Song and dance

I found myself in the middle of a parade today. A parade in the middle of my living room. The music was Geography Songs (Central Africa Republic). Olivia (7), Ethan(5), and Elijah(3) were marching to the tunes of the song and playing as many instruments as they could hold at one time. They even got Emma(10mo.) in on the fun of it...taking turns pushing her around the room in her high chair in line with the rest of us as she was enjoying a snack of cut cherries and cheerios. In the middle of starting a load of laundry and putting some folded clothes away, one of the children handed me a tambourine and I joined in the fun: dancing and singing around my living room. I was in comfy clothes, without makeup on. We had taken a small break from school work. Everyone was so happy and having so much fun.

For a brief moment I was taken back to when I was around 18 or 19 years old. I was in love with my boyfriend (soon to be husband). I wondered what my life would be like 10 years from that point. And now here I was. Fast forwarded to the present. Was this what I expected? Is this were any of my friends are at this point in their lives? I would have to say no to both of the above. I did not know what to expect when Matt and I started our lives together. I knew I wanted a large family, but talking about it and actually living it and creating it day by day is another story. In that moment of marching, singing, African lyrics, kiddy instruments, dancing, and laughing, I knew that this was it! This was my destiny. It's simple and seemingly insignificant to so many in the world these days, but for me it's perfect. It's my calling. My purpose. I am a mother. And there is no greater joy...

imaginative play

If you were to give my children the choice of sitting down and playing with "toys", or going outside and making up all kinds of fun made-up scenarios...guess which one they would choose. We live in Florida, so most of the year the kids can play outside (except for when it is scorching hot in the summer time). Yesterday, I had just lain the baby down for her nap and I went outside with the kids. They were having the best time playing cowboys and cowgirl. There pretend names were Daisy, Dan and Denny. In there minds they were in the middle of the wild west ridding the world of all the nasty bandits. So cute. I love that they can play together so well and have fun in the great outdoors. Encourage your kids to go outside, run and play and use their imagination...it is wonderful to see what they will come up with. :)

I have to brag...

I spent the last days of 2010 and the beginning days of 2011 in my bed, alone, sick with a horrible case of strep throat. Most mothers hate getting sick because they know that there house is going to fall apart at the seams without them. Now I'm sure there are other husbands/Daddy's out there that are good in the "house Husband" arena, but I personally think mine is the best. There was not one thing in this house that Matt did not do with love and devotion while I was sick. He did a better job than I did! The laundry was done daily, the dishes were cleaned and put away after every meal. The toys were tidied regularly. The children were loved on and made to feel important, even in the midst of keeping up a busy household. He shined in the most beautiful sense of the word! He makes me so proud everyday when he goes off to work and excels in his arena of Realtor/Investor...but to see him come on my turf, in my domain, and take care of everyone and everything the way he did, brings tears to my eyes. He is wonderful, and I am honored to call him my Husband.