BECAUSE I'M THE MOM, THAT'S WHY!

Happy Easter Moms! I love this--so thought I'd share! Hope you enjoy it!

HAPPY EASTER!

We had a really nice, warm day here today. It was gorgeous! We had some friends in town who came over and had lunch with us and we enjoyed part of the day just catching up. I even got the kid's wagon out and took them for a ride this evening. They loved getting out of the house and being out in the open air! We stopped at one of their friend's houses and they played for awhile and jumped on the trampoline. It was fun to hear the sounds of children outside playing. Winter has been here too long this year!

I'm excited for Easter! I love this time of year. I love not only the fun Easter egg hunts and leaving baskets for the kids but also the more important part, remembering our Savior and his death and resurrection. I am so grateful for the blessings we have because our Savior was willing to suffer and die for us and then be resurrected! What a miracle the resurrection is for all of us! May you be truly blessed this Easter Season!

BRING IT ON!

Today was a beautiful day outside. I wish I'd spent more time outside than inside. Maybe tomorrow. I spent the day doing laundry and a little clean-up indoors. I also got in five miles on my treadmill. When Rob got home we ran out and did some errands and grabbed something to eat. By the time we got back it was time to get the kids ready for bed. I'm hoping to have a little more time to spend outdoors tomorrow. I want to take the kids on a walk and let them play.

Mom and Dad got out for a bit today, too. They went shopping and had lunch out. It was just too nice to stay inside. I think it got up to around 65 degrees. It is supposed to stay at these temps through the weekend and on into next week!. Yay! We are so ready for it to be Spring!

HERE'S TO HOPING!

Today was a catch-up day -- and as hard as I tried, I didn't. Lol. It seems like whenever you go away, even for a day or two things pile up. We went away tired and came back exhausted. Although, we still managed to accomplish quite a bit. Even though our trip was to attend a funeral and was emotional for us, we managed to have a good time with our kids. We met up with Julie and she watched the kids while we went to the viewing. She took them swimming at the hotel. Then we got them dinner and we came back and went swimming with the kids, too. Julie spent the night with us so we stayed up late and gabbed. In the morning after breakfast, Rob and the kids ran Julie to her first class while I finished getting ready and packing things up.

My sister Susan was nice enough to watch the kids for us during the funeral. They really like their Aunt Susan. They had a good time at her house and they love playing with her dog Coco. We picked them up and took them to the luncheon with us after the grave-side part of the service and burial.

By the time we got home yesterday, I think around 4:30 or 5:00, we were so wasted! We all laid down for a nap and woke up at 8:00 p.m.. Crazy, eh?!

It has been really nice here the last few days--in the upper 50's and it is supposed to be in the 60's the rest of the week. Maybe Spring has finally Sprung! That would be so nice! My tulips and daffodils would love it! I would love it! Here's to hoping!

Well, better get myself to bed so I can be up when the munchkins wake up in the morning. I think it would be prudent! Otherwise I could end up with Crayola Wainscoting throughout the house and that just wouldn't do! Lol! Make it a good day!

I'M GONNA BE A FIREFIGHTER WHEN I GROW UP!

I have been to one firefighter funeral before and it was very touching, but it was nothing compared to what I experienced today. I guess it began last night at the viewing with the double honor guard (one at each end) at my friend Dick's casket. I can't even count the number of fire fighter's who showed up in their dress blues to honor him and show their respect last night and today. One of the Chief's spoke very lovingly and humorously at his funeral today. When the funeral was over we followed the procession to the grave site for his burial. I had no idea the best part was about to come.

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As the procession pulled up over this big, winding hill, we see two large fire ladder trucks parked on either side of the road with their ladders completely extended and crossing each other to make an arch for our vehicles to drive under. Behind each fire truck was a complete company of firefighters standing at attention as the hearse and caravan of cars followed behind. It was an amazing sight. (Had I known it was coming, I'd have had my camera out, I barely got a couple of shots with my camera phone--and they aren't very good.) I kept it together long enough to take a few shots with my camera phone and then I broke down. What  a brotherhood these firefighters have. What love they have for each other. I was so touched by their show of love, admiration and affection for their lost comrade. But wait, there is still more.

We arrive at the cemetery and grave-site. The grave is dedicated and then, the time is turned over to the firefighters for a presentation. The chief brings the radio and makes one final call for his comrade and then comes the answer from dispatch citing Dick's years of service, some kind words about him and a final farewell from his brothers - and then we notice something happening a little ways off on the edge of the cemetery. We look over to see two firemen dressed in their fire fighting outfits both with water hoses. They are facing each other and spraying their water into each other's--in effect creating a forceful spray or wall of water. Then we notice three other firefighters in fire fighting attire walking toward that wall of water. The one in the middle, has Dick's name on his uniform. He stops just before he gets to the spray or wall of water, turns to the crowd and nods and then walks into the wall of water and disappears. The other two walk off to the side. I don't think there was a dry eye anywhere. It was a beautiful, amazing tribute.

If you have to lose someone, and you have to attend a funeral--this is the type of comfort you want to receive--that's for sure. At least it's the type I want to receive. It left me knowing my friend Dick was loved deeply in life-- and gave me the added assurance that just as the firefighters portrayed for us--he is still with us--he has just gone on to a better place. I love you Dick. Thanks for all you did to bless my life. 

MY LITTLE CHARMER

My little boy can sometimes be such a handful because, of course, he's a boy--and that's his job--but there are moments--more of them than not when he is Prince Charming in nearly every way. He was Prince Charming on our drive today--and he, well, he charmed me. We were driving along and he started singing. He likes to make up songs and sing. He has been doing that for awhile now. Today he started singing over and over "I love my daddy, I love my mama, I love my family and my sisters.I love my grandma and grandpa. " Each one had it's own verse and seemed to go on for awhile but if you are the subject of a love song it doesn't get too monotonous even when it is monotonous. Lol! There really isn't anything like the joy that comes from knowing your child truly loves you and from loving them unconditionally. I am so blessed to be a mom and pray everyday I will be up to the challenge and opportunities the Lord has given me.

We spent part of our evening with Julie and the kids at the hotel and the other part at the viewing for our friend, Dick. Julie took the kids swimming while we went to the viewing and spent time with the family. We are really grateful she would do that for us. Tomorrow, my sister Susan is going to watch the kids during the funeral since Julie will be in class. Dick was a fireman and is having a fireman's funeral--with full honors. He had an honor guard at his casket tonight. There were two guards there in full dress uniform. They don't move at all and are so professional. It is really a sight to see. There were lots of people at the viewing but I suspect there will be more at the funeral, even though, I think he has outlived many of his classmates and friends. He was the class president of his high school. I used to be his ghost writer for all of his class reunion speeches and conducting notes. He was such a neat guy--so good to his family and friends--and such a blessing to the community.

We are back at the hotel now. The little kids are asleep, Rob and I are on our computers and Julie is studying. It is nice to have her here with us. No matter where you are it always feels more like home when you have your kids with you.

Well, better get some sleep so I can get up early tomorrow. Night all.

YOU'RE NOT ALONE . . .

This was my Sunday to teach Sunday School and during my lesson I noticed an elderly woman I know who was very recently widowed, that usually participates in class wasn't participating today. Her face was more drawn than usual. She is a beautiful, regal looking woman and always appears happy and friendly--but not so today. I could tell her heart was heavy and it weighed on my mind throughout my class. In the meeting following Sunday School, I sat beside her and asked if she was alright. She told me she was having a hard day. As we sang the opening song together, she broke down. I put my arm around her and just hung onto her. Afterwards I asked her if we could come visit her and she was excited for the company. This sweet woman and her husband were married for more than sixty years and had a very loving relationship. She misses him terribly. Even though she knows he is better off now--it is still hard to have him gone from her life. It is hard to be alone. No one should ever be alone.

I mentioned earlier in the week that a dear friend of mine had passed away. He and his wife have been my close, dear friends for over 25 years now. As I sat with this good woman in church today, I couldn't help but draw a parallel to my friends whose lives have just been interrupted by death. I realized that even though Venice (the wife) is being so incredibly strong right now, in a few weeks or months this will most likely be how she will be feeling.  I just pray, in that moment, if I am not there, that someone will be there to put their arm around her and let her know she is not alone.                                                                                                                                

I've wanted  to share The Daffodil Principle for some time now. Maybe you’ve read it before.  Tonight, I share it in honor of my friends Dick and Venice. Dick is my friend who has passed on. Venice is his wife who is still with us. She loves this story—but she also embodies this story. It reminds me so much of both of them and what they accomplished in their lives. I hope you enjoy it and share it with someone!   

The Daffodil Principle

Several times my daughter had telephoned to say, "Mother, you must come to see the daffodils before they are over." I wanted to go, but it was a two-hour drive from Laguna to Lake Arrowhead . "I will come next Tuesday", I promised a little reluctantly on her third call.

Next Tuesday dawned cold and rainy. Still, I had promised, and reluctantly I drove there. When I finally walked into Carolyn's house I was welcomed by the joyful sounds of happy children. I delightedly hugged and greeted my grandchildren.

"Forget the daffodils, Carolyn! The road is invisible in these clouds and fog, and there is nothing in the world except you and these children that I want to see badly enough to drive another inch!"

My daughter smiled calmly and said, "We drive in this all the time, Mother." "Well, you won't get me back on the road until it clears, and then I'm heading for home!" I assured her.

"But first we're going to see the daffodils. It's just a few blocks," Carolyn said. "I'll drive. I'm used to this."

"Carolyn," I said sternly, "Please turn around." "It's all right, Mother, I promise. You will never forgive yourself if you miss this experience."

After about twenty minutes, we turned onto a small gravel road and I saw a small church. On the far side of the church, I saw a hand lettered sign with an arrow that read, " Daffodil Garden ." We got out of the car, each took a child's hand, and I followed Carolyn down the path. Then, as we turned a corner, I looked up and gasped. Before me lay the most glorious sight.

 

It looked as though someone had taken a great vat of gold and poured it over the mountain peak and its surrounding slopes. The flowers were planted in majestic, swirling patterns, great ribbons and swaths of deep orange, creamy white, lemon yellow, salmon pink, and saffron and butter yellow. Each different-colored variety was planted in large groups so that it swirled and flowed like its own river with its own unique hue. There were five acres of flowers.

"Who did this?" I asked Carolyn. "Just one woman," Carolyn answered. "She lives on the property. That's her home." Carolyn pointed to a well-kept A-frame house, small and modestly sitting in the midst of all that glory. We walked up to the house.

On the patio, we saw a poster. "Answers to the Questions I Know You Are Asking", was the headline. The first answer was a simple one. "50,000 bulbs," it read. The second answer was, "One at a time, by one woman. Two hands, two feet, and one brain." The third answer was, "Began in 1958."

For me, that moment was a life-changing experience. I thought of this woman whom I had never met, who, more than forty years before, had begun, one bulb at a time, to bring her vision of beauty and joy to an obscure mountaintop. Planting one bulb at a time, year after year, this unknown woman had forever changed the world in which she lived. One day at a time, she had created something of extraordinary magnificence, beauty, and inspiration. The principle her daffodil garden taught is one of the greatest principles of celebration.

That is, learning to move toward our goals and desires one step at a time--often just one baby-step at a time--and learning to love the doing, learning to use the accumulation of time. When we multiply tiny pieces of time with small increments of daily effort, we too will find we can accomplish magnificent things. We can change the world

"It makes me sad in a way," I admitted to Carolyn. "What might I have accomplished if I had thought of a wonderful goal thirty-five or forty years ago and had worked away at it 'one bulb at a time' through all those years? Just think what I might have been able to achieve!"

My daughter summed up the message of the day in her usual direct way. "Start tomorrow," she said.

She was right. It's so pointless to think of the lost hours of yesterdays. The way to make learning a lesson of celebration instead of a cause for regret is to only ask, "How can I put this to use today?"

Use the Daffodil Principle.

Stop waiting.....

Until your car or home is paid off

Until you get a new car or home

Until your kids leave the house

Until you go back to school

Until you finish school

Until you clean the house

Until you organize the garage

Until you clean off your desk

Until you lose 10 lbs.

Until you gain 10 lbs.

Until you get married

Until you get a divorce

Until you have kids

Until the kids go to school

Until you retire

Until summer

Until spring

Until winter

Until fall

Until you die...

There is no better time than right now to be happy.

Happiness is a journey, not a destination.

So work like you don't need money.

Love like you've never been hurt, and, Dance like no one's watching.

 

 

IS IT THAT TIME OF YEAR AGAIN ALREADY? REALLY?

We had a neighborhood Easter Egg Hunt today! No, you haven't missed Easter--we just like to get a jump on it. Seems like our egg hunt is always a week or two early. It looked like we might have to do it in the snow as of yesterday but luckily the snow melted and the worst problem was 29 degree temps. The kids didn't seem to mind since there was candy involved, though.

This afternoon Rob and Jono got a haircut. Grandpa got one yesterday and had a heart doctor appointment-just a check-up. He's doing pretty well.

I spent the evening working on my lesson for tomorrow. Wish me luck. Teaching is not my favorite thing and I can always use all the prayers and luck I can get. :)

FAREWELL MY FRIEND, UNTIL WE MEET AGAIN

Today has been a sad day. I received a call first thing this morning that my dear friend passed away during the night. Even though I knew it was coming and I knew he was ready to go--it is still hard to know he is  no longer here. I am amazed at his wife's strength. Of course, I have always been amazed by her. That's probably why she and I have been so close all these years. I know this is a tremendous loss for her. She and her husband were best friends. They started dating in high school and had been together ever since. They love each other so much and I am sad they have to be apart for a time but I know they will be together again some day. It's never a good day when the world loses a good man--and today was one of those days. God bless you Dick. Thank you for all you did to bless my life. I will see you again some day. I love you

NO BLOG

Sorry guys, I worked on a blog for a couple of hours and now it won't post. I surrender. Hopefully tomorrow it will. All is well here otherwise. Night.

MY WORN OUT LITTLE SLEEPY HEAD

Jono was a bit of a handful today. Grandma and I decided to go and do some shopping and we took the kids with us. Carly did great but Jono needed constant threatening reminding. :) It was one step forward and two steps back the whole trip, or so it seemed. Grandma and I cut our trip short by two stores and headed home vowing to Internet shop, beaten by a three year old. OK, OK--it wasn't totally the three year old, we were pretty tired anyway. I'm pretty sure he gave it everything he had though.

Just before dinner, Rob started Jono's breathing treatment. It usually takes 15 or 20 minutes to complete. I was in the kitchen finishing dinner and realized the machine had been going for quite awhile so I went over to look at it to see if all the medicine had dissipated. I couldn't believe my eyes--my cute boy had worn himself completely out! He was sound asleep but still sitting up holding his nebulizer. Hahaha! He's so darn cute! I just had to get a couple pictures! I guess it's hard work exhausting your mom and grandma! Lol!

He didn't even wake up when I turned the machine off. It took about ten minutes more for him to wake up. So funny! What a little character!

My worn out little guy

Why, yes, he did dress himself. However did you guess?

LOSING IT!!

Grandma has lost ten pounds. She has stopped eating bread and sugar for probably the last month and has really been good about it. She has had an iron will. We've had girl scout cookies, homemade cookies, milk shakes and all kinds of treats in here but nothing has tempted her enough to quit her diet. Me, on the other hand--I've lost 10 lbs.--gained 7--lost 7 lbs, gained 8, lost 5 lbs, gained 3 . . . well, you get the idea. Grandma has been taking the slow and steady path to get there while I have been riding a roller coaster in an effort to do it quickly.

Hmmm, I wonder which way is working better? Yah, it's kind of obvious. You'd think I would get that wouldn't ya?! Could someone please pass the iron will? I can't seem to find mine. Lol!

AS IT SHOULD BE . . .

After church today we drove back to where I used to live to see some dear friends. This sweet couple and I have been friends for over 25 years. I worked with the wife--but they came as a package deal and I am so thankful they did. They have been such blessings in my life. They are about thirty years older than me and have kept a watchful eye out for me over the years. This past Friday, the wife called me to let me know she had put her husband on Hospice. I had spoken with her earlier in the week so it wasn't a huge surprise, just a disappointment hearing he really will not get better.

When we arrived we had a few minutes with him--and I was able to really express to him how much he means to me and how grateful I am to have had his love, care and friendship in my life. My heart was full and I tearfully told him thank you for all he had blessed me with throughout our years of friendship.

It isn't often you get an opportunity to tell someone who is dying what they have meant to you. I feel so blessed to have had these moments with him. He is such a good, decent, loving man and I am a better person because our paths crossed.

When we got home this evening, my mom asked me how his wife was holding up. I told her she was stronger and more peaceful than anyone I had ever seen in this situation. Truly, her courage and strength lifted me. I asked her how she was doing and she told me she was doing well--that while she would deeply miss him, she knew he needed to go. She told me she wasn't at all afraid of death, that she knew where he would be and that they would be together again. She just didn't want him to continue to suffer and knew he wouldn't want to remain here in this situation. I really was amazed at the strength and love she showed. As much as she loves him and would prefer to keep him with her, for his sake and suffering she knows she needs to let him go.

It has been a touching day and I have to keep reminding myself ~ we did not come here to stay. We always intended to return to a loving Father in Heaven. It is as it should be~to everything a time and a season.

MY DATE WITH A HANDSOME MAN

Rob and I actually had a date tonight. Megan came and sat with the kids while we went out. First we went to Red Lobster and had a fabulous meal. Then we went to see "Lincoln." It was a fabulous movie. We both loved it. There is so much in it I want to comment about but I will have to save it for another day as I am falling asleep to try to finish my few thoughts. The last thing we did was go to Cold Stone Ice creak to get ice cream. It as all very nice;

The kids were happy because I brought my left over ice cream home and shared it with them! Now the house is quiet and it's way past our bed time. We have to get up early for church tomorrow.  More later. Nancy

THERE IS BEAUTY ALL AROUND . . .

Today was another beautiful day--not quite as warm but just as lovely. Mom and Dad even got out and went for a drive. Well, more than a drive. Mom even got Dad to do a little shopping with her and then they went to IHOP for dinner. I am so glad they were able to get out, especially on a day this nice. It really just cheers up your soul!

The kids played over at a friend's house this morning and then came home and took a nap for a couple of hours. When they got up they were ready to head right back out to the swing set. They have really missed being in the sunshine. They were having such fun I talked Rob into all of us going on a walk together. Well, Rob and I took the dogs and the kids rode their bikes. They had a really good time. We took them far enough that they were worn out when we came home--the dogs too. Although, they were quick to ask if we could do it again tomorrow. (The kids, not the dogs.) Lol!

I'm really hoping we are done with the snow this year. As much as I love the change of seasons; I am ready for it to be Spring! My tulips and daffodils are about an inch high and I can't wait for them to be completely sprung!

Here are a couple of pictures. One I took two nights ago. It shows the last (hopefully) vestiges of our long Winter. These were the last two patches of snow in our yard. They were here things really warmed up yesterday. We officially have NO MORE SNOW in our yard now! We had snow packed so high and hard I thought it might never melt! I had run out of places to throw it!

Finally, the snow is almost gone!

The next picture is of our bike ride tonight. We stopped for a couple of minutes to rest and I grabbed a quick shot of the dogs and the kids. Trying to get kids and animals to cooperate for a photo--yah, not so much! Hahaha! Anyway, it was a pretty great day! Hope you had one, too!

Jono and Tashie, Carly with Sadie

SUNSHINE ON MY SHOULDERS MAKES ME HAPPY!

So, I found out more today about the funny video I posted last night. I noticed some of the comments that followed it said the salesman was a bad actor or they thought the whole thing was an act. Today I watched a news report about it. They said that since Wednesday when it was first posted the video had been watched 7 million times. Everyone EXCEPT the salesman was in on the gag--the car dealership and all of Jeff Gordon's people, of course--but NOT the salesman! I think that makes it all the funnier. Poor guy! What a ride though. I don't know how Jeff Gordon kept a straight face and was able to just keep going with the sales guy yelling at him and telling him to stop. I probably would have been a little intimidated by that--but I guess that's why I'm not driving stock cars!

We have had FABULOUS weather here the last several days. it has gotten into the 70's. I've been keeping the kids inside because the backyard has been a muddy mess--until the last few days when it got so dry and nice. Yesterday, I took them to a park with some friends and today I had to break down and clean up the back yard. By clean up, I mean remove the landmines. We have two large dogs and once we started measuring the snow in feet it got difficult to clean up the yard. Actually, it got difficult to even get into the backyard. The snow was just overwhelming. So, after all the layers of snow melting I had a 2.5 hour job. It was worth it though. While I was cleaning up the kids were swinging on the swings and laughing and playing. I love their happy giggles. They are so full of life and they were so happy to be outside in the warm sunshine. It's been a long, cold winter and since Jono can't do play-lands because of the germs they have been cooped up worse than most of their friends. It looks like the weather is supposed to hold for the next week or so, and I know some little kids who are going to be pretty happy about the sunshine--and so is their Mamma!

HERE'S YOUR LAUGH FOR TODAY!

This is too funny! Enjoy! 

BASKETBALL GRANDPA STYLE

Grandpa has been playing basketball with Jonathon and Carly. Tonight I walked in to talk to him for a minute and he asked me if he'd worn them out. Man, I wish. Now, when I say playing basketball they aren't running down the floor hooking lay-ups or anything like that, I guess one of Dad's therapists taught him how to bounce and pass the ball to someone in order to keep him arms limber and the kids help him with that. They call it playing basketball with Grandpa and they think they are really good at it! I think Grandpa lets them think that, too. Lol.

Well, I got a late start on the apples today. They are in the dehydrator as I write this but, they are SO much easier than the strawberries. Although, my final verdict will have to wait until tomorrow since I haven't been able to taste test them yet. I have decided to give the strawberries a "thumbs down" at least for me. Once they are dried the seeds become a whole lot more pronounced when you eat them. They stick in your teeth much more noticeably. In fact, the whole dried strawberry sticks to your teeth. They may taste good, but they are definitely not my favorite dried fruit. I don't think I will be drying those again. I am glad I tried it though. It sounded way to interesting not to at least try it.

Tonight I ended up with my watching my niece and nephew while their Dad worked. The kids were very happy to have some playmates even though their cousins are older than they are. It made for a noisy house but they had fun and I guess in the end it was worth it.

Well, guess I'd better go check on the dehydrating process. I will give you an update tomorrow. Night all.

TO DRY OR NOT TO DRY . . . THAT IS THE QUESTION

I thought I would try something new and different today. I've never dried anything before--that is besides my hair, my laundry, my car . . . well, you get my point. I am, of course, referring to fruit and the like. I guess, dehydrated is probably a better word. With my new friend, Pinterest, I got brave and thought I would try to dehydrate some strawberries. I didn't take the word of one pinner that it was simple, no way~I checked out several! I really read up on this idea and I was ready to try it. Drying strawberries sounded yummy with a capital "Y". Let me do that again~Yummy!

So, I followed the directions to the letter. I sliced them thin, laid them on parchment paper, set the oven on low and left them for eight or nine hours. I checked them several times in between and finally after about nine hours they were dry alright BUT they were mostly stuck to the parchment paper! Gah! How frustrating! I did manage to peel a good number of them off but I had to soak the back side of some of the parchment paper in water to get the rest off. Those ones I had to lay out overnight to re-dry. What a pain!

The good news is they do actually taste good~ tart, but tasty! They are tiny and you don't end up with a whole lot for the effort because they shrink. Next time (if I do it again) I would slice them thicker even though it would probably mean drying longer. Plus, Rob found our dehydrator in storage so I won't have to go the oven route again. (I baked them at 135 degrees in the oven in case you were wondering.)

Tomorrow I am going to try apples in our dehydrator. Hopefully that will be a bit more successful! I will let you know! Anywhoo, it was fun trying something new. I saw someone make sweet potato chips this way too. Maybe I will have to try that one also. I will get back to you on that one.

MY HUSBAND IS A TURKEY

loving guy! I had a turkey in the freezer I decided to cook today. Rob helped which always makes me happy. Rob has been making the Thanksgiving Turkey for years and it is one of the things, as chief cook and bottle washer, I was happy to hand off to him. One of the things I have always hated about cooking the Thanksgiving turkey is having to pick the carcass clean afterward. I've never liked that part of handling the turkey. It just seems icky and I would always leave it until the very last thing possible. Rob just gets it done. In fact, he does everything from thawing to stuffing it, baking, timing, slicing, cleaning to finally taking the poor bones to the trash! You have to love a guy who is willing to do all that--especially at Thanksgiving when all the big games are playing! Aw, I just plain LOVE this guy period--turkey or no turkey!

The best part though, and this is just another one of those things that solidifies in me that we were absolutely made for each other, (wait for it) -- Rob only likes the dark meat and I only like the white meat! How perfect is that?! It is a match made in Heaven! Yah, that's what I think, too! Well, there you go. You've been blogged for the day. Don't you feel like a little turkey now? :) LOL!

I BORROWED THIS . . .

 I saw this on Facebook a little while ago and it cut a little too close because with technology today it is so easy to be absent even when you are present. And it isn't just iPhones, it's computers, televisions--it can also be things as simple as doing laundry, cooking or cleaning that keep us from precious moments we can never get back if we don't take a break for a minute and savor. I find myself almost letting them pass by at times--and then re-adjusting my perspective, actually having to stop what I'm doing to call the moment back so I can square things up with the proper. The truth is years from now I am never going to wish I'd spent a few more minutes looking at Facebook, or my phone or TV--or even cleaning my house--but I will probably always wish I'd spent more time with my babies Even now, I miss them being my little babies. You probably miss your babies too. If we are both smart--we won't miss another important moment in anyone's life to do  something we are not likely to remember a day from now or even an hour from now. Read on. I hope this touches you the way it did me.

**A Mommy's Perception** (Author unknown)

Dear Mom On the iPhone,

I see you over there on the bench, messing on your iPhone. It feels good to relax a little while your kids have fun in the sunshine, doesn’t it? You are doing a great job with your kids, you work hard, you teach them manners, have them do their chores.

But Momma, let me tell you what you don’t see right now…..

Your little girl is spinning round and round, making her dress twirl. She is such a little beauty queen already, the sun shining behind her long hair. She keeps glancing your way to see if you are watching her.

You aren’t.

Your little boy keeps shouting, “Mom, MOM watch this!” I see you acknowledge him, barely glancing his way.

He sees that too. His shoulders slump, but only for a moment, as he finds the next cool thing to do.

Now you are pushing your baby in the swing. She loves it! Cooing and smiling with every push. You don’t see her though, do you? Your head is bent, your eyes on your phone as you absently push her swing.

Talk to her. Tell her about the clouds, Mommy. The Creator who made them. Tickle her tummy when she comes near you and enjoy that baby belly laugh that leaves far too quickly.

Put your eyes back on your prize…Your kids.

Show them that they are the priority. Wherever you are, be ALL there. I am not saying it’s not ok to check in on your phone, but it’s a time-sucker: User Beware!

Play time at the park will be over before you know it.

The childhood of your children will be gone before you know it.

They won’t always want to come to the park with you, Mommy. They won’t always spin and twirl to make their new dress swish, they won’t always call out, “WATCH ME!”

There will come a point when they stop trying, stop calling your name, stop bothering to interrupt your phone time.

Because they know…

You’ve shown them, all these moments, that the phone is more important than they are. They see you looking at it at while waiting to pick up brother from school, during playtime, at the dinner table, at bedtime…..

I know that’s not true, Mommy.

I know your heart says differently.

But your kids can’t hear your words, Mommy. Your actions are screaming way too loudly.

May our eyes rest upon those we love, first and foremost, and may everything else fall away in the wonderful, noisy, sticky-fingered glory of it all. ♥