Ah the things you stumble across in Blogland...

I happened across this lovely canvas over at http://redhenhome.blogspot.com/. What a wonderful sentiment. Cherishing my children has been weighing on my heart a lot lately. Sometimes I get so caught up in the daily grind, the "poop", that I feel like I'm missing out on so much. I don't want to miss those opportunities to cherish my children any more. I find myself asking whether that show is really worth not reading a book with my three year old. Wondering if the clearance rack at Target means more than talking with my eleven year old about his day. Pondering my reaction when my almost two year old pulls on my crocheting and the stitches begin to pull out. It is in those moments that we must remember what truly matters in life. It isn't our material possessions, it isn't the latest reality show on the television...it's the relationships we have with the people in our lives. The all encompassing love that I have for my husband and my children is what matters. Time, this life we have here on earth, is fleeting. I pray that I cherish every moment that I have with my loved ones: the nasty smelly poopy moments along with the clean shiny ones.

Hug. Your. Children.

There are no guarantees in this life. Hug your babies every chance you get. I hope every time I feel ready to rip my hair out (again) I will remember how I feel right now. They make me absolutely batty but at least they are still here for me to hug. Too many babies are angels in heaven for me to not approciate every moment that I have with my boys. Lord help me remember this when they are screaming and stinky and mouthy...

One Word

What a difference the addition of one word makes. Medium has always responded to I love you with a simple I love you. Tonight I said I love you and he responded, "I love you Mom-mom." (Medium has called me Mom-mom for as long as he could talk.) It was always glorious to hear him say I love you back, but the addition of Mom-mom on the end warms the farthest corners of my Mommy heart. I've always wanted to be a Mommy and I love (nearly) every minute of it. Hearing my three year old tell me he loves me makes up for the moments that are less than glamorous (or enjoyable).

Blogging is cheaper than therapy...

I suppose it isn't the best reason to start a blog, but it is a reason. Not that I feel I need "therapy" therapy. A listening ear and some words of advice would be wonderful. I suppose what I am searching for is perspective. Sometimes my own, sometimes someone else's. I'm generally a "glass half full" kind of girl but there are times when even the most optimistic of people can feel overwhelmed. I firmly believe that there is a reason for everything, that God has a plan even if we can't see the bigger picture. So here I am, venting and looking for perspective and praying for a glimpse of the silver lining that I know is there...

Where have all the villagers gone?

I love the old adage that it "takes a village to raise a child". In today's society I think the saying may be more appropriate than the era in which the term was coined. I look around me and find that I've got the children but am sorely lacking in the whole village department. Where have all the villagers gone? I joke with my husband that the bloggers I follow online are my friends. I suppose I am hoping that I will be able to substitute the physical village with a virtual one. Calling one, calling all, want to join my village? There will be cookies...