Pulling My Heartstrings...

My heart is tied in knots around these two little people.

So much to love, so much I want to give...

My heart is so full, I can barely contain it.

Thank you Lord, for these precious babies.

iPictures: Flowers for Mommy

Levi and I took a late afternoon walk up the lane to the mailbox.  You know the story:  the light was right and my subject was of course, adorable.  The iPhone is all I had with me.  It works just fine!  Of course, sunbeams are always welcome and add to the excellent conditions for smart phone photography!

I have a photo almost identical to these of Jamie bringing me a small handful of lilacs.  Such precious memories!

We took mommy flowers for when she woke from her afternoon nap.  It was a busy day with a pediatrician's visit first thing this morning for Audrey and then some errands.  

Levi and I had a nice day together while mommy was gone.  Jamie and I have been working to transition him from two naps a day down to one long nap.  The poor kid is cutting FOUR eyeteeth, so he has had a little trouble sleeping lately, but doing well overall with the change--each day gets a little better.

Baby Audrey will have her own post here soon.  We had a little photo session with her over the weekend.  She is a good little girl, and other than a lot of spitting up she's just the sweetest little doll.  

She has her daddy wrapped right around her finger, he just loves her to pieces and that hair of hers is the same shade as his, it's just beautiful.

Her brother also really loves her.  He kisses her tenderly whenever he has the chance and we help him "share" his toys with her.  Tonight, we had blanket time on the floor with Audrey, and Levi wanted to lay down beside her.  

Oh, my goodness he looked just huge next to her little tiny self.  It's so cute, he calls her "sista" in his little toddler talk.  

What has amazed me the most about this new little sibling, is that instinctively, Levi knows this little one is a person, not a doll or a toy.  

I wish more of our politicians "knew" this!  

I contend that we are all born with this knowledge inside of us, this instinct lays deep in our consciences, and that over time and with what some call "higher education" we are sold a lie about a "blob" or some such hooey and unfortunately, some believe the lie they are told by those who think they "know" more than God does.

In our state, I am ashamed to say that abortion is legal ALL NINE MONTHS of pregnancy.   It's terrible and I hope that before I die, I see abortion become illegal--not only in my own state but everywhere in the USA.

I don't see how it's possible for God to bless a country whose most innocent ones are allowed to be slaughtered for the convenience of another.  

Every life is precious. 

A Balancing Act

Jamie and the baby have been home for about five days.  Life is settling into a routine, somewhat, once again. With two kids under two, life is about a lot of diaper changing, a lot of feedings, and putting ourselves last.  


Some days as a young mother, you're lucky to get a shower and get dressed and you've hit the jackpot if you get to dry or style your hair and put on a little makeup.


I told Jamie and Thad tonight, it might not seem like it now, but THESE are the BEST days of their lives.  Hands down.  


They may only realize this once they are looking backward, but oh, the sweet times with these babies, the kisses, the hugs, the sweet sleepy eyes in the morning, the tussled hair that is so soft and smells so good, the little hands reaching for yours, the innocent trust these little souls have for us who have been blessed with their very existence.

I have to balance staying long enough with staying too long.


I have to be sure that mama is feeling healthy and strong again, and confident in being alone with two little ones before I take that 750 mile trip back home.


It's hard.

I love being a grandma, I just hate being so far away.


But, I have a family back home that I must return to, and I am hoping for the right signal to beep and tell me it's time to go back.  Those at home have made it possible for me to be here and I so appreciate the sacrifices they've willingly made.


I have to say, I feel lucky to be here, because it's enjoyable to watch your children become parents, to grow with their children into their role and to perform their responsibilities well--to learn about selflessness and sacrifice.  To watch the attitudes of youth fall to the wayside as adulthood and parenthood are fully embraced....

I tell them in the best way I know how that they will never, ever be sorry for giving it all that they've got.

For proof, I must back this up with my actions, my service,my gifts of time and attention, daily proving that family is the most important thing in the world, hands down.

Lake Guntersville, Alabama January 2010

Have our children seen us demonstrate compassion?  Have they seen us take a meal to someone who's sick?  Be kind to a stray animal or person?  Make a special meal or dessert  for them just because?  


Have they heard us not only pray, but also mention the answered prayer?  Have they seen us take care of our home, and everyone in it even when we didn't feel like it?   


These are the little big things that they see, when, as moms--we're immersed in the "daily-ness" of life when--sometimes we feel like "no one is looking"...they truly are.  They watch us.


Those little eyes see us.


(As soon as I have a chance, I'll upload some new pics of Audrey and Levi!)