My 5th child

Chloe 4 months

Fly away home

I'll Fly Away

Some bright morning when this life is over
I'll fly away
To that home on Gods celestial shore
I'll fly away

I'll fly away, oh glory
I'll fly away in the morning
When I die hallelujah by and by
I'll fly away

When the shadows of this life have gone
I'll fly away
Like a bird from these prison walls I'll fly
I'll fly away

I'll fly away, oh glory
I'll fly away in the morning
When I die hallelujah by and by
I'll fly away

Oh how glad and happy when we meet
I'll fly away
No more cold iron shackles on my feet
I'll fly away

I'll fly away oh glory
I'll fly away in the morning
When I die hallelujah by and by
I'll fly away

I'll fly away oh glory
I'll fly away in the morning
When I die hallelujah by and by
I'll fly away

Just a few more weary days and then
I'll fly away
To a land where joys will never end
I'll fly away

I'll fly away oh glory
I'll fly away in the morning
When I die hallelujah by and by
I'll fly away
I'll fly away

I'm at a loss for words, this has been a very hard week loosing two grandma's. So much will never be the same. Seeing the strength that both of these ladies possessed makes me continue on, and aspire to be greater. Someday I too will fly away, it's up to me now to make the most of this life God has given me.

Sweet mornings

Maddy waking ME up singing... 

"Good morning, time to get up!"

What a change from me pulling blankets off her and bugging her every morning with the song... "Good morning sunshine, time to get out of bed!" Guess she decided to play Freaky Friday that morning.

Sam snuggled in bed Saturday morning.

"Sam, I wake you with a back rub every morning before school, do you think you can give me one today?"

Grumpy Sam - "No!" Exits my bed, and leaves me bummed.

10 minutes later.. a sweet change of heart.

"I'm sorry Mom, you deserve back rubs too."

He gave me the most epic back massage, that boy has talent!

Christian having his first Jr. High girlfriend has its perks.

Lately, I don't have to tell him twice to get out of bed, nor do I have to remind him to brush his teeth every morning.

Poor Emmalyn always strapped in the freezing car seat while I take her siblings to school each morning. 

Emma - "I stay wit Brobber"

Me - "Christian has to go to school."

Emma - "I stay wit Dada"

Me - "Daddy has to go to work."

Emma - "I stay wit Dog."

Sigh... "Come on Emma time to go."

Let the walls come down

So many secrets held, and holding them costs so much! Praying for healing, and the hope that one day you will let the walls come crashing down. Walls erected to keep others out, to dull the pain, to pretend things aren't the way they are. Those walls all that are paper thin, we can all see through. But what's on the other side is someone that God loves and wants desperately to be happy. The reason for the walls are understandable, yet not-necessary. Those that come knocking understand and turn away head hanged low, arms and heart aching. The walls WILL someday crash down, and those waiting will be there for you always and forever.

Wish I could bottle this energy

After school fun. Sam is enjoying kindergarten and Emma loves her alone time with me. Come 3 o'clock we brace for Sam's energy.

2 little monkeys!

This is what I do all day... keep an eye on these two! This pic was taken church... even there they are little hellions.

There's you in everything I do

We're two of a kind. Nature or nurture, that's debatable. What is known is I carry a lot of her traits both good and bad.

Self-Sacrificing  

We both put others needs/wants above our own, sometimes to fault. Showing our love by the things we do. Using our gifts to lift others up. Whether it's a clean house, a creative photo book, or knowing exactly what to say. Thank you mom for all that you do for me and our family!

Scatterbrained 

So yeah, we loose our keys A LOT! We know what it's like for each other having a million thoughts roam through our head. It's sometimes distracting, but always interesting!

Imagination 

Although her inner world always seems to be filled with roses and sunshine, and mine is filled with the POSSIBILITY of rain and ants coming to the picnic. She's showed me reality has limitations, so why not fantasize about what could be! Within your head anything is possible.

Alone time a necessity  

 We're both introverted, but NOT shy.. at least not with strangers. You may see us chat it up with complete strangers, but when it comes to opening up our inner worlds, it takes a long time to gauge who can handle our quirkiness.  Oh, and don't ask her to accompany you to the mall (picture wild animal in cage). But if you must, she will because she loves you that much! 

Patience... what's that?

Mom's time limit for watching the littles is about 2.5 hours. 

I too, loose my patience often, needing to re-evaluate what's not working. My mom however, is much more go with the flow than I am. I strive for others to better themselves, while my mom is more accepting of loved ones the way they are. I believe this difference between the two of us compliments, but sometimes divides. None the less, patience is something we constantly pray for more of! 

Pssst....Mom your craziness is showing

Just like my mom, as I age (not the same as mature) I reveal more of my quirks. She's taught me it's fun to be who I am! 

It's crazy, silly, fun when we do this together.. the kids think we're bat shit crazy!

Faults

We share many and complain to each other the way we wish we could be. More tolerant, outgoing, motivated, will-powered, ect. But we're accepting of each other just the way we are and lift each other up when the other self loathes. We love each other unconditionally, faults and all. 

I love that my mom gave me pieces of herself. I also love that she gives me her wisdom on how to both love and manage this crazy personality of mine.. I am who I am! Thanks Mom!

Mom was an air traffic control - I was a 911 dispatcher

Now I'm a stay at home mom - She is a stay at home grandma

Happy Valentines Day

This was almost our song, but God kept us together! As broken as we are, God keeps us together for a reason.... a vow! Our endearing love sees us through the ups and downs.

Shaken

So many things I'd like to say, but not my place and cannot. My snow globe shaken, nothing to do but watch the flakes float down and fall where they may. I pray for God to mold and shape me and I shall fall where ever He sees fit.