Oh how I wish I was one of those kind, thoughtful mothers at bedtime. . . . .the kind that sits on her daughter’s bed with her and talks. . .and brushes her hair. Songs, stories, cuddles. . . . .
Once in a rare while I can do it, but most of the time I’m not the best parent at bedtime.
It’s all I can do to get them in bed without losing it. I have absolutely no patience for bedtime shenanigans and when you have a 5 year old boy and a 3 year old boy it happens almost every night.
My husband is the one who tucks them in with a story, thankfully. But he was away on a business trip last night. I miss him when he’s gone but I have to admit I miss him the most at bedtime!
Last night I got the little ones in bed and I had Jacob and Ethan do their kitchen and living room clean up. They requested that I stay in my room for half an hour (!!!) and when I went back out I had a surprise waiting for me.
Hot tea (“What kind is it, boys?” “It’s Vanilla Nut Cream! We looked and that box was almost empty so we figured it was your favorite!”)
Popcorn in a fiesta bowl
And a note
They also had the couch made up with a blanket and one of my taped gymnastics competitions playing on TV! (I love women’s gymnastics and used to record it to watch over and over, I rarely watch it anymore but they found the 1996 Olympics and had that playing). . . . .
I laughed and tried not to cry (crying is not the reaction boys want!). I got my camera out to take a picture.
They went to bed after turning off all the lights and I was left alone in the dark with my snack, and feeling very very loved.
Good to be Home 
I got teary eyed just reading about their thoughtfulness.You and your husband are doing a wonderful job raising your childrenand the LOVE of the Lord is in their hearts
That is one of the sweetest things I have heard!!!! How precious!!!
I think not everyone can be the best mom 24/7, but if you have one moment of you that you do well, do it well often. Like if you love your children (or even just like) helping you make breakfast, do it more often. I am well known for my famous French toast. Best French toast this side of Ohio. (lol) according to my son. I make the best French toast, and grandma makes the best pancakes. Daddy just buys. All I do is put sugar and cinnamon with the eggs.
You make a memory with your children that you love to do, and don’t worry about the evenings. 😀
That was sooo sweet what they did for you
first off~ thanks for your HONESTY!! i enjoyed reading all the comments and shouts of AMEN from the other mama’s too.. 🙂 and i echo mine in there as well. i’m not the bedtime parent.. praise God He matches us so perfectly w/ the kind of men we need. and praise God for those servant/ leader husbands!!and WAY TO GO boys!! high five from Mrs.Hutch5. 🙂 May the Lord just bless your socks off for being so kind and thoughtful to your mom~as soon as i saw the note i was smiling ear to ear… and thought to myself – “these are the things that make it ALL worth it!” loved this post. and welcome home – friend.
Very sweet. You have precious sons who definitely love their mom.
I’m a mom who struggles at bedtime, too. It’s so hard! I always miss my hubby most then too, when he’s away. Occasionally I can manage it well and feel like I put them to bed with a smile, but it’s rare, sadly. It’s something I really have to work at. Oh, someday, I hope I can conquer it.
Soooooooooo cool!!!!!!!!!!
what a joy your children brings to you! embrace those times. remember them when things aren’t going well with them. mine never really had a problem with getting to bed, it was more than not being able to fall asleep. my rule was, can’t sleep you stay in bed. and it worked. no yelling no walking back up and down the steps.
Fantastic and lovely, I can’t wait to adopt!Dr J
awwww….what an awesome way for them to show you their love and admiration for you! (i would’ve cried)
Aww, how sweet of them!! I have to admit I’m like you when bedtime comes along. It’s all I can do just to get them in bed. I wish I was the same way with brushing my girl’s hair and spending time with them. I need to work on that one.