Down vs Up

The tough moments of being a mother...
- breaking up fights
- whiny-ness
- stepping on toys
- cleaning toys
- not having enough hands/arms
- dinner time = torture/crazy time
- picky eaters
- guilting yourself constantly
- laundry. laundry. and wait... some more laundry
- and then there is forgetting laundry
- repeating yourself a bajillion times to no avail
- germs. hate hate hate germs!!!!!
- clean house can explode in about 5 seconds. don't see it coming. back at square -235.
- forgetting they are old enough to hear and repeat what you say- and therefore, repeat it to others
- did i mention whiny-ness??
- must-do dishes with little ones "needing" to be in your arms
- attitude rearing its ugly head already
- stubbornness
- needing to undo all folding of laundry
- lots of diaper changes in the day
- little hands reaching table/counter and grabbing the worst stuff possible
- emptying drawers fascination
- trash cans and toilet paper roll in weird places to protect them
- reading the same short book 10 times in a row, several times a day
- the innate want to run away from you, especially while in public and especially when it's most dangerous
- "selective" hearing disorder

Then there are the all too wonderful moments as well...
- best hugs
- sweetest kisses
- realizing they do listen and learn the important stuff
- hearing them say "I love you" umprompted
- the magical sound of their laughs
- imaginations at work
- falling asleep on you
- having them help you clean and love it
- cooking/baking with you in the kitchen
- having inside jokes
- they call you their best friend
- siblings playing and laughing together
- make believe with them
- morning cuddles
- they love the little things
- smiles
- love like no other
- being able to soothe their troubled spirits
- watching them sleep
- holding their hands
- seeing the world from their eyes
- good excuse to make a fort as an adult
- watching them grow right before your eyes
- hearing their sweet prayers
- kisses from mommy is the cure-all for all scrapes and sickies
- calming their tears
- their love of reading blossoming, even if it drives you bonkers at times
- leg hugs, because they need a hug so bad your legs will work. and they love it
- neck nuzzles

There is so much more, but I tell you what... the wonderful moments sure outshine the tough parts of being a mom. And that is something to remember every day. Makes it all worth it and then some.