Magical moments

Our family drives each other crazy, which doesn't seem to be unusual.  Being tired and consequently cranky, having too many things on the calendar, and even this never-ending winter are typical reasons for this perpetual annoyance to the other people who live in our house.  We all are culprits and we all get the receiving end.  At least there is balance!

Here are the top annoyances for me by inhabitant:
- Trying to talk to Samantha when she's reading and not doing what she's supposed to, i.e. getting dressed in the morning, or getting ready for bed... do what needs to be done first, then read!
- Teaching Sofia that when I say that you can watch 1 episode of TV means that you turn the TV off when that episode it done... just turn it off and come back to this world!  (This is also why she doesn't watch much television at all.)
- Hoping/Praying/Pleading to any Divine Being that Daddy gets some sleep so he will be patient with life and all its inconveniences the following day.
- Seriously Ely... stop with the towels/sunglasses/gloves already!  Isn't there another way to say something is bothering you?  (Yes, it could be so much worse!)

As for what the family thinks about me, I'm guessing my tendency to shut down and become a grimacing robot to cope would top the list.  I'm working on it and communicating.  I own it, but that doesn't mean I'm proud of it.

BUT...

I've been mindful of the many magical moments I have with my family.  Like having my arm around Samantha as we walked into the grocery store laughing.  Or waking up to hear Sofia walk into my bedroom in the morning with a huge smile and some snuggle time.  And the many moments with Daddy on our trip.

Life is balance and while I'm aware of the annoyances, I focus on the happier moments.  I love my family and work very hard to be a relatively stable wife and mother.  I can be cynical, but overall project a positive vibe into the world.  I look people in the eye and smile.  It's good.

I've been having LOTS of talks with the girls on treating people the way you want to be treated.  Yes, the Golden Rule.  We talk about how even if someone isn't nice, you are to be nice because that's how you want people to treat you.  I know my message is getting through because both girls are saying it back to me.  That alone makes for another magical moment in my life.