FATHER'S DAY SNAPSHOTS

Just a few snapshots from our father's day.

I couldn't do it alone. Sometimes I look at him with now all THREE of our kids and I realize he's just as much in it as I am. He is right there with me chasing them, loving them, protecting them, teaching them, trying the best he can just like I do. Some days I know he feels ill equipped like I sometimes do, being a parent can throw some unexpected things our way and truthfully we don't have a clue on some of those days but we try, we pray, we seek God and we laugh....a lot! I couldn't do it with out him. God's no joke when he tells you two are better than one, I get it, I'm grateful for it. It's fun to watch him grow as a Daddy, it's crazy to think how it use to be just the two of us and now we have a full house! This guy...putting the sanity in my kookiness and giving my kids a fighting chance at decorum! 

I like taking pictures, I like capturing moments in time. It's amazing how when you look at photos it gives you a chance to take in the beauty of a moment and appreciate the time. Life is busy with kids and sometimes I make the mistake of looking at what my husband isn't doing right instead of taking  time to stop in the moment and appreciate all the good he does and all the love he gives. There is so much loveliness in our crazy life, I'm grateful for a man who seeks God, prays over our family and gives me beautiful snapshots!

Lord, let me look at life like I do snapshots. Help me to enjoy the beauty and appreciate the moment, snapshots of your grace, placed in my heart. Let the loveliness of you rest on us!

" let the loveliness of our Lord, our God, rest on us,

    confirming the work that we do. " - Psalms 90:17 (MSG)

HOME WITH DADDY

I love my fellas! Sometimes I forget that, just like I am learning how to be a mom, Steve is learning how to be a dad. His time with the kids is more limited than mine, so we always enjoy having daddy home! Some things are just more fun with daddy and lets face it, although I enjoy an epic battle, Steve enjoys it even more... I think we may have a few rebel spies amongst us!

 

A girl after her daddy's heart!

Today's Reflection:

Sometimes being a parent can be terrifying, I'd say 99% of the time i'm only 50% positive that I'm not completely ruining my children with my lack of parenting skills! I think I'm not terrified all the time because, well first I've got a God that fills whatever I am lacking, second I've got a partner to hold my hand during those 'scary' moments and lastly I love love love being a mom to my kids!

I thought this scripture was very fitting for my little warriors...

"Don't you see that children are God's best gift? the fruit of the womb his generous legacy? Like a warrior's fistful of arrows are the children of a vigorous youth. Oh, how blessed are you parents,     with your quivers full of children! Your enemies don't stand a chance against you; you'll sweep them right off your doorstep."

-Psalm 127:3-5 (The Message) 

FIGURING IT OUT

I always wanted a family.  I dreamed of my children, their little hands their little feet, how they would say 'I love you mommy' and give me sweet little kisses. I knew, from the moment they were placed in my arms at the Hospital that my life would be changed forever. CHANGED FOREVER! I adore and love my children, but did you know that in addition to all the cuteness and hugs and kisses, they would also embarrass you terribly?  in public?

 Steve does not cope as well as I do in these situations...

 but he's learning to roll with the punches or in this case a two year old who just has a little too much spunk for the seat and wants everyone to know it!

You know, a lot of things that come with parenting catch us off guard. Our son is very good for the most part, but every now and then we have 'situations'. With each day we have we are figuring it out. We're not perfect and we make a lot of parenting mistakes, but we try to work together and stay united.  We try our hardest to discipline and not laugh anytime he acts a fool (sure we crack a smile every now and then, we're not statues!) We don't give up on our kids because we know this is just the beginning and challenges will come, but so will joy! Besides, if I could, I'd probably dance and stand on my seat too!

Today's Reflection:

In life, there will always be 'situations' I'm not prepared for. Sometimes it's hard to know what the right thing to do is. I ask myself, am I doing the right thing, am I going down the right path? I trust in you, Lord, I trust in your word, and your truths.

"If the Lord delights in a man's way, He makes his steps firm; though he stumble, he will not fall, for the Lord upholds him with His hand."

-Psalm 37: 23-24 

MERRY & BRIGHT

I adore my children, but I know one day they will have to leave me and start their own families.  Thankfully they're only babies so I don't have to worry much about that right now.  When they do leave I realize it will just be the two of us again, me and my Steve-O. Sometimes I get so focused on the kids that he can get left in the background. I'm trying to take more time to let him know I love him and he's still the one that makes my heart race.  He loves the Holidays. I have to hold him back from putting the Christmas decorations up, otherwise we'd be fully decorated before Halloween! I try to make our house as festive as I can, this year I added a few more touches to our house.

I'm playing Holiday music constantly!

I brought the Holiday Decorations into our bedroom.  It's not much, but he loves it.  He asked if we can leave it up all year...we'll see!

sometimes the little things can add up, or at least I hope they do!  How are you keeping your holidays merry and bright?

Today what I'm reflecting on:

Lord Thank You Thank You for my husband.  He is the one I prayed for, please let me remember that when times get tough and I am tired.  Let me not forget you handpicked him for me and you are the ultimate matchmaker!