What they're saying...

MICHAEL

"Is it time for dinner? Yes or no.

"Are we going to go to Target? Yes or no.

"Will you open the garage for me?"  Yes or no.

I am constantly telling Michael that we are doing something "tomorrow".  So something he says quite often is... "Is today tomorrow?"  or "Is it tomorrow today?"

Meredith

"Ah, no fair!" (whenever another sibling gets something she wants)

"Okay Mommy, I have 2 questions. 

Number 1...

Number 2..."

or

"Mommy, I have 2 things to talk to you about.

Number 1...

Number 2...

Maddie

"Oh yeah, I forgot."

and

"I'm so glad to be home".

Marky

"So, like, you know, like, the other day, like..."

or

"IDK"

I love seeing how different the kids are.  They each have their own way of making me smile and talking with them, listening to them, observing them... these are my favorite things!!!  They are all so special and fun. 

Trying to see the half-full glass

Tonight we had our first bonk to Michael's head which prompted a rush over to Urgent Care.  The  moment I saw all of the blood spurting from my little boy's head, I knew this was a job for more than mom - it needed much more.  What is amazing to me, is how my other kids (as well as Michael) acted like this was just a normal everyday occurence.  We all remained calm, they followed my instructions, it was as if we had a game plan in place just in case this happened.  I am so absolutely floored with how well my kids did tonight.  Me, I am at the edge of it.  I'm about to break down having to handle all of this.  And really "all of this" is not much.  There are mamas with much sicker kiddos out there.  Children who are dying, who are terminally ill, who have much more to bear than just "dermobond".  But for me, tonight was a challenge.  I am so thankful for...

• my mom - came right over to help out with the other kids.  Thank you for your sacrifice of love for us.  
• my Marky  - she was the first one to come to Michael's bleeding head and acted with such a cool head
• my Maddie - girl: she came with Michael and me to Urgent Care and helped me carry stuff and sign stuff and was a support to me beyond her 9 years of age. 
• my Meredith Grace - always a sweet girl; told Michael that she hoped he felt better moments after we got home; so caring.
• Urgent Care - they were very kind to this spazzed out mama, covered in her son's blood
• Papa Johns - delivering and making us dinner 
• Fetzer Chardonnay - for making me wine
• Max and Molly - the doggies "somehow" know that Michael is hurt.  They are paying a lot of attention to their favorite boy
• my darling baby boy: You were so brave when the doctor was gluing your cut back together.  I'm so sorry that this happened to you and if I could  take away your pain I would.  I'm so proud of you for sitting so still when the doctor told you to.  I know that you were in a lot of pain.  It couldn't have been easy.  I love you and will take good care of you.  

Anticipation

Right now, I am counting down the hours until we pick the girls up from school and head off into the sunset.  Well, not exactly, cuz it will be earlier than sunset and we're driving north not west, but anyway... We are "getting away" for the weekend and it is TIME.  I'm so excited to be with my family nonstop for the weekend.  Playing at the pool, room service, towels on the floor, Disney channel and Man vs Wild on the tele, beds staying unmade, clothes staying unfolded, good book on the bedside table, memories tucked away and laughter shared.  This will indeed be a happy Mother's Day for me. Being together with the ones who gave me the privilege to celebrate this day.  Being a mom.  To my beautiful, lovely, kiddos.  My favorite things about mothering these 4 lovelies are:

• celebrating how unique each one of my kids are 
• hearing the beat of their heart from the words that come out of their mouths
• watching their "style" develop as they express themselves through their outward appearance 
• loving their interactions with Daddy 
• knowing that the laundry that I fold and the dishes that I wash are for people that I dearly love
• having memories of vacations and special days that we will never forget
• hugs
• observing the differences between them and finding ways to encourage those differences
• teaching them about the Lord as they teach me even more about Him
• showing them God's love
• seeing their personalities through their schoolwork 
• walking into their bedrooms and appreciating their individuality
• exploring life with my kids and Patrick through the adventures and vacations that we go on

I am a blessed mama.  It is a calling that has been placed on my life.  Only God can give me the wisdom, gentleness and creativity for the job.  Some days are harder than others; some days have more tears and frustration than laughter.  But when I look for the good over the bad, it is there and I recognize it as the absolute best thing in my life.  I believe that God is using my role as mom to fulfill His purpose for my life, and that my children are the "good works" that God prepared in advance for me to do. (Ephesians 2:10)