Friends

A few weeks ago, my dear friend, Amy, and her precious children came to visit my boys and me.  Jacob and Matt were on a "big boys' weekend" to see a Pirates game, so it was just two moms and five kids ages 6 and under.  Yes, that sounds...chaotic, but it was such a great time!

Amy and I have "known" each other for almost five years now.  The word "known" is in quotes, because Amy and I met through our family blogs.  We had a shared "blog friend" and through blog hopping, I found her blog and began reading (and commenting) regularly and she did the same. 

About three years ago, we met each other in person for the very first time.  We met at a restaurant near their home and where our family was vacationing.  It was a brief get-together, but we really enjoyed our time together.

Well, three years and two and a half kiddos later (Amy's expecting), we were able to get together again.

My friendship with Amy is such a blessing!!  Our children really enjoyed one another and Amy and I soaked up our time together.  There's nothing quite like a friend who's in the same season of life and has similar beliefs as you.  We talked and talked and it was such an encouragement to me!  

I am so grateful that despite the miles that separate us, our friendship remains!

"Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor;

If either of them falls down, one can help the other up.  

But pity anyone who falls and has no one to help them up."  Ecclesiastes 4:9-10

Home Decor-DIY Style

I've been wanting some artwork or home decor with scripture for our home.  I'm not a big fan of the vinyl stickies for the walls and painting is not my forte, so I resorted to what I know--digital scrapbooking.  Yesterday, I parked myself in the big red chair with the old PC laptop, and got creative.  This is the "artwork" I ended up with.  Not too shabby for a first turn at word art, if you ask me!  Paired with a couple of frames we bought on sale for "buy one, get one for a penny," I have achieved my goal for under $12 and I am quite happy!

Egg Hunt

Over the Easter season we celebrated with multiple egg hunts.  I love how the egg (and spring in general) reminds us of new life which is exactly what we were offered through Jesus' crucifixion and resurrection. I snapped a few pictures while the little boys played and hunted Easter eggs.  I even got Jacob to smile for the camera!

And yes friends, that is indeed a Walmart bag.  We're fancy like that! 

I hope your Easter was full of fun and the joy that only Jesus gives!

Running the Race

Hebrews 12:1-3  Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles.  And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith.  For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.  Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.

Today was a long day.  A very, very long day!  

Being a homemaker with three boys, two of whom are extremely active preschoolers, is much like a race most days.  I am on the run from the time I hear the first peeps from the monitor early in the morning until all three boys are in bed...and sometimes afterward.  I race to fed the children and get them dressed.  I race through my shower (on the days I take time for one) and morning routine.  I race here and there running errands, taking children to school, practices, and appointments, and getting through my to-do list.  When the children make wrong choices, I race to teach them a different way.  When things begin to get chaotic, I race to provide structure.  

All that racing makes me tired.  Some days (like today) I feel like I'm in last place.  Everyone, including my children, are ahead of me.  I run and run and don't feel like I've made any progress.  Then, when everyone is asleep and the house is quiet, I sit.  It's then that I remember that I'm running the race that is marked for me.  It's then, in the quiet, when I'm still, I'm reminded why I run the race.

As I read recently:

"When I fix my eyes on Him my race takes on a whole new meaning.

I realize that my race needs to be one of love; I need to reach my children with God’s word before the world whispers into their ears.

I realize that my race needs to be to show my husband the respect he can get nowhere else, because the workplace is racing to remove his focus from his family.

I realize that my race needs to be towards making my house a home, because the world is racing to open its arms to my family before I do.

Running my race has its hills and valleys.  Hurdles can slow me down at times but it is the race that God has me called me to run.

Because my eyes are fixed on him,  I will not grow weary… I know that before I even began my race He carved out the path I would take.

Because I know that He ran a race I could never imagine having to run."

So, I will persevere, knowing that tomorrow is a new day and my strength will be renewed!  What a blessed assurance!

Praying for my Husband

This guy rocks my world!  I know, I know...cheesy!  But, it's true!  I'm so thankful for Matt.  He is such an amazing husband and father.  February is my hubby's birthday month.  It's also holds Valentine's Day.  So, in the spirit of loving my husband, and going after the best God has for him and our marriage, I'm going to do this...

And, before you comment to tell me--yes, I know, February only has 29 days.  I think I'll just double up on his birthday and Valentine's Day and that will take care of that!

It's super duper simple.  There is a day-by-day plan that guides you.  It gives a brief description of what to pray each day and lists scripture references, as well.  If you want to join me, check out the article at Revive Our Hearts and leave a comment so I know who's with me!

Change

That caution sign for change has been displayed in my head for a good month now.  You see, after lots of conversations and lots of prayer, Matt accepted a new position within his company and with this position comes a shift change.  My sweet hubby will now be working 4 nights a week.  Yes, I said NIGHTS.  From 8:30p-7:00a, he will be keeping the bank's phone systems afloat.  And, yes, I also said 4.  He will only have to work Monday through Thursday.

Of course, with this position comes not only a shift change, but some life change, too!  Did I mention that change and I are not good friends??  Change makes me anxious and fretful.  As soon as I hear about change, I begin the "what if?" and the "how will we?" questions.  I long for routine and sameness.  I like predictability and planning.  Is it any wonder I thrived as a teacher of children with autism?!?

So, yesterday, with the help of my wonderful interior designer Mama and my wonderful child care provider Daddy, and my absolutely amazing hubby, we tackled the furniture move.  Matt has always worked from home and for the past year or so, his office was in our bedroom.  With the shift change, that was no longer going to work.  After much thought, we made the decision make the toy room (which is actually a sunroom) into an office/toy room.  That decision required the rearranging and redistribution of some toys to make space for an office, which is turn required some rearranging of the little boys' room to make space for more toys.  Of course, removing Matt's office from our bedroom required some rearranging in that room as well.  I guess you could say, there was much rearranging done at our home yesterday and lots of change.

Matt's new position started last night, so at 8:30 he headed off into his office and I sat on the couch having complete control of the TV channels and complete control of the laptop.  And, feeling a bit lonely, even though Matt was only 10 feet away in the "office." I made it even harder when I chose to dwell on his absence.  Quality time is my love language, friends.  But, as I sat there I began to think of the three-day weekends we will now share.  I thought of the extra time he'll have with the whole family in the afternoons.  I thought of our date night already scheduled and planned for this Friday night.  And, I began to change my thinking.  I chose to settle in and try to find my new normal nighttime routine.  Certainly, I still felt the change.

I heard someone once say, "Just because everything's different, doesn't mean that anything has changed."  I like that.  The furniture is different.  Matt's schedule is different.  Our routine is different.  But nothing has changed.  The big things--the things that matter--haven't changed.  We are still family.  We are even more committed to one another.  God is still in control.  He's still faithful.  So, this time, I'm facing this head on, taking comfort in the fact that although things are different, nothing has changed.

"For you are my rock and my fortress; therefore for Your name's sake, lead me and guide me."  Psalm 31:3

Consignment Sale Blessing

Now that's a lot of clothes!  36 shirts, 20 shorts, 4 jeans, 4 pants, 2 pjs, 1 swimsuit to be exact.  Three boys' entire spring and summer wardrobes laying on my couch; all purchased yesterday at our bi-annual local consignment sale.  That doesn't even include the umbrella stroller, Cooshee seat, 3 pairs of shoes, and 4 DVDs we were able to snag as well.  The pile is stacked with quality brands like Gap, Old Navy, Gymboree, Abercrombie, Aeropostale, The Children's Place, Hollister, Stride Rite, and New Balance.

We are so thankful for this consignment sale and the women who run it.  They are Christian women who desire to glorify God while providing a service that helps me keep my kiddos in the nicest clothes for inexpensive prices!  I prayed yesterday, as I was volunteering with the sale before shopping opened, that God would help us be good stewards of the money He had provided us for this sale and He showed Himself faithful.  We went over our cash-only budget by 85 cents (Matt had an extra 97 cents in his pocket), and that is without keeping a running total as we went.  WE ARE BLESSED!!

I can't wait to see my good looking boys all decked out in their "new" clothes very soon!

Joy to the World!

Joy to the World, the Lord is come!

"For there is born to you today in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord."  Luke 2:11

As you enjoy this wonderful Christmas season with your family and friends, I pray you have time to remember the reason for Christmas--the birth of Jesus Christ!  My Savior came to earth in the humbleness of a stable.  A baby who was born of God.  A baby who would eventually die for my sins, and the sins of the world.  What an amazing gift!  Emmanuel--"God with us"!

Merry, merry Christmas!

'Tis the Season

In the midst of this busy, hectic, and sometimes stressful season, it's easy to get overwhelmed.  It's easy to forget what this time of year is really all about.  It's easy to slip into the let's-get-this-done-and-check-it-off-the-Christmas-must-do-list mindset.  This year, I'm purposing to remember why we celebrate.  I'm purposing be joyful.  I'm purposing to slow down and enjoy each and every moment.

Disclaimer:  If you see me out and about and I'm harried, rushed, stressed, or pulling my hair out, remind me about this blog post!  Thanks so much in advance!

Great Joy

This past week, Jacob and the other students at church worked to assemble and wrap 187 shoeboxes for Operation Christmas Child.  OCC's mission is to demonstrate God's love in a tangible way to needy children around the world, and together with the local church worldwide, to share the Good News of Jesus Christ.  

Prior to the packing party, we set off to do some shopping for the shoebox stuffers.  Matt and I committed to donate $27 ($20 towards stuffers and $7 for shipping) for this service project, so I reminded Jacob as we were shopping to keep our budget in mind.  Much to my surprise, he let me know that he brought along some extra money from his own wallet, so that he wouldn't be limited. 

We are a giving family--I keep canned goods in the van for local homeless people, we send care packages to our Marines, we donate to various charities, and we give to the local church--yet, I am in awe of the giving spirit of our precious twelve-year old boy!  So many students his age are all about self, and we all fall into that thought pattern once in a while, but our Jacob really has a heart for others, and I couldn't be more proud!

 Getting a little help with the wrapping

 Packing the goodies he chose for a needy little boy!

Experiencing the JOY of giving!

"I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth."  3 John 1:4

One of those days!

Have you ever had one of those days?

This morning, I had all kinds of plans.  I even posted my scheduled productivity on Facebook.  Then, life happened.

I was awakened (on my day to "sleep in") to a crying baby who has a cold and had taken a spill, hitting the table.  We left home to run a few errands.  At the grocery store we picked up a few essentials.  When I dug in the diaper bag to grab my wallet to pay, I discovered it wasn't there.  Really?!?  Our next scheduled stop was the gas station, since our gas light was lit.  I scrounged up $4 in "emergency drink/snack" funds hidden in the van to avoid completely running out of gas.  Apparently, $4 doesn't make the gas light go off in a minivan!  UGH!!!  On the way home the kids fought over the balloon--yes, there was only one--we got from the grocery store.  While I put away the groceries and folded a load of clothes, the boys fought over the Nerf darts, the Nerf guns, who was touching who, and whatever little offense they could dream up.   While I vacuumed, there was strife over who got to push the toy vacuum.  We headed outside for a change of scenery and the sibling rivalry continued.  I attempted to clean out the van and bashed me head on the ceiling.  Give me a break!!!

Have you ever had one of those days?

I went to the bathroom (with the door open, of course, because I must be ready at any moment, even the most private ones, to step in and save the day) and tried to get a grip on things.  I sat there and felt sorry for myself.  I doubted my parenting ability.  I pondered what a failure I had been so far today.  Even as I heard the children starting in with each other again, I wondered if I could do it.  Oh boy, did I throw a pity party.

Then I felt that gentle nudge!  That reminder that I'm not doing this alone.  That reminder that I can't do this alone.  And, I gave it to Him.  "God, I can't do this.  They're really pushing my buttons.  I don't know what to do next.  I need You to help me!"  That peace that passes all understanding never ceases to amaze me.  The short-fuse, the frustration, the anger, the helplessness, the defeat was gone!  I stepped out of the bathroom refreshed and took on the rest of my morning, with my God by my side.  He's always with me.  I just have to pause and acknowledge His presence.  I have to stop trying to do it all by myself!  What a blessing to know that I'm not alone!

So, have you ever had one of those days?  Of course, we all have!  But, today I was reminded that I'm not struggling alone.  I don't have to walk around defeated.  I am a child of God!!  So, look out Monday afternoon, here WE come!

Praise with me? (Eli's step of faith)

As we were running errands Monday morning, Eli asked from the backseat, "Mama, will you praise with me?"  I assured him that I would love to praise with him and asked if he wanted to sing to God.  He looked a little confused (in my rearview mirror), so I asked him what he wanted to do.  He said, "What does praise mean?"  I explained how we can tell God how wonderful he is with our words, or our hands, or singing songs.   "Well, Mama, I want to ask Jesus to be my friend," he replied.  It caused me to pause a minute, but I told him that Jesus is our friend and reminded him that He loves us so much!  Then, Eli said, "Well, I want to ask him."  Without hesitation, he asked aloud, "Jesus, will you be my friend?"  Then he looked at me smiling and pointing to his chest, and told me, "Now, He's in my heart!"

Well, Praise God and WOW!!

Although we've talked about Jesus living in our hearts, we've never walked him through the "process" so to speak.  Since he's three and a half, which is quite young to understand salvation, I went to some church staff and leaders with this exciting news to hear their thoughts and advice.  It's such a blessing to be under their leadership and wisdom.  They were so helpful!

I'm so excited that Eli has taken this first step of faith and chosen to make his relationship with Christ his own.  His asking Jesus to be his friend is laying the foundation for his Christian walk.  As he gets older and his understanding of his sinful nature and need for a Savior expands, he may choose to re-commit his life to Christ and be baptized.  Until then, we will just continue to guide him as he grows in the Lord.

Giving God all the glory that this little guy made a new friend this week!

The best friend he could ever have!

A Halloween Treat

Last night was Halloween night, and I had two little boys itching to trick or treat.  It was cold and raining, which just doesn't go well with walking door to door with a one year old and a three year old.  You could easily say that I wasn't looking forward to trick or treating, so when I ran out to my WW meeting to weigh in and discovered very few lit porch lights, I wasn't disappointed.

While waiting at my meeting, I had time to think.  It was then I remembered that Halloween and trick or treating isn't about me and I knew two little boys who would be very disappointed that the porch lights were off.  I pondered the idea of loading them in the van to travel our neighborhood, but the idea of loading and unloading two children who require help at every house just didn't seem worth the effort.  On my drive home, I began to feel sad for my little ones, then I pulled into our cul-de-sac.  Let me just say that my cul-de-sac neighbors are the BEST!  Not only were all their porch lights on, but I quickly realized we could hit just these houses, visit with good friends, get the all-important goodies, never leave the cul-de-sac, and have two very happy boys!

With the covering of two umbrellas (one of which we snagged from the Little Tikes picnic table--I know, I know), we loaded the wagon and happily hit the cul-de-sac.  Our beloved cul-de-sac!

Pressing on

I love Sunday afternoons.  Refreshed from church, I can just sit and relax.  Boy, do I need some relaxing today.  This has been one wild weekend.

Here's the rundown of what's gone on:

• the oven stopped working--which isn't terrible news since the stovetop works and I love my crockpot.  However, it really makes my prior commitment to make a cake and some baked goods for "Trunk or Treat" at church a challenge!  
• Eva had a seizure and we spent yesterday afternoon at the emergency vet rather than the State Fair as planned.  Eva seems to be fine now.  The doctors have no conclusive diagnosis and we pray it was just an isolated and random event.  I'm thankful for that but oh, how I mourn the loss of that funnel cake and the kiddie rides!!  
• the "check engine" and two other dash lights lit up on our van.  And let's not forget the AC went out last Sunday and we are currently a one-car family.  On the bright side, the lights were not lit on the way to church this morning.  So, hopefully the dashboard will stay dark!
• Eli had "yucky dreams" last night and Matt and I were in his room no less than 9 times during his 10-hour night's sleep!  We still made it to church on time thanks to coffee and Coke Zero!

Whew!  That sounds like so much.  But, I have to admit, despite all those "situations" I'm not stressed.  I know that God's in control and we'll get through each of these things one by one.  I know we are blessed far beyond what others have.  I have an amazing husband, fabulous kiddos, and a supportive family and together, through Christ, we can do all things!  So, we press on trusting in and leaning on Him.  And I boldly say, I can't wait to see what this week holds for the Sloans!

Be blessed!

Freely give

Last night, Jacob had SWAT (students with a testimony) at church.  I had choir practice.  Afterwards, we met up to head home together.  As he climbed into the van, I asked how his night was.  He excitedly said, "I sent a kid in Guatemala to camp!"  Since I wasn't quite sure what that meant--I mean I'm dealing with a tween here and sometimes it seems he is speaking a language I don't understand--I asked for some clarification.  He went on to tell me that Ps. Grant told them about children in Guatemala.  He explained that although going to camp here can be expensive, that it only costs about $25 to send a child in Guatemala to camp.  So, Jacob told me that he put $31 in the offering.  Sidenote:  The extra dollar was so his buddy, who didn't bring any money to church, could give, too!

Needless to say, I was very impressed with his choice to give.  However, rather than praising him and going on and on, I felt that this was an opportunity, so I pressed in.  I asked Jacob what made him give.  He responded that he "just felt like" he should.  Oh, the sweet Holy Spirit!  I explained to him that the gentle nudging he was feeling was the Holy Spirit moving, and that by giving, he was being obedient to God.  My heart was so full, knowing that to our Jacob, that $31 was a big sacrifice.  Yet, he willingly and obediently gave.  And, with the smile on his face, I know he gave with a cheerful heart!  I told him about God's promise to give back to us, to bless us, when we give to His kingdom.  Being the funny kiddo that he is, he responded with, "I just hope that blessing doesn't come as another little brother or sister!"  And, of course for a boy who has been blessed with one or the other for the past 4 years, I can't really blame him!  :)

It's an wonderful thing to watch your children grow in the Lord.  Nothing could have made me happier--not straight As, not a perfect ballgame.  Knowing his heart is tender to God's voice is simply too much for words.

I remember

Today, I went to church with my sweet family.  I remembered.  

Today, I talked to my mom on the phone.  I remembered.  

Today, I ran errands.  I remembered.  

Today, I went out to eat.  I remembered.  

Today, I played outside with my boys.  I remembered.  

Today, I baked pumpkin-chocolate chip muffins.  I remembered.

So many others spent today remembering, too.  They remember those they lost in the terror attacks.  They remember those they lost as they fought to protect our country.   They remember surviving.

All that remembering could bring on fear, grief, even despair.  But, as a friend reminded me, even as we spend time remembering, we have this promise:

"My soul continually remembers it and is bowed down within me.  But this I call to mind, and therefore I have hope:  The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness."  Lamentations 3:20-23

Today, I remember.  Today, I have hope!

Thank you, Lord, for your love, mercy, and faithfulness!  My hope is firmly planted in you!

Back to School!

On Thursday, this one started seventh grade...

I must be wrong.  There is absolutely no way he could already be in the middle of middle school.  I feel like it was just yesterday that we were doing this.

And he looked like this.

Seventh grade?!?  No, way!  Of course, I can't stop time and even if I could, it certainly wouldn't be fair to him or me.  I'd miss out on watching him turn into the man God purposed Him to be.  And, what a blessing and responsibility it is to be a part of that journey!   I pray that this will be a great school year for Jacob and our families--despite the 40 Book Challenge (a book per week, really?!?) and bus arrival time of 6:20am (Lord, help me)!  

These two and I will be embarking on an exciting adventure, too.  

Beginning the week after Labor Day, I'll be starting "preschool" and "totschool" at home with the little boys. I really feel like Eli is ready for some more structured (albeit loosely structured) learning experiences and Abel is along for the ride.  I'm still working out all the kinks (how many days a week, organization of materials so they don't take over and make Daddy crazy, etc), and I have a little planning time remaining, but I can't wait to dive in and watch their little sponge-brains soak it all up.  

  

And, just so we're not feeling left out, Matt and I are attending Sunday night "Life University" at church. We're studying the book Radical by David Platt.  I think it's going to be an awesome time of growing in our walk with the Lord and can't wait to be challenged.  I'm also attending a weekly morning women's  Bible Study and I think it may just rock my world.  The first chapter is "I Am Worn Out"!  Ok, you're preaching to me already!  I can't wait to not only learn what God's Word says about these challenges we face as women, but also to connect and make some new friendships!

So, here's to a great school year!  I pray we will all learn and grow in these next 10 months!  

A different perspective

As you can tell from the picture, my life is often a chaotic, crazy, kid-wrangling adventure.  Some days, it is absolutely wonderful and I am completely aware of how blessed I am.  Other days, well...no so much!  So that I don't feel alone in this homemaking journey, I try to connect with others that are choosing to stay home.  One of the easiest ways I've found to do that is online.  I have a plethora of websites that I love and even some great online friends all of whom encourage and uplift me as I daily try to fulfill the Lord's calling on my life. 

One of my regular reads is "Passionate Homemaking" over at www.passionatehomemaking.com (obvious web address, I know, but you may want to link up!).  Yesterday, the title of the post was "What Man Can Relate to a Stay-At-Home-Mom?"  I clicked to read that one, quick, fast, and in-a-hurry!  What followed was eye-opening and a perspective I doubt I would have gained on my own.  So, for you other homemaker/stay-at-home-moms, read on and be encouraged!

-----------------------------------

"What Man Can Relate to a Stay-At-Home-Mom? by Natalie Didlake--

I sat down and made a list of all the rigors of wife- and motherhood I could possibly think of. There are…A LOT!

• Exhaustion
• Feeling alone or isolated from the outside world
• The struggle for regular, healthy rest and refreshment
• Having too many things to do
• Grief over your children’s rebellious hearts toward you and God, sometimes even frustration or anger
• Changes in your physical body due to childbirth/care and age
• The minute-by-minute flow of daily, constant demands
• Loss of a sense of control over your life in general
• Worries about the poor character you are passing on to your kids by example
• Loss of a sense of usefulness in ways you used to enjoy
• Loss of sleep
• Loss of mental/emotional rest
• Loss of time with husband
• Loss of a sense that your husband relates to your experience as a wife/mother, perhaps feeling lonely/isolated even in your own home
• Rejected and undervalued by our culture
• General despair and frustration
• Feeling distant from God because of all these imposed losses!

Whew! I’m ready for that list to be done. Won’t be re-reading that again! Too many of these hover over my head daily like a black Eeyore-cloud, following me everywhere I go.

There are so many days I can’t wait for my kids to nap so the house is quiet, for everybody to go to bed so I can take a break from meeting needs, sometimes…for everybody to grow up and leave!

I used to think the only one who really understood was a fellow mom. And, really, what help is that? A friend with 3 or 4 kids can’t do much but sympathize with my lack of sleep!

About a year ago, as I read through the gospels, I began noticing incidents in Jesus’ everyday life that startled me. Because they were very similar to the incidents that sometimes make my life sticky, as a stay-at-home-mom. So I started a list of all the troubles Jesus endured, all of them eventually culminating on the cross. Here it is:

Jesus was:

• Underappreciated
• Misunderstood
• Exhausted
• Physically worn down and destroyed
• Rejected
• His gifts and abilities were often ignored or discredited, and later totally rejected/wasted by the people who killed him
• Cut off from friends, family, and the outside world
• Bore the weight of the sins of the world, an impossibly huge demanding burden, on his shoulders, to hell for us.
• Lost all rest, well-being, comfort, closeness to God (physically, spiritually, and emotionally)
• Was rejected by his culture
• Totally lost control of his life and circumstances
• Felt total despair
• Was totally alone

So, there is a man who understands! Even when I’m in the trenches, poopy diapers a-plenty, lack of time, running on zero sleep, with guests coming over to eat the dinner I haven’t cooked yet. The remarkable thing about Jesus was, he suffered stress, despair, and isolation, but not because he doubted God (like I do) and believed he had no choice but to deal with it alone (like me).  He CHOSE to take it all on, so we wouldn’t have to.

Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us–for it is written, “Cursed is everyone who is hanged on a tree.” (Galatians 3:12)

More than before (since I made that list), my mind turns to Jesus when strain, stress, or tiredness creeps up on me. More than before, I don’t mind so much that it’s there. It crept up on Jesus, and he let it. He took it on for me. He understands! He’s is certainly my example for sacrificial motherhood, but oh so much more. His perfect love and life go on record for me. He’s my stand-in….better than a mom-friend!

Precious littlest one

Last night, Eli spent the night at Mema and PaPa's house with his sweet girl cousins and Jacob was back at his mom's for the week.  That left our littlest, Abel, as an only child for the night.  I had my Weight Watcher's meeting last night (down 38 pounds total) which gave Daddy and Abel some wonderful one-on-one time.  This morning, I ran errands and went to the library with my precious youngest boy.  Oh, how sweet that time was.  It is rare to have alone time with Abel.  He wakes up first, but shares a room with Eli, so both are usually up at the same time.  Abel is the first to bed at night.  His nap coincides with Eli's most days.  This morning was a blessing.  I was reminded of how much he is growing and how blessed I am to be his mama.  He is the happiest and friendliest toddler I have ever known.  I love watching him turn a stranger's frown to a smile with his wave and greeting.  I mean, who could resist this kid??

This morning, we sang and clapped; we read books and did fingerplays; we shopped and talked.  He brought joy to my busy world.  God has entrusted me with the responsibility of training this little one up and I pray daily that He leads me as I do His work.  I think it's just a bonus that this sweet little boy (and his two brothers) bless me daily as I answer His calling.