The calm before the storm?

Good news all around. I am still here. I have survived Climate negotiations, and I still feel... happy.

Climate negotiations were really tough this time around. I worked normally 12-13 hour days for 10 days in a row, and then thanks to the Catholics I got a holiday Thursday (which I used to clean and organize because... well... I'm me) and then Friday was the last day. I finished off Friday with a run to the Hauptbahnhof and now here I am. I am happy to say that this blog will NOT be full of frustration.

One day last week Koko came home to spend lunchtime with the boys and me. I made lunch and then we ate and read books together. Actually, Koko fell asleep reading to the boys and I found the three of them all cuddled together on the couch. Later on I was talking to Koko and she said that she feels like I am a very calm person, and that I have some sort of calming presence. Now, I have been told that before, and I can't say that it is 100% true, but it could be the case. For example... the first week of climate negotiations went very smoothly. Mornings were rough because I had to hold the boys and calm them down upon the discovery of their mother being gone. Other than that they were good. I must say that I often looked for wood to knock on because I didn't think It would last. I later found out I would be working also on Saturday, and Sunday and I dreaded having to have those boys in church. It was even worse when I walked in and they asked me to lead the music. Without thinking, I said "yes". As I walked into the meeting I realized I would have to sit very near the front instead of the back as I had planned. I was worried, and I asked Allegra Bel to assist as needed, but the boys were better than I had expected a 3 and 5 year old to be. I felt really blessed. I was lucky that my backup did not fail me. (paper, colored pencils, magnet board, sippy cups, apple slices etc) Someone must be praying for me.

Besides the 2 weeks going very well, one of my favorite moments was putting the boys to bed one time last week. I read Nico a couple books (Phin was luckily asleep already) then I sang the requested primary song, and helped Nico say a bedtime prayer. He then asked me to stay so I pretended to be asleep as I sat on the floor by his bed. He tapped my head and asked "Am I a good boy?" I responded that he was and he answered "I think I am a good boy because I believe in God." He continued, "Sometimes I forget him, but I still believe in Him" I thought that was such a sweet little moment. He continued to ask great questions about why we pray, and how we can get answers to prayers, and I loved to teach him about the love Heavenly Father has for him. Then, he smiled and asked me to stay again and fell right asleep. That was definitely a highlight.

Amidst all the crazy hours and the boys of endless energy I felt fine the whole time. I was, and still am tired... VERY TIRED but I can't say it was bad. I managed to keep myself and the boys happy, and for the most part calm. I didn't expect the climate negotiations to end so peacefully. Here's hoping I can make it last.