"And the rain descended . . ."

Today has been much like any other typical day around our house. We woke up, started breakfast, said prayers, started our morning routine . . . I should note that I felt inspired to ask Heavenly Father to help me be extra patient today--I need this every day, but I had no idea what awaited me today.

Well, while the boys were in the bathtub playing, I thought it might be a good idea to get a few things out of the way (i.e. find out where playgroup was via email and tidy up). As I was reading my email from our playgroup leader, I suddenly heard what appeared to sound like "rushing water". I turned and asked the boys what they were up to. The noise was gone--so I figured that David had dumped some water out. I let them know to keep the water in the bathtub. A few seconds later, "Gosh, is the toilet running?"--to myself. "Matthew, are you going potty? Why is the toilet running, like it was just flushed? David, get back in the tub."

A few seconds later, "Wow, I still hear that running noise. What's the deal?" Thoughts processing . . . start to worry . . . it could be . . . it could be this . . . worrying . . . heart heavy . . . running to the bathroom . . . PANIC!!!

The entire floor was glistening about an inch high and it was moving onto the carpet in the hallway . . .

David decided to try to flush their pajamas down the toilet. Now, I am not aware of any toilet, which has the opening or the power to plummage (Is this a word?) multiple pairs of clothes. We did have a few instances a few years ago, where Matthew actually flushed his tiny underwear down the toilet, and we have not seen them since. But these are David's pajamas we're talking about and Matthew's.

Anyway . . . water was just gushing out of the toilet--GUSHING!!!!

I remove David's death grip from the toilet handle, and quickly remove the clothes. Then, I grab towel after towel--including our massively LARGE beach towels. To give you an idea, these are like $20-25 towels that are big enough for two people to lay on and SUPER thick. The water soaked through and drenched these towels in a matter of seconds. I used three and it still wasn't getting the mess.

I didn't get a pic of the water, as I was in shock at that moment, but I did get the pic of all of the towels. I thought to myself, "I should record this. Someday" . . . and I mean in the FUTURE . . . "I may think this is funny." In between soaking up the water, David would sneak in a flush, which resulted in a swift spankin' on his bum. Then, I felt like a really bad mom. And Matthew said, "Mommy, I'm really sorry. I just want you to be happy. I think I need to have a hug." Me: "Matthew, I'm not happy with you guys right now. What were you thinking? This may flood the downstairs. This could end up costing us a lot of money." Matthew: "Mom that voice makes me really sad. It hurts my feelings. It's okay, Brother, I know you didn't mean to."

Then, about 10 minutes later in the bedroom, "Mom, I like space things. That makes me really happy. What makes you happy?"

Thoughts begin turning again, and I think to Emily's testimony from Sunday. I think to last night's young women's activity about gratitude journals. I realize, "You boys are my happiness. Your dad is my happiness. The Gospel. It's just a moment. It's going to pass me by. Think about how quickly David has just forgiven you for his spankin's. Think about how sweet this beloved child is, realizing you are upset, and he's trying to do what you try to do for him when he's upset."

"Find joy in the journey . . . now."