... When No One Else is Watching

Heard in our house

Our two beautiful girls have become some of the funniest human beings I know. It's always such a joy to hear what new phrases come out of their mouths, some more so than others but if there is one thing I can be certain of, I will most likely be laughing afterwards. Here are a few nuggets from the past few days.

• Hadleigh doesn't have a ton of words yet as she is only 20 months old but her favorite thing to say is "Is it mine?" Constantly, like a parrot. She's very concerned already if whatever she has or wants is hers... and not her older sister's.
• Avery and I were having a conversation about God the other day and I was telling her how special she was and how He created her in his likeness and she then says, "yes mommy, but yogurt makes me grow." Ummmm... okay.
• The other night I was up watching television after the kids had gone to bed. I was watching the finale of "The Biggest Loser" and it was nearing the end. Right then Avery comes out telling me she can't sleep. I pick her up to have a cuddle right as the show is ending. I then decide to watch the first 15 minutes because I had missed the first part of the show, right when the show starts up Avery says, "Are you kidding me? You just watched this." Can't say she's not paying attention.
• The girls and I have been putting music on a lot lately and dancing. One of our favorite songs is Train's 'Soul Sister' and the other day when I got back from my hair appointment Avery runs to the door and yells, "Hey, Soul Sister!" She's so spunky and is sooo much fun!

I'm sure there are more and I'll update soon!

Blessings

There have been times this week when I have been reminded how blessed I am. I use the word 'blessed' because I'm not completely sure I believe in 'luck.' I pray every evening... and many times between each nightly prayer. I can honestly say my prayers don't really change, I know that many people pray for wealth or fame or a new car to drop from the sky into their driveway but those are never the prayers I offer up. I pray for the things I find most important - that my family and I will live long, healthy and productive lives. I pray for the health of my children and that they won't hurt. I pray that Rob and I will stay healthy to see our girls live long and fulfilling lives. I pray that our extended family will be safe in all the travels they do and that their health will remain firmly intact. I don't believe wealth will make my life any better, easier maybe, but better? Not at all. I think some of the things we wish and hope for can actually have negative effects. So I pray for those things that will be good for my soul.

In recent days I have seen things that have touched my heart and remind me how very blessed I am to have two healthy daughters. There are so many parents who go through daily struggles to care for their children who are mentally or physically disabled and show the kind of love we all say we have for our children... but they are proving it. Their children aren't ordinary, they're extraordinary... they fight for every accomplishment, to do things that come easy to so many other kids, and the beauty of their efforts is awe inspiring. This is what this blog entry is about for me, I don't know the struggles that parents of disabled children go through first-hand but I am absolutely awe-struck by their love. When so much would be able to break them they see it as another wall to break down and they show their children the power to fight on and to accomplish more.

On the day before Mother's Day I can honestly say that even on my most difficult day there is nothing in this world that I value more than being a mother. I am beyond blessed to have healthy children who love their mommy and I hope they know that I return that love ten-fold. I will do anything for my children and hope they will always know that in their darkest time I will be that person who will always be on their side, rooting them on and helping them physically or mentally with anything they need.