Happy Mother's Day

A Mother's Love

A Mother's love is something
that no one can explain,
It is made of deep devotion
and of sacrifice and pain,
It is endless and unselfish
and enduring come what may
For nothing can destroy it
or take that love away . . .
It is patient and forgiving
when all others are forsaking,
And it never fails or falters
even though the heart is breaking . . .
It believes beyond believing
when the world around condemns,
And it glows with all the beauty
of the rarest, brightest gems . . .
It is far beyond defining,
it defies all explanation,
And it still remains a secret
like the mysteries of creation . . .
A many splendoured miracle
man cannot understand
And another wondrous evidence
of God's tender guiding hand.

- Helen Steiner Rice -

To my mom, I love you.
To my mom in law, thank you.
To all you mothers that have encouraged, taught, and led by example, I will remember.

To the new moms, cherish every moment.

If you are missing your mom this weekend, may God soothe your pain.
If you are waiting to be a mother, and it hurts,
He sees your tears.

To my girls who have made me a mama,
i. love. you. always.

Life Lessons

So today, Selena's fish Tico died. She received two fish for her third birthday. Tico has always been sickly. I think he has "almost died" about once a month in the six months we've had him. This morning I noticed that when we fed the two fish, that Tico stayed at the bottom of the tank. He slowly died until late afternoon.

Selena seemed so cheerful through the process, running to see if Tico was still alive. I was very sad, she seemed almost excited about the whole thing. But when she got up from her nap and ran to check the tank, I could see her sadness. She went upstairs, and I found her on the floor, face pressed into the carpet. I hugged her for a while, and we went to find a little earring box to bury Tico in.

She told me that she thought Daddy would make Tico alive again when he came home. I explained to her that Tico was not ever coming back. She wanted to help E take her little dead fish out of the tank and she got her plastic rake to "help" us bury him.

As I tucked my little sad girl into bed, I wished I could take away all her hurts. I wish that I could shield both of my girls from sadness. But then I remembered that it is through these things that they will grow. They will become who God wants them to be. So my role is to kiss away those tears. Let them cry. Let them learn and grow.

Life Lessons.

Blessings

Today my sweet girls played dress up almost all day long. E and I gifted them with a big hatbox full of clothes, hats, and shoes as one of their Christmas gifts. Today, Lena dragged the box out and emptied it on the floor. I had to giggle as I watched her transform her sister into a thing of beauty. As I watched them at play, I thought back to myself as a little girl.

I used to wonder what my life would be like when I was "all grown up." I wondered if God would send me a husband, and if I would have children.

Remembering this makes me all the more thankful for what I have. What a blessing to be able to watch my little girls play dress up. I couldn't help but reach out and give Lena a squeeze as she teetered by in some fluffy slippers.

This stage of parenting is so fulfilling and yet somewhat frightening. The girls are little sponges, and they want to be like mama. When I am doing my hair, they stand behind me in wide eyed amazement. They pay attention to what mama reads, looks at, says, and does.

What a responsibility for E and I. May we glorify God!

Winter Wonderland

We've had a LOT of snow this winter. The above picture was taken after our first major storm. By the end of it all, the Valentine's Day flag you can see in the picture, was completely covered with snow!
What is it about a snowstorm?

Is it the wonder in their eyes?

Or is it the fun we have inside, burrowing under blankets, cooking up a storm, reading, watching movies, taking long naps, and drinking coffee and hot chocolate?



Maybe it is the time that we emerge into the winter wonderland, shoveling, laughing, building, until we are too cold to stay any longer?

Is it that Daddy gets to stay home with us?

I even enjoy those couple of days before an impending storm, the time when I stockpile groceries, books and movies, making sure we are all set for being stuck in the house.

Spring is just around the corner though, and I do look forward to being about to get out and about a bit more.

Hope you are all well.
Love from Us.

Five Years

I remember what I was doing five years ago at this time. It was the night before my wedding, and I was watching Pride and Predjuice with my bridesmaids, and mom. We were sprawled out on mattresses and sleeping bags on the floor of our apartment - our new home. The kitchen, bathroom, and bedrooms were all set up. Items from our hope chest were lovingly placed, and there was even food stacked in the pantry. I was in a sort of surreal cloud. I was feeling that bittersweet emotion. Leaving home for the first time. Thinking about marrying the man that I truly loved. The details of the wedding had become irrelevant. I just wanted to get that white dress and veil on.

Tonight, I am wrapped in a thick blanket, sitting on the bed. Children's toys are in a basket in the corner. We are in a different house, in a different state.

Instead of two, we are four now. The love we had then has multiplied. All I know is that God in His perfect wisdom knew who was perfectly suited to me. I love being married to my husband and best friend. I can't believe we've crammed all of this happiness into five years.

Happy Anniversary tomorrow sweetie ...

Sisters

We've painted and hammered and nailed and arranged. The two sisters are sharing a room. Last week we heard them giggling together, playing, when they should have been asleep. Lena was reading out loud to a bouncing and giggling Shana. Their delighted screams brought a smile to my face even though I tried to be stern as I said, "WHAT is going on in here?"

Secretly I was delighted. Because I want them to love each other forever and always.

Shana is so adoring of her sister that she will.not.leave.her.alone. Poor Selena has to do her puzzles on high surfaces and read her books on the couch so that her precious things won't be ruined. She knows that her hair will get pulled constantly, and that her sister will drool on her face giving kisses.

Shana has to put up with Lena following her around with a blanket trying to "cuddle." Shana does not have time for this pasttime, and her older sis will not take a hint! She has been awakened multiple times by a too loud noise, or a sudden opening of the door.

Mama is loving this.

When Shana is a "big girl," and able to do more for herself, I'll want to remember what it was like to hear her babbling on the monitor for me to come get her from her crib.

I'll want to remember the dinner out that we had when she spit up on me about five times, drenching me thoroughly. When Selena is a "big girl," and doesn't need Mommy so much, I'll want to remember the nights when I returned to her room a second time and she would say, "Mommy I love you sooo much - can you just hug me for a little while?"

I'll want to remember how she loved socks, applesauce, and her Bible CD from Uncle Khuram and Aunt Charissa, memorizing every song and blessing her daddy and mommy with the singing of them.

When Shana is running and jumping and playing games like a pro, I'll want to remember when I could hold her close and rock her in our glider.

I'll want to remember when her whole face would light up at the sight of Daddy, Mommy and sister.

When Selena has real friendships and it isn't just Mommy, Lena, and Shana anymore, I'll want to remember the mornings we did preschool while Shae grabbed at Lena's papers. I'll want to remember the hours of reading Little Bear books, and building castles for her horsies.

The giggles and the messes, and the times I let her stand on her little white stool and help me cook.

When the girls are old enough to sit still, I'll want to remember how we could never get a decent picture.

Because they are getting to be big girls so fast. Because they are doing more for themselves and depending less on me, I'll want to remember everything and never ever forget how wondrously tiring and fulfilling these days are.

Love is in the air ...

Sisters ...

Baby love ...

My three favorite smiles in the entire world ...

Other things I'm loving ...

God's continued provision every day

Bear hugs from a toddler

Baby snuggles from my 4 month old

An overnight Valentine's Day trip coming up with all four of us

Late night talks with my husband

Family devotions with an inquisitive 2 year old

Hearing my toddler recite simple Scripture verses

Meaningful time with likeminded friends

Watching my family love my children

So to all of you, Happy Valentine's Day.

Just thinking about things ...

Everyone is talking about the recent tragedy that has occured in the Chapman family. It has been in my thoughts so much. We don't know what may happen in the blink of an eye ...

May God give them the strength to bear it.

I'm turning off my sidebar music for a few days. In the quiet - just breathe a prayer with me. A prayer for comfort for a grieving family, and a prayer of thanksgiving for all God's mercies to each of us.

Before I went to bed on Thursday, I tiptoed into Lena's room and dropped to my knees beside her toddler bed. With my head on her pillow, I kissed her tiny curls goodnight. Each day is precious - a gift. Have a blessed Lord's Day and a wonderful holiday weekend.

Valentine's Day and Organized Freezers

Its those little things that make life romantic! When I was a teenager - I can't imagine thinking that something like an organized freezer could make my heart go pitter patter, but it does.

Mr. S says jokingly that every day is Valentine's Day in our house. But he isn't far from the truth. I have trouble keeping the fridge and freezer organized, so yesterday after he brought groceries in for me, he took everything out of the freezer and organized it by type of food. Now that's romantic!

And mom, if you are looking at the foil wrapped package on the top shelf, that's friendship bread for you! I forgot to give it to you on Sunday.

I **love** you, hubby of mine.

Held

(You can turn off my usual music on the left sidebar.)It is raining outside and I snuggle further into my covers as I look at the droplets making tracks on the window pane. I sigh contentedly. I feel loved.

We've just returned from taking hubby dearest to the train station so that he can begin his day of work. After enjoying little snuggles on his free arm on the way to the train and watching him kiss Selena multiple times, we both ride home with smiles on our faces. Back to bed for an hour and a half before we start our day! He gets on the train and rides to the city, knowing that there are two people thinking of him and anticipating his return home.

Its a wonderful feeling, being loved.

It is incomprehensible that we are loved so much by our Heavenly Father. That He holds us in His everlasting arms. That He knows every thought, every wish, every concern.

Natalie Grant - He...

p.s. i still have about a million Glimpses posts to go ... they'll be comin' round the mountain when they come...

Growing Up!

Lately, my little girl has been growing up!!

Anyone who knows my little Selena, would call her a "mommy's girl." However, lately, the little miss has ventured out on her own a little bit more!

Last week, after Daddy had finished his final exam and final project, our little family felt such a burden lifted from our shoulders. We plunged into just enjoying each other last week!

One night last week, a tired and sick Mommy had dishes to clean up and lunch to make for Daddy. Daddy and Selena went for a walk in the neighborhood. Little Lena was proudly perched in his arms when they left, and a half hour later, when they returned -- was flushed with pride! She had played with the neighborhood girl and dogs, had gone to the playground, and had met others who stopped even in their cars to talk to her.

Lately, at church, I have been able to walk around and fellowship without my little sidekick. Daddy doesn't have her either! And yes, I do miss her, but I am so happy for her! Sometimes she is with Nanna, but usually her Auntie Nee has her, or maybe even Miss Sara! She was actually bouncing in my arms with pleasure when she saw Auntie Beka and Uncle Mark walking into church.

Saturday, she and Daddy went on their first date ... hopefully the first of many. They were shopping for Mother's Day, and they were gone a LONG time. I stood in my house, so happy for her and so proud that she is growing up ... but also missing her and wanting to see her gap toothed smile come through the door. I did get to talk to her on the phone while they were out, and while they were gone I ironed, baked a cake, got clothes ready for Sunday morning and packed and organized the diaper bag. I even had a cup o' tea and read some blogs. I can't remember the last time I have gotten so much accomplished in one sitting. She is currently pulling herself up on every piece of furniture in sight, and is cutting three teeth at once, so free time is a precious commodity.

When Lena and Daddy came home, her face was shining with happiness and so was her Daddy's. I hugged both of my loves. Inexpressible joy!

Welcome to My Show Home!

You are welcome to stop by any time, but if you came today, you might question my homemaking skills somewhat.

If you visited my dining room, the table would be strewn with large maps and other documents. Our centerpiece is pushed to the side and placemats are stacked up. My husband is working on his final project for his class, and this is his worktable!

If you dare, venture upstairs and go into our hall bathroom. The washcloth laying on the countertop isn't artfully tossed there for decoration. Selena is sick, and her little nose is a constant fountain. That cloth is there to wipe face and hands, and to provide some cool relief.

In our master bedroom, the bed is made, but there are toys on its comforter. On our nightstands, there is Lena's thermometer and vaseline (you might guess what the vaseline is for), a cloth diaper, and a coaster with a mug of chicken broth. Mommy and baby are both sick, and everything must be at hand's reach!

In the nursery, soft music plays, and a stuffed up baby gets the sleep she needs. There is a stack of board books by the glider, for sick times are the best snuggle and read times!

You may not find perfection in my little home today, (or any day, for that matter!), but you will find:

a vacuumed floor for my little crawler,

plenty of cuddly blankets,

the aroma of dinner in the crock pot,

comfort,

LOVE.

My hair may be pulled back in a ponytail, but my arms are open to give hugs to my loved ones.

My voice may be scratchy, but I will still sing to my baby.

My table may have papers strewn all over it, but my husband will find a cup of coffee and a listening ear when he is ready to take a break from his work.

I tend to get anxious when I feel that my house isn't in order. Last night, after I put Selena to sleep, I was dragging out the vacuum cleaner because I found a couple of damp and misshapen Cheerios on the floor in the office. I was ready to vacuum the whole house at the expense of my daughter's sleep until my wise husband told me to put the vacuum down. The rugs and the vacuum would be there tomorrow. And they were! And I got to spend some quality time with Mr.S that I would have missed.

Today, as I read of the sadnesses that others are going through and as I went through my prayer list just feeling grieved, it struck me that I need to focus on what is important.

The love I share with Mr.S, Selena, and all of my family and friends will last into their futures. Taking the time to encourage, to comfort, to pray is essential.

From Mr. S--To My Valentine

Please allow me these ramblings, seeing as I have invaded my dear wife’s “cyber-space.” But today is Valentine’s Day and I have been searching high and low for a gift that would adequately express how much I love her.

Now, I have also tried to be unique when it comes to gift-giving, but this one, I wanted to be special. So tell me, what gift would be good enough for the woman who has positively changed my life. The woman who makes going to work in the morning sad and coming home in the evening exciting.

How do you express deep appreciation for the greatest cook, homemaker, designer, mother, and therapist? What’s appropriate for the girl whose ear is always open to listening to my same old dumb stories over and over again? She never says “honey, you told that one before (and it wasn’t funny then).”

How do I thank the woman who puts up with my ever-changing dreams? Last week I hoped to become a best-seller novelist, this week, a real estate mogul, next week, something else (probably a quarterback). She’s always there to keep me on course and remind me of our goals.

What gift would make up for all of the thank you’s that I forgot to say over the years. Like the time she came to the softball game in the rain and sat in the bleachers by herself. Or the countless notes that are left in my lunch bag, the emails with pics, etc.

I don’t know where I would be without her, probably not here. Sometimes, I watch her for across the room still captured with her beauty and loving her a thousand times more than the day I fell in love with you. So, I wonder, what can I do to show my dear wife how much I love her……Then it hit me……….This.

Of His Love and other more mundane issues such as stuffed pork tenderloin ...

Please indulge me in the sharing of my favorite Scripture with you.

"For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord." -Romans 8:38-39

I think you will all agree with me that ours is a world filled with uncertanties. The fact that we aren't assured of anything, that we must hold everything we have with a loose hand, only makes this Scripture more precious to me.

I've seen a lot of death and sadness in my experiences working with end stage cardiac patients. Unfortunately, some of my patients were young. Now as a wife and mother, a daughter and sister, a friend ... I am haunted at times by these memories. But you know what? The love of God is a constant. It won't ever go away.

Thank you Lord, for unending love.

Well, I am going to attempt to make stuffed pork tenderloin for dinner tomorrow night. The operative word in the previous sentence is attempt. When I read the recipe, I have visions of myself hacking away in vain at the unsuspecting tenderloin and making a royal mess of it. My Sabatier knives are great for general use, but I don't think they are going to slice the pork the way I need them to so that I can stuff it. What else is on the menu? Collard greens, Chessy Scalloped Potatoes, Crescent Rolls and Applesauce. Yummy.

Miss S will be served sweet potatoes and applesauce, poor thing.

Happy Valentines Day friends ... remember His Unending Love.

This is my beloved

Yes, my friends, a second post from me in a week's time. Little Miss S came down with a cold last night and was up at 10:30pm, 1:30am, 4:30am, and 6:40am. She isn't napping well either, and has only taken one 30minute nap all day so far. I am a trifle addlepated as a result, and don't feel like doing much. Friday on my list of cleaning chores I have "do something fun!" I think I'll type a post for fun today since we won't be going out.

Its been a while since Mr. S has gotten my undivided attention on this blog. I think it is his turn!

Thou shalt know Him when He comes
Not by any din of drums
Nor the vantage of His airs,
Nor by anything He wears,
Neither by His crown nor His gown.
For His presence known shall be
By the holy harmony
Which His coming makes in thee.
-- Elisabeth Elliot

Thank you, sweetheart, for ...

1. Always, always understanding.

2. Being willing to share your soul with me and to know mine.

3. Making me laugh, even when I am determined not to.

4. Giving me a bear hug when there isn't anything to say.

5. Being a spiritual leader and knowing when to say no. Not being a follower, but seeking God's will.

6. Making even boring errands so interesting.

7. Being a wonderful father.

8. Listening, listening, and listening some more.

9. Being the first one to offer to help, and doing it so cheerfully.

10. Working hard every day so that I can stay home with Selena.

11. Putting us first, before work, before friends, before yourself. Thank you.

12. October 17, 2003 (engagement day) and September 25, 2004 (wedding day) ... and every day thereafter.