, was the Diocese of Rochester's Day of Penance.
PJ made his first penance this past December and recently has made some poor choices that Gary and I decided required him to take responsibility for and ask for forgiveness. We truly want him to make the right choices and also want him to feel comfortable in understanding that forgiveness is important. So, in true mama modeling, I also went to confession with him. I have to say, I still get nervous about confession. Who likes to own up to their mistakes?! But, if PJ could do it, couldn't I?
I was super proud of my 8 year old. When we walked into church he said to me, "Mom, I am really sorry that I did that." I could tell he was nervous and he even said he had butterflies in his stomach. But as we waited in line, he did not complain. He was figidity, but was patient at the same time. I couldn't have asked for a better boy - the only boy (or child!) - in church.
As we drove home, I told PJ how proud I was of him for making a good choice and asking for forgiveness. I am not sure how we got on the subject, but we started talking about all of the things he has liked since he was a little one. It started out with
tractors and trucks
then moved to trains then to Police Officers & Firemen
then to Superheroes
then to Legos
and finally history and the Civil War.
We reminisced together and I smiled as I have watched him grow, but how he has always kept a little of each {obsession} in his room in one way or another.
Upon returning home, Gary had made dinner (such a good guy!) - we had tilapia and quinoa and the kiddos had fish sticks and fries. Evelyn was crying when I came in the door and apparently needed some Mommy time. I cuddled with her and she may, honestly, have just been hungry, bc my baby ate her dinner well last night!
Following dinner, Gary & Isaac went to Boy Scouts to go on a field trip to the Fire House. PJ, Evelyn, and I stayed home. PJ did his homework, alone, which is a HUGE feat!! And, when I checked over his homework and had him tweak a little piece, there was no complaining - Minor Mama Miracle! He had to do his reading, too, and he read aloud to Evelyn and I his Superman book (see, the superheroes are back!). He loves this book and feels confident in reading it. I used to balk at him reading it over and over again, but then I remembered how many times I reread BabySitters Club books and the book Cheaper By the Dozen. It's a comfort thing.
Evelyn and I then went upstairs for me to do my laundry and get changed out of work clothes. What happened next stopped me in my tracks. Literally...I was actually have dresssed as I filmed this {TMI}... Just watch...and sorry about the sideways view...
She blew me away. She knew it had to go on somehow. Her processing of the problem was incredible.
~Just how does mommy get this on?~
DISCLAIMER - Please know, that she is incredible with stairs, so I wasn't freaking out when she started to make her way there.
I stood there, watching her {in the moment}. I didn't worry about my laundry piles. I watched her.
Then, we went to her room to do her laundry, at least, before she went to bed. While, PJ's stages were so BOY, Evelyn truly seems to be taking on the more Girl stages! She wanted to "help" me put the clothes away. Sure, did they come unfolded and maybe the drawers were not the tidiest...but she loved the process. I love the quote:
She would even put clothes back in the hamper and try to move it to another location and then pile it all back out. Is she practicing being a mother? This stage, this problem solving stage, it blows my mind. This is the third time I have watched it - but now I get it.
It is so important to Be In The Moment.
The Mama Moment.
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