You see my Mama Bear claws?!

This morning when I picked up Camden from his class at church, he told me with his eyes all watering up that he hadn't gotten his prize. I went back up to the door and told them that he didn't get his prize. They asked him, "Did you say your memory verse?" He shook his head no. They said, "Do you want to come back in and try again?" He nodded his head that he did. He went in and about a minute later came back out with tears running down his cheeks. He told me that he couldn't remember the whole verse so he didn't get a prize. I picked him up and he buried his head in my neck, crying his eyes out. I carried him out to the van, and when we got out there Blake said, "Do you realize you just carried him out the church, up the stairs, and across the parking lot?" (with heels I might add!) At home, there are times he wants me to carry him up the stairs (he's almost six) and I tell him there is no way I can carry you up those stairs. You're too big. But this morning it didn't phase me a bit. I just felt so bad for my baby and so mad at those "mean" women in his class. I do not want to be the mommy who is always complaining about every little thing, but you can be sure I will be calling this week and asking what next week's memory verse will be so that I can practice with him all week. My poor little guy - those mean mean women!!!

I have a big boy

I just registered Camden for soccer in the fall. I know almost every kid is in sports, but this seems like a big deal to me.

My Dad

Today is Father's Day so I wanted to share a special memory I have of my Daddy. When I was in fourth grade, I went through a real emotional time. I think its pretty common for girls that age. I remember being scared and/or upset almost everyday. I remember crying a lot. On one night in particular, I was talking to my mom, in tears of course, about how upset I was. I went into my room still inconsolable and knew that my mom could not take much more of my crying and anxiety, but I could NOT get a hold of myself. My dad came in and got me and took me into the den and rocked me in the rocking chair until I fell asleep. Hours later, I awoke in the middle of the night still in my dad's lap. He was sound asleep. I remember that being a turning point for me. Something about that sacrifice of love he made for me that night, helped me through that stage. I'm sure I still had my moments, but I know I was much better after that night. I know he has made many other sacrifices for me over the years, most of which I have no idea. I am so grateful for him, and know that I am incredibly blessed to have him for my dad.

Every moment is a learning opportunity for us all.

This afternoon I had the TV on and they showed this rock-singer girl - I don't know her name - with pink hair. Hope said, "That's crazy. She has pink hair!" Camden asked, "How did she grow pink hair?" I said, "It didn't grow that way. She colored it." He said, "Looks like we have a cheater." I'm not exactly sure what he meant by that, but I got a good laugh anyway.

Dear God, give me mercy!!!!

Two weeks ago, Camden came down with some flu-like bug. He had fever for five days, was very lethargic and the last three days had this upper nasal congestion thing going on. Then for five days everyone was good and then Hope came down with it. Like Camden, it lasted for five days. The day Hope started feeling better, Blake came down with it and has been sick for five days... By the time Blake got sick I was nurtured out. Bless his heart, he's gotten no sympathy out of me. Also something about taking care of the kids, cooking, cleaning house, running errands, paying bills, ect.... while he lays on the couch can be quite frustrating....sick or not, especially when in the back...or more realistically the front of my mind, I know full well that if I catch this thing.... I will STILL be taking care of the kids, cooking, cleaning house, running errands, paying bills, ect... can't call in sick when you're the mom. So all I can do is pray I don't catch this thing.

right brain/left brain

The kids and I went to the library this morning. I told them to each pick two books out. I went to the other side to pick out a couple for me, and after a couple of minutes met back up with them. Camden's two books were: 1. Electricity and 2 Chemistry. Hope's were: 1. Art and 2. Ballet. I thought this was very interesting! On the way home Camden was looking through his electricity book and suddenly he hollered out, "OH MY this book tells me how to make electricity. YEAH BABY!!" A couple hours later, I was reading Hope her ballet book. Camden was sitting with us and couple of times he commented, "This book is so gross", yet he never got up. He listened to the whole thing. haha

Happy Mother's Day - Mom

I have had one of those days today... you know those days when everything makes you get all teary eyed. I think its just thinking about being a mom and thinking about you - MY mom. Stopping the day to day chaos and remembering how blessed I am. I can't imagine what my life would be like without you. Sometimes I can't even wait for you to get off work, I have to call and leave a message on your cell phone! You are still my number one sounding board. I greatly dislike talking on the phone for the most part - yet I think I could talk to you an hour every day. Its frustrating to me how I forget who I am sometimes. I get caught up in life and shallow existence and I talk to you and suddenly I remember who I am. I am motivated to live an extraordinary life and to stop just existing. You fought for me when I was too young to fight for myself, you really listened to my hopes and dreams and encouraged me to go after the passions God placed in my hear, and you have never, never stopped believing that God will allow me to be apart of something incredible one day.

Someone told me one time that they liked how I could say so much without saying anything at all. I was beyond thrilled to hear that - I got that from you. I know sometimes you wonder if you should have said more, but I want you to know you "say" more than you think you say. Kyle, Miranda, and I have always known where you stood and that no matter what you were on our side. I also know that you have ministered to countless people with your quiet spirit. Don't ever think that your impact is small - its not its bigger that you can imagine. Your reward will be great and of this I am certain.

It funny how it becomes difficult to be a daughter as you get older. As I realize the huge emotions that go into being a mommy and consider what the future holds as my kids get older my heart hurts for you. You have gone through so much and never given up. You love like God. I want good things for you. I want to see your dreams fulfilled. I pray for you: for peace, for joy, for your feet to be steadfast so that no matter how long it takes for life to get easy you'll be free of worry and full of purpose, full of life, and full of God. I love you. Happy Mother's Day, Mom.