Most mornings start off the same way. I am a mother of five, four at home. Kharisma (11), David (3), Rachael (2), and Matthew (9 months). I reluctantly emerge from the warm embrace of a deep slumber to the pitter-patter of little feet and a sweet little voice - “Good morning, Momma”. If I’m lucky, a little persuasion gets me ten minutes of cuddle time with my favorite people. That’s the most peaceful and calm time of the day.
Today, chaos culminated around lunch. Kharisma and I discussed Thomas Jefferson’s letter to Meriwether Lewis (of the famed Lewis & Clark). I shoveled bananas into Matthew’s hungry little mouth as we discussed the wilderness, terrain, and “savages” these noble men faced. Matthew fussed when I would get too involved with the topic and I would reply with a goofy-momma smile and another glob of bananas. Then my stately teacher face would return as would my discussions with Kharisma. “This is do-able”, I think.
The Lewis letter is 200 years old. It’s tough to understand when you are 11. It’s even tougher when you are trying to help said 11 year old figure it out. I sent up silent prayers for patience and understanding before I respond to quizzical looks. At that moment, a little blonde cherub appeared before me. Golden curls haloed her face. “Momma, I have to go pee-pee.” I look to her... too long I guess. Matthew started his hungry little squeals again. So, another goofy smile and another two globs of bananas shoveled. Rachael can pretty much navigate the whole potty ordeal when she chooses to. I send her off to the bathroom where she usually pulls the stool up and does what she needs to.
At this point, big brother David, popped in and announced (because it is an announcement) he has to poop. “Use the one in my room, Rachie’s in the other one” and he darted off in the direction of my bedroom. More hungry squeals blasted from the baby boy. Another less exuberant smile and a glob of bananas. Rachael returned in tears. She had peed all over the floor. WHA? That never happened before! Ok – breathe and another quick prayer. “Kharisma read the next paragraph and try to figure it out, I’ll be back.” I grabbed a handful of cheerios and tossed them in front of Matthew. He’s content for now. Off I headed to the main bathroom with butt-naked Rachael trailing me. I thought of Sacagawea and ponder “What did she use for diapers in the uncharted wilderness?” As I flopped the hand towel down on the puddle, I heard in the distance “Mom, I’m done”. It was David needing me to finish the task. Off I went, butt-naked Rachael still trailing me. The wiping’s done, David’s happy, and then off to re-dress Rachael. I headed back out into the living room where I grabbed the still dry diaper Rachael was wearing before. (Background noise – baby fussing for bananas.) “Come on Rachael, let’s put this on you.” I turned to see her holding a new diaper. “I want this one”, she said scowling. ... urgh... more silent prayers. I wrestled the two year old to the ground and pinned her while I put the diaper and her pants back on. Sacagawea, how did you do it girl?
As I go to get the Swiffer and vinegar to wash the bathroom floor, I stopped and stuffed another two spoonfuls of gooey banana, sans smile. Just then, Kharisma announced “I got it!” (Thank you, Lord, for answering prayers!) As I sanitize the bathroom floor, I think - this is the stuff memories are made of – never things that you anticipate or even plan, but a culmination of chaos and love. I would like to say that I have always responded to situations like this with an overwhelming sense of calm and patience. But I can't. It's all in how I see it. It's a choice. Just like Lewis and Clark, we are all on our own expedition to navigate this wilderness called Motherhood. However, as mothers we have a choice... are we enjoying the beauty of the journey or are we overwhelmed by the obstacles and the uncharted territory? It's a choice. It's too easy to get overwhelmed and frustrated. Take a breath. Pray. You will never be down this path again.
Nancy Libby is a mother of five. She's a 21 year veteran mother with a BA in English and early childhood education. She currently homeschools all her children with lots of love and learning about herself.