Kids make everything cuter

  You know that super annoying Barney song from like 20 years a go? Lucy just made that into the sweetest song ever :) She spent the whole morning singing it to me over and over. At every "with a great big hug and a kiss..." she came over, wrapped her arms around my leg and gave me a hug then tugged me down for a big kiss.

  Kids have this amazing way of taking something so small and ordinary, or even kind of lame, boring or annoying and making it into something fun, cute and adorable. They can put a huge smile on your face at the most unexpected moments.

  I love being a mommy <3

   

Mommy Monday: Mommy reflections

 Goooood Afternoon! I hope that this Monday finds you with some bright blue skies and sunshine like it does me! It's just impossible to be in a bad mood when it's bright and sunny out. I've got the windows open and I'm enjoying this fresh air after a stuffy winter!

 You would think with all this fresh air I'm breathing I would be able to think clear enough to come up with a topic for today's post. Nope, no such luck. All I can think about is what a terrific week I had with my kids! Last week was March break here, so I had all three of them, all day. I must admit, I was a bit worried. I've gotten use to the quiet time while Jake is at school.

  On days when Jake is at school the girls generally play happily together while I go about my business of cleaning and cooking. They nap without being woke up and wake up happy and ready to play again. We have lunch together and then some playtime together then Avary is generally ready for another nap. Having a very active and hyper five year old here really changes things.

  He usually ends up waking the girls up before they are ready, just by running down the hall, being too loud, or throwing a fit. He doesn't want them to touch his things when they are playing which almost always leads to a fight. It can get a little stressful. I love having him home, but I also love having the quiet, peaceful mornings to get most of my work done!

  This last week was a very pleasant surprise. Jake was the super awesome big brother, just like the ones in books or movies. He played so well with his sisters. He actually (without realizing it) kept them busy and I got some sorting and extra cleaning done that I've been wanting and needing too do. Lucy loved having her big brother home. She was his little mini me all week. She was very content to boycott mommy and follow her brother around instead. Even Avary got special attention from her big brother, who she totally adores!

  As if that all wasn't awesome enough, on top of getting to sort and do some spring cleaning, having the kids get along and entertain themselves and watching the kids just love and appreciate each other, Lucy finally got the hang of using the potty! It's been a big struggle here. She simply WANTED to wear diapers. I'm not sure if she was feeling a little jealous and didn't want to "grow up" or what. However, since mid last week there have only been a handful of accidents!! We have even ventured out to a restaurant, a play date and to church with her in panties. I'm so proud. It also kind of amazes me just how fast they change.

  A month a go Lucy was sleeping in a crib, wearing a diaper, having a sippy with milk before bed and naps and in love with her sookie. Now she is sleeping in a big girl bed, basically potty trained, and no longer getting a sippy before bed or naps. Now just to kick the sookie habit. I feel a little mama guilt because so much has changed for her in just a month. Then I look at her and see how she is flourishing and how proud she is of her new big girl status, and that makes me feel good. I know she's more then ok.

   Speaking of rapid change...Miss Avary is less then a month away from being ONE!! I cannot believe how fast this last year has gone by. I mean, I've said that after every child, but I do believe that it's gotten fast and faster after each one. Her first year has gone way faster then Jake's. Probably because we have three little munchkins to chase around and not just one ;)

  Recently Avary has gotten so sweet. I mean, she has always loved to laugh and make others laugh, and she has always been a good baby. Recently she has just gotten so cuddly. She loves to get up in our arms and snuggle in close. She lays her little head on my shoulder and hums her own little tune. I can't believe that soon my "baby" won't be a baby anymore. She is just so funny and sweet and has the biggest personality. This year might have gone by fast, but I sure am trying to savor and enjoy it. There has been a lot of fantastic to savor. So much love, joy and laughter.

   It's amazing how some people come into your life and just "fit", even if you think your life is full. I love my my children, but I can honestly say our life would not be complete if we had not of had Miss Avary. We had a fantastic life with Jake and Lu, but it just wasn't all the way full. Avary came along and her big personality, sunny smiles and contagious giggles just filled all those little holes we didn't even know existed.

  It's pretty amazing how Children can do that. Trevor and I sit around sometimes reflecting on our life before kids. What made us laugh? What filled our hearts so full of love we thought they might burst? What filled our days and gave us meaning and purpose? What important role did we have in life? We can never come up with any good answers. We both agree that having and raising these three amazing little people are the best and most important thing we have ever done, and ever will do.

 

Mommy Monday: Character flaws.

  Hi all, first of all I just want to say I'm sorry for missing last weeks post. It was a crazy crazy week around here. Trevor hurt himself at work. So between the ER, shuffling kids around, going back to the hospital for surgery and then caring for a hurt hubby and the kids all week, I was a busy mama. Thus the no blog post.

  That sort of gets us to what I want to talk about today. Character. How, with Gods help, we can constantly be improving and growing our character.

  Now I should start off by saying I do not have the best character. I mean I like me ok and all, but I have some serious flaws. I'm sure we all do, but when they are your own they tend to bother you a bit more don't they? So back to my flaws. I'm a red head. Ok, so maybe that's not a flaw, but the temper that I have sure is. Some people say a bad temper goes along with my vibrant red hair. I'm not sure if that's the case, but I do have a bad temper. Quick too. My temper can come on very quickly.

  I also get stressed very easily. By many different things. Chaos, noise, a messy house, being overwhelmed by too many tasks and the list goes on. Your probably all thinking serious? Doesn't she have like three kids? How the heck does she manage when chaos, noise, a messy house and being very busy all stress her out? Que my AMAZING husband. My loving, caring, helpful, kind, compassionate, helpful, understanding, handsome, helpful, patient, rational, helpful life partner. Did I mention he was helpful?!

  Friends and family joke that he spoils me. I think he is just exactly what a good husband and father are suppose to be! I referred to him as my partner in the previous paragraph because that is what he is. My partner. He and I work very hard to treat each other like partners. To tackle all our problems and struggles together. Even day to day things we do together. When he comes home from work he plays with the kids while I finish dinner. He and I take turns doing Jake's homework while the other person entertains the girls. We take turns with bath time and we do bedtime routines together.

  He is my (better) half. With him I can be all the things I am not. I can be calm, and patient and level minded even when I feel like snapping. I can cope with all the work, noise, chaos and mess that having three kids causes. So what happens when my partner is down? What would happen when I had to cover all this myself? I'll be honest, I was very worried. I really wanted to handle the situation with Grace. I wanted to be efficient and loving and calm. I wanted to be the wife and mother that my husband and kids deserved in this situation. So I said a prayer.

  I prayed that Trev wouldn't have any broken bones so that he would be better fast. That prayer wasn't answered. I prayed that he wouldn't need surgery. That prayer wasn't answered. I prayed that he would be ok. That prayer was answered. God also protected him and made sure he didn't lose an eye with the inital injury when it would have easily have happened given the location on his injury. I then prayed that I could calmly and joyfully meet the challenges that the next little while would present. He answered that prayer too (thankfully)!

  I should mention that Trevor is so awesome that despite being on heavy pain killers and having just had surgery, he still tried to help me. He is so thoughtful and selfless. I sent him back to bed. Where he stayed for most of the next week. He doesn't handle medication of any kind well. It just sends him right to sleep. So he slept. That left me to run the errands, care for the kids, cook, clean and take care of him. I managed to do it all, and do it with joy and grace. I'm not saying this trying to brag. I'm saying this in amazement and to point out that with God, all things are possible.

  He cares about all things, big and little. Even the struggles of a lowly housewife. With his help I was able to overcome some major character flaws and be there for my husband. I was able to keep it all together without being a martyr. Everything got done, no one got their head bite off, I didn't have a stroke from high blood pressure, and my hubby didn't have to stress about watching helplessly while I was on the brink of an emotional break down.

  I'd call that a successful week and chalk a big win up to God! If he can take my stubborn, whiny, stressed out, disorganized self and make me calm, easy going and efficient, I believe he can do anything! What character flaws are you struggling with? Don't try and correct them yourself, ask the big guy upstairs for some help. Trust me, it's much easier when you give it to him.

Mommy Monday: Are we too quick to dismiss?

 This weekend we went to the Fredericton SDA church, to visit with our former pastor who was there giving the sermon. After the service there was a potluck dinner. After eating we were all sitting around talking and visiting. While talking to the Pastor he asked me what was new in my life. Without thinking I gave him my usual "nothing exciting, just the usual."  response.

  Upon pausing for a moment my mind quickly raced to process what I had just said. Why do I always respond as though my life is boring and, well, lacking? I mean, My life is far from glamorous. My days are not overly exciting, by non mommy standards, and I'm not doing anything that's going to change the world. However, My life is full of beautiful, extraordinary moments. Moments made that way by my children.

  I decided to add to my response, "I don't mean I life isn't great, it's full of extraordinary little moments. Cute, and funny and special ones created by my children." I think as parents, especially mothers, we often feel like people really don't want to hear about our children. About their funny, cute, adorable moments. About their latest achievements, or how awesome they are.

  You know what I say? Who cares! We have to listen to those who are married to their jobs drone on and on about their work. Those who have very active social lives love to share all their tales of fun and adventure. The chronic complainers have no trouble bringing us down with their never ending problems. The gossips live to blab others secrets and life stories to the world. If we are expected to listen to all that, to listen to those people, then I think it's only fair we get to brag about our lives as mothers.

  I vote that we get to talk about the super cute thing our toddler did the other day, or the fact our baby finally slept through the night. We should get to share how proud we are of how well our child is doing in school and how smart they are. Those are, after all, the exciting and new things in our lives. If people want to know whats "new and exciting" with us, they are in fact asking to hear about those things. We really should not feel like they are not special or exciting enough to share.

  In this instance I was very pleasantly surprised. The Pastor replied that was just want he wanted to hear about. We talked for several moments about the antics of the younger ones, how Jake is doing in school and the newest achievements of them all. I suppose the fact they have grandchildren they don't get to often see makes them a bit more inclined to want to listen then the average person, but still, it was nice to be able to share my life. To have someone really care, and listen and appreciate what I had to say.

  It was such a positive experience, and felt so good I have decided to speak up and share in the future as well. From now on I will proudly share the extraordinary little moments that make my life beautiful, exciting and special. I will be thankful for the things my children bring into my life, and not worry that they are not big or important enough to entertain and grip the attention of the masses. I will be thankful for my beautiful, mundane ordinary life, that is spattered with extraordinary moments. I will be thankful for, and proud of, my life as a Mom.

Mommy Monday : Reoccurring struggle!

  First of all a quick apology! I just realized I forgot to publish this yesterday! Hope you all enojy it and sorry it's late getting up!

  As parents, we all struggle. There are highs and lows. Sometimes we soar high and are (or at least feel we are) the worlds greatest parents. Other times we fail. We sink so low that we are sure there must not be any parent as awful as us. Last weeks post was about a small victory in my house. This week I'm sharing a struggle.

  We have three children. Three beautiful, healthy, happy, intelligent, amazing children! Three children who are all VERY different. I never want to make any of my children feel like they are the favorite, and I never EVER want any of them to feel that they are the least liked by their mama. Sometimes this is very hard. Not because I favor, or like any of my children more, but because I have different things in common with them. Also their behavior can make it hard.

  That last comment might have confused some of you. Your probably thinking, What?! She doesn't like her kids as much if they misbehave?! That's awful!! Except, that's not what I meant at all. What I meant was, if I'm constantly having to speak to one child over and over about behaviour issues I start to feel really bad. I try to imagine how they must be feeling. They probably see me having fun and laughing and having lots of positive interaction with their siblings and all they are getting from me are stern talks and punishment.

  This is how I have been feeling with Jake this last week. This is actually something I have worried about with Jake a lot since having the girls. Jake is very tenderhearted and sensitive. He was also pretty use to being the only child by the time Lucy came along. When he is getting in trouble a lot, he takes it really hard. There are lots of times I hear "you don't love me, you just like my sisters better!" Of course this breaks my heart because a) I NEVER want him to feel like that, and b) I love him SO much, JUST as much as his sisters.

  I'm really struggling with how to throw some positive into our relationship, while still addressing his negative behavior. Punishments still need to occur to let him know his bad choices and actions are not ok, but he also needs to feel some love and positivity from me. One of the things I think we often forget as parents is what it's like to be a child. Take a moment and remember back to your childhood. Even though you knew deep down in your bones how much your parents loved you, it was very easy to think they didn't love you if they were upset with you. Knowing and feeling are two very different things. Kids feel, and adults think.

  Children don't sit down and think it all through logically. They mostly go with feelings. If you are sharing lots of laughs with them, having fun positive interactions, they feel like a million bucks. They feel loved, and important. If your constantly yelling at them (I know none of US ever do such a things right?! ;) Punishing them and generally having to be the bad guy, they feel really bad, angry and unloved.

  So back to my dilemma. How do I laugh, have fun and share some great positive time with Jake when I'm having to be the bad guy? When I have to enforce punishments, ie: tell him he can't go to visit his Nanny, or play with the toy he lost because of his bad behavior etc? Sounds simple, but all you parents know it's not! It's not only the kids that get the negative feelings, it's us parents too. It's so easy to start to feel hopeless and discouraged about your relationship with your kids.

  I read a wonderful book a while a go all about the love languages of your kids. I realized that Jake feels love thought quality time. Every child's love language is different. If Jake is not getting some quality one on one time, he feels un important and not loved. Even small things like asking him to wait a minute for me to get him something while I do something for one of his sisters first, really makes him feel bad. He needs time. My time.

  I'm not suggesting that I should drop everything and cater to his every whim. On the contrary, he needs to learn that sometimes others needs are more pressing. He does however, still need his turn in coming in first. This goes a long way to helping our relationship. I'm going to try and do a better job of giving him his turn to be first, and of spending some quality time each day with him, doing something we both love. I've thought about it and come up with a few activities we both love. Baking, reading, watching movies and playing games.

  It is my mission over the next few weeks to incorporate some of these activities into our day. Also to have even 20 minutes of quality time, even if that's just reading bedtime stories and doing his bible lesson or chatting about his day. I'm also going to start to pray for our relationship, because since this has been a worry and struggle of mine for awhile, I think I need some Divine intervention. Seriously though, I do think that spending some extra time in prayer specifically for Jake and for our relationship will benefit us a lot.

  Being a mommy is tough! Loving our kids, but not indulging them. Punishing them, but not breaking them. Encouraging them and lifting them up, but not filling them with so much pride that they become self entitled and "ruined". It's a hard juggling act. But God made us Mothers for a reason. He know that only we could love and care for our children in this way and carry out the fine juggling act. With that in mind, I know I can do this!

 

Mommy Monday: They are doing it!

 Something weird has happened at my house. There has possibly been an invasion of some kind. I'm starting to think these three little people running (and crawling) around my house are not really my children. These children are playing together; willingly,  happily and peacefully. These cannot be my children!

 Recently I've been thinking a lot about one of my older posts from this summer. In it I was talking about How much sacrifice is too much? I have been, once again, very guilty of giving all my time and energy to the kids. If the TV is on, it's tuned in to cartoons. They have been having first dibs on MY meals through the day. Heck there have even been days when I'm not getting a shower until they are in bed for the night.

 Well this last week I decided enough was enough. I mean, I love and adored my children, but I am worth something too!! I have declared one hour each afternoon "mommy time". It's that hour just before dinner prep. It's been really nice having an hour to relax before kicking back into high gear for cooking dinner, cleaning up the kitchen and doing post dinner dishes, homework, bath time and bedtime.

 I have to be honest. It was really a struggle the first few days. Jake wanted to have the TV, but I was watching a show. Then he wanted to play wii, but again, I had the only TV. Next he and Lucy started squabbling and fighting which made it impossible to hear the TV. I stuck it out though! I was determined to have some "me time". I finally sent them off to play in Jake's room. The first day wasn't really relaxing. The next day was a bit better, there was less time squabbling and more time playing happily together. They even went off to play down the hall on their own, with Avary crawling after them. I had peace and quiet!

 Over the next few days they got into a routine. If Jake wants to watch a little TV or play some wii he asks as soon as he gets home. After his snack he has half an hour of wii or TV if he wants it. Then at 4:00 he shuts off the TV and says "common Lu, lets go play!" then off they all go to play together. It's amazing. I'm still a little dumbfounded by the whole thing. I usually have to argue with them to get them to play together, and them playing QUIETLY in another room is basically unheard of.

 If I had of known it was as easy as standing my ground and making them create their own fun without me there to referee I would have done this a long time a go! Don't get me wrong, I still love playing with them and doing different activities with them. They are a lot of fun and since they are only little once I feel like I should be enjoying them and spending this time not just with them, but doing thing with them and making this time count. That said, They do also need the skills to entertain themselves. Not just in the same room as me, but being good, getting along, being responsible and having fun playing in another room, without my constant supervision.

 I know the younger two still need a lot of supervision, but if they are just a few feet down the hall with Jake, I know they are ok. Our home is not that big and I can still hear them when they are down the hall. Having a bit of responsibility and knowing he is the big brother and needs to keep an eye on his sisters has really been good for Jake. It has made him feel important and changed the way he interacts with them a lot. Instead of fighting with them and teasing he is switching to another too cute role. He tries to teach them things, like how to use a toy, or what they are and are not allowed to touch.

  I love watching him grow into his role as a big brother and to see how much he loves his sisters. I think the loving and protecting nature tends to come easier with girls. Lucy  has always been a little mama to Avary, and even to Jake. If you pass her a snack she asks for one for Jakie too. She is always hugging and kissing her brother and sister. Her first instinct is to love, share and play with her siblings. Jake has been different. Maybe because he's a boy, or maybe because he was an only child for three and a half years.

  Either way, I'm very glad to see him interacting in a more positive manner with his sisters. I'm so happy, and proud, that my little ones are playing together so well. It gives this mama some much needed quiet time each day and is a very positive step forward as the kids journey to becoming good, kind, loving adults some day. These small lessons all play such a huge role in molding them into who they will be when they are grown. It's a very big job we parents have!

 Since these three little ones tend to be a little further on their journey to becoming good adults, I think I'll keep them. Even if it turns out they really are someone else's kids posing as mine ;)

Mommy Monday: Enjoying parenting

  I was unsure what I wanted to talk about this morning. I was full of energy and motivation and was busy cleaning and tidying up the house. Then a very sweet little girl  asked me to snuggle her. How could I resist such an offer? After a good snuggle Lulu and I ended up baking some bread and cookies together while Avary napped. It was a perfect morning with my little girl. It also gave me the inspiration for this post.
  Last spring I struggled with depression. It was not the first time, but it was the worst. Everything seemed to make me angry or overwhelmed. I was always angry or on the verge of tears. For the first time I was not enjoying being a mommy.

  It came at an especially bad time. I had had several months of pure mommy bliss prior. Everything had seemed to come so easy. The house ran smoothly, stayed clean, and was organized. I baked all our breads, snacks, and baked goods and cooked all our meals from scratch. The kids and I enjoyed several special activities each week, including planned outings and I had a daily schedule for them.

  Oh how far I fell! Suddenly the house was a disaster zone and no amount of cleaning and organizing helped. The kids were constantly being loud and misbehaving- when they weren't busy fighting of course. I looked around me and just wanted to cry, or maybe scream depending on the day. What had happened?! I had lost my groove and I wanted it back!!

  I still baked and cooked everything but not with the same ease and not as efficiently as before. Forget a daily schedule and planned outings. There was time for snuggles through the day, but that was about it. No story time, no art time. Frankly no patience to even attempt those things, or much else. I was lucky to make it though the day in one piece! I hated feeling so out of control.

  I struggled through most of the summer, although not as badly because Trev had some vacation time and having him around 24/7 helped. I was able to accomplish things while he entertained the kids, and he really worked hard to try and help me around the house too. Around fall I began to feel better. Then at Christmas time I read something that gave me the final push I need. I don't remember where I saw it, but I saved it, and here it is:

  Love stops the cooking to hug the child. Love sets aside the decorating to kiss the husband. Love is kind, though harried and tired. Love doesn't envy another's home that has coordinated Christmas china and table linens. Love doesn't yell at the kids to get out of the way, but is thankful they are there to be in the way. Love doesn't give only to those who are able to give in return but rejoices in giving to those who can't. Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, and endures all things. Love never fails. Video games will break, pearl necklaces will be lost, golf clubs will rust, but giving the gift of love will endure. "And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love."

  Of course you can subtract the vague Christmas references and you still have a very true and beautiful paragraph. To be honest I teared up a bit when I read it. The basis of that paragraph is 1Corinthians 13:1-13. How many times had I read those verses? I love that passage so much it was even part of my wedding vows. However I had never quite read it like that. When you substitute all those day to day things in, that passage hit me hard. I teared up and was very convicted that I was NOT being the mother I could be, or the mother I wanted to be.

  I was spending so much time trying to fix all the little things. If only I could get the house running perfectly again, or as de-cluttered and organized as it had been before. If only I could get back that "super mommy" appearance and be organized, put together, and be, well....perfect.

  One problem. I'm human. I'm not perfect, nor can I ever be perfect. I can however, be the best mommy I can be for my children. I can be the most loving, kind, attentive and supportive mother I am capable of being. I can be the mom my kids deserve.

  This was a very freeing realization. I'm not saying that everything else can just be ignored. Not at all. My children deserve a clean and safe environment, and good healthy food. They deserve educational activities and special outings. If I just focus on being their mommy and loving them, and ask God for patience and wisdom, the rest will fall into place.

  These last couple weeks have been anything but perfect. Lucy and Avary have had colds, Jake has been very whiny and the house has been far from perfect. On the positive side, there has been a good healthy meal every night, and the house has been "clean" despite being a little messy with toys and odds and ends out of place. The kids and I have enjoyed lots of special time together and there has been lots of love, joy and laughter in our home.

 Here are a few of my favorite moments from the last couple weeks:

Avary and Lucy playing the morning Avary started to feel better.

Jake loving on his best doggy friend Nikki.

Lucy and I baking together this morning.

Yes, she is sticky and covered in baking ingredients, but we were having fun :) She is laughing here and trying to take my picture while I take hers.

Avary being silly with mommy and daddy.

My handsome little man again.

Big snuggle fest this morning. Last night was a rough night and big stuff ended up snuggling mommy most of the night. Looks like gingerbread decided to join in too :)

  I hope this week, and every week, your home and your family is full of fun, love and special moments too!

Mommy Monday: Caring for sick kids.

 What a long week this has been. Avary (Big stuff) has been sick. This is day five.  Fever, cough, stuffy nose....the works. As a mom, watching her suffer and not being able to do much to help is the worst. Of course I just want to take away whatever virus is bugging her. It's especially hard when they are so small (she is only 9 months old) because there is very little you can give them for cold/flu's. Throw the fact she is teething in, and the pool girl just can't win!

  Even though I may not be able to do as much for her as I would like, having her snuggled on my chest 80% of the time these last few days has helped me remember something. When we are sick, we all just want one thing. Well...two I guess. Obviously we want to feel better. However while we are suffering with whatever it may be (cold, flu, virus, headache, stomach ache etc), we want to be taken care of and comforted.

  Perhaps as moms (and dads) we are giving our kids more then we think when they are sick. We are giving them snuggles, 24/7 love and care. Despite the fact that I can take many many different kinds of medicine for whatever sickness is inflicting me, the thing that helps the most is when someone (my hubby or sometimes mom) does something above and beyond to help me out and take special care of me when I'm sick. As an adult we don't get that 24/7 care when we are sick.

  I guess in the end it all goes back to the fact that Love and our time are the two of the most important things we can give our children. Sometimes we focus so much on everything we wish we could do for them, or give to them, that we forget that very simple and true fact.

Mommy Monday: Raising Lucy

  Lets be honest, I'm a mommy. I need some time to talk about that :) I've decided Mondays I will have "Mommy Monday". A chance for me to share, vent and gush about mothering my children.

  My biggest challenge is our middle child, Lucy. She seems to have a never ending supply of energy. She also seems to have no problem finding new and huge messes to make and new things to get into that she shouldn't. I cannot take my eyes off of her for more then 2 minutes. Sometimes it's very hard to enjoy being her mom when I'm constantly chasing after her telling her no and giving her time outs.

  Sometimes I find being her mommy very exhausting and overwhelming. It's vital for me to be very consistent with her and set boundaries. Of course, that in itself can be stressful. She is only two, and she is very strong willed. She is also a red head and has the temper to go with it. 

 Despite all that, she is also one of the most sweetest and loving little girls I have ever met. She always wants to help, she loves to snuggle and she is so thoughtful of others, especially her brother and sister. Being two, she is talking and always learning more words. She says the cutest things, which are only made cuter by her adorable toddler voice.

  Today I just wanted to share and give some thanks, that although she can be very stressful and difficult, we have had a fantastic week. Sure she has had a few moments where she can't help herself. She slips and does something she shouldn't. Overall, she has been sweet, loving, good, kind, adorable and enjoyable. I treasure weeks like this! I hold them in my mind and heart and use them to get through the rough weeks.

  Thank you Lord for a good week with my daughter! I pray we have more of these :)