Splash in the Rain Puddles

"... mothering doesn't always bring out my best;  it can also bring out the worst in me, and I have an ongoing need for forgiveness from the One who understands my guilt.  This reminds me of my own dependence and neediness, which turns me to the giver, who gives me hope in my not-yet-done-ness." I came across this excerpt in a book called Five Star Families , put out by the MOPs organization.  Such a wonderful book reminding us of the importance of setting goals for our families that focus on the right things.  The things that God desires families to be.  Families full of love, joy, faith, and loyalty.  And reminding us that we cannot obtain perfection, but we can strive daily to give our absolute best to our families.  As the above quote reminds me.....I am certainly in a state of not-yet-done-ness.  I am learning and growing daily as I attempt to mother my two little guys.  I am so grateful for a merciful God who can take my not so good mommy moments and show forgiven

From following the example of my mom I have learned how to be a godly wife and mother.  I have learned patience and understanding.  I have learned the value of putting the needs of others before my own.  I have learned the importance of keeping family close.  Mom, you know me like no other......you know the kind of day I have had simply by the sound of my voice.....you understand me and support me in my ups and my downs.....you love and care for my boys like they are your own.....I cannot thank you enough for everything that you are to me.  So today I wish you the happiest of birthdays!!!  I love you so very much!!   

It's hard to believe that we are smack in the middle of February already!  Just a few more weeks and we will be on our way to spring!!  HAPPY!  However that does mean that the busyness of the planting season begins and we will be seeing much less of my dear hubby.  SAD!  It also means that hubby will be spending more afternoon hours in a tractor which means Jack may be able to catch a few rides here and there.  HAPPY!  As with every season change, we will adjust, find a new rhythm, and all will be well :)  In other news, the boys had a great Valentines Day!  They were so excited to open their cards and gifts.  Jack got a slinky in the mail from Grandma Mullet.  He loves it and is quite fascinated by it.....but the funny thing is he keeps calling it a stinky....then he gets frustrated, and says "I mean slinky".  Which makes me burst out laughing every time he says it.  Bless his heart.  Chase of course was thrilled with the surplus of chocolate treats in the house.  C

This is Harold.  Jack made him at Preschool during a unit on birds.  He brought him home and named him Harold.  Harold is hanging on my pantry door.  Each morning since we put him there, Jack comes into the kitchen and says, "good morning Harold the Owl!".....to which I echo, "good morning Harold!"  And then we look at each other and giggle.  I love Harold.  I love that he brings a little bit of whimsy to our mornings.  Happy Saturday!

Why are boys fascinated with dirt? Why do boys love to run around without their shirts? Why do boys show their affection by wrestling with each other? Why do boys feel the need to belch after every meal?  And why is belching, or passing any other type of gas, so funny? Oh the questions that I ponder these days........ :) :) And another question I'm pondering.....what is UP with this weather?  And trust me, I'm not complaining. We have had numerous days in January hit the 60 degree mark and I am loving it.  But it's such a tease.  A day like yesterday....sunny and 62 degrees....one would think that spring is popping its head around the corner.  But the reality is that we have all of February left before spring can even begin to surface its true colors.  Anything can happen in February.  Clearly I'm not a cold weather girl, but let me just tell you what motherhood can do to a person.  Motherhood can make this girl.....who would be perfectly content to just bypass