Just a few more hours...

Everyone I know wishes for the same thing...just a few more hours in the day. I think a 27 hour day would get the job done. It would offer a little more time for reading in bed, doing my quiet time with God each day, reading books and snuggling with my boys, watching tv and snuggling with my hubby, enjoying a cold diet coke in a quiet house after my kids are sleeping, knitting, working on my scrapbooks, blogging, or writing some overdue thank you notes. :) It's fun to think of all the things I would do with a few extra hours each day...but, in reality - I would probably waste them doing something that wasn't so productive. Anyway, I would just be more tired at the end of the day! Oh, I am always wishing for something more!

Sweet Reminders...

Okay, I am growing more and more convinced that God really does love me and is truly concerned about the silly little details of my daily life. :) Not that this is a new concept or that I never believed it before - I am simply being reminded again, I suppose. Just when I had been feeling sorry for myself because I hadn't left the house in 4 days and thinking I could fall off of the planet and only my little family would notice - God reminds me that He is mindful of me. I specifically prayed this morning that God would send reminders to me today...and He did! Not just reminders, but sweet little reminders. The kind that melt my heart and make me laugh. The kind that only I would understand. :) For example, when I went into the nursery this morning to get Luke from his night of sweet sleeping...he laid his head on my shoulder and patted my back with his little hand. What a sweet moment. My heart melted into a pile of mush! :) Later, as we were all loaded into the van and backing out of our driveway, Sam said, "Let's roll and rock!" His enthusiastic error made me giggle and reminded me of how sweet this time in his life is. I want to soak up every minute of these days - not hurry them away. I pray that God will help me be faithful in savoring each minute - and finding Him there.

Favorite Photo Friday

Sam and cousin, Zack, are very good friends. Zack is 2 years older - but, a wonderful playmate. He lives in Indiana, so we don't get to see him often enough. When they do have time together, they make the most of it! I just love this picture of them snuggling up on our couch.

The Most Important Job

I sometimes have to remind myself that staying home with the boys is the most important job I will ever have. I often feel like I am living "Groundhog Day" - you know, the movie where everyday looks the same? :) Unload the dishwasher, make a meal, change a diaper, dress the boys, read a book, play, change a diaper, make a meal, etc... It seems like there is often no gratitude for the work I am doing - no immediate results for my effort. Luke never says, "Thank you for my dry diaper, Mommy." :) Sam has never been heard saying, "Thank you for teaching me to obey God and my parents, I will be a better adult because of it." :) I know these things matter...to God and to me. Intellectually, I understand that the fruits of my labor will be fully seen as my children grow and mature. However, some days it just feels mindless! :) I can't remember things, I am easily frazzled, my clothes are never clean...food or "other substances" are smeared on me daily, I find it difficult to complete a sentence because I am also watching my kids, and I am dead tired at the end of each day. The responsibility is great and the job is thankless - but, I could never find a job with greater rewards or blessings. When I reach the end of my rope, I remind myself that I am "...working as unto the Lord." God is good.

Favorite Photo Friday

This photo was taken of Luke when he was three months old. Is there anything sweeter than a great big baby yawn? :) What a cutie!

Today I was just having a day...just a normal average day. Brad started back to school today, so we were on a more normal schedule. While we miss having daddy around, it's also nice to be back to "normal" for the boys and I. So, in the midst of cleaning and doing laundry...I notice that Sam's cough is getting worse. It's a little frustrating for both of us - it's a dry, hacking cough that is intense at times and I am unsure of what to do for the poor little guy. So, I prayerfully decided to use the inhaler the doctor gave us last spring when Sam was experiencing these same symptoms. He was willing to try it once - but, quickly decided he didn't like the way it tasted when he inhaled the meds. I decided to see how he reacted with only one "puff" of the inhaler before I forced him to take the recommended second puff. He continued to cough and I told him he would need to take the "breathing medicine" one more time. He quickly disappeared. After I finished changing Luke's diaper, I found Sam in the time out chair in the living room. I said, "Sam, why are you sitting there?" and he replied, "I didn't take that medicine, so I am in time out." :) Too funny! He is now disciplining himself! Oh, the world of a three year old... There is more BIG news at our house - Luke is completely mobile now! He has been cruising along the walls and furniture for weeks now. A few days ago, he gathered the courage to take off on his own. We have all had great fun encouraging him and celebrating his new "skill." He squeals with delight when we applaud! He is only 9 months old, so I would have preferred a few more weeks/months of crawling...but, it's difficult to complain about him reaching a milestone! :) It's a blessing to have healthy, active, fun boys filling our house with giggles and screams...and sometimes, even crying!