Thinking about things I like.

Every single time the sun does something spectacular, my kids notice. They'll talk about how God put pink in the sky for Regan and blue in the sky for Tyler. They'll say, "Hey look! The curly clouds are noodles!" or sometimes just stare at it quietly trying to take in all that it has to offer. Regardless of how they react, they always do. Never do I have to point out a beautiful sky. What I love best about this is that they sort of give the sky a giant pat on the back for putting on a show... for doing something extra. They do this with me too. Always when I put a little extra something into the day, they notice, revel in it, and it never goes unnoticed. It feels good for our efforts to be noticed. Those tiny pats on the back (whether you're a mama just trying her best or a big giant lit up sky) feel good. Which makes me wonder how many missed opportunities I've had to notice other's efforts....to say good job, to recognize the show, to give a pat on the back. So this week, my focus will be to look for ways to recognize the efforts being made all around me and say, "You know what? I like that."

Speaking of things I've been liking lately:

Watching my babies create something even bigger than what I ever hoped it would be. I grew up without  a sibling and always thought having one would be wonderful. My greatest gift to each of my children is the other one. They are in love. I am in love.

Building your own home allows for lots of fun trips.

 





Time with friends:

I've always believed you have to make time for what's important. This month has brought about late night movie dates, dinners, basketball games, basement parties, playdates, antiquing sessions, breakfasts, baby cuddles, and countless hours connecting with friends. You got to make time. That is a truth I am positive of.



Trying:

 

One of my favorite things about both of my children is their willingness to try. Never are they hesitant to try. Never are they embarrassed if they don't make the basket, run the fastest, or kick the hardest. They just keep at it and look over at their mama on the sidelines and wave and

'"thumbs up" and smile and carry on. I hope they never, ever lose this. 

 



 



 

Regan tried and succeeded in her first public reading performance to Tyler's class.



Also, the blog is beginning to undergo a few changes. Finally, I'm doing something more with it. More content, better images, new ideas, and a new look are all on the way. I love this place. I can't tell you how much it means to me to tell our story. Everyone has one worth telling. 

Days

To my babies:

I was scrolling through some pictures tonight.

Taking a little trip down memory lane.

And I couldn't help but notice all of the quick, casual, seemingly simple pictures of us together.

Just being together, going about our day. 

Running errands, riding in the car, listening to songs on the radio, eating ice cream, doing everyday things.

 Image after image showed me the same thing.

You are both so little, and young, and perfect, and loved. 

 I hope you remember these days.

While they certainly are not perfect, and your Mommy sometimes gets busy, and impatient, and hurried,

These will forever be the best days of my life.

You both love with your whole hearts, and go where I go, and think it's great to ride around town with Mommy.

You aren't in a hurry to get anywhere.

You just are who you are, and because of that, teach me more than you will ever know.

I hope some of this stays with you as you grow older.

I hope simple days, silly snapshots, and just being together always mean a lot to you.

Even on the most frazzled, rushed, hardest day, you are still the best part of it.

My greatest blessing, truly, has been to know you and spend my days with you.

I have locked these days into my heart.... and hopefully into yours.

The little moments captured tell a bigger story of true togetherness that could never be paralleled

And as you grow, always, always know that every day, big or small, is the perfect day to choose happiness,

To choose to do something bigger than yourself,

To make time for friends, and faith, and fun, and love.

Because at the end of that day...well, that's all you really need.

 

I've been thinking a lot about how we spend our time. I hope you both know you have the decision to turn the ordinary into the extraordinary. You each have the choice to take hold of your time and turn your 24 hours into something of meaning. Call your friends, make a meal for someone, go exploring, have some fun, see your loved ones, take time to see if anyone needs some help, be a blessing to another, or accomplish something you are proud of. God has a plan for each day of your life, and it is up to you to fulfill His high hopes. Be bigger than you think you can be.. especially be bigger than what others are someday going to tell you you are. Use your time wisely, for it is never guaranteed and can touch someone else in a profound way. But, for now, be mine, and I will be yours. For it is my time to teach you, build you up, and fill you with as much as I can. There are still days I can't even believe you exist. You came from me, and sometimes I wonder if I'm doing a good job (because DANG is it overwhelming to be completely responsible for turning a helpless baby into a productive member of society!) But then, I see you. I am instantly reminded of my purpose. No matter how badly I behave or fail or react, I am good because I am a part of you. You have allowed me a chance to be a part of something wonderful, and maybe (just maybe) we will make it through the days, the nights, the big, and the small remembering how wonderful it was.

 

Love always and forever,

mama

More than just a party.

Tonight, this room served as a stage. True friendship, loyal ties, and genuine love were the stars of the show. Friends poured one another drinks, grand babies snuggled grandparents, friends and cousins chased and played, forever friends hugged and picked up each other's babies, and everyone felt magic in the air. The magic was contagious, and happy, and had it's own energy.

But, as love took center stage, I couldn't help but think about the babies that were taken too soon last Friday in Connecticut. Their mamas are deep, deep in grief tonight. Those babies aren't running around with their friends, they won't see their cousins again, they won't decorate their gingerbread houses with their daddies. Their mama's are weeping. It's not fair. There are no words, other than God was there. He's always there. Friday was not part of his plan. He has a beautiful story written for us, but sin gets in the way. God can not get rid of sin or else we'd all be gone. We are all sinners of various degrees. What we can do is remember He is the light to show us to brighter days. Days when the missing babies mama's will wake up and feel just a bit better. But for now, they grieve. And even though we continue to celebrate the season, and throw parties, and decorate our gingerbread houses, we grieve with them. I can not imagine. Parents love our children so much that it's aches. So, as we remember these taken babies, we ache too. A mama's heart loves all children. A daddy's heart does too. So, as I love on my kids, on my friends kids, on my niece and nephews, I hold tighter.

I do not take my blessings for granted. I am grateful. Some days, I don't even know what to do with it all. My babies are here with me. And, now, it just doesn't seem fair. So, my promise is too breathe them in, hold them tight, and make sure they know they are loved because as we know, each day could be our last. Spread love, show love, and receive love like you mean it.

I loved tonight. I loved the planning, the decorating, the calling of friends to come help write our story. I can't wait to hear how Regan and Tyler will rememberand retell these nights. This was our third time hosting our "Gingerbread House Party," and it was exactly what we hoped for.

After the last guests left, we tucked our babies safely in bed. They were happy from a night filled with memories. Not every child went to bed happy tonight. Not every parent was able to tuck their baby in tonight, and for them we pray for God's peace. Only He can comfort in a way that is enough.

Keep calm and carry on.....