Back from the Beach.

Ah, the little kids are home!
After four long days without them, they have returned.
While they were gone, I had some super quality time with my two big girls and Eli.

We shopped. Boy, did we shop.
We got their rooms cleaned.

But what is left from their rooms is in piles in my kitchen, waiting for me to sort it out.

I am absolutely loving life. I love all five of my children. There is so much laughter in my house that sometimes my heart aches. I am full of love for each of my children. And sometimes my heart hurts for the times that I have missed. I wish I could have been involved sooner. But, I know that we are doing what is intended.

Last night we were treated to rice and beans. It was awesome. Then we had Rock Band Night. Mostly, I just sat and listened to the laughter and singing.

Later on, Emma fell asleep on one of the girls laps. I was going to take Emma to bed, but my favorite 13 year old told me she would do it. So, she carried Emma up to bed. A few minutes later, I went to check on them. Emma's sister was reading her a story. They ended up reading five books, with Emma fighting sleep for some precious time with the sweet girl.

And then finally, Emma went to sleep.

Today, I think about what it was like to be standing on the outside last night when the little kids got home from the beach. I am focusing on the tight hugs from big kids to little. I am replaying the "I love you" and the "I missed you so much" that I heard so many times last night.

I have always loved the scripture in the Bible that says, "And he said: "I tell you the truth, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven." (Matthew 18:3)

I always thought that scripture pertained to faith. I have talked about my children's faith over the years, how strong their faith is - how they know that God will take care of them.

Over the past few weeks, I have learned it is not only faith, but acceptance, love, and pureness of heart.

My children have new sisters. Without question, they have new members to our family - no questions asked. I wish more adults could witness this wonderful happening in my home. We should all be like the little children. We would be much better off.

I believe.

• I believe in the rightness of our choice.
• I believe that God has a plan for my two new girls.
• I believe that there is beauty that comes from sadness and hurt.
• I believe that my family will grow - not just in number (I now have five children!) but that they will grow in love and knowledge.
• I believe that we have a purpose.
• I believe that I have a purpose.
• I believe that God has answered my prayers for protection for my girls.
• I believe that while it may take a little while to become adjusted, we will eventually settle into a new routine.
• I believe that great things are about to happen.

Don't mess with my kids.

I recently had comments made to me that was inappropriate... they were made in reference to my children.

It is funny that in .2 seconds - I can go from trying-to-live-my-life-right church secretary back to a foul mouthed bar wench.

I need to repent.

I hate - HATE - the meanness of people. Over the course of the past couple of years, there has been one person in particular who enjoys taking shots at me- no, not me, at my children, really - for no reason. I know the reasoning is that she is trying to get me to have a reaction. I have tried to not comment, keep my mouth shut, not to stoop to her level.

This person has told me that I was ugly - to my face, no less. She has caused me stress. I have been embarrassed by her husband in public. She has mocked me and talked about me to others while I was in the same room. Only one other time have I ever lost my cool with her. That time also envolved my kids.

Well, yesterday, she got a reaction.

As with most mothers, the love we have for our children is so powerful, it will cause you to do things you never thought possible. Talk about love moving mountains. Well, a mother's love is indescribable.

Without giving specifics, I will just say this: you can do what you want to me, and attack Dave, but don't mess with my kids.

Prom Night.

This is a very important picture in my life.



It was taken on September 18th, 2004. Dave and I were both in a wedding. Since we did not start dating until we were a little older (not in high school, which seems to be common in this area), we missed the prom together. So, when we were in this wedding, I called it "our prom". Got the hair done, nails done, shaved the legs AND the pits all in one day. Whew!

At the time that this was taken, Dave was whispering sweet nothings in my ear. I remember exactly what he was saying to me.

This picture hangs in my living room surrounded by pictures of me and the kids. Dave had a collage made for me as a Mothers Day gift a couple of years ago. I love that framed collection. It is one of my most prized possessions.

I guess why I am thinking about this is that our anniversary is coming up in March. I love to think about the day that we got married. I love to think of all the people who went to Vegas with us in support of our love and dedication to each other - or the ones who just went to gamble and go on a weekend trip. :) I won't say who is who - you know who you are. I will say that there are more people gathered on one side than the other. :)

What I am saying is that this picture represents when Dave and I really began our lives. I look at this and know how far we have come from this point. A turning point. A milestone. A symbol of what were are. We were discussing last night of what our family is. Where were we five years ago? Ten years ago? Everything has changed. It is just so good.

I know that of every post I do, I want my kids to someday be able to take a lesson from that particular read. Or at least just laugh at what was going on at this time in our lives. So, kids take this lesson. I want you all to have what I have. I want you to have the kind of life that I have. So, remember, don't settle. It is out there.