Heaven

Children can say the most profound things when you least expect it. My 5 year old enlightened me last night as we were reading stories and chatting. He asked, "How many lives do cats really have?" I proceeded to tell him that they only have 1 life, just as all humans do. Well, his reply caught me offguard..."No, Mom, we have 2 lives...1 life here and 1 life in heaven." Feeling inspired by his unquestioning faith, I asked him what he thought heaven was like. He responded by saying something that brought a tear to my eye..."Well, if you go there before me (which I pray is God's plan) write me a letter and draw me a picture, and send it down to me." I'll be sure to ask God for a piece of paper and some crayons when I get there many many years from now :)

For the first time...

I am a "Team Mom!" My oldest son started T-ball yesterday, and since my husband is coaching he blurted out that I am the TEAM MOM - WHAT?! As I attempted to introduce myself to the other parents, I held my clingy 19 month old and yelled at my almost 4 year old to "get off your brother!" as he wrestled him to the ground. Gee, you think I can handle this team mom job when I can't even control my own 3 children? HAHA I'm going to try my best. I'm excited to represent his team (and I'm secretly hoping we kick ass even though they only play for fun LOL). Pictures to come...

Easter celebrations

The smell of spring flowers in the air, the promise of new life, the plentitude of food shared by family, and the nice church attire...




do not compare to the sacrifice that Jesus made for us all. Jesus SUFFERED tremendously and selflessly for our sins. He paved the way for us to rejoice in heaven upon our death. So as I stressed about the food preparations, the house cleaning, the crowded space in my home, the cleaning, the children's behavior (which was great BTW)...God reminded me to slow down with an EARTHQUAKE that not only shook the Earth, but my soul. Jesus is risen! Alleluia!

Marriage in his future?

Joseph, my 5 year old going on 25, was rambling on about anything and everything today as usual when I heard him say "I'm not ever getting married." Concerned and surprised, I said "are you sure you are never getting married?" He proceeded to tell me "Well, ok, I'll get married but we'll be separated." ?????.....long pause, "We will be married, but live in separate houses on the same street so we can see each other whenever we want." Maybe that's the secret to a happy marriage? HAHA ;)

Desire within my heart

A friend asked me tonight "Could you really do it all again?" in reference to having another child. My answer was immediately "YES!" I never thought I'd feel this way, but I do. When I watch my boys enjoy playing with each other so much, I desire just one more. When I dress up my pretty little girl and am brought to tears by her sweet girliness, I desire just one more. When I look in the rear view mirror and see my beautiful blessings, I desire just one more. When I snuggle in bed and read stories to my handsome boys, I desire just one more. When I sing lullabies and hold my dainty baby girl so close, I desire just one more. It is not that I don't thoroughly enjoy my children. It is that each child brings so much more love and joy into our home, and my desiring heart. It is because I love my children so much that I would LOVE to have just one more, but I won't. That decision has been made for me.

Childhood friendship

Remember that one best friend of your childhood who you played with all the time? Remember the innocence, the goofiness, the pure happiness to be together? I have a friend whom I have known since we were 6-7 years old. I moved away when I was 14, but we have stayed in touch all these years by email, letters and phone. I finally got to visit her (and her baby girl - SO CUTE!) this past weekend - yay! We had not seen each other in over 6 years. It all comes back when we are together. She is a reminder of who I used to be as a young girl. She represents who I was back then, and who I've become since then. Such a special bond...just wish we lived closer so our kids can share that bond, too :(

Innocent "love"

Oh - to be three years old again! Matthew is so smitten with Madison.