I'm working on my new generation of dog lovers. :)
This cute little pup is just visiting us for the weekend.

Hanging Out with Friends

Happy & Sad

Things that make me happy:

*Hearing "I love you Mommy." for the first time
*Little boy hugs & kisses
*Three brothers being kind to each other (at least some of the time!)
*Giggling gaggles of little guys
*Mark reading stories to Nathan
*Listening to my children talk to God at bed time
*Seeing my five year old just being a little boy

Things that make me sad:

*Seeing glimpses of pain in my five year old
*Knowing there are so many children around the world who are still asking God for a Mommy & a Daddy

Imperfection

A friend of mine wrote in her blog recently about how everywhere she looks online, there are pictures of beautiful homes, lovely professionally decorated rooms, even super organized & stream-lined refrigerators. Ahhh perfection! She took a picture of her "normal" looking fridge (ie: slightly messy) in response. Her idea has resonated with me! It's not that I don't like beauty &/or organization, because I do. It's wonderful! It's just that I am rarely attaining it in my home these days & I am mostly OK with that. So, I am going to post a picture of a NOT perfect area in my home. I might even start posting one weekly! ;)
Yeah, this is it...my not organized or attractive dining room table. This is how it looks after breakfast & home school duty.

Nathan Godfred

Nathan got hurt today while he was playing & he was really crying hard. I sat down next to him & snuggled him up in my arms. He stopped crying right away. This immediate response has never happened before! It's a big deal!

Also, right out of the blue this morning he looked at me and said, "I like you." :) Awwwwwwwwwwwwww...this Mom's heart is all mushy on the inside!
I just love... well ... love!

The First Hike

Luke & Nathan had never gone hiking before, or at least they had never done anything that was called a "hike". I explained that we would
take a long walk in the woods.

They asked, "Why?"

I assured them it would be fun but I think they were sceptical. They did have fun though! We all love hiking now!

Boys in Boxes