What’s in it for you?

I watched Yes Day with Number 5, 6 and 7 today.

I think it’s safe to say that many of us who have seen the movie can identify all too well with Jennifer Garner’s character.

When the logistical and emotionally draining burden lies heavily on the mom, there often isn’t much physical and mental energy left over for quality interactions and connecting with the kids.

If you haven’t seen the movie, I’m not giving anything away by telling you that Jennifer Garner agrees to a Yes Day after being basically called out by her son.

That’s a predictable part of the movie.

What wasn’t predictable was my reaction when Jennifer Garner was jumping on her bed with the kids to commence the Yes Day festivities.

The tears came and I couldn’t stop them.

What was going on?

I thought about that the whole time I sat and watched the movie.

I did used to be fun.

SO MUCH FUN.

And I was funny and up for just about anything.

But with the responsibilities and time and energy required to grow and then birth and then keep many small humans alive, the fun factor kinda dwindled down to um…

Almost nothing.

And that’s not the mom I wanna be anymore.

I know it can’t be all fun and games.

But it can’t be all resting bitch face either.

The kids asked me if I would do a Yes Day when the movie was over.

I told them as long as they earned it, yes. I totally would.

My daughter said to me, “Mom, why would you do that? What’s in it for you?”

And I was so caught off guard by her question that I just blurted out, “Because I want to have fun?”

I wasn’t very convincing.

What I should have said was…

Because memories are what you will ultimately have of me, and I want you to have more of them with me smiling than anything else. Because I would have loved it if my parents did that with me. Because you guys are the best things that have ever happened to me, and I want to make sure I always let you know that. Because I don’t have every day with you like I used to, and I recognize how quickly you are growing up.

That’s exactly what I’m gonna tell her and the rest of the kids tomorrow when I let them know about Yes Day.

Pray for me. 🤪