March 13, 2017

I didn't want to go to sleep last night.  It was late and dark, but I had my bedside window open and a light, fresh breeze was brushing my skin.  I had put the little boys to bed and then left the three big kids tucked into their beds with a good book in hand and their lamps on.  It was so peaceful.  The whole house was scrubbed clean, and I admired my home as I locked up and turned out the lights.  Greg and I shared some tender, quiet moments together before bed.  Now, as I settled into the softness of my bed, with a light breeze blowing in, I just wanted to stay awake and bask in the glow of a glorious day.

Earlier in the day I had finished reading "Island of the Blue Dolphins."  It was about a girl stranded alone on an island for 18 years.  It was a great little book.  It gave me a lot to think about.  But now that I had finished it, there wasn't anything on my nightstand ready to read.  It was late so I turned out my own lamp and pulled up the covers.

The weather was so beautiful all day.  The kids are out of school for Spring Break.  I drove to the airport to pick up mom and dad from their three-week vacation to Hawaii.  They looked so tan, so fresh-faced, so healthy, so relaxed.  I told Greg all about it.  I'm so excited to go with him to Hawaii in a few days.  I hope we come home looking so good.

Owen and Mom

After I got home in the afternoon from getting my hair done, I took the kids to Swig.  We sat swinging on the bench swings, sipping our drinks and talking.  It was a golden moment.  As we climbed in the car and drove home, I looked in my rearview mirror.  I could see the tops of all of their heads, and it suddenly overwhelmed me.  I gave birth to this whole crew!  They are all my children.  This car full of people!  They all belong to me.  I felt such a surge of amazement and gratitude.  Together with Greg, we've created a whole group.  A whole family.  I love it!  My blessings are endless.  But my greatest blessing is my family.  There is nothing else I'd rather be doing than being a mother to all of these precious souls.  Greg and I are so blessed to be in this together.  I'm thankful every day that I'm alive.  Sometimes, I'm so happy that it's hard to go to sleep at night.

Miles, Lance, and Emma

Austin and Julia