Each Moment

After a week of not having the littlest kiddo come into our room (and bed) in the wee hours of the morning, I really began to miss him:/ It was a reminder of how quickly this littlest boy of ours is growing older.

This morning I was glad for his little body snuggling into bed with us before we rose for the day:) And how after we moved around the room for a bit, showered and dressed he still slept soundly in our bed... the bed his used to call his own:)

Oh, how the years of little toes being in our face or under our neck have flown by. How the mornings of wrestling the covers back from underneath him have become sweet memories.

I'm learning to slow down.
To stop and step back to appreciate these simple moments.
Maybe take out the camera to capture this sweet little face into a memory that doesn't fade as fast.

And then in a few moments...
Embrace the quiet start to the morning with both boys still in the bed:)
One looking through baby books learning about opposites.

The other perfecting how to tie a shoe.

Gentle, unhurried, simple moments together before the day gets under way.
Tender moments that continue to knit our hearts together.
Before the dog needs to be taken out into the arctic wind and the school work begins.
Before the news of loved ones sick and passing on.
Before the 5 loads of laundry begin the endless cycle... dirty, wash, clean, dirty... and the kitchen requires attention.

And then in the middle of the day, I received another tender moment.

Chilled by the cool dampness outside, I shivered. My youngest in PJs hugged my neck and then asked, "Is this feel better, Mommy?"

As I smiled back, I whispered,"Yes, thank you! Where did I get such a sweet boy?"

And with his bashful grin he responded, "Maybe, from God. Maybe He give me to you."

He knows!

This is all a sweet gift!
Each child!
Each tender moment!
Each kid- inspired mess!
Each disagreement!
Each dirty mismatched pair of socks (it's the "in" thing now... so maybe I don't have to mess with attempting to match them anymore either)!

May I be faithful today... and every day! To count each moment and daily task as the gifts that they were meant to be. And in the moments that overcome and attempt to steal my contentment and joy, help me to show grace and search for reasons to be grateful.