The Secret to a Happier Life for All of Us

I spent most of today dealing with LittleBrother’s molar teething issues, the effects of sleep deprivation and some of my own recent and not-so-awesome health issues. I kept meaning to blog, even something for Wordless Wednesday, but I kept coming up empty handed. It’s a rough day if I can’t even come up with a post that doesn’t involve words. I mean, come on, it’s me. I’m wordy! I couldn’t wait for the kids to go to bed because I had some cleaning, some laundry, some work, some reading and, oh goodness, some sleeping to do.

I got things read for after-bath (jammies, tooth brushes) before I ran the water for their bath. I helped remove clothes. I chased naked butts into the bathroom. I had every fiber in my being planning on taking the quickest possible bath in the history of all baths ever. But then they started to do this. (Ignore boogers brought to you by aforementioned teething.)

And this.

Yes. They made bubble face goatees. Without my goading or prompting. In fact, LittleBrother did it first and then BigBrother followed suit. I found myself laughing despite the general feeling of ick that had been following me around for most of the day. And suddenly my focus was not on rushing bath time, teeth brushing, jammification, story reading, prayers and tucking in. I let them splash for awhile. They got too much water on the floor. I laughed with them and my shirt ended up splattered with the happiness of two brothers in a bubble bath. And while I didn’t magically feel better, I was able to smile and enjoy the rest of our evening together.

I know I’m supposed to be raising them to be well-rounded adults who can appreciate the beauty in life… but sometimes they’re reminding me to stop and do that very thing. I mean, bubble bath goatees? When was the last time you gave yourself a bubble bath goatee?

Wouldn’t this life be a happier place if we all took time for bubble bath goatees?