what a week

What a week this has been.  Back to school is exhilarating and exhausting!  Carys has been a bundle of emotions.  And last night after tucking her into bed, I couldn't wait to go to sleep myself.  Once I got the older boys to bed, I practically raced to my bed and leaped in- so delighted to be finally able to rest.
About an hour later however, my seven year old called out.  He was having a nightmare and needed me.  Thus ended my night of sleep.  It wasn't until sometime close to 3 am that I was able to crawl back into my bed and even then sleep evaded me, my brain was overtired, overstressed and overwhelmed.
Morning came, and with it all the rush and stress of the routine to get the kids out the door.  Jonah came out of his room a little after the others were off.  Still sleepy from his rough night, he smiled at me, put his arms up and wrapped them tight around my waist.  Then he looked at me and said "Thanks for watching over me last night Mommy."
I couldn't respond.  The lump in my throat was so big.  At times, this being a mom thing, on call 24/7 is just so hard.  But then there are these precious times where our children bless us with their heart and words.  This was one of those times.
I hugged him tighter and whispered a prayer of blessing over him.
Then thanked my heavenly Father for always watching over me and giving me the grace and strength to make it through the days He has given me.

The Best Start

Back to school.
Today all four of my children are there.
Grade 7.
Grade 5.
Grade 2.
And......Kindergarten!
I keep checking the clock and thinking about them. 
How are the doing?  Are they settling back into the learning routine?  Did they enjoy recess?  It's almost lunch time (thank goodness, right "Toast"!)

I was dreading this week but it's actually been ok.

My kids seem really happy and that makes me so thankful!

I also know that even though I am not with them, Jesus is.  And they know that too.

I've had very early mornings this week.  Summer and I have been out the door for our morning walk well before 6.  I've used those 30 minutes to talk to Jesus about my kids; my hopes for them, my fears.  And then returned home full of peace, knowing that I've just given my kids the absolute best start to their day.

September 6, 2011

Day by Day

I can't believe the summer is over and all four of my kiddies are off to school.  Everyone (and I mean EVERYONE) seems to be asking me "what am I going to do"!? 
"More of the same" has always been my response.
Be there for my kids.
Volunteer where I can at their school.
Help others out in my community.
As a stay at home mom though, sometimes this just doesn't seem enough.
I can't help but look all around me and see so many woman doing "more". 
I know Jesus doesn't want me to compare myself with others. 
For now, I know that this is the place God has called me to.  This is the assignment He has given me. 
To live. To love. To serve.  Day by day.
Thank you Jesus.

summer

laughter
squeals
sleepy heads
jammie days
campfires
biking trails
water
sand
salt
open air
flip flops
towels
beach
walking
rustling leaves
crickets
outdoors all day everyday
reading
giggles
beyblades
soccer
swimming
sunshine
rain boots
ice cream
pier jumping
hugs and kisses

summer