Growing Beans

I promised Grace I would not call and tell anyone this story but I need it for my records so it is on the blog.

Today Grace asked me if I really believed that beans can grow on our legs. With confusion I told her no, that cannot happen. "But Mom, last time I was sick and my legs hurt really bad you said that they were probably growing beans. "

Poor girl, it has been quite some time since she had growing pains, what a long time to ponder such a thought.

Ah, to read a good book!

The other night my sister-in-law was in town and was a bit surprised to see Trevor wandering around with a book, reading as he walked. We had an event to go to and every moment that we would let him, he was reading. She asked if that is something he usually did, and yes it is. I laughed that she was so surprised since this is something that is common place in our home, beginning with our first child. Today as I looked out the window to see if Alexandra was walking home yet I saw her coming up the street. I ran to get the camera and got a couple of shots through the window as she walked up the driveway. This is for you Christy.


By the way, today Trevor asked me why Santa brings so many fun things when I don't want so much clutter in our home. When I pointed out that Santa usually brings the things they need his response was, "Oh yes, like books. Yes, I NEED books. I cannot find any thing I haven't read in the house." Ah, what troubles to have.

Celebrating Christ

I love Christmas. I never enjoy the holiday shopping or the crazy driving as you get closer to malls but I love what Christmas really is. Our family has been studying the birth and life of Christ that we may feel a deeper sense of why we celebrate. Oh this spirit I feel every time I hear one of the sweet songs about his birth. I always hope to pass this love to my children and I never stop being touched at the placement of the nativities that they create every year. Yesterday we pulled out our decorations and as I was busy in other areas of the house Grace was very busy setting up my nativity in the art niche and hers on the side table, so much the same as the older children have done in years past. Truly they know the real meaning of Christmas.

A journal entry

This morning I awoke feeling such a deep sense of sorrow for my many area's of lacking as a mother. There are so many things that I am not doing that I know I should. I have come to realize that I do not find joy in the little things like I used to, or should, and in place there is so much stress and frustration. Yes, I have discovered that my sugar intake is so damaging to me emotionally/spiritually, however so are all of the little, simple things, that I have allowed to become a back burner item. I am sick with sorrow as I look at my sweet children who seem to so quickly be growing older as I struggle with my weaknesses.

As I laid in bed I realized that I didn't want to sleep any longer, I need to write these things down, and begin now to take back my world, to accept the joy around me as I recommit myself. Oh that my children will forgive me and recover from my wasted moments. I always worry that I am taking away from them some future joy and yet I know that I can be forgiven and grow and perhaps they will see this and grow from it as well. They are such sweet spirits, so different and so amazing. I hope we give them what they need to fulfill their full potential, to accept all the blessings awaiting them.

Off to read my scriptures.

Scardy Dog

We have the most amazing thunder and lightening storms here in Houston and this morning brought the power of the heavens upon us. I awoke to a flash of light followed almost immediately by an amazing burst of thunder. I knew Grace was sure to join us in our bed and as suspected she did, however, so did Baxter. I laugh because he is so afraid of thunder and this morning it took at least 10 minutes of petting him before he stopped shaking. I love that Grace will run to us for comfort. She is such a snuggle bug and it was so cute to watch her trying to console Baxter seeing as she had come to us for the same need. Such a sweet soul. :)

Music to my ears!

I think most of you know that I am the Primary Chorister at church (music leader for 3-11 year-olds) and tomorrow is our Primary Program. We've worked all year learning and perfecting one new song every month and tomorrow is the big day. So ... this morning we had our practice run through and the kids were awesome!!! I am so excited for tomorrow, the kids are so well prepared and so good at following the cues. I am so proud of them already and they haven't even preformed yet. What a sweet treat it is for me to work with them all year.

Tomorrow I will present them with a bag of candy, (kisses, hugs and a candy corn mix) that will have a card attached with a message: All year you have 'grown' in your singing and today we have reaped the sweet 'harvest' of your music. All my 'hugs and kisses' to you, Love Sis. Will

I had to write that card down in my blog because I am laughing so hard at my total cheesy-ness.

Morning Beauty

Our family room is two stories tall and on the east wall, close to the top, is a large, long set of windows. The view from these windows is so different from the rest of the house as you only see the ever changing skies. I love what I notice, while in my house, that normally seems to slip from sight. This morning as I strolled down the stairs I looked out and saw the most beautiful sliver of a moon. What a beautiful world we have been handed, and what a treat to see such a beauty as I begin my day.