Dancing Cheek to Cheek

Yesterday afternoon I was trying to rush around and get dinner fixed. Carl needed to come home early and eat and run. He has been trying to take down a swing set we got free from craigslist and it is time consuming. He has been there three days this week and still has more to do. I was very busy and trying to get it all the food fixed and ready. The older boys and Esther were outside playing (well actually killing a rabbit - more about that in another post). Sam was watching a movie. Caleb though just kept following me around like a lost puppy dog. He just kept attacking my legs in a bear hug. I had put on some music to drown out the Larry Boy dvd that was in the other room. I was frustrated with Caleb for being in my way as it had been a rough day with Daniel and Esther. Both of them were very rebellious yesterday and I was at the point where I was tired, emotionally drained from not getting angry at them, and just really wanted to go upstairs and cry. That dear, sweet little one of mine would not stop. He finally looked up at me with his big eyes as if to say "Mom, I just need a hug". My first instinct was to say no once again and go on with dinner. Then the Lord just pricked my heart. Caleb is not going to remember what we had for dinner, but he is going to remember a mom who held him and loved on him. I bent down (well, as much as I can bend down these days with this little one) and picked him up. He just laid his cheek next to mine and sort moved his little body as if to say "Dance with me mommy." So, off we went. A very pregnant momma and her almost thirty pound child dancing cheek to cheek around the kitchen. It was precious. This lasted two songs before my back finally told me that it was time to put him down. He gave me a big kiss and ran off. He just needed to know that he was loved. He was fine after that and was able to get dinner on the table before Carl came home. It made my day. It also made my day that Carl took the three older ones with him to take down the swing set. Esther and Daniel were sent to bed early for their behavior and were asleep by 9:00. Samuel needed my attention a little last night but was asleep by 9:30. I was able to get a bath last night that was uninterrupted (I usually get a ton of knocks on the door.) Caleb is such a sweet boy and a snuggler. He has such a loving spirit and I do not want to squelch that. I need to remember that my children are more important than a clean house or meals served on time.