I started off the morning with coffee in the backyard. Just carrying the pot out there and sipping in the fresh air made it taste better. However, I'm sure it had less to do with the fresh air and more to do with the enjoying part of it. Usually I'm sipping in spurts as I scurry around the house meeting two dozen needs that aren't mine.
Mama needed a time out this morning. A time out to enjoy her kids {and her coffee}.
Even though less than an hour later I was crying (mostly due to exhaustion), I enjoyed this moment.
The season is changing again. Winding down some things and gearing up for others.
{Awana award ceremony}
{Golden Spoon to celebrate}
Even though there's still a couple weeks left of school, my kiddos already have sand in their scalp and ears. Like a moth to a flame the beach has been calling us.
Even when the sun's not out there's something so calming and freeing about the seashore. For this weary mama it's become my happy place.
{thanks Misty}
Drake has been gone almost every week for the past six weeks. I don't want my eagerness for this time to be over to mar the memories. I will want to remember when I cheered on my girl for finishing Awana and how a chased a fearless baby all over the shoreline. I will want to remember a little boy who is happy as long as he is wherever I am. Truth is being home with three small children is hard, however it also the best thing in the whole world.
It is refining and it has chipped away at the selfishness that has rusted over my heart. I am always wanted. Whether it's to wipe a behind or kiss an owie, someone always wants me. Perhaps one of my favorites is that I get to see myself played out in the kids...and it's not always bad.
{lil' sister loves to play mama}
{so does big sister}
Most of my childhood memories include my mom. I might cry sometimes because I'm so tired (my guess is my own mom did too), but my memories include her because she was there. As much as I want to remember this time with my kids, I want them to remember this time with me. I can hardly wait for the day one of them says "remember when mom..." Sticky floors, sleepless nights and shower-less days will all be worth it.
Those are some great photos, Lisa! And I love the mom memories.
ReplyDeleteYou are a fabulous mommy Lisa! Really, you are. While you say your children refine you (and I'm sure they do) you are constantly being used by the Lord to refine your children. You are the beginning of how God will shape them to be more like Christ. Pretty crazy huh? And, given how well behaved and wonderful those kids are, you're doing a great job! Great pics as always :)
ReplyDeleteHi Lisa! My name is Kari. I am FB friends with Drake and knew you both briefly in HS. I was at LCC. I think we went to a football game once :-) Anywho...saw a link to your blog on Drake's FB and have been reading it for a few months now. I really really love it and I thought it was about time I announce myself on here :-) I am also a stay at home Mommy and much of what you say resonates with my soul. Thanks for encouraging me through your honesty and your love for your family.
ReplyDeleteMy crazy life is documented at www.letterneaulife.blogspot.com
Hi Kari!! Thanks for introducing yourself...I'm anxious to check out your blog. I'm so glad you enjoy my errrr... honesty...sometimes I think I've said too much, but I know that most moms get it and it's comforting to know you're not the only one. Thanks for saying hi. do you still live locally?
DeleteWe live in South Orange County. My parents are in San Marcos and we are down there visiting them often. No such thing as too much honesty. I wish more Mamas would be more real right?? Anyway...we have two kids. God lead us to adopt for child number one. She's 6...we adopted her at 4 years old from Kazakhstan. We had our son about a year and a half after we got home with our daughter. Motherhood is quite the adventure...never a dull moment!
DeleteKari~ I checked out your blog, Ava is beautiful and your son is adorable. I have a soft spot for baby boys. I do remember you, Drake told me you went to NCPC too. If you're ever down in the area and have extra time message us, maybe we can meet up at a park or something.
Deletejon just finished 2 months of overtime where i felt like a single mom, no fun, but God sustained me too & gave me the strength to not just "get by" - hope drake won't have to travel too much now?
ReplyDelete