Things to remember

These past few weeks have been the crazy hustle bustle kind around here. From the 1st of the month, we have been preparing for hosting parties, going and returning from vacation, zipping around doing the "homework, sports, Girl Scouts dance" and serving the church. It's been Costco, termite inspections, Sunday School lesson prep and Fellowship meetings.

Life can get pretty crazy and unless I remind myself everyday to stay in the moment, I can get overwhelmed and sort of lost in the dizzying buzz of it all. But luckily, this week, I have listened to my own inner voice and noticed the wonderful sweet tender moments God has given me with my children. And my bonus daughter of a niece. I captured them in my memory and I want to jot them down before I forget them. I am getting older and older and my memory is really starting to show its age these days.

Our boy. So sweet with boundless energy. I laid in bed today, after Adam woke me up to feel my pulse pounding in my forehead. An icky migraine was trying to attack me and in my most valiant effort, I laid very still, hoping that the silence would trick the pain into going away. That's when I heard him. Adam had got him up, and Jack was happily bouncing around the hallway. He was doing his lighthearted dance of joy he does. A tap dance of sorts with a head bobble and a sing songy hummm. He giggles and hops and taps around in pure joy of being awake. I love that kid. Instantly, I felt tons better.

Jack noticed I was lying in bed and quickly appeared at my side. In his sweetness he leaned over and kissed me. Its his way of waking me up. A game we play. My prince charming waking me from my deep slumber. I opened my eyes and said "Oh, prince charming you woke me up!" like I always do. His proud little smile is something I hope I remember forever.

Another sweet kiss was just received right now. Our boy requested a snack. I told him, "its gonna cost ya." And quickly I got a super hug and a sweet kiss. I wish I was paid like that all the time!

Sweet Sydney. She is growing and growing into a lovely young lady. She has quite the emotion range right now, but it is good to see her choosing good behavior over not so good behavior all on her own. I watched this weekend as Sydney was a kind and generous host to 15 of her friends at the girl scout ice cream social we hosted. I loved watching her laugh with her friends, share her home and her things graciously and simply be a wonderful kind person to her peers. I was impressed and proud of her joyful and welcoming spirit.

I was also in awe of Sydney generous nature at church yesterday. After going to Sunday school with me, Sydney volunteered an hour of her time in the nursery, watching and playing with all the babies and toddlers. Sydney has a patient nature and her love for the kids was obvious to see. I once again was happy to see what a servants heart Sydney has and her willingness to serve others in our church.

I really want to remember this mornings trip to school. As we were driving we saw this...
My camera phone does not do that justice but it is a dog in the back of a pickup truck and the dog has sunglasses on. When we noticed that dog, we lost it. Sydney and I just howled with laughter all the way to school. What a sight to see. It just tickled us so and we giggled on and on forever. It made for a good morning!

And my Sadie Girl. I am thankful each day for the opportunity to take her to school. Seeing her each day, even for just a few moments, can make an impact I think. Somedays we just talk about clothes or something silly. But today, I was grated the opportunity to impart some wisdom. And I saw her listening. Like really listening. Today we talked about the differences in boys and girls and the way the communicate. We talked about really deciding what you need and really conveying that kindly and clearly to others. We talked about the different way people express feelings and although it may be different, it doesn't make it wrong. But you can help a boyfriend understand you better by being gracious but concrete about what you need.

And most importantly we talked about being PATIENT with your loved ones. That caring for someone isn't shown by giving up on them or breaking up with them just because they don't immediately do what you want. But being in a relationship with someone means caring for the whole person and being there as they grow and learn, as long as they are kind and respectful to you too.

Made me realize that these times with Sadie are God given moments. That she has had some really bad and selfish examples of relationships by grown ups in her life and she may have internalized them. She may fall into the same pattern if she doesn't get counsel from grown ups who love her. I am thankful I can chat with her each day, even if its just for a few minutes.

I am thankful today for the real moments in life. The hug from my sweet husband this morning, the giggles of my girl, the kiss of my boy, the life lessons for my niece. They are what matters in the middle of all that seems to zip right by each day. Thank goodness I remembered to pay attention today. I hope I can remember tomorrow. :)