Prayer and Parenting

 

When I was a children's leader at BSF one of the first tools we were given was the idea of praying both with/for a child who had poor behavior. The idea was that the leader would take the child outside of the class room, kneel down and explain calmly what the child had done. Then, the leader was to take the child's hand and pray for God's help both for the child to do __________ (Listen, play kindly, sit still) and also for the leader to _______(Show kindness, be patient etc)
Now, please know that this prayer was not prayed in the self righteous manner of those mentioned in Matthew 6
 “And when you pray, do not be like the hypocrites, for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the street corners to be seen by others. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward in full.  But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.  And when you pray, do not keep on babbling like pagans, for they think they will be heard because of their many words.  Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him.
  
The point of this prayer is to really and truly ask for God's leading and help. 
It is tempting  to look in every direction for assistance instead of God, when it comes to teaching children.  
So this brings me the crux of my post today. I learned to follow this method in BSF, but I was forgetting to do this very important thing at home. 

I would direct the children and try to lead my children in different directions but, I was forgetting the most important thing to do and that was to PRAY!  I was reminded when I read this passage in Philippians- 

Philippians 4:6-7 Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, shall guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
It is funny how we spend  time worrying and fretting about growing Godly kids but,  forget where we best find the strength

 ~on our knees~  

 

As a Mom, I am working on getting down with them, looking them in the eye, and praying to God for wisdom in that specific character trait.  Also, asking for him to work on my own character and make it more like his own. I am impressed by the difference I see in my children and their reaction towards these attitudes.

My daughter recently threw her brother's shoe into a creek. As a consequence I told her to wade through the creek and get it back out. As she stepped into the water I heard her ask "God, give me the strength to get the shoe, help me God"
Though I was saddened by her carelessness with the shoe, I was excited to hear her ask God for help, As she got out she beamed "Mom, God gave me the strength to do it"
I want them to be aware of how close God is and that he is our accessible heavenly father. As God's children we need to communicate, praise, worship and ask for his help in areas where we need it.
I am so thankful for God's continued faithfulness even in the midst of my struggles in parenting.
Psalm 145:18
The LORD is near to all who call upon Him, To all who call upon Him in truth.

Happy Birthday My Little Guy!

Well Mr Man, we made it through age 2! It was quite a year from start to finish.
I always thought of myself as patient, loving and gentle. Then, you came a long and I learned a lot about myself and how far the Lord had to go in refining my behavior in those areas.

You started this year off saying very little at all. In fact, there was much concern about why you were not talking, and if you would start saying more.
You have surprised me in so many ways! Now, you tell me that  certain foods are delicious or "My favorite food is hot dogs"  or "Me play for 2 minutes and then sleep"
We actually have beautiful little conversations now!
You adore singing, my favorite thing you sing is "Deep And Wide" you sing it over and over and over and over again. I also love after hearing "Moon Moon Moon" you say "Pizza pie? Oh, Pizza Pie Yum Yum"

Your favorites right now are being pushed on the swing,playing in the sandbox, doing puzzles, visiting Bella's classroom, eating scrambled eggs, pretending with cars and little people.

I love taking you to Trader Joes where you push the cart just like a gentleman. You guide it around the store and sit to eat your sample in the same spot, in the same way each week. It is our tradition.
You also, love picking out our corn chips and placing them in your cart.
You are a very specific little boy. You like things a certain way, in a certain place at a certain time. This has been interesting for me, as a very creative person who does not care for such things.
It is nice to have a different personality around the house.

You mean the world to me my son, I am so thankful God brought you into my heart and home. Raising you is a sleep inducing and BEAUTIFUL process!  The Lord has been so faithful in my life. He knew you would be the perfect little boy for me. I am treasuring our time.

Newborn Conner

Now, a big boy!

Mothers Want List

I want my children to be outgoing, friendly and easily adapt to new situations.
I want my children to bright, happy, shining lights.
I want them to ask questions, wait for answers and then ask some more.
I want them to learn to obey with a cheerful heart, and to obey when no one is watching
(That is the most important kind of obedience)
I want their hearts to pant after God's, not because it is my religion but because of the relationship THEY have with Christ.
I want them to hard workers and to go the extra mile.
I want them to make mistakes because that is how you learn. Children don't learn when parents always place them in circumstances where they can not fail.
I want my children to be weird or quirky each in their own delicious way!
I want them to laugh through out life.
I want them to be content with what God brings their way.
I want them to be grateful for what God bring their way.
I want them to always be looking to provide random acts of kindness to those around.
I want the choices they make, be made not because they want to please Mom or Dad but, because they want to please the almighty LORD.
That way when they leave home, their morality is dictated by God's word and not a parent. This carries far more authority then I ever could.
I want them to go to the Lord in prayer for all things.
I want God's praises on their lips when they lay down and when they get up.
I want them to save them selves sexually for their spouse.

Now, all these things I commit to God. I have said what I want but, ultimately I have to lay that before him. He is the one controlling our lives. His perfect timing and plan will happen just as he wishes.

The Sunshine Of My Life

This little gal is such a blessing from God!

9 Ways To Be A Better Mom

Taken from imom.com

I loved this! Practical advice! 

 

1. Be the early bird.

Have your ducks in a row before your kids get up…
Quiet Time, Showered, Dressed, Lunches and Breakfast Made, Gear Packed

2. Eat a good breakfast. 

Coffee doesn’t count, but an apple and a glass of milk do!

3. Leave the nest on time. 

Lower your stress by not running late.

4. Greet your kids joyfully.

Soar together into the afternoon.

5. Exercise and make time for family fun.

Health and laughter are good for all.

6. Birds of a feather flock together…for dinner.

No TV, gadgets or distractions.

7. Make time for sweet pillow talk.

Let the dishes, emails and the TV wait.

8. Get your ducks in a row.

Review to-dos. Lay out clothes. Read emails. Check calendar. Plan dinner. Pray.

9. Go to bed on time.

A rested mom is a patient and loving mom.
      “He will cover you with his feathers,
      and under his wings you will find refuge.”

A Mom's Perspective

As a Mom, I can sometimes feel rather humble about my job. I am not in charge of a big company, I am kind of the CEO of handing out water bottles and potty breaks. This job can sometimes feel like the most overwhelming and exhausting job there ever could be. In frustrated moments of saying "Use good table manners" for the umpteenth time I pull at my hair and ask "Am I doing anything right?" Then I remind myself that character building takes time. Good behavior is not natural, our sin natures are constantly urging us to do the wrong thing. If I as a parent struggle with it, why I am I surprised that my kids do to? It is my job to share God's word, and help them fight against those natural urges.

Actually, let's try that again, it is not my job it is my privilege and joy. Children need to be nurtured, loved and guided in the way that is right. God's word says:

2 Timothy 3:16-17 All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be competent, equipped for every good work.

This is what I want for my children.
For them to be equipped for every good work.
To eventually stand firm for the kingdom of God in trial and tribulation.
To shine brightly for his kingdom.
I do not want them to just get by, till they leave my home.

Today, as we played in the yard, Miss Bella sang "I am going to shine my light in Redding,California and not hide it under the bushel" Though the lyrics were mashed together the message was clear. It was in that moment I raised my tired eyes to the Father above and whispered "Thank you" I knew, my job was not little, and yes I was not doing everything wrong. Being a mother means daily laying your life at the cross and clinging to Christ. In your own strength you are not capable but, with him you are made strong.

It is worth it all.... God's word clearly says that children are important

Psalm 127:3-5  Behold, children are a heritage from the LORD, the fruit of the womb a reward. Like arrows in the hand of a warrior are the children of one’s youth. Blessed is the man who fills his quiver with them! He shall not be put to shame when he speaks with his enemies in the gate.

 

I close with these words~

Only one life, 'twill soon be past,  

Only what's done for Christ will last

Cooking With Littles

Yesterday was my first day to introduce young Master C to the wonderful world of cooking. We made a delicious, healthy pumpkin bread.
I set all of our gear out, attempted to think of any items he could get into and we were off!
He poked his little hands in the bowl, stirred with his spoon and laughed while he cracked the eggs together.
It was the kind of morning where a mom takes a step back and whispers thanks to God for the joy of a child.

It's good!

It can be frustrating and messy to cook with little guys.
They want to go left but you need them right, batter gets dropped, salt gets poured, and baked goods might not look perfect.
The thing is, if we don't take the time to teach them then who will? I admit, as much as I would like to have them in there cooking with me more I don't. For a while I will be pretty good about it but, then old habits creep in and I tell Bella "Maybe tomorrow you can help"
If you take the time and patience needed from the beginning, as they grow they will be a help to you.
Also, it is great character training for Mom! I have learned how far I have to go while doing this.

If you are ready to go and try it out, here is a good recipe! 

• 3 1/4 cups whole wheat pastry flour
• 1 cup white sugar and 1 cup brown
• 2 teaspoons baking soda
• 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
• 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 2 cups solid pack pumpkin puree
• 2/3 cup water
• 1 full cup of applesauce
• 4 eggs
• Grease and flour two loaf pans Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).wo
• Measure flour, sugar, baking soda, salt, and spices into a large bowl. Stir to blend. Add pumpkin, water, applesauce, eggs, and nuts. Beat until well combined. Pour batter into prepared pans.
• Bake for approximately 1 hour

Reversible Change & Mud Play

A few days ago while washing the car my dear daughter became interested in the mud she could create.

 So, the Muddy Way was created, and so named by her.
( I like to think she has a touch of the Anne with an e girl in her)

She played and enjoyed all the dirty goodness around her.

The next day, all of the mud had dried into hard,
tough dirt in our warm Redding sun.
She asked why the mud was all gone and it was a perfect chance to tell her about reversible change.
The changing state of an object.
I showed her that by adding water, to the dirt we could change it back into soft mud.
It was a simple easy lesson made possible by everyday life.
Another great way to talk about reversible change is to melt ice cubes or small blocks of ice.
You can use warm water to talk about melting quickly or slowly.
When you are finished with your water-play
refreeze the water and show how it goes back to its original form.
As a mom, I am trying to remember to be in a constant-learning/teaching mindset.

Getting Our Hearts In The Right Spot

Something that I struggle with on a daily basis is the the condition of my heart.
On the outside, I try and do the things I am supposed to do
      -Pastor's Wife,
            Wife
               Mom,
                  Housecleaner,
                            Community Volunteer.
On the inside though, my heart has a little mind of it's own.
These things are done with the poorest of poor attitudes.
If their places were reversed and my heart attitude was on the outside...
oh, what a site that would be.
It is one thing to do our every day tasks and services
but, is another thing entirely to do them with the right heart attitude.
It is a pretty easy to cook dinner and grumble inside about it... how about we try thanking God for the meal we get to prepare. It would be a whole different ballgame then :)

1st Corinthians 13:13

And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.

 In my life this is my struggle, filling my heart with love in the midst of stressful circumstances.
Some of the ways this plays out in real life are as follows.
They may seem simple but, sometimes the most simple of things can be the most helpful.

1. Music
I have noticed a very direct connection between the music in my life and the state of my heart.
If I put on fast-paced songs,
it is funny how in only a few moments my kids are getting angry at each other.
My stress level goes up and it cycles around.
We like fun songs, and I do have a great love for oldies :)
For the most part though,
I try to have slow, calming and worshipful music on in the house.
Playlist.com is a great place to put music lists together.
This helps me greatly in the day!
1 Chronicles 16:9 "Sing to Him, sing psalms to Him; talk of all His wondrous works!"

 

2. Starting the day off with God

When you begin the day with God's word in your heart, 

it seems like it stays in you, and is ready to pop up at all of the frustrations of the day. 

I have my own quiet time and am currently reading through 1 Peter.

It is a nice time to reflect on God's word. 

Then, after breakfast the kids and I sit in the living room (Well Bella and I sit while Conner rolls around) 

We sing two-three songs, do scripture memory, and read from our Egermeier Bible Storybook 

I recommend it highly, and here is a link if you are interested.Egermeier Bible Storybook 

My father used to read stories to me as a child and it made God's word come alive!   

All of this seems to help us put the right heart attitude on for the day.

2nd Timothy 3:16

All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness

3. Night-time prep

I find that I can be a much more cheerful mom and wife if I get ready the night before. 

Depending on our schedule for the day, we could be home all, part or none of the day 

(It changes from day to day) 

So, I need to have the dishes washed, lunch or breakfast made and clothes laid out. 

This seems like the most simple of all but, for some reason it is the hardest to commit to. 

9 o-clock pm rolls around and I struggle to remember how important this is!

You would think I would listen to proverbs a little bit more? 

Proverbs 14:1
The wise woman builds her house, but with her own hands the foolish one tears hers down.

4. Sleep, a full good night

Need I explain more?

 

5. Take a break

Sometimes it is needed. We all get overcome and overwrought with work. 

Step back your work if you can. 

Sit down, pray and drink some tea or water. 

Use this time to focus on getting your attitude and heart back to where it needs to be. 

It is in these moments I am reminded of the faithfulness of God 

and how is molding me and changing me to be more like him. 

I just need to choose to obey and do the right thing. 

Please pray for me as I continue to try and obey God in this area. 

Getting the heart where it needs to be and keeping it there.

Fun Spring-Time Craft!

We enjoyed our Easter weekend very much.
We ended it with an exciting craft on this cloudy Easter day.
I got the idea from here

Egg Carton Flowers

The basic idea is:
Take egg cartons and cut out the little four-cornered sections.
Gather your paint supplies!
Get some pipe cleaners and mini pom poms

Paint the "flowers" and allow to dry.
Insert a pipe cleaner for the stem, fold a little green pipe cleaner for a leaf and end with glueing a pom pom in the center of the flower. Presto, your kiddos have fun and pretty much think you are a hero!
What more could you want? (Plus I think it is eco-friendly)
Here are some photos of our fun

My flower, Bella loved it because it was purple

Yep, Bella was here!

Isabella really REALLY enjoyed this craft. She worked so hard at painting her little flowers. A good time.
Perhaps soon, you will find us Walters doing this craft too Egg Carton Caterpiller

The My Own Boy

The My Own Boy

           Melissa Walters

It's when I call you Big Man and My boy, among other things
The waves you give, the grins you show and all the joy it brings

Stumbling, tumbling then at last walking
Pretty soon my boy, your mouth will be talking

I watch you, as I am quiet like a mouse
While you, in contrast make your presence known in this house

Clapping with me as you find your way
Bonding, loving more each and every day

Right now, you laughed as I was shown a toy
I just smiled and said you are my own  boy

You are my own boy, that is what I say.
It is you though, that prove it in every way

I hold you now, I watch you close at hand
Soon, far to soon, you will leave this land.

A grown up man, all dressed so fine
In my heart though, still mine.

The time you have given Mom is all joy
Because you are my own little boy

Giving Up Motherhood

I watched this clip of the today show, this evening and was so troubled by it, that I had to post.

Today Show Woman Walks Away From Motherhood


I am so overwhelmed with sadness for this woman.
She states toward the end of the interview
"That is something, that I did not want to do, give up my life for someone else"
I was struck dumb by this selfish statement.
As mother's it is an honer and privilege to help your children
become who they will be.
It is not giving up your life, it is pouring your life into another human soul.

I was also appalled when, the therapist responds to the poll results and basically claims that the people answering the poll were judgemental.
How is stating that I could not leave my child for 6 months or at all,
judgemental?
Why is it, that the people who are sitting there staring you down,
claiming to be the most opened-minded are in fact demonstrating the opposite?
With arms flung wide, they cry
"Freedom for all"
then in hushed tones they whisper
"As long as your side is with our side"

Unbeknown est to her, in pursuit of her highest self,
this woman has sacrificed something.
She gave up her husband and children.
She will reap earthly rewards indeed.
This book is up for several awards, so I am sure in that way she will win
        In the end though,
               I wonder if she will be able to say that living for self was worth it?

Sippy Cups?

Quick thought for the transition between sippy cups and the world of adult drinking glasses.
Recently, I read a blog post from a mom who uses Mason jars and Baby food jars.
I do the same thing with Miss Bean-Bella so I thought I'd just make a quick plug for them on here.

Our glass, cups are just too heavy for her, but the plastic ones seem to tip over a lot.
The small glass mason jars are just perfect for her to hold on to.
Not to large and not to small.

Plus they can go hot or cold. (sometimes we do cocoa in them)
A nice thing to keep in mind when you pick up mason or bell jars
is, that after little one is done using it as a cup.... you have huge amounts of storage options.
I use mine to keep bulk spices in, popcorn kernels, baking soda, base for iced tea, pencils, vases etc
If you like the country or vintage style, they come in handy and stylish!!

Five Year Reflection

Five years ago today, I found out my son was dead.
Around 48 hours later he was placed in my arms,
still warm from his home in the womb.
His limbs did not move, nor did eyes open 
He was cradled and prayers were given as we said goodbye.
Each year, at this time, I can be found writing, thinking and praying about him.

I try and honor his memory in some small way.
I am not stuck in a rut of misery, nor am I unable to let go of the past.
Long ago, I accepted his death and counted it joy.
(He is serving his Father in heaven after all)
I write and remember because as his Mom I want his life to count.
Each mother feels this way about her child.
They want their life to have meaning.
Some desire a daughter to be a doctor
One sees the future of a missionary in their young son's eyes
still others see them as a shining student at Bible College.
Whatever it might be, they want their children to MEAN SOMETHING.

If you say goodbye to a child early there is the feeling that their life meant nothing.
When anyone passes, they leave a hole in the life behind them.
With a child though, there is no loss of what they were, there is only the loss of what ifs.

Occasionally, even after five years,
the angst of his life meaning nothing creeps in.
Then, I am surrounded by the comfort of the
almighty God who is so tender and merciful to us all.
I am reminded that, his life counted for everything.
He is where I want to be.
It is as though we are all in line for an amazing musical,
and his place in line was bumped up to get in earlier.
While I, am outside waiting still.
He is serving God!
He is serving God along with many other children called home early.
Their lives do not count for nothing,
     because we have hope,
              because we have the light of salvation

We need not fear death, be it the death of our children, our parents or dear friends
If they trust in their Savior they will live eternally with him.
That is the effect my Son had on me!
He made me realize what an awesome God I serve
and that makes me proud to be his Mother.

That is his legacy.

Alexander Joseph

Conner is nearly 11 months

Oh where do I begin? Conner is about to turn 11 months old.
I can not believe that I have almost had a full year with my precious boy!
He is starting to take more steps then ever before.
He is up to 3-4 at a time and tries so hard to chase after Bella.
He is an extreemly fast crawler, so with that happening
I do not think he will walk as quickly as his sister did.
Conner is a man who knows his own mind.
He tries to open all of our cupboard and enjoys assualting the TV with toys.
Our discipline has been swift and not so silent, so we shall see how things go.
Conner loves his sister more every day.
She is still his favorite person and he enjoys starting to play with her little set ups around the house.
Conner looks like Daddy but, he is Mommy's boy.
He loves to poke his fingers in my ears and giggles mightly to himself.
He is a wonderful strong-minded, sweet boy!
Thank you Lord for the blessings of these months.

My Daughter

My little Bob The Builder

I stare at her everyday and wonder
how I got to be this blessed.
I tell her she is my best girl and a gift from God.
How much of a gift, she may never know.

I love watching her process the world,
how she soaks in life and pours out energy.


She dives headlong into everything.

She loves all the way and hates things just as passionatly.

Favorite place

Everytime I drop something in the house
I hear her little voice "You ok Mommy, I just checking"
When her brother is hurt I hear
"It alright Conner, here is a toy here, take a toy"
She loves swinging.... not a day goes by that I don't get asked to go out and
"Swing higher, higher Mommy"
Today I was informed that she can get  on the swing by herself. Part of me was a little sad. My little girl growing up.
She now puts her milk in the fridge when she is done drinking it...
because as she says "Milk need stay cold so very cold"

God is an amazing God isn't he?
I am so grateful to him for letting me be Mom to Miss Isabella :)
She is a heart warmer.

See my shovels Mommy

She loves her wee boots

Learning Time

About a week ago I started some fun and new with Bella.
"Learning Time" as we call it, looks something like this.

9:00am -Starfall work time (It is a phonics website)
9:15-Read a book or watch a book read on youtube
9:25-Hands on time (Studying different leaves, rocks or cutting out shapes etc)
9:40-Body Movement and Rhythm (Fancy way to say we grab instruments, put on some music and dance)

Couch Time

9:55- Couch Quiet Time w/Bible study
( I read her a bible story and she sits on the couch till the timer beeps)

Our story book

10:25- End

She loves this and asks if she can do school all the time.
So far we have done a Mon, Thurs, Fri Schedule.
Our commitments fall in such a way as to not allow us to do it Tues or Wed.
I don't push her in this and am just enjoying her love of our "learning time"

And So Dawns The Light Of Knowledge

I am amazed to watch children grow and develop. It has been a privilege to watch my children arrive in the world, blink a few times and then proceed to acclimate.
From the first smile on.... it is all about learning of this place we call "The World"

Recently, Bella has become tuned into so many things and it is
fun, interesting and at times head-scratching to explain this ol' world to her.

Yesterday when I took her out for lunch... she was rocking in her chair. 
I reached out my hand and opened my mouth. Before words exit, she says,
" I will beeee careful mommy, not want to fall down get hurt... so I be careful. I stop now.... not want to fall down and hit my head"
I quickly said
"Well, ya pretty much took the words right out of my mouth and yes, I would like you to stop now"

Some of her favorite things to tell me are:
"My God is always watching me"
" I am waiting for my Daddy, I miss him so much, I wait right here"
"No Conner man no! He being bad mommy, spank him now?"
Said to me the other while she was taking a bath
"I like floating here with my eyes closed"
Also her feelings on her pajamas
"When I put on my jammies.... no! My PA-jammies I feel all warm and cozy"

These are just a few things that brighten my days during the winter months.
Children are beautiful gifts from the LORD and I firmly believe in treasuring them.

My BSF Experience

As of September the little folks and I started going to Bible Study Fellowship, on Wednesday mornings.
For years, I had been interested in checking out their meetings
but, things seemed to always get in the way.
This year, I purposed nothing would stop me!
I have only been going for about four weeks
but, already Wed is starting to be my favorite day.

Let me start with how it is excellent for my children:

For Conner
The ladies who lead his group, cuddle, sing hymns and pray for him during my meeting.
They have a schedule that they follow and it is very tight.
They recently started accepting infants into the program,
because they wanted young mothers to be able to come and dive into the word.
So this is a new part of the program for them.

For Bella,
again they follow a schedule, with a lesson time, sing time, prayer time and quiet time etc.
She learns from Isaiah just like I do!
She loves going and asks me to see "Friends and Sing Songs" on Wed morning.
This is not a playgroup or babysitting service.
They want to start sharing the Lord with your kids at a young age.
You get a hand out each week and are strongly encouraged to work on Scripture Memory
and go over the lesson with the children. 

Lastly, for me....
I have around 25 questions to work through on a daily basis before our meeting day.
They ask that if you don't have your lessons done, you refrain from speaking.
They want clear,concise and well thought out answers.
You go into a discussion group where there is a leader who keeps you moving through your questions.
She helps promote the ladies going back and forth to truly dig out new ideas.
After this, we head into the main room for our lesson time.
We get a 45 minute lecture on the chapter of Isaiah we just finished.
So after a Wed meeting,
I have read the word, 
      discussed the word 
             and heard the word. 
This is like no bible study I have ever been to.
They are quite strict and want you to be committed as far as attendance and participation
but, are always loving about it.
I recommend trying a meeting out, it might surprise you how much this will strengthen your relationship with God through fellowship and the intense study of his word.

Here is a link if you'd like to check it out

History Of Bible Study Fellowship

Then, Came The Magic

Not sure when I noticed it... 

Was it when Conner devoured a magazine?
Was it when Bella gleefully ran after deer?
Perhaps it was when Bella, while helping mom do dishes cried
"Ding" and crashed into my bowl (breaking it)
I think maybe it was seeing Bella run down the hall

with puffy boots on, 

jammies, 

wearing a gold necklace and talking on her "cell"
Thinking it could have been Bella saying  

"Need strawberry short-cake girl Mommy, I get it" 
and throwing toys out behind her as she dug for the needed toy.
Could it simply be Conner smiling up at me as I rocked him before bed?
Maybe as Bella had two stuffed animals play mommy and baby?

Honestly, I can not pinpoint the moment of moments this evening.

You know it........

that time when all else falls away and there is simply the joy of children in the house.
That moment when you are incandescently happy!
As I  pulled the last load of laundry from the washing machine,
I stopped and looked down the hall to see
my precious little girl dancing, 
wearing those puffy boots again, 
pajamas 
and twirling the gold necklace.
Such a special moment!
I am not one of those super-obsessed stage moms :)
I believe in a healthy enjoyment of kids and the things they offer.
I take the good and the bad...
realizing it is all for the glory of the kingdom of God.
It is a night like this though, that I look back on when I am struggling to find blessing in a situation.

A night like this where a gentle reassurance from the Lord seems to descend and all is right with the world.