Priorities and Traditions

When it comes to priorities and traditions we have to be intentional.  The busyness of life will lie to us, having us to believe there just isn't enough time and we push important things to the back burner. That's why date night has always been a priority for me and Brad. It's not always the same day each week, but it does happen each week in some form or another.  Last night it was dinner out at a New Mexican restaurant about 30 minutes away.  We enjoy the time in the car alone to talk in private.  It also allows for better people watching time in the restaurant!  Dinner was lovely and the time together was just what we needed as we have many important decisions on our plate right now and our heads are spinning as we head into this busy holiday season. so we were intentional with our time last night. 

Brad is recovering from surgery so I was driving last night and when we arrived home I didn't pull into the driveway but stayed in the road. I put it in park and ran up to the front door and shouted, "anyone who wants to look at Christmas lights get in the car now!" It's a long held family tradition.  I had decided we would kick it off in our neighborhood and leave the big night of lights for later in the month.

The kids were excited so they piled into the car. Amelia 3 was already in her bed asleep, so they grabbed her and carried her out.  NO judgement here....we live in a closed community and it was late and I drove 5MPH, but I put Amelia on my lap sound asleep as the kids all climbed in the back.  It was chilly and they snuggled together under a fleece blanket. Amelia, on my lap was still asleep, the cold hit her, she wiggled a bit to get closer to me, but didn't wake up. As we started to go (fair warning, my kids say this is too gross to share) I was suddenly aware of my lap becoming very very very warm. Yes! my sleeping baby girl peed in my lap right there in the driver's seat. As we were already underway I decided to finish our drive and deal with the pee when we got back.  Amelia slept the entire time and when we carried her into the house she looked at our house all lit up and smiled as she said "the lights are so beautiful." I laughed because she had missed looking at all the other houses. 

Now you might think it gross to drive around looking at lights covered in pee. But being together in that moment was a priority.  In a big family if you don't take an opportunity as it's presented you lose it. The fact that 5 kids ages 16-3 got in the car excited to look at lights means something. Even though we were missing two old kiddos, it is sweet that they text me addresses of light displays that they think are not to be missed with the kids.  Even though their lives have taken them away from some of the family traditions it still matters to them.  The memories mean enough that they want their younger siblings to experience the same. Make time for each other.  Priorities and traditions turn into beautiful family memories. 

*on a side note about the pee. 

We went inside and got cleaned up, changed into clean jammies and went to bed.  I was so grateful that pee accident had not happened in her bed.  Changing jammies is a lot easier than bunkbed sheets and bedding!!!! PRIORITIES!