The Virtuous Woman

• Proverbs 31:10-31
• 10 A wife of noble character who can find? She is worth far more than rubies.
  11 Her husband has full confidence in her and lacks nothing of value.
  12 She brings him good, not harm, all the days of her life.
  13 She selects wool and flax and works with eager hands.
  14 She is like the merchant ships, bringing her food from afar.
  15 She gets up while it is still dark; she provides food for her family and portions for her servant girls.
  16 She considers a field and buys it; out of her earnings she plants a vineyard.
  17 She sets about her work vigorously; her arms are strong for her tasks.
  18 She sees that her trading is profitable, and her lamp does not go out at night.
  19 In her hand she holds the distaff and grasps the spindle with her fingers.
  20 She opens her arms to the poor and extends her hands to the needy.
  21 When it snows, she has no fear for her household; for all of them are clothed in scarlet.
  22 She makes coverings for her bed; she is clothed in fine linen and purple.
  23 Her husband is respected at the city gate, where he takes his seat among the elders of the land.
  24 She makes linen garments and sells them, and supplies the merchants with sashes.
  25 She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come.
  26 She speaks with wisdom, and faithful instruction is on her tongue.
  27 She watches over the affairs of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness.
  28 Her children arise and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her:
  29 "Many women do noble things, but you surpass them all."
  30 Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised.
  31 Give her the reward she has earned, and let her works bring her praise at the city gate

This is one of my most favorite passages in the Bible. I do not know a single woman who wouldn't want to be this woman. I think we all are able to do this. Unfortunately, our society (and I am definately including myself) is way to lazy to rise in the morning when everyone is still sleeping, and then not let our lamps go out at night. I need to read this passage often. It kinda keeps me in check. It is a constant struggle for me, but how wonderful would it be if, when I die, my headstone read, "Hear Lies A Virtuous Woman"!!!

Now, I posted that because I have been thinking about it all day. Yesterday was one of those days that pushed me to my limit (with everyone). I felt like exploding on everyone. We had a great fun day planned. All except having to get the kids shots. I thought that if I got there early we would get right in and out, and I could take them to the Dollar Store to get some sort of prize before the library. So we got there at 8:25. Of course, I had to tell Lily that we were getting her shots, and she had thrown a fit on the way there. About every 10 minutes or so she would ask if it was her turn yet, and then she would say "I don't want to get shots" and cry more. Finally at 10:15, they called us back there. Yeah that's right, 2 hours later. I don't know what those people think. It's way easier to wait with a baby that has no idea what it coming. But a 4 year old, that just had some shots a few months ago, and KNOWS what is coming - AHHHHH!!!! I felt sorry for her, cause I know how agonizing that wait must have been. To say that I was pushed to my limit is an understatement. Then we get back there and she throws such a fit that another nurse had to come in and help me hold her down, so the first nurse could give her her shots. It didn't help that as soon as we walked in the room, all 5 needles were laying on the table as if to say, "Look at me!!!" And she had to get 5 shots. Yeah, that's right, FIVE!!! 2 in one arm and 3 in the other. So by the time that we got done and got to the library, it was 10:45 and storytime was over. We didn't even go in, cause we were meeting Lily's cousin Kendra at the park. So that was another meltdown. It wasn't fair that she had to get shots (it really wasn't, but I couldn't let her know that I thought that, too!!!!) and she had to miss storytime at the library. So we went to the park, and had a picnic lunch. Things were starting to look up. She loves to have picnics. So after we ate, the kids went and played (Lily, Kendra, and Avery). After playing for only about 15 minutes, it started sprinkling, so we had to pack it up and head home. That created the monster of all meltdowns!! I was mean, life wasn't fair, and so on!! I even had to spank her in the middle of the park. That just doesn't happen. She is usually pretty well behaved in public, and just giving her the mom look and threatning is enough, but not yesterday. You would think after all that she would have taken a decent nap, but alas, only 30 minutes or so. Which really only made things worse. I have to say that my favorite part of yesterday was when they were both in bed asleep for the night!! I am also glad that I will not have to do the shot thing again for a couple of years!! Adam has somehow gotten out of doing the kids shots. He has NEVER taken them. So, I think when it is Avery's turn to get 5 shots in the arms, I will give the job to Adam!!! I hope that I am not the only mother out there who feels like running away from time to time. Don't get me wrong, I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE my family, but days like yesterday make me want to pull out every hair on my head, or even better screaming at the top of my lungs, and then curling up in the fetal position and sleeping for 24 hours!!!! Thankfully, today has been the exact opposite of yesterday. We have had a fantastic day!! I am so glad!!!

Thanks to all for listening to me rant!! Sometimes it just feels good to get all of that off your chest!! I love you all!!!