Another to store in the memory banks

The more time flies the harder I try to grab hold and capture every last vivid, sacred, unduplicated bit. How is it one day I am wishing for the next and then suddenly years later I am grasping at the pieces of the days as they fade into the past? I know, I know you are thinking so she sings this same tune, enough already! Well that is unless you are right here in this very same place.
Nevertheless, despite my unusual inability to snap a picture of the fleeting experiences this day my mind feels mostly fresh. Care to take a stroll down short term memory lane with me?
First, I officially (or at least to my husband, children and repeated to my mother) went on strike. These aging kids are a blessing and a curse. It never fails that when I think I have the order and expectations set for a crew of 6 on my own I am smacked with the "you don't know it all" hand knocking the supermom chip off my shoulder. Thus, I had an outburst mostly to my adoring husband who made his level headed attempt at lighting the mood without avail. I was DONE, D O N E, DONE! I said claimed that I would not be doing any cleaning or straightening beyond #4 or myself for the next week. If he were at home and not at the fire station I would have gladly wiped that smug look off his face which I know he had since who really believes I have that kind of stamina to ignore mess. Anyway. my mother taking pity on my children and myself took the opportunity of being at my home during the storm to complete all the wash, clean up of toys and beds and mess in all rooms while we were off at a swim playdate. G-ma of the year I tell ya!
That out of the way, after VBS we all chatted outside, recaped the evening, enjoyed the noises coming from the skiddish but braver than the day before ducks etc. #2 in her quest to be famous style behavior politely inquired if she could demonstrate her favorite VBS song and motions before bed. I agreed, cause that is just the way I roll, late or not. Upon entering the living room she handed each of us a personalized ticket for her "show". Complete with microphone she sang and danced for us, including an intro for the repertoire (2 songs) she prepared. Cheers and applause later while snuggling #4 into her room (yes you read that right, in my arms, held close to me nuzzling her neck I carried) #2 "wished" she could spend the night with her sister. The last time in big girls room it didn't go so well and came to a screeching halt less than an hour in. But in #4's room, maybe the turnout would in fact be better.
BUT there is always a catch. #2 nearly whispered a statement that if only there was a mattress for her it would be perfect. Well, low and behold I do have an unopened queen size rapid inflating bed. That and if only kinds of whispers are like fairy dust to Peter Pan for this Supermom. Off I trotted to retrieve and setup such a thing. Noticing #3 who joined us from all the commotion so close to his room (clearly longingly hoping a loop hole will exist for him to gain access to this momentous occasion) he was allowed to lay on the bed to "test". #4 being a typical 3 year old child and sensing that the entire thing gave close resemblance to a trampoline bounced on it. Cause and effect you guessed it meant that #3 flew in the air and we collapsed into belly laughs. Each of the 3 then taking a turn for such childlike activities, I jolted the destructive game and explained the disadvantages of long term sillies like this. Feeling confident my point was heard we finished the bed making, hugged, kissed about 50 times, debated night light or no night light as big sister uses one but little sister wants no part, and closed the door to the absolute silence of very sleepy children. 2 down, 2 to go.
#1 had carefully requested a moment to talk with me alone, very mature way to handle himself I will say. He longed for 30 min of movie time in his room before too heading to dreamland. Proud of his day (with exception of car travel and seated next to his little brother) I granted this wish, man I am on FIRE. A swift kiss on the head, hug without blocking the tv and love you's spoken. Man, if that alone were all I had to share you would sigh as he is growing up, but let's take heart because he lay in his Star Wars covered room, wearing his build a bear slippers watching Sandlot. I think I still have a little ever so short time left with his sweet kid heart.
Lastly, #3, hardly the least, mighty man who is steadily gaining in stature on his 2 older siblings. Yes, my friends he will be a force to reckon with oh so soon! He had a meltdown when he had to be reminded to bring his dirty clothes out of his room because the dog Sugar (Pa-Pa's dog we are watching) doesn't want to spend time with him. These are the nuances that speak "I'm still just a little boy". He is simply tired. He is so mature with regard to people and things that I forget he is only 6. I am thankful for this reminder because he is my last little boy. He and I have a special bond unlike his older brother, not better but different. Oh how my heart swells with joy for these boys! I snuggle him in bed, his ritual takes twice as long, kiss, high 5, snug as a bug in a rug and repeat. I trek back to my room and all I can think is Thank you God for my life, the good, frustrating, strenuous, rewarding and consuming life I lead daily. Lead me to the well of Grace because you have paid the ultimate price for my life and I am here to teach my kids and remind myself to NEVER forget just why we are here!
May your heart be consumed with the very same thing!