Range of emotions

Today was an emotional day for me. I went from feeling stressed, frustrated, and needing a vacation immediately, to overwhelming pride and joy over my children. My feelings of frustration came as a result of my almost 3 year old daughter being especially defiant and sassy today. Oy! Also, the fact that I had to throw away 2 toys that Molly chewed up. Ugh! I was aware of my less than positive outlook and knew that I needed to chill out, but still couldn't shake it. I would escape for a few seconds at a time and lift up my struggles to the Lord, because I knew the only way to eliminate my less than desirable emotions was to lift them up to Him. I just needed a moment of quiet reflection to myself. Let me emphasize the quiet part. However, that would have to wait until the big boy of the house got home, who had been out of town for work for 3 days by the way. So, what does my wonderful husband do upon his arrival? He whisks Selah and the dog off to the park for one hour (Eli was sleeping). I decided to go out back and do some weeding. That in and of itself is an odd activity for me, as in years past I never enjoyed yard work. However, recently I find it quite peaceful and relaxing. Eli woke up during this time and I got to enjoy some quiet time with him and witness him standing up in the middle of the floor. That's right...standing up...without holding onto anything...at 9 months old! I've thought for a while that he could very well walk before his first birthday, but not this early. The kid is nuts! So far he seems to have a very determined and focused personality. Later in the evening, after the kids were "in bed," we heard Eli start to giggle. We go in to their room to see what was so funny and find Selah tickling him. Hearing Eli giggle is one of the most precious sounds in the world and seeing the two of them interacting with each other is one of the most precious sights to me. It just melted my heart and the worries from the day. Yet again God has used my children's innocence to remind me what really matters and to value this time I have with them as babies.