Am I just talking to hear myself??

I never thought I'd reach the point in parenthood where I believe that when I say something out loud, it's not really outloud. I mean obviously if I was speaking audibly my children would respond, right? They would at least acknowledge the fact that I said some words. Right? When I say let's pick up the toys or don't take all the toys from the toy room up to the bedroom...I don't really think I just thought those things in my head. Apparently, though, my children do not understand why we can not take every single book and throw it down the stairs, or gather up all the shoes and hide them under the beds. They see no problems with these things. I tend to think I'm a pretty laid back person but as I'm looking around my now very cluttered living room wondering how all the couch pillows are now strewn about, I would just like to scream a little! It's not that I can't pick up after them it's just I tire of the never-ending adventure of finding the missing shoe. Why is it my beautiful babies can pick up toys at other people's houses or church but apparently at home, I must first threaten to throw them all away and then actually get a garbage bag and begin picking them up. I try not to lose it and then I look at them doing something adorably cute (see below) and realize that there are far more important things in life than a tidy house.

You never hear people wish that they had spent more time cleaning or doing chores after their kids are grown and gone. Most people wish they would have enjoyed their children while they had the chance. So as long as I remember that when I look at my previously cleaned bedroom, now full of shoes, books and stuffed animals, that what is important is their childhood and me being with them. My children are a blessing and I thank God every day that He has given me the opportunity to be their mom!