To get to the main point of my story, I have to tell you something about me that's, well, a little unusual. OK, here it goes: I'm a clown. Actually, a professional clown. Yep- I went to clown school and have a diploma and 10 years of experience to prove it. I haven't done much clowning since we became missionaries but it's still in me and hopefully will always be. So now you know and I can get on with my story.

One of the many blessings that clowning has brought me (besides great extra income while staying home with my precious children) is the opportunity to observe countless children and parents interacting with one another. My customers don't know it but I'm always learning from them- whether it be positive or negative.

A couple of years ago I was painting faces for a children's hospital when a young woman and several children came to the front of the line. My first thought when I saw this group was that the woman must be the babysitter (or maybe the aunt). You might be surprised at how I came to that conclusion. My assumption wasn't based on externals- she didn't look too young to be their mom and the kids favored her enough that they could have passed as her own. What made me jump to this conclusion was the smile on her face and the fun she was having with the kids. Before I go on, let that sink in for a second. I had met, painted, and entertained thousands of kids so I was used to seeing "normal" interaction between moms and their blessings. So, when I saw one who actually seemed like she was enjoying being with the kids, my initial thought was that it couldn't be the mom! How sad!

I know as moms we have so many responsibilities and concerns that we carry but are they really so heavy that we can't just let go and laugh with our kids, letting them, and others, know that we love them and WANT to be with them? Sometimes I find myself stuck in a rut of demands and nags that I forget to just smile at them and say, " I just love being with you", "You're so much fun to be with", or "There‘s no where else I‘d rather be right now than with you!" So consider this entry a reminder for all of us. Enjoy your kids!

Recently, a local woman heard that I had run a marathon and at the same time was realizing that I was mom to several youngsters. Do you know what she asked me? OK, you don't, so I'll tell you. She asked me why I run and then answered her own question with, "You're probably trying to run away from all those kids." I was sad for my children or any child to hear such a comment so I quickly replied with a sincere, " No, I actually like being with my kids. They're tons of fun." Alright, I'll be honest with you. They are lots of fun but they're also lots of work and sometimes they just wear me down. I'm human. BUT... I will never let my kids know any different. Even though it's common place for people to make similar comments to the one that woman threw at me, my kids will always know (from my reply, my actions, or my conversations) that I am with them because I choose to be. They are great company and, yes, I think they're fun to be with.

If you are stuck in a "TOO-SERIOUS-MOM" rut, like I admittingly get into myself, be encouraged. We say they're blessings- let's act like it. Make people wonder why you're having so much fun with your kids. Tell them you love being with them. Hide behind a door and POP out at them just to hear them squeal. When they're in the grocery cart, push it real fast and then hop on and hold on for dear life while you and the kid you're babysitting have the ride of your life. (If your husband is there, make it a race.) Tickle them . Smile at them in public. Play games with them. Be stern, be in charge, but BE FUN. Hey, be the babysitter.

Posted by peaksandvalleys1991

Great post! Thank you. I have only one left @ home now. I truly enjoy everyday with him. The other day we were coming home from a trip to Sonic for a treat & I told him that during the day when dad is at work that he was my best friend. I think it surprised him, but I could tell it made him feel pretty special. I am sure that when you are a clown you can be quite an observer of people!

Posted by 5atkins

Hope you are feeling well! Can't wait to hear the good news in a few more weeks! Praying for you! In Him, Eva