I was greeted with a hot cup of coffee after an unbearable night on our first family vacation. Carson, 2, had fallen out of the bottom bunk and hit his head. Madylin, 5, had continuous growing pains. I moved to the top bunk when Maddy was "scared up there." We were all sweating bullets. The 4 of us got a combined total of 4 hours sleep! My husband brought us breakfast, and the children were giggling while playing. In the face of exhaustion, it hit me that being a mother is about living in the present and appreciating the joy it brings.