Shirts.

I learned one of those lessons today, you know, the ones you don't really want to learn.
I'm not sure anyone knew, and it wasn't even a big enough deal to talk about, but now sitting alone reflecting on Easter, this is the one thing that's sticking.
Shirts.
My morning, my day, my afternoon revolved around shirts. I was so worried this morning about stupid shirts.
I bought the boys matching shirts to wear this morning for Easter. It's a big deal in our house for three reasons. 1. Our boys NEVER match (mostly due to the fact that I don't buy brand new) 2. We rarely dress up and 3. All I wanted was a good picture, we have barely taken ANY since Titus was born. I woke up thinking about how I could preserve their shirts from getting dirty until pictures. No candy and no spit up, that is all I had to avoid.
My sweet father-in-law came in the house before church wanting to help and get Jude over to the church for me. At first I denied his help, and then realizing I actually did need it, I asked him to take Jude, but PLEASE no donuts and no muffins. I'm pretty sure I repeated myself 3 times before he walked out the door. I put on Titus' shirt carefully, telling myself that putting on 2 bibs was a tad overboard. So I get us all out the door, shirts still clean. I get to church, walk in breakfast, and what do I see?
Jude with chocolate smeared face and a wet shirt.
Was I really going to have a panic attack over a shirt?
And I admit, I had a small one, and then I learned my lesson. The one I talked about earlier. You see, it turns out that it didn't matter than Jude had chocolate smears or that Titus, undeniably spit up profusely all over his shirt. The pictures were still cute, still perfect. What matters is my relationship with my father-in-law, my example to my kids. That the reactions I choose to have, the way I respond in situations, so will my kids. I know this is text book parenting 101, and something we all already know...but somethings just make more sense realizing it on your own.

Easter was amazing. We had an amazing service, and a great lunch. Jude hunted more eggs and they both got their first Easter basket. We sat as a family and just talked for hours...perfect end to a perfect day. Most of the time we say to God, I love you, I need you, Help me, Touch me, Heal me, Your awesome...but today we say Thank you..Thank you God for what you did for us, thank you for dying on the cross, and even more, thank you for not staying there.