My sweet children

I was worried they would turn into little monsters after Grandpa went home the other day. I have underestimated them. They were all a little crabby yesterday but they weren't monsters either. They are really so sweet and kind and loving. Today they were all awake before me. Kamaryn and Kyler were all dressed too. They have been pretty cheerful and playing together well today. So I am grateful for their sweetness today.

A Great Father-in-Law

Trev's dad has been here with us since last Tuesday. He is leaving tomorrow night and it's going to be hard for me. He's been so helpful with the kids. They have really enjoyed playing with him and going on walks and everything too. He's always so interesting in what they are doing and he loves to play with them. It's been nice to have another adult to watch the kids if I need to get something done. I'm really going to miss him. I'm grateful for him. He's always so easy to talk to and be around. So easy going and so accepting and appreciative. It's nice. I wish our family was closer so we could spend more time around all of them. But this week has been really great and special. And I feel more relaxed than I have in a while. Love ya Dad :) Thanks.

Forgiving Children

Today was not a good day. I've been feeling down in the dumps for a while now and today was the worst day. Trev and his Dad went out for the day and I just felt like I yelled at children for the entirety of the day. I felt so awful and guilty, like the most awful mother on earth. (Insert giant depressed frown/scowl here). But I am so grateful for my children. I was terrible to them all day and at one point Kamaryn just started hugging and kissing me. She wouldn't stop.. hee hee. It made me smile and relax a bit. She's usually not all that lovey with anyone so it was kinda unusual. But I couldn't help but feel that she was in tune with the spirit even after I had obviously lost it. I am grateful that they always know I love them even when I feel like I've been stretched to my absolute limits. I just hope I can feel better soon and not get so frustrated so easily. And I hope I can be as forgiving and show as much unconditional love to them as they do every day to me.

A thoughtful friend

I have been less than grateful for the past little while. I have been having a hard time focusing on those blessings that I do have and instead dwelling on negative things and it has been affecting my spirit. Today I went to read WOD like always and there was a post just for me from sweet Bela. It really touched my heart and so I will copy what she wrote here so I think to read it often...

Anyway, April, I remember one post of yours a loooooonnnng time ago that I never had a chance to reply. You may be feeling better now, but I want to share with you the lyrics of a song that always makes me think of you. It can go to every one of us too of course.

~

In her heart she holds the dreams

That she's carried since the day she turned 13

Of all that she would do when she was grown

Of all that she would do when she was finally on her own

She dreamed she'd fly

And she's still waiting for the chance to try

But in the meantime she's a mother and a daughter and a wife

Doing all she can to stay above the daily grind

And she wonders when she'll ever have more meaning in her life

She doesn't know she's molded and refined

In the meantime

Someday she'll go back to school

When the carpools and the soccer games are through

Cause deep inside she's still the girl

Who's always felt the fire to make a difference in the world

She dreams she'll soar

When she finally has the time to do more

But in the meantime she's a sister and a teacher and a friend

Hours turn into days that turn to years that never end

And she wonders when she'll ever really find herself again

But she's becoming one on whom God can depend

In the meantime

Heaven feels the joy of every victory in her life

And heaven hears her heart before she cries

Somewhere in the middle of the triumphs and the trials

She's becoming sanctified

But in the meantime she's an answer and a blessing and a gift

To every empty, aching heart that only she can lift

Still she wonders if she'll ever get to see where heaven is

If she could only see her mansion waiting there

If she could only feel how much her Father cares

She would know that she's being perfectly prepared

In the meantime

Thanks Bela. :)