So I'll Always Remember...

I just want to always have this night to think back on and remember with overwhelming happiness! Tonight was bookclub, and I was hosting. I've been avoiding hosting because I don't really have a large area for lots of people to sit, and my house is rather dull, and I don't know how to decorate, and I hate to clean, and blah blah blah blah blah. Finally I got brave. This month we decided to do a little Christmas party. It was a blast! We all brought treats and a book and then played a game to win a book to take home. I love new books! It was such a fun night and everyone was so great. I just really enjoyed myself. And I got a great new book that I can't wait to start reading!!! (Thanks, Emily!)

But here is the greatest part.... Louis had to leave this week on a business trip and so I knew I would have the kids here tonight. I was feeling very anxious about this because all the other bookclub nights the children and husband are gone and the house is so still and quiet and just great for all us moms to escape! Now, my kids are not the worst kids ever, in fact they're pretty well behaved, but it seems like they try their best for that title when others are around or I have high expectations for them and I knew this was a lot to ask. Lock up a six year old girl and four year old brother in a bedroom for two hours with some toys, some books, some puzzles, and some paper to draw on.... no tv, movies, parent, nothing.

The day went well... I motivated myself to get up and clean all day. Charles was a super helper and kept the house clean all day! I treated them to a fun dinner out so they wouldn't feel so ripped off. At least ten times we went over the drill: as soon as people come, you have to go to your room and shut the door and STAY IN THERE. NO fighting, yelling, screaming, AND DO NOT COME OUT! Bless their little hearts. I couldn't even turn a movie on for them because the only place to watch it is in the upstairs family area and you can hear the sound throughout the whole house. I was worried. I was prepared for the worst and practicing how I would respond to their behavior. I was NOT prepared for them to be so good, so quiet, and so obedient!!!! Bless them!!! Everyone was shocked when they learned that the kids were upstairs in their room, without any adult. Just playing and being good and so quiet.

Santa won't forget you this year my little angels! And I will try to remember this night the next time I feel my patience wearing thin. A few days ago during another of their never ending fights I told them both, "Do you know what I want for Christmas? I want one day when you don't fight at ALL!" Thanks Kaylee and Charles, this was the greatest Christmas gift ever!!! I love you!