A Holy Moment

I admit it--our day wasn't off to the best start. I'm not a morning person and this morning felt particularly overwhelming as I hurried our oldest to get ready for the bus while trying to acknowledge the needs of the younger two who were just waking up. The house was messy and I couldn't seem to suppress my irritation. After seeing Lauren off, taking out the trash, emptying the dishwasher, and serving breakfast, I perused facebook updates and noticed a friend who had shared this video. If you read my blog(s) you've heard this song before, but I'd never seen this mix--the powerful quotes quickly moved me to tears. As we watched, Jackson and I sang along to the chorus "Oh how he loves us...." and even Molly started getting into it by the end. It was just the reminder and the perspective I needed this morning. Thankful.

A Fall Day to Remember

It's been a busy fall as we adjust to having 2 kids in school with different schedules and also underwent our first AYSO season! Today was a wonderful opportunity for some family time...starting with flu mists followed by Marge's Donuts...on to family pictures with a friend who is starting out her photography business...naps for 4 of the 5...and heading outside to enjoy classic fall fun, like playing in the leaves:

a sweet moment with Lo:

til Miss Molly decides we need more leaves and tosses them on us:

the menfolk gathering firewood:

and some quality time around the fire:

So thankful for the gift of this day together.

Good bye to our beech tree..

"Well, an old stump is good for sitting and resting. Come, Girl, sit down. Sit down and rest." And the girl did. And the tree was happy.

Book of Mom

I had a wonderful Mother's Day. I somewhat resent these "Hallmark Holidays" because they put a lot of pressure on us to create these meaningful moments which can backfire and lead to unmet expectations or unnecessary stress. However, this year I was blessed to have all three kids sleep in, allowing me time to get ready *on my own*, lunch at one of my favorite restaurants, a phone date with a friend while relaxing in our hammock, and lots of love from my family.

I enjoyed reading this article in the Press, although I am always a bit perturbed that I can't think of any special quotes that my mom said to me on a regular basis.

I would love to be able to instill some wisdom and meaningful phrases that my children will be able to take with them in life. We have made a conscious effort to have our children take a positive outlook in life, so I often say "Have a cheerful heart" or if they are complaining, they have to come up with 3 things they are thankful for. But when I read about the mom who always asked "Did you make the world a better place today?" I knew immediately that was a quote I wanted to adopt for myself.

I was ready the next day when Lauren got off the bus. With a big hug, I greeted her with the question.

She wrinkled her nose..."What does THAT mean?"

I asked if she did some beautiful art or if she was kind to someone and she responded that she had so I said "Well, then you made the world a better place!"

I decided that I wouldn't continue to ask this *every* day as it might get old or annoying, but perhaps work it in every week or so.

But the next day as we were driving, Lauren brought up the fact that the girls had wanted her to tease the boys with them at recess. "What did you do?" I asked somewhat absentmindedly.

"I said no way! I said 'I want to make the world a better place so I do NOT want to tease the boys!'" was her sweet reply. My heart swelled with pride.

And those are the moments where it is really, really good to be a mama.

What about you? Are there memorable mom quotes or phrases that have stuck with you? What would be in your "Book of Mom"?