Hitting The Pause Button For A Moment

 Sometimes, you have to just hit the pause button, look around at your life, and say "thank you God for everything that I have."

Today, I had one of those pause and look around days. This feeling came to me after opening a box of baby clothes that my now 4 1/2 year old wore long ago. After gently unfolding one of his baby sweaters, I lifted it up to my nose, sniffed, and took in a whiff of his baby smell....or maybe it was just the memory of it.

After the smell enveloped my nostrils, I opened my eyes, and that's when it hit me....the nostalgia of it all. Time has gone so fast. And, I believe this revelation came to me by divine intervention. God gives you these moments, to pause, take it all in, and re-evaluate things. You don't really fathom how fast your kids are growing until you open a box of their old clothes or that first day when your son calls you by your first name.

And then, you scroll down zipping through your files of pictures as if your looking through them on a chronological timeline...and then, it really hits you.

These pause and look around moments are a gift from God......a gift to look around, re-evaluate your life, be grateful, and savor the small and big things in life....your family, the warmth of your home, snuggling up with your kids to read a book, a child's smile, memories, small and big moments, and the beauty all around you.

This week, I captured some pictures of the beautiful moments that I'm grateful for....

Hanging out with all the cousins that are just about the same age :)

Thinking....What sort of trouble can I cause next?"

Brotherly and Sisterly Love :)

Such a good big sister :)

My sweet baby boy growing up so fast :)

Dreaming sweet, beautiful baby dreams :)

Friday Picture Party: A Week Summed Up

One of my favorite pictures of the week....melts my heart as he stares at me, his mommy :)

My cute husband taking a much needed nap :)

1. Infant Jesus statue in our bedroom 2. Snowy morning resulting from night-time storm 3. Wedding pic adorning desk 4. Mary bust on hallway wall.

Another favorite of the week...he's carelessly enjoying life, looking away, and wondering "when is mom going to pick me up?"

1. Much need daily dose of caffeine. 2. Cute little bow-tie I scored for .50 cents at thrift store 3. Vincent's first stuffed animal 4. The normal state of my desk; toy hairdryer,caffeine, lists,cords, and a spare ink cartridge. 

I Want to See THIS! :) Pro-Life Documentary: The Drop Box

http://www.dropbox-movie.com/trailer.html

5 Things I've Learned So Far As a Young Christian Mother

I'm getting there....never will be perfect in my parenting, but I've learned some things, so far, along the way....Today, I reflected on 5 important things I've learned in my short time as a young Christian mother....

1. Never scream or yell. This is a hard one. When one kid spills their kool-aid on the floor and skates around in it....and then your son joins in the fun, all while the baby is screaming...it's hard to keep your composure. I try to keep in mind at these moments that Christ wants us to keep "a still, small voice." This calm composure will show children how to respond to stressful situations they have to deal with in the future....remember, your kids imitate everything you do! I also keep in mind to use the same tone of voice with my kids as I would anyone else; a priest, pope, stranger, boss, etc.

2. Pray, pray, pray! From the moment you wake to the moment you shut your eyes for the night, never cease praying. Pray for your children, your husband, neighbors, strangers, non-believers, sinners. Pray for wifehood and motherhood. Start your morning with an offering and the Lord's graces will do wonders for your life and your vocation as a mother.

3. Be consistent. Another hard one....kids love consistency. It's the #1 key to learning. If you read a chapter from the bible one morning, keep on doing it daily. Soon the kids will get up, grab the bible, and meet you in the living room for morning bible time.

4. Do everything in Christ's name. "As often as ye shall do things, ye shall do them in remembrance of me." When you eat....pray and thank God for your food. When you watch TV....watch a clean show...religious or with good christ-like morals. When you dress....dress modestly. When you read....read good, clean stuff. When you listen to music....listen to beautiful songs that praise God.

5. Nothing will ever be perfectly clean....not your house, your car, or your own clothes. This is a good sign...a sign that you're living in your house.....a good mother. Toys splattered across the floor means that your kids are having fun, not sitting in front of the TV. A lot of dishes in the sink means your kids are eating good, a dirty car means you have fun road trips, and throw-up on your shirt means the baby is getting fed and burped. So, if your house is messy along with your clothes.....keep up the good work...you're a good mom!

Happy 3RD Birthday to My Little Girl LU :)

It's been a quick 3 years with you LU.....where did it go?

 Late night feedings and diaper changes, you gabbing away, hearing your tiny fingers tap on your toy piano, ripping up a roll of toilet paper, many smiles, eating crayons, fighting with your big brother, tenderly giving him hugs, eating a bag full of grapes, falling asleep in your raman noodles, cherishing a mommy and Lu tea party, nothing scaring you, go-getter, brushing your teeth, helping mama with the dishes, coloring, splashing in the bathroom sink, picking raspberries, strolling, watering flowers, hearing you sing the Dora theme song, picking out a dress to wear, eating cherry tomatoes, attempting to play the harmonica, potty-training escapades, picking flowers, crawling in my lap to read, dancing to tunes, taking the cushions off the couch, taking your pony-tails out, getting into my perfume, adventures, library visits, grocery store, swimming pool, and many memories to come :)

               I wouldn't change a thing.....Happy Birthday to the most adventurous & sweet girl I know :)

Congrats to Amy! The Winner of the Mary Doll Giveaway!

Giveaway CLOSED

  Congrats to Amy! The winner of the Mary Doll Giveaway! 

God Bless!