precious time

As I lay in bed this morning, the first thing I hear is Gabriel's feet pounding down the hall.  He is running and full of excitment, ready for the day.  As I continue to lay there, I hear other sounds.  Sounds of the morning come in through the window.  Sounds of chirping birds and the wind that rustles the leaves and grass outside.  I set my feet down on the cold floor and begin to think of all the things I am thankful for.

I am thankful for Gabriel, my son full of life and energy in the morning.  For Owen, my sweet 4 year old, who is still asleep in the bed next to me.  His sweet face as he sleeps in perfect peace.  For Eli, my adorable 18 month old who stands up in his play pen and shouts "ow, ow" (which mean out).

I am most thankful for my time.  Time to spend with these three wonderful human beings that have been entrusted to me.  I wake to the sounds of my son's feet, not an alarm clock.   I don't have to hurry and get up so I can get ready for work.  I have been given this day to spend with my children.  To watch them grow and learn and to learn from them.  To spend time together and learn to love each other unconditionally.

I would not have choosen this life for myself. I was foced into it 4 years ago because it didn't make financial sense to put two children into daycare.  Not only was I forced to stay home but, I was terrified to be at home all day with little children.  I had my Master's degree for pete's sake.  Why would I choose to stay home with little children?   I never imagined that I would love and embace it as much as I do today.  I would have never imagined that I would become the person that I am today.

God knew.  He knew what I needed and when I needed it.  He knew the person that he wanted me to become and he knew I wouldn't do it on my own.  I am so thankful that he knows what is better for me then I do.  I am so thankful he has given me this time with three little boys, ages 6,4, and 1.  And, I can't wait until tomorrow when I get to do it again.

Gabe's post about our nature walk

We were walking around the lake once and then when we got past the park then we saw a turtle.  Putting his head up out of the water.  But, we didn't try to catch it or anything.

Well, we scared the turtle away but then we saw a duck. And, she was sitting on her eggs.  We didn't see the eggs.  We just knew that she was sitting on eggs.  Do you know how we knew that the mama duck was sitting on eggs?  Because she wasn't eating, sleeping, or doing anything else.  I am very smart.  I told everyone that the mama duck was sitting on her eggs.

And, then.  The daddy duck came over to put stuff in the nest.  He didn't bother the mama because he didn't want to bother the eggs.  I know a lot about nature.  That is because my dad knows a lot about science and he told me all about ducks.

 This is me watching the ducks.  You can see part of my dad but not the whole thing.  He is just thinking about when he needs to get back to the grill.  He was cooking and I am thinking about chasing the ducks.  I don't want to hurt the mama duck because she is sitting on her eggs.  If I get near the geese that have eggs or ducklings that means they will charge and attack us.

This is me.  Well, on the other picture you couldn't see my face and this is my whole face.  It's fun learning about stuff.

My 1st Grader

I am beyond proud of Gabriel.  He is an amazing little boy who has amazed me this year in school.  He has exceeded my expectations of him in every area and is now a 1st grader.  I just can't express how proud I am to be his mother.

Here he is hard at work with Mrs. Payne

Gabriel in his classroom

Part of his success is due to his teacher  Mrs. Payne.  It has been a such a blessing to have her as part of our lives this past year.  We will miss seeing her everyday!

Gabe and Mrs. Payne

Graduation day.   Kindegarden graduation that is.   Grandma, Owen, Eli, and I arrive at Gabe's school bright and early on Thursday morning to watch Gabriel's program and see him graduate.  The kids prepared a cute little program for the parents and Gabriel did a great job entertaining all the parents.

Getting ready to sing!

After the program we headed back to Mrs. Payne's room for the Graduation ceremony and to watch a slide presentation of the kids over the last year.  I hate to admit it but, I cried during the presentation.  Watching Gabe doing so well in school and make so many friends made me all emotional.  After I wiped away my tears and pretended like I wasn't crying Gabe accepted his Kindergarten certificate and turned into a 1st grader.

Gabe and Owen playing and enjoying cookies and lemonade

Me and the boys....celebrating!