Today’s To Do List:

1. Grade 54 Reading Logs

2. Work on pages of numerous manuscripts and writing

3. Plan out weekly menu

4. Take the perfect photo of kids for this years Christmas card

5. Start my 5-7 page paper on the topic “what makes a good short story?” for fiction class final

6. Send photos to relatives for annual family calendar

7. Make a to do list for the week

8. Tuck kids into bed where they fall happily asleep for the night

… Where does a crying toddler fit into the list? He is supposed to be dreaming in his bed of such delight like puppies and brightly colored books. If he does not go to bed, how will I ever get my list done. I have too much to do to deal with this right now.

Walking into his room to see the tear streaked face saying, “Mama.” I picked up the blankets, and animals from the floor where he had dropped them in frustration. I told him it was bedtime and he had to lay down and go to sleep. Staring up at me from his dark brown eyes he said nothing more. He simply put his two arms up to me.

Picking him up, he instantly placed his head to the left of my body, directly over my heartbeat and pointed one hand to the rocking chair in the corner of the room. I shifted him slightly and he wrapped his arms around my arms and then we sat together. He snuggled in close, but did not immediately close his eyes. Instead, he stared up at my eyes for what seemed like a long time. The list slowly started to reorganize itself. Some items dropped off completely, while others just moved down to other spots. Rocking along to the song in my head, “Silent Night,” I remembered the most important “To Do” item that I had.

1. Snuggle with kids for as long as they need.