Evening Pickup

It's the same every night - the evening "pick up".  You know, that last final effort to make the house livable "looking" before Mark gets home.  Two little boys can do a lot of damage in a days time (despite the fact that I clean not only before Mark gets home, but during naptime, and when we all go to bed at night, HA!).  Usually, I kind of trudge through this daily (hourly) task.  Today was a bit different.  I saw each little item for the blessing it was.

Rain boots scattered about the front hall - two little boys at play with their "big boy" boots on
Muddy crocs tossed near the door - happy little muddy feet coming in from a day's adventure of water and mud
Baby wipes - Thank God we're not running low of those, we go through them like water around here
Outgrown shoes in the "shoe bin" - my little boys are growing
Unflushed toilet - Praise God for potty training!  Hard work does pay off.
Couch pillows and throw blanket tossed about - Boys (and mama) who love to curl up on the couch in the afternoons
Empty cans and dirty mixing bowls - Another yummy dinner cooking in the oven
Sink full of dirty dishes - A days worth of fully bellies 
Baby toys still in the living room (which the "big boys" are still playing with) - Remnants of sweet baby company this morning
Dryer buzzing - Another load of warm, clean laundry ready for the week's wear
Another mess beginning right behind me as I clean up - Two happy little boys, what more could I ask for?