Small Successes (vol. 1)

Faith & Family has a regular Thursday meme called Small Successes. They describe it as follows:

It’s important for moms to recognize that all the small successes in our days can add up to one big triumph. So on Thursday of each week, we do exactly that.

This week I decided I’d join in. So here are my small successes for the week of Mother’s Day . . .

1. I left all 3 girls with friends on Monday (as part of a babysitting co-op we’re starting) for 3 hours! Granted, I had to return half way to feed Violet, but still we spent a good chunk of time apart. I went for a run for the first 35 minutes, returned to my friend’s house to shower & feed Violet and then went off to an Adoration Chapel to say a rosary and sit in *blessed silence* for a bit. Very refreshing.

2. I started reading real books!! Last time I went to Confession, the priest gave me an unusual penance (usually I get something pretty standard like ‘say 3 Hail Marys’). But this time, Father said I should read the book Return of the Prodigal Son. So I “had” to order it online and when it came the other day I “had” to read it! Thankfully, it is a short, easy read since I haven’t gotten through many books lately! And it is also a lovely reflection on Rembrandt’s painting of the same title (obviously taken from the biblical story). Fr. Nouwen has many words of wisdom to share about both the younger son & the older son (I see myself in each of them). I plan to read his reflection on the role of the Father tonight – I forgot how wonderful it is to be lost in a book!!! I’m so glad I decided to order 3 books to get free shipping.

3. While the babies were napping yesterday, Olivia and I baked homemade biter bisquits for Violet. They didn’t turn out that great, but Olivia was so proud to have made something for her sister. And delighted to be working in the kitchen with me. She must’ve said “I like cooking with you, Mama” a dozen times. And for the 16 minutes while they baked, we sat & read books, just me & my big girl. It was a beautiful thing – just what we each needed.