Bits and Pieces

I love my kids so very much..truly

My two year old little man is super cute, full of fun, goofiness, snuggles and love

My daughter, although a challenge at times (who isn't), has a heart full of love and warmth, is quirky, full of joy and just wants to spend time with her mommy and daddy still...something I take for granted way too often.

I get exasperated with my kids, and have to remind myself of the above posts

Fall is my favorite season of all

Life is full of seasons

Our life is starting a new season right now and I love it

I forgot how much I love "Hold On" by Wilson Phillips until I watched "Bridesmaids" tonight.

Speaking of Bridesmaids, I found it depressing and not worthy of recommendation.

God is good, even when I forget He is there

I'm not sure one could find more devoted and loving parents than the ones I have. They are such blessings.

If anybody ever coordinates a Flash Mob...I so want to do it!!

I really want grayish blue walls for our living room

People will let you down in life...it's not about people...it's about God and him working through us

Watching my daughter's soccer games is one of my favorite activities ever

Reuniting with old good friends is awesome

Some day, my husband and I WILL go on a real vacation...where we fly far away, stay in a hotel of luxury, sip cocktails on a tropical beach, and where I will be a size 10 for it.

Even if that someday doesn't happen, I am blessed. But...I really, really want that someday trip. ;)

The Words I Would Say...

Sometimes, a song comes along and it just takes you by storm. God has always used music to touch my life, to speak to me, to move me to tears. I would love to have words to say how I feel, to convey my emotions perfectly, but I rarely am able to be that person.

Just like most moms, I love my children more than words. You could not convince or ever really convey to your children how much you love them, until perhaps they have kids of their own.

Raising kids is HARD. Truly hard. Not just oh..I had a tough day, tomorrow will be better...but sometimes, you go through a valley of doubt and despair. You wonder if things will ever get better, if your child will listen AND obey the simplest of commands after being told a gazillion and one times already. You stop and wonder where in the world that child of pure joy and grace went and who has replaced them as they glare you down, roll their eyes, look at you with ice. Sigh. I was one of those moms that swore it would never happen. But, we are there and fighting it with all we've got. I will admit, we have failed numerous times, as God fearing and God loving parents, to raise our children up in the Lord. I am the worst of sinners and realize that the ugliness I see in my kids...is really me. GASP. It's a brutal, ugly...hard truth.

So, the constant exhaustion of all the battles is hard. But, maybe..even more difficult is seeing your very ugly self come to life in your small precious children. It's motivation to get on your knees and cry out to Jesus. I'm done trying to do this without prayer..which sadly, I am very good at forgetting to do at the start of my day. I am done ignoring the comfort of MY Father who is there for me...to guide me, give me wisdom, and help me through my dry, tired times.

Because I've been, and still am an ugly mom and definitely lost that infamous MOTY award (Mother of the Year) from oh...about day 2 of momhood, I treasure this song. If I could write just how I feel about my daughter and what I want her to know...it's in this song. I want her to know that no matter what...God has his hand on her. No matter how much I mess up, or her dad, or her friends let her down, or anybody else in life...she has God. And knowing that God is the most, the best and all she really needs is so important to me. I want her to desire God above all else. That is a constant prayer in my life..that my children would truly DESIRE God.

I haven't blogged for awhile, but this song "The Words I Would Say" by Sidewalk Prophts, really has hit me and wanted to share. Just tonight, I sat down with my daughter and told her about how this song is one that reminds me of all the things I feel about her. We listened together, me crying (I always cry..ask my family...major crier here). She realized what I was trying to convey, came over to me, gave me the most amazing hug and told me how much she loves me. She got it. I thank God for my kids. I also thank God for his everlasting love and faithfulness, for me...a sinner...a mom. Thankful that his mercies are indeed, new every morning.

Meeska! Mooska! Craigy is TWO!

Well…not quite yet. Officially the BIG 2 will be here Thursday. Nonetheless, we celebrated all that Craigy is and loves last Saturday. He was surrounded by ALL of his grandparents (minus 1…ok, so I guess not ALL, but so close!). Two sets of Great Grandparents (all right…one was sadly, unable to attend), and three sets of Grandparents. Such a blessed boy to have so many to love on him.

The theme was “Mouse”, as that is what Craigy calls Mickey Mouse. Totally cute. Yeah..he also loves “Buzz and Woody”, but I took advantage of the cute factor of Mickey Mouse before he was too old for it.

I cannot tell you how much I love this little man. He is so stinking adorable, and so much fun. He is thoughtful, kind and helpful. Always, always running to help me unload the dishwasher or dryer. More than willing to run and “do” whatever chore I’ve requested him of, usually with a huge, happy, loud “OKAY!!”. He is a snugglebug too with mommy. He says “bless you” after every sneeze, AND cough..including his own. Will, on his own…THANK me for dinner after he is done with his plate!

There you have it…a glimpse of Craigy. Happy Birthday little man!!