With All I Know, It's So Hard To Be Angry

Good Morning,

My girls have been in and out of my eldest child's home since the 4th of July. Joanie provides lots of entertainment, two small children to aggrevate them, creative things to do and an energy level I don't have anymore. I miss my kids but enjoy the fact that they are having a great summer doing lots of outside activities. My 13 year old told me today that she helped my son in law put mulch around the trees in their backyard. When I heard this I was sure that my child had been kidnapped by aliens from Mars since even watering the grass gives her little reason to live, much less spreading around mulch! My 14 year old watched a movie together with them and even sat next to her sister. At home they barely can stand to be in the same room. But both of them came home today if only for a few days with dear old mom. I was grateful because I really did miss them. I missed the chaos, the arguing, the noise, and their smiles. A few hours later they were both in trouble for mild disturbances. I was at the ready with consequences since they had not gotten in trouble with me for nearly two weeks. But then I looked at them and saw two wonderful girls trying to learn how the world works and feeling safe at home and grateful for my attention. Three pizzas later and a stern talking to, led to laughter and a plan for this coming week.  I love it when the girls are not here and they are having fun and the house is at peace and I love it even more when they return. Funny, huh?