Farewell to Maine

Maine made us feel so very loved!

Mommy's Birthday

It's been several months since my birthday, but it was so precious that I have to record it so I will remember it forever!

For my birthday, each child decided (completely on their own!!!) what they would like to make me / give me for my birthday.  Their creativity and independence was impressive! :)

First, Wiggles knew I like scarves, so she decided to 'make' me a scarf to wear.  With Angel's help, they raided my fabric stash, found a cute piece of cloth, cut it into strips, and hand stitched them together into a scar for me.  It was adorable!!!

Then, Angel came up with the clever idea to craft some puppets and put on a puppet show for me.  She collected all of the materials on her own, and I was so impressed with her finished product!

Next, Grins surprised me with the performance of a primary song in ASL.  This meant so much to me because he does NOT enjoy learning sign language, but knows I think it is beautiful and enjoy watching it.  Truly a thoughtful gift from the heart!

Finally, the children and the Mr. all pampered me with what has now become a tradition: "Mommy Spa".  They apply an oatmeal-avocado mask on my face, cucumbers on my eyes, and then spoil me with manicures and pedicures, complete with massages and fragrant lotions.  It is better than any spa I've ever been to!!!  (My view during the heavenly foot massage:)

My children (and husband) are so generous, inventive, thoughtful and dear.  I love them with all of my heart, and feel so deeply blessed to have them in my life!!!

Mommy's Birthday

I want to remember this birthday forever because of the precious gifts the kids gave to me!  As budgets have been tight and space has been sparse, I have been encouraging home made gifts for awhile - but to me, even more than saving our budget is how thoughtful homemade gifts can be.  It was SO special to see my children come up with their own ideas for a thoughtful, 'homemade' gift they thought I would enjoy.  That was the best gift in itself!

Angel, completely on her own, decided to create and perform a puppet show.  She created the theater and even came up with the spoon puppets all on her own!  I had no idea what she was doing....she kept asking me for supplies like my hot glue gun, yarn, etc, but I had no idea what she was up to and was surprised with the incredibly creative finished product!  The puppet with the hat is me; the other is her.

Grins' gift actually brought tears to my eyes!!!  In home school, we are working on learning sign language.  My girls are really into it, but Grins does not enjoy it at all.  He usually puts up a fight

and it generally takes a LOT of persuasion to get him to participate.  So when he told me he had learned - and was going to perform (another thing he doesn't enjoy) a song in sign language - I recognized what a sacrifice he had made for me.  I think it was the most thoughtful gift I have ever received!!

The clip is SUPER short because he didn't want to be filmed, so I only got a split second, but it's something. :)
Wiggles made a little scarf for me since I am always cold. :) What a sweetie!  I was sure I had taken a picture but can't find it now. :(  But it was very sweet as well.  I am such a wonderfully blessed woman to have such precious children!!

Saying Goodbye to Pal

Our friend Sarah Rowell has a sweet, very old dog named Pal.  Since Sarah is like family to us, her dog has become like a family member to us too!  Sadly, Pal became more and more ill and in pain, and Sarah decided it was time to put him out of his misery.  We went with them to the veterinarian to say goodbye, and to support Sarah.

  

One final picture with Pal.

Angel and Grins each wrote Pal a beautiful good bye card. (they left them there with him).  Angel's said the following: 

"Dear Pal, I will miss you!  You have been such a good dog!  Even though I know you'll be happy in Heaven, it's hard to see you go!  I will miss you!  I love you!  Love, (Angel)"  

They read their notes to Pal as he was falling asleep.  Angel had SUCH a hard time saying goodbye - she cried and cried.  But we were grateful to be there with him, loving him and gently stroking him as he slipped out of this old body and into the next life.  We'll see him again someday! :)

My nurturing children

These pictures aren't very good or exciting, but I just want to preserve this memory of how nurturing my sweet children are!  We often have little friends come play while their moms have appointments - and sometimes the little ones miss their mommies!  I try consoling them, but most often it is my children (usually Angel or Grins) wwho are best at comforting the little ones. 

This little guy in particular started to cry, and Grins gently comforted him.  He was happy and hopped up to play, but the next time he was sad, he wanted only Grins.  He went and plopped himself right down in Grins' lap every time he was sad - it was the sweetest thing!  Grins, of course, loved it!!

Love my sweet kiddos!

A Change of Heart

(Warning: Journal Entry post - simply for my purposes and will be boring to others.)

Several months ago, I was feeling weary in my duties of motherhood.  I let myself become discouraged and frustrated that, no matter how many load of laundry I washed, dried and put away, the laundry hampers were still heaping.  No matter how many hours I put into planning and preparing meals, there were always 3 more meals to prepare the next day.  No matter how often I wiped fingerprints off the windows, they were always smudged within minutes.  I grew tired and felt my responsibilities were mundane and insignificant.  I even found myself resenting my children for their lack of gratitude, their seeming ignorance of all I do for them, and the messes they continue to make.

I finally awoke to the fact that such thoughts were destructive.  I realized that this mentality was not productive, and was only hurting me and my family.  So I decided to adjust my attitude.  But I could not.  At least, not at first.  Every day, I found myself tired, angry and resentful.  And, most of all, frustrated that I could not 'break out' of that pattern of thinking.  At long last, I finally realized that I couldn't do it on my own, and made it a matter of more sincere, purposeful prayer.  Slowly, little by little, I found myself changed.  It was so slow it was almost imperceptible; in fact, I really hadn't realized how much I had changed until today.

Today, as I was walking through the aisles at the grocery store with Wiggles, I found myself truly enjoying the experience of grocery shopping.  (Something that, months ago, caused me so much stress.)  I had SO much joy in hearing Wiggles chattering and singing to herself as I read labels and searched for items.  My heart was overflowing with gratitude for my husband who works so hard to provide such delicious and healthy food for our family (among other things.)  I was thinking of my beautiful children as I purchased food for them; thinking of making Angel's favorite soup as I collected the items, or imagining Grins scarfing down his favorite salad.  I was feeling so blessed and honored to have the daily privilege of cooking for such wonderful people whom I love and adore.  

Later, as I returned home and focused on other household tasks, I continued to find pleasure in my duties.  I smiled as Wiggles helped me fold the towels (she does such a great job, and takes so much pride in her work!), and I laughed as I discovered 'secret' objects in pant pockets (it's amazing how many items Angel can stuff into her pockets!!!)  I even enjoyed cleaning, as I picked up books we had read the day before, and put away supplies from our recent craft project.  

I no longer view my 'mundane' tasks as burdens - I now, truly, see them as delights.  I no longer yearn for an immaculate, spotless, picture-perfect home, because I realize that MY home is perfect because of the adorable people who dwell within it - fingerprints and all!  I no longer avoid doing certain projects with the children (baking, making volcanoes, playing with playdoh, etc) out of fear of the mess they'll make - I EMBRACE the opportunity to DO something fun with my children!!  It is difficult to describe, but I am truly so grateful, and feel so blessed, to be able to serve my family in so many ways, each and every day.  

As if this change of heart were not enough, I have seen it 'trickle down' to my children!!  I've found that, as I am more joyful in my service, and more positive in my thoughts, I am naturally just happier.  I am more appreciative and complimentary of my children.  And they, in turn, are much happier and more pleasant to be around (and usually much better helpers!)  It is totally a Win-Win!!

Tonight, in Grins' prayers, he said "Thank you for giving me such kind and caring parents...."  This touched my heart so deeply - not because I felt proud or that I have been particularly kind and caring, but simply because I realized that, as I have made more of an effort, the Lord has increased the love and kindness in our home, more than I could have dreamed.  

I am SO grateful for a God of miracles - a God who can change my heart when I simply can't do it on my own.  I am exceedingly grateful for the opportunity I have to be a wife and mother, and to be able to spend this precious time with my delightful children and husband.  They mean EVERYTHING to me.  I am truly SO blessed.