Day Date

I had such a fun afternoon date with my handsome, kind , super sweet MADD-man. Gosh, we don't get near enough time alone! He is truly spectacular! We talked about LEGOs, fun games played at school (which, by the way he was super excited about because they were playing a form of knockout game and he was he last one standing!), and we had the most amazing conversation about what he wants to do when he grows up and gets a job. He said "momma, how do I know what to do when I need a job" My response was simple "well, you try to find something you love to do, and you do it the best you can....if you could do anything at all, what would make you the happiest?" I can honestly tell you, my heart wasn't fully ready for his response. He looked up at me with his expressive brown eyes and said "mom, I would be the happiest being a missionary in Africa. I want to tell people about Jesus". Oh my mercy, I am so proud of the love for The Lord he is gaining everyday. I love that he longs to share the love of Christ to the world. I have no doubt he will do great things for Christ!!

(Now, please excuses me as I curl up in a ball and cry at the thought of my baby boy leaving me and living in Africa....)

Precious Boys

Oh my precious boys. As you left the house today, on your way to school, I was struck with a powerful urge to drop to my knees and pray for you both. I have no doubt that you two boys will change the world someday. Your spunk, energy and  tenacity will move mountains. 

Oh sweet Maddox, I pray you take your time today. Soak everything in and don't be afraid to be content in the moment (just for a little while...your zest for life and for all things new is what is going to take you places in this world, just don't forget to slow down and do your best work first). You have such a kind a loving spirit. Look out for someone who needs a friend. Everybody needs a Maddox in their life!! 

Oh spunky Paxton. Be patient my love. You are heard! We all hear you and we know you can do amazing things. Don't let your frustrations hinder the amount of kindness and joy you are able to bring to everyone you meet. Simply use your words (in your normal speaking voice, please), you have wonderful things to say. You have so much love in that heart of yours, just be patient and show kindness. Continue to take your time and show off those coloring skills. Soak it all in today buddy and have fun being a kind and patient four year old!!

Ok boy! Today is your day. Go out and change the world!!

Pumpkins

Today my littlest love and I went to a small pumpkin patch held in the front lawn of a local church. It was so much fun! Harp LOVED all the pumpkins and ran from one grouping to the next, pointing out her favorite ones and saying the gourds were "yucky". 

She is at such a fun (and sassy) stage in life right now! When she is sweet, oh my stars, she simply melts your heart. 

She has so much spunk and a zest for life. She shows little fear and knows what she likes! I am so thankful for this season of life and I truly cherish the one on one time I get with her during the day. 

It shall come to no surprise to anyone that the precious pumpkin this little lady chose to bring home was a "baby" one. And, yes, she treats it like one of her babies...rocking it, talking sweetly to it, and even singing to it. So funny. Love my baby lovin little lady!

Great Day

I took my own advice, remembered my children are 2,4,6 and treated them to a frozen yogurt outing (thanks mom for picking the boys up from school being an extra set of hands for me). Harper had a great day at her class today. She played hard and made two of the same craft because she was having so much fun doing it! She was a happy happy girl today! Maddox had a great day at school, he played hard and was diligent with his work (he took his time and did his best work, rather than racing to be the first one finished). Paxton had a great day. No tallies, used a kind voice and was patient with others. 

Oh I am thankful The Lord heard my cries  for a better day. It was most certainly a great day!!!

2, 4, 6

Life lately has been fast and furious. After school homework, basketball practice, soccer practice, Little Gym classes, church classes....running from here to there and everywhere. Everyone (except for momma) does better when we are busy. Less time to argue, more alone time and more exercise. It's all great for them, but I am worn out. I'm exhausted. I'm not sleeping well at night. I am grumpy. I am easily irritated and I don't like it one bit. They deserve better. They would get in so much trouble if they acted the way I behave toward them sometimes. I am praying The Lord hears my cries for rest. I am tired of being the one to figure out how to help pax adjust to every day life situations without having a total melt down. I am tired of putting out arguments between the boys. I'm tired of begging Maddox to be a kind big brother to Paxton. I'm tired of asking Harper to please stop whining, or to talk like a big girl. I am wiped out. I need to refresh. I need a fresh start with the kids. I want to enjoy them. They are amazing little people and I am so blinded by my own exhaustion that I let them forget how special they truly are. I want to take the time to snuggle, or read one more story or simply giggle with my precious trio. I want to slow down and realize they are only 2, 4, and 6 years old. Not everything has to be viewed as such a big deal. And I want to give myself a break. I am in the thick of raising a 2, 4 and 6 year old. You mention their ages to anyone and you receive the sympathetic grin as if they are saying "you must have your hands full". Yup. You betcha. I have my hands full. I need to give my self the chance to take a breather and ask for help. Help. I'm drowning with my 2, 4 and 6 year old. 

I need to remind myself of all the wonderful traits they each have and they all walk, dance, jump and twirl to the beat of their own drumb. 

Welp, how's that for an uplifting and fun post. Ha. Maybe tomorrow. 

Brothers

"Brother let me be your shelter. I'll never leave you all alone. I can be the one you call when you're low. Brother let me be your fortress when the night winds are driving on.  Be the one to light the way...bring you home". -Needtobreathe

                                       

The lyrics to the song above has been my prayer for the boys. I pray they love and support and help each other all their lives. I pray for an unbreakable bond strong friendship! 

(On a funny sidenote, Harper is convinced that Paxton's name is "boys". Ha. Every time I call for them  I say boys, let's go, or boys time for dinner or boys play nice. Ha. 

                    

Happy

I'm pleased to report that miss Harper had a great day at Mother's Day out today! She cried when I left, recovered quickly and had a fantastic time painting, using glue and making a sweet friend. Her teacher said that Harper and this other super sweet little girl were the only two that didn't nap, and they kept sitting up to look at eachother, by the end of nap time they were sitting close together "whispering" to each other. How cute is that!?!

We even went to church this evening for Awanas...the kids Wednesday night program (which, by the way, Maddox thought was "iguanas" hahaha) and although she was not happy that I left her for her class, her teachers said she did great. She settled quickly and had a great time playing!!! Whew. So thankful she is getting the hang of things. She was such a happy and energetic girl this evening when I picked her up from class. Makes my heart happy!!!

And, because this is too funny not to post on here....there are just some battles not worth fighting....such as, your exhausted two year old refusing to take off her backpack in order to go to bed: