it's the little things

I've said it before, and I'll say it again. The rewards for being a mom to small children don't come in giant checks for a million dollars. They don't come in elaborate trips to exclusive islands with people catering to your every need. Rather, they come in small ways. In moments when you least expect it. Like the time Benjamin said to me, "I love you, Mom! Even to the Temple!" or when Savannah and Benjamin were building a fort with pillows and blankets and Savannah exclaimed, "Isn't this the BEST day ever, Benj?!" To which he replied, "I'm Supay (super) Man!" "And I'm Super Women!" she shouted.

Your rewards come in watching your children dance in front of their reflection in the shower doors before going to bed. They come in giggles, and "you're THE BEST Mommy's!" And hearing funny things like, "if Savannah has diarrhea does that mean she's gonna die?" And living for those moments is what keeps us mothers to small children going.

The other day I was having one of "those days" with Benjamin. One of those days when nothing I said or did seemed to please him. I could tell that he was tired, but being the stubborn little bugger that he is, he would not, could not, fall asleep. That is until I decided to swoop him up in my arms, cradle him like a baby, rock him back and forth and sing to him. Now normally if I had attempted this it would only infuriate him more, but on this day, he submitted and within a minute was snoring in my arms. I was SHOCKED. I immediately sent a text to my mom and Tom telling them of this feat and my mom responded with this:

"Yes. It's a payday. Don't expect it to happen

anytime too soon. But remember this day.

Especially when things are not going your way.

You do have very sweet children."

Ever since my mom said that, and my kids do something remarkable I think to myself, "this is MY payday. And I'm gonna treat it like someone just gave me a check for a million dollars." But you know what? It's better.