Sweet softness

We finally have a baby with "baby soft" skin! Elizabeth's skin has been clear and GORGEOUS for a week or so, which makes all the cravings for pizza/cookies/cake/candy/donuts etc. easier to resist and TOTALLY WORTH IT. Anything for her sweet, kissable face!

Ever have one of those days?

Pressure squeezing my skull.
Children playing/fighting loudly.
Neverending requests/demands.
Interrupted shower.
Whining.
Back-talking.
Child lies to get out of school.
Shopping with three children 4 years and younger for "just diapers" at Target.
Complaining of boredom.
Complaining about dinner.
Complaining about cleaning up.
One "crazy" Mommy walking out the door to drive around the block 2 times ALONE.
Bathtime.
Storytime.
Bedtime...PEACE!
Tomorrow is another day...we will try again. God forgive me for my madness as a mother today.

Sweet moment

My boys were playing upstairs alone this evening, so my husband spied on them to make sure they were behaving. He witnessed one of the sweetest moments between them. Joseph was hugging Matthew and said "I'm sorry for all the mean things I've done to you. I love you. Now let's play!" That makes all this work in parenthood completely worth it!

Funny mind

We were pulling up to G'ma and G'pa's garage today when Joseph said, "Wow! They have room for two cars. That is so unusual." I just love the way his mind works! And yes, it is UNUSUAL that people actually park two cars in their "two-car garage."

Let us Rejoice!

We will find eggs filled with candy and money. We will be led to some new toys from the "Easter bunny." We will have a special yummy breakfast. We will welcome family into our home for a nice dinner. But most importantly, we will celebrate Jesus and the ultimate sacrifice He made for us all. He died to take away our sins. He died so that we could be imperfect, and still be welcomed into the kingdom of heaven. Tomorrow is the celebration of our Savior - he is RISEN from the dead. Honor Him...Happy Easter everyone!

Paralyzing Fear

As I stood in line for a huge inflatable slide (for my oldest son) at a spring event today, the "bunny girl" walked past us dropping plastic eggs for kids to pick up. He ran after her, disappearing into the unending crowd of people. I tried not to panic when I couldn't see him. But my mind began to wander into the worst thoughts of him being stolen or lost. I contemplated if I should stay in line in case he comes looking for me or go to find him. I chose the latter, forcing my middle son to sit in the stroller while carrying the baby in my arms I began to cut through the lines, my heart racing to a speed unimaginable. I wanted to scream out for him. I wanted to CRY out for him, but I tried to remain calm for my other children. Finally after what seemed like an eternity, Joseph emerged from the distance, walking toward me. I scolded him out of fear of losing him. I thank God that he returned to me, safe and sound. Even just telling the story of today makes me lose my breath.

Sex, Religion, and Politics

The three no-nos in casual conversation...they were all covered at my last mom's night out. I was blessed to be in the presence of 2 wonderful women who come from two different religious backgrounds, but yet are non-judgemental of others' beliefs or cultures. I have always been more open-minded and accepting than most Catholics. I believe that God created us to love one another without judgement. It was fascinating to learn of their cultural/religious beliefs and traditions. In addition to that topic were the topics of sex and politics (separately discussed). I felt loved and accepted as we all shared such goofy yet profound statements. This is proof that yes, "We all CAN get along!" What do you get when a Jew, Catholic and Mormon meet at Starbuck's? Absolute FUN TIMES! Thanks for a great night out, ladies!