I know I've been expecting a lot, and giving the bare minimum. I have a lot of catch up work to do, and while I sit in front of the computer trying to deliver some of the work I've promised to other people, my children have been repeatedly pushed away. Chubby hands reach for the mouse in frustration, and I have found myself snarling at the owner of those delicious smiles "don't touch."

My youngest is going through a big indentifying phase. Everything gets a label, and he usually prefaces the label with "My." My shoes. My toy. My things.

He managed to clamber up into my lap while I tried in vain to continue typing. He sucked his thumb and rested his cheek against my chest as I tried to work around him. After a minute or two of that, I began to gather him up into my arms so that I could once again find another place to put him, away from my working zone.

He grabbed both my ears in his tiny hands and put his nose to my nose and said "My Mama." I couldn't help it. I just started to cry. I settled myself on the bed with my baby clinging to me, with a ferociousness that let me know I've put him down and walked away one too many times in the last couple of days.

We sat there, just leaning on each other, breathing in tandem. My other sons approached, and quietly sat next to me and pulled my arm around their shoulders. They melted into my sides and we just sat quietly together. All kids gave me gentle, almost subconcious kisses on my arms, my shoulders, whatever they could reach. It was a benediction, full of the promise of forgiveness for the lack of care I sometimes take with the precious gifts I have been given. :(

Oh.. thanks girlfren for driving me around to complete some errands yesterday... Mission accomplished at last.. and I'm glad you love it! Have a safe flight today and enjoy your shopping spree again!

..and the much awaited phone call came thru this morning.. hope everythings gonna be ok and I am so in FIATITUDE mood today!