Splash in the Rain Puddles

A few days ago after a busy day of preschool, errands, and dentists appointments I was using Chase's nap time to get a bunch of things crossed off my to-do list at home.  Jack was taking a break from his work outside to enjoy some Wheat Thins on the sofa while watching Disney Jr.  I was scurrying around the kitchen when Jack yells out to me, "Mommy, you should sit down and rest."  Wow!  That was the first time that he has ever actually acknowledged that I might need a rest.  Sometimes I feel like he thinks I never sleep.  I'm awake when he wakes and I'm awake when he goes to bed.  In his mind, I just keep going :)  Little does he know that moments after he finally winds down and his eyes finally close.....its all I can do to keep from collapsing on the sofa, on the bed, on the floor....usually wherever I can land the fastest :)  So to have him instruct me to rest was pretty great.  And you know what, I took him up on it.  He's not the cuddling type or I may be

Dear God, Thank you for Chase Daniel.  Thank you for all the ways he has made our family feel complete.  For the way you gave him a special imprint that makes him uniquely Yours, and ours :)  For the way he tries so hard to do everything his big brother does....for the way he loves to be cuddled before he goes to bed.....for the way that nothing makes him happier than meal time.....for the way he says, "let's eat!" immediately after we say amen at the table.....for the way he runs and plays without anything holding him back....for the way he is so happy to see me every morning....for the way he wants to wear the same choo choo shirt every single day....for the way he seems to learn new words every day....for the way he likes to sit on the potty but never actually does anything :).....for the way he "sings" the ABCs and Jesus Loves Me.....for the way he loves to ride Charlie, his rocking horse....for the way he crinkles up his little nose when he smiles....for t

Dear God, Thank you for Jack Charles.  Thank you for the way my life was blessed when you gave him to me.  Thank you for bringing him into this world safely after 3 days of labor!  Thank you for the little man he is becoming....for the way he takes his work so seriously....for the way he commits everything to memory....for the way he points out the cobwebs in the tiny crevices of my house....for the way he must have a full recap from his daddy about what happened that day at the farm.....for the way he refers to the farm as "his farm".... for the way he likes to whisper in my ear and then giggle like crazy when it tickles me.....for the way he stresses out when he's not at home because he is worried about all the work he is not getting done.....for the way he says things like, "fantastic!", "actually...", and "it's all my pleasure!".....for the way he is only truly happy is when he is talking about the farm, at the farm, or pretending

What a wonderful weekend we had celebrating Easter!  A highlight for me was being able to enjoy our church's Easter Cantata.  Most every year since coming to our church I have been a part of the choir.  This spring has been a bit crazy and I decided it best to take a little break.  But what a privilege it was to sit in the congregation and take in the beautiful music!  Great job ARAC choir!!  It was simply stunning.  What a powerful way to remember the ultimate sacrifice.  The grace that God showed when he gave His only Son.....just for us.  What a humbling and amazing gift. We were so honored to have a home full of family over the weekend.  My parents, as well as my brother, his wife and their sweet baby girl joined us for a long weekend.  I love it when we are all together.  Family has this amazing way of making me feel at peace.  It's such a wonderful feeling to be surrounded by those who know you better than most anyone else, and love you just the same.  As I've said