Inspiration from the mats

In my youngest son, #3's room are 4 square mats in primary colors. These things have made there way all over my house from time to time. Tonight was no different. I arrived home from dance with the girls only to find them in a disheveled heap on the living room floor. In the past I would have been bothered by the mess so close to bedtime but lately I have relaxed enough to let creativity rule.
30 minutes before bedtime the entire family gathers together to read, wrestle, play and pray. On this occasion #3 wanted to show us his "moves" which courtesy of tumbling class have morphed away from hip hop and completely to gymnastics. After 3 or so minutes #4 had to join in. She did a forward roll managing to make it such a show you couldn't help but smile and applaud. #2 sensing the crowds interest and feeling like we were infringing on her territory dashed in to prove she could do all that and even more. #3 tolerated the momentary interruption and took his rightful place back in the limelight. #4 saw no humor in not being included and plopped herself down parallel to the mats slightly touching them with one leg. It was when #3 complained and #2 attempted to help by dragging her away that the sky began to fall (figuratively so to speak).
Daddy negotiated the removal of one mat for her to dance on. This was not a welcome suggestion and she rewarded us all by jumping up and down screaming in disgust. I love my kids because they have grown accustomed to such behavior and kept on trucking. Someone, not sure who picked up another square and began hitting Daddy with it, or maybe it was Daddy who started the mat fight. #4 never gave up, she even assembled 2 pieces for her cause. But before I knew it all the kids except number 4 were slinging pieces at Daddy. #1 snuggled up to me and used his feet for protection. When Daddy stopped hitting him he requested him to return because "he liked using his foot it feels good." #3 was full of the most energy and ran from place to place, bearing no shirt laughing from the belly. I secured a spot for #2 when she got hurt in the process (a given in all Daddy games). She did leave me to play until #3 got hurt. The fun always comes to a crashing end with tears, and tonight it was #3. He crumbled from big, brave and knowledgeable to meek, mild and small. I am the respite place and use my mommy love to heal. It was a good time to stop and pray anyway.
#4 prayed for people in our family to be good, and even for Amy to have fun. Oddly enough she stopped mid sentence and asked, "Who Amy?" Like she knew who Amy when she began. #4 prayed for family and typical stuff but then also prayed for Amy to have fun at our house. Kids are amazing that someone they see rarely now, and has been away from her last visit for a few weeks still pops back up. I love hearing their prayers, honest, true and sincere as they ever could be.
Yeah I am pretty sure I am one lucky momma!