Filled With Possibility

"Aaah, summer...

that long anticipated 

stretch of lazy, lingering days,

free of responsibility and

rife with possibility..."

~ Darell Hammond ~

"Time to rise and shine and get ready for school you two!" My son popped right out of bed, while my daughter needed a little more encouragement. Without opening her eyes, she groaned, "How many more days?" I said, "Oh, summer will be here soon enough." I then kissed her forehead, and lovingly whisked away the covers. They went through the routine of eating breakfast, getting dressed, brushing hair and teeth. My son was excited about going to the zoo, and produced a zoo-themed art project to praise. My daughter reminisced about her own 1st grade zoo trip and summed it up with, "You're pretty much gonna love it." We prayed together, then they ran to the end of our driveway to chat and wait. I poured a cup of coffee and heard the bus slow and stop. I waved and they waved back as I lost sight of them down the road.

Where just minutes before there was hustle and bustle, now there was only silence. I looked down and noticed the wisps of steam rolling off my coffee. I admired them while appreciating how the pretty blue and white mug warmed my hands. Glancing out front at the garden, I noticed more purple blooms than yesterday, as well as more green. Note to self: pick flowers and pull weeds... after finishing coffee.

This morning routine will only last for a few more days, then we'll be on to summer vacation. I'm relieved. Although I appreciate the quiet and regained sense of independence when they're in school, it'll be nice to have the kids back home in the nest. There's another kind of freedom and peace in that. Most days we'll have nowhere to be. When we stay home, we'll have a picnic lunch or go for a nature hike in the woods. We might take a bouquet of flowers to the neighbors and return with a bag of green beans or a carton of eggs. Other days, we'll go swimming with friends, go to a 4-H meeting, or a learning activity at the library.

Aaah, summer - that season when I am reminded of the younger years: younger kids, a younger me. It'll be good to slow down and savor these: the long, lazy days, childhood, and motherhood. All filled with possibility. 

Vintage Baby Stationery

"Every child born

into the world is

a new thought of God,

an ever fresh and

radiant possibility."

~ Charles Dickens ~

Pink border stationery ~

approx. 8 x 10 inches

Blue border stationery ~

approx. 8 x 10 inches

Green border stationery ~

approx. 8 x 10 inches


Last year, I found

"The Mother book," c. 1928*

for $1 at a local antique store.
The advice is a little dated, but

the images are still just as adorable!

*Since the booklet is copyrighted

after 1923, these baby images and

stationery pages are for your

personal use only.

Thank you!


Here are the free
graphics sources used
in my digital artwork:

*The Graphics Fairy*
Back of an old photograph

*Lilac & Lavender*
"Antiqued" lined stationery


Thanks for stopping by!!

A Little Patch of Dirt

As a little girl, Dad gave me ownership over a shady corner of our garden. I could do whatever I wanted there. That usually meant play in the dirt and plant an occasional flower or two, while Dad worked nearby. It was never really about growing anything as much as it was about giving me a place to play - keeping me occupied while spending time together.

Years later, I wanted my children to grow up the same way. As soon as they could go, I took them for walks to see what was growing, to hear the birds, see beetles and butterflies. We've spent a lot of time outside together.

When my daughter was about 4, I asked if she'd like her very own garden... she was so excited! Sunflowers, zinnias, daisies, daylilies and a butterfly bush have all grown there. She used to have a brightly colored birthday plate she loved so much. She ate her dinner on it almost every evening. Then one day, it slipped out of her little hands and broke. She was devastated... until I suggested we use it to decorate. It's been out there a little over a year now, and she still points to it and tells people about her favorite plate.
                                  
My son has a garden also... although it's not as big as his sister's.  It's a little triangular plot, about the same size mine used to be. Right between sidewalk and gravel driveway.  We always put our pumpkins and squash there at the end of autumn, and by the next spring he usually has dozens of sprouting seedlings.  This year has been so dry, it's nothing but dried up grass and dirt.  Up until today, he's used it as a construction site for his little tractors and backhoes.

Now it's a rock garden.  Olivia informed me of her plan this morning, and the three of us went looking.  Some were gathered from my flowerbed borders. Others were found in daddy's freshly plowed vegetable garden.  The finishing touch was a bit of hay placed around everything.

I've been sad my son's garden didn't grow... even as he happily played in the dirt of the construction site, completely oblivious to my concern.  He did ask me why there weren't any pumpkins this year, but then said, "It's been too dry, huh mom?"

Next year his garden may go back to being a place where green things grow. Maybe not - we'll figure it out. Today it was nice watching my kids work together, have fun, and not stress about things not going as they usually do. All thanks to a little patch of dirt.

An Amazing Place

This is the day the Lord has made;

let us rejoice and be glad in it.

~ Psalm 118:24 ~

I've been spending more time outside, enjoying beautiful weather.  Sunday afternoon I asked for help clearing out some weeds from a front flower bed.  After much-appreciated shoveling and pulling, I was left to the fine-tuning.

Sitting there, my hands and thoughts were busy.  I was thinking about my sister-in-law and her newborn son.  It brought back memories from when my children were babies. There were sleepless nights and times of worry, but also laughter and many tender moments. I felt a twinge of longing and a bit of sadness.

Just as I was getting lost in those thoughts, my little boy of 5 years ran over.  He didn't say much, just plopped down next to me.  Like he sensed I could really use his company.  After catching his breath, he asked what I was doing and if he could help. With that, he brought my focus back.

"Children have neither past nor

future; they enjoy the present,

which very few of us do."

~ Jean de la Bruyere ~

He grabbed a shovel and was able to get some dirt turned over here and there.  Then he looked for worms.  Soon, he was just there, sitting next to me.  Out of the silence, I heard, "Mom, I like being with you."  It made me look up at him and ask, "Why?"  With his green eyes linked to mine, he said, "Because... you're so Mom-like."  Then he smiled and went back to his dirt.

If I ever needed to hear those words, it was in those moments. Yes, I've raised my babies but they're still my little ones... they'll grow into bigger children. Teens, adults. But they'll always be mine, and I'll always be "Mom."

There are still the occasional sleepless nights and times of worry... they will exist, as long as my children and I are together on this earth. But for all that, there's still so much laughter and many tender moments yet to be. We've come through much to end up where we are. Right now the present is an amazing place to be.

"Rejoice in the things that are

present; all else is beyond thee."

~ Montaigne ~

A Wonderfully Ordinary Day

Yesterday I woke up to sunshine and a sweet little girl curled up next to me. Time for us both to get up, since it was a Kindergarten day. She looked so peaceful. I waited a moment before giving her a nudge. She opened her eyes and focused on me, smiling. We stretched, yawned, and made our way downstairs. Soon my son was up too. Another happy child... it's so nice when they both wake up "on the right side of the bed."

Didn't take long before I had two kids chiming in for pancakes... how could I say no? I flipped as they ate. My daughter ran upstairs to put on school clothes and finish getting ready. While cleaning the mess of dishes, my son came closer and asked, "Mom, what are we gonna do today?"

I paused and glanced outside. "Would you want to help me in the garden?" His grin and eagerly nodding head were my answer. Olivia came back downstairs, and we stood out on the porch as I finished doing her hair. We said our morning prayer and had a laugh when we thought a yellow cement truck was her school bus. Sure enough, the real one came, and we waved goodbye.

Soon after she'd left, we decided to make Jell-O. My little guy picked out strawberry. He handled it pretty well when I told him we couldn't eat it just yet. I'm sure it helped we were heading out.

Once in the flowerbed, I started digging and pulling... and noticed there was a growing number of toy dump trucks and tractors lining up. Zach stood beside me, a little winded, and said, "We're ready to help, mom!" As I pulled up clumps of grass and other weeds, he loaded them into his various little trucks and transported them to a designated dump site.

While working, we talked about grubs and worms and those noisy birds chirping in the crab apple tree. At one point, I heard, "Oh, I forgot something!" and looked up to see an excited little guy running inside. He returned - carefully balancing our Jello and 2 spoons.  "Is it ready now?" It was. So we took a break and he leaned against me, saying, "You know... I love helping you work in the garden, mom." One of the best moments of my day.

We went on to pick my daughter up from school, have supper and bath time... I tucked my son in to bed first. He said, "I can't wait for more weeds!" and thanked God for our garden in his prayer...

I gently shut his door and led my daughter to bed. We noticed the moon in the sky, and she shared how she loves to look up at it sometimes from her bedroom window... "even after Daddy tucks me in bed." Moved, I said I've always loved the moon too. I turned to face her, and said, "You know, today has been one of the best days I've ever had." To which she responded, "Well, that's good... now just go to sleep."

I chuckled at her perfect timing, got up to leave and smiled while closing her door.  In fact, I smiled until finally drifting off... reluctantly closing the book on a wonderfully ordinary day.

Best Day Ever!

Last night while tucking my daughter in to bed, she said, "Mom... I want tomorrow to be the best day ever!" I smiled and assured her that every new day is the best day of our lives. With that, she closed her eyes, smiled, and turned over in the covers.

This morning she woke up early, scampered to the bathroom, then came to the stairs to stretch. Her hair was crazy-curly, and she was wearing her favorite candy-striped PJ's... and a big grin. I asked, "What kind of cereal do you want?" She replied, "Not cereal today Mom! Cinnamon-sugar toast and tea for me!" I started the toast, then got out all the tea, so she could pick out which flavor she wanted.

While deciding, she had to stack all the boxes ~ blackberry, orange spice, vanilla and caramel, peach...  After much deliberation and my threat of fixing plain old tea, she selected peach.

As it steeped, I helped Zach pick his out... because naturally, he wanted what his big sister was having. The toast finished, and I spread it with butter then sprinkled on sugar & cinnamon. In that order. Placed it in front of my daughter, then turned around to sugar her tea. Right away, I realized my mistake!

Olivia is particular when it comes to her cinnamon sugar toast. Cinnamon goes on first, then the sugar... and she can tell if you don't do it that way! She gave me such a look of disapproval: "Mom, can you please try again? I will help you remember the right way to make it this time." Zach was grinning from ear to ear, as that meant he got breakfast a little sooner.

I grabbed 2 more pieces of toast, and heard her say, "Okay, first you put on the butter..." I replied, "Yes, I always get that part at least... cinnamon then sugar, right?" "You got it Mom!" She was so proud.

Got it. After trying again. I think her day is off to a pretty good start. Guess to be my daughter's "best day ever" doesn't mean that today also has to be the most "perfect day ever"

Think today will be my "best day ever" too.

This is the day that the Lord has made!

Let us rejoice, and be glad in it!

 

~ Psalm 118:24 ~

In Due Time

I always have mixed feelings when I think about today.  First, I celebrate the birth of my son... he was born 5 years ago ~ December 11th, 2006.  The birth of a child is always a miracle... but it's scary when they're born sooner than expected.  I also remember my Grandpa Ross' passing on that very same day... it's sad when someone leaves this earth sooner than expected...

The course of events surrounding that December 11th were full of many highs and lows.  Now, 5 years later, I can reflect on what happened with a clearer perception.

Some may say this is all coincidence... well, judge for yourself... 

I got very sick in the beginning of December with a flu-like virus.  It was the worst I can remember feeling ~ ever ~ and being 8 months pregnant intensified everything.  I couldn't sleep all night on the 9th, and on December 10th, I awoke from a nap with strong contractions just 3 minutes apart.  I knew if I didn't get to the hospital fast my baby would be in trouble.

My husband and daughter came home from church just when I needed them.  I know Chad broke the speed limit all the way to the hospital, and I was admitted immediately around noon.  The plan was to stop my labor if possible.  I was given a continuous series of shots, IV medications which burned my veins, and fluids for hydration.

As night came, I would drift off to sleep only to be jolted awake by a contraction.  The medications weren't helping.  In the morning, the doctor came in and said it was time to deliver my baby... and now.  Without even the option of an epidural, pitocin was administered.

As a nurse, I knew what pitocin does... and it's a very helpful drug for speeding up labor.  It also has a very, very... very painful effect if you have no epidural.  Thanks be to God, Zachary was born soon after I received it.

While I was suffering to bring life in to the world, another precious life was ebbing away.  My Grandpa Ross was in another area hospital, holding on to life, but not for long.  After I gave birth to a son, Zachary Andrew, the word was relayed to my Grandpa's bedside just hours before he drew his final breath.

Zachary Andrew means "the Lord remembers" and "strong and courageous".  So many of the nurses, and even doctors would come in and say, "Babies just know when it's their time to come."  I will forever believe that Zachary came exactly one month before his January 11th due date for a purpose... because even as everything medically possible was done to hold him back, he still found a way to come in to this world.

Zachary had to stay in the hospital for a week to receive IV and oxygen therapy.  I wasn't able to bring him to my room, he had to stay in the nursery.  After my discharge, I was able to stay in a small room across from the nursery.   I was able to watch him and I could visit and hold his hand... but not him.  The nurses had no obligation to check on me, but they did.  Their kindness and compassion I will always remember.

After that long week, we brought our little one home.  He seemed so fragile and small.  I prayed that God would remember our little Zachary and help him grow strong.

In these 5 years, we've witnessed a miracle as Zachary has grown from being a prematurely born, small baby... in to a physically strong boy.  At his last check-up he surpassed the expected height and weight for his age by quite a large margin.  He appears to be older than his sister, and people are always surprised to hear he was born early.

Then again...

Is it all coincidence that Zachary arrived 'early'?  Would Grandpa be proud of the boy who arrived on the day he took his leave?  I believe he would.... and is.
  
So, do you believe this is a story of coincidences?  As for me, I will forever believe God's will far outweighs any human expectation.  Yes, this day will always be a day of mixed emotions.  It saddens me that I'll always be able to count the years my Grandpa has been gone by the age of my son.  However, I feel hopeful also... believing in due time we will all meet again.

Perhaps Grandpa and Zachary will already be acquainted...

Sweet Smiles

When I tuck my son in at night he asks something like... "Does Olivia go to school in the morning?"

Honestly, he's happy either way... if she's going or not, because they are very close.  That being said, when I reply, "Yes, Olivia's got school in the morning," his smile stretches from ear to ear.  He knows it's our special time together.

Yesterday was one of those days.  When I came in from getting Olivia on the bus, Zachary was still standing at the window, with a slightly sad look on his face.  His eyes quickly lit up as I asked, "Well, what are we gonna do today?"

It was then that my expression changed, as I remembered it was time for my yearly TB test and flu shot at the hospital.  I stooped down and said, "Would you like to help me be brave today?"  His eyes were big as he quickly replied, "Sure Mom!  Why do you need to be brave?"  So I told him. He looked up at me with that sweet little smile and said, "It'll be alright.  I know you can do it... just don't cry like this ~ Wah!  Wah! Wah!"  We laughed and laughed...

One thing about where I get my shots, is that it's right across from a koi pond.  The pond is maintained and decorated through out the year... but the main attraction, at least for the little ones, is the train that goes around the display.  My son loves trains, and just about anything else that has an engine for that matter... so I knew he'd LOVE it.

I rested my hands on Zachary's shoulders and looked him in the eye.  I told him about the train, and that we'd see it, but that first, "Mommy needs her shots."  Out came that big grin again as he nodded enthusiastically.

We arrived at the hospital, and Zachary eagerly unbuttoned his seat belt and jumped to the pavement.  "Remember what we said about the train?"  "Sure do Mom!"  He reached up to grab my hand as we walked to the entrance.  Along the way he asked questions about the people we saw... "Are they sick?  Why are they here?  Why are they leaving?..."  I just smiled and gave simple answers, which seemed to satisfy his curiosity.

We entered and walked down the hallway.  He looked up and said, "Mom, I know... shots first, then the train, right?"  I just hoped he'd really remember those words when he SAW it.

He did!  He looked for a split second, and asked, "Is that the train?"  He took a deep breath, put his hands on his hips and said, "Okay, well you gotta get your shots now."  We walked through the door and immediately he started chatting with the nurses... introducing me and himself and telling them why we were there... all of course, while flashing his sweet smile.

We went in to a little room, and as the nurse prepared the shots, my son stood watch over me.  He analyzed every move she made.  I got the flu shot first.  I don't know if he saw that or not, because I didn't look that way (I tense up if I watch).  As I was getting my bandaid, Zachary said, "You did really good Mom, I'm proud of you!"

I said, "I'm not done... I get one more shot."  I could see him for this one.  I told him to look away, but he covered his face with his hands and peeked through his fingers, which made me smile.  When it was over, he had this amazed expression as he said, "Mom... you were really brave."  He held my hand then gave me a hug...

We stopped to see the train on the way out, as promised, and he got to push a button to make it go.  He asked, "Do you see this train all the time??"  I do, but actually I usually look at my reflection in the glass as I pass by instead of the train.  Now I'll look down at that train instead, and think about my Zachary.

As we left hand-in-hand, my little guy looked up at me with that sweet smile, and I said, "I love you."  He replied, "I know, Mom."

What a perfect answer to this brave... and proud... mother's heart.

It's Never Too Late

This morning while preparing a bottle of milk for our calf, I called to the kids to let them know I'd be heading out soon.  Usually my daughter stays inside while my son walks with me back to the barn.  I look forward to our little morning walk & talks... it's a special time for us both.

Today I heard two little voices say, "Bye Mom!"  So I left alone.  I attempted to take in the early morning sights, but my thoughts kept drifting back to my son.  It was so quiet without him talking by my side...

The calf was patiently waiting in his usual spot, so I made my way over and he started on breakfast.  His bottle was half emptied when I heard a door open and shut, and then I heard crying... it was my little boy.  He ran to me, hugged my leg, and asked through tears, "Am I too late?"  I said, "No, look... I'm still here.  You can still help me feed him."  He rubbed his eyes and reached out to hold the bottle.

As the calf finished, I took the empty bottle in one hand, and my son's hand in the other.  We walked back to the house together, with enough talking, giggles, and smiles to make up for any time lost ~ or tears shed...

We yearn for closeness with our children ~ just as God longs for that same closeness with us...

Sometimes we get so caught up in our busy lives and what we want, that we put God off to the side...  We think we've got everything under control and either forget to ask for His help, or just don't think we need it... but we do.  It's comforting to know that although we may forget about Him... He'll never forget about us.

God is faithfully waiting for you to remember Him.  He's waiting for you to return to His side... and no, it's never too late for that.

Because of the LORD's great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. 

- Lamentations 3:22-23

Mother Knows Best

"Youth fades, love droops, the leaves of friendship fall; a mother's secret hope outlives them all." ~Oliver Wendell Holmes 

March of 2005... I was a newlywed.  I didn't know much about cooking or baking, but was quite eager to learn.  I laugh when thinking back to our early meals of 'Chicken garlic pasta' and 'Rainbow pasta salad.'  In fact, for awhile, most of our meals were pasta, in one form or another.  Once, I tried my hand at dessert... a 'colorful' cobbler.  My husband, trying to be helpful, said, "It tastes good, but I think the apples are supposed to be peeled."  Of course, he was right.  Oh, was there any hope for me? 

Well, thankfully, Mom knew I'd need some help in the kitchen.  One of her wedding gifts was a recipe box... a treasure chest to me, full of her recipes.  Inside I found such standards as 'Broccoli Casserole' and 'Mom's Meatloaf' as well as 'Foolproof Fudge' and 'Easy apple dumplings'... hmm, was she trying to tell me something?  Still, it was encouraging just to see her handwriting and From the kitchen of: Mom.

So I learned from experience, and called for advice.  I used the recipe cards less and less.  One day last year, I pulled out that little box, and started shuffling through the desserts section.

I came upon my greatest challenge yet.  Homemade pie, completely from scratch.  I remembered stumbling across these very recipes back in the days of my 'colorful cobbler'...  Dutch apple pie?  Peach cream pie?  What was Mom thinking when she put these in here?  I'll never be able to make a pie from scratch!  

Mom always told me to just try making one, and she would help me through if I had questions.  Well... last summer, after five years of putting it off, I was finally ready.  I started early, and called Mom at least a dozen times.  When that first pie came out, browned to perfection and smelling like heaven... I was hooked.

I'm here to tell you, I'm not perfect.  I'm still no master chef, and not everything I cook or bake will turn out... I promise you... but at least I conquered something I never thought I would.  Was there hope for me?  Seems so... and Mom knew it all along.

Waiting with Open Arms

I'll never forget what I loved about growing up in the country.  There was always something to see, somewhere to explore, and lots to discover.  My brother and I grew up as the only kids on our road.  So naturally, we were each others' best friend.  Especially in the summertime.

A typical Summer day involved a whole lot of sunshine.  We played outside unless it was time to eat or sleep.  Should we go play in the stream, swing on a vine in the woods, find a new hide-out?  It seemed there were endless possibilities... 

One such sunny day, we woke up and decided it was the perfect time to visit the ocean.  Our father told us all water eventually flowed there, so we planned to follow the stream from behind our house.  It seemed a logical starting point.  We asked Mom to pack our lunch, which she did, and we set off. 

We took our time strolling along the stream's bank, and eventually ventured in to the woods, beginning the first leg of our incredible journey.  After a (very) short while we agreed to take our lunch break.  Soon all our provisions were gone... but we could still see the house through the trees, so we weren't worried.

Off we went again, and well, we came to a fence which separated our woods from a small field.  My brother decided he'd had enough adventure, and started back alone.  Determined, I told him I was still going, but I didn't really want to travel alone.  Not long after, I was following in his footsteps, sadly trudging homeward. 

I remember walking up through the gradually clearing trees to see Mom standing by the back porch.  She was there waiting to greet us with open arms.  Her hug healed the disappointment in my heart.  It's amazing what a little love can do.

Now I'm Mom.  My kids remind me a lot of me and my brother, going on little adventures and making all kinds of discoveries.  Just as we were, they're naturally best friends, growing up in the country together.  Someday I know they'll leave home with their own hopes and dreams ~ much bigger dreams than reaching the ocean in a day... 

I just want them to know that even if their plans don't work out in the way they expect, I will always love them.  I'll always be there for them... 

Waiting with open arms.

True Motherhood

 My first Mother's Day was back in 2005, when I was 25 weeks pregnant with my little girl, Olivia Anne.  I saved a little poem Mom placed in my card... I happened to find it again just a few days ago.  I used to think, "Wow, we're gonna have a baby...  I'm bringing new life in to existence!"  What a huge moment for our little one, on her first day in our world.  Only, she wasn't the only one beginning a new and wonderfully different life... 

Motherhood

The dearest gifts that heaven holds,

the very finest, too,

Were made in to one pattern

that was perfect, sweet, and true.

The angels smiled, well pleased, and said,

"Compared to all the others,

this pattern is so wonderful

let's use it just for mothers!"

And through the years, a mother

has been all that's sweet and good,

For there's a bit of God and love

in all true Motherhood.

I could never foresee how much love I'd feel, cradling that sweet baby girl in my arms.  When she cried I'd gently say, "Mommy's here, shh, Mommy's right here..."  She's still my baby girl, as she always will be, I've realized.  As she gets older I love her just as much as in those first precious moments.  I might have brought her life in to existence, but she brought new life to mine.  I thank God for sending such a wonderful gift my way.  Thank you God, for true Motherhood!  

Happy Mother's Day!!!      

A Mother's Love

M Is for the Many things she gave me,
O Means only that she’s growing Old.
T Is for the Tears she shed to save me,
H Is for her Heart of purest gold.
E Is for her Eyes with love light shining,
R Means Right and Right she’ll always be.

Put them all together, They spell MOTHER.
A word that means the world to me. 

The first time I heard my mother sing those words was several years ago, when I was a child.  It was just me and her, mother and daughter, swinging back and forth on our old porch swing.  She told me about her mother singing this song for her, when she was a little girl.  I could tell it was special, although I'm not sure I was even old enough to spell the word 'mother'.

Just because you can't spell a word doesn't mean you can't understand it.  Probably from the time 'Mama' formed on your lips, you knew who 'she' was, and what she meant to you.  I didn't understand many of the words to this old song.  What made an impression was more in the way she sang the words.  I could tell it was special because of the way her eyes smiled when she glanced at me.  I would listen, then request, "Again, Mommy!"  

Only one line concerned me... "O means you're getting old?  Are you old, Mommy?"  She laughed, and while still swinging, explained that we're all getting older.  She said something like, "Someday you'll be a mommy too, you know..."

That seems so far away now, and yet I can still remember the sound of her voice and the creak of the swing.  I can still picture looking up at her, feeling in my heart just how much I loved my mommy.

The sweetest sounds to mortals given
Are heard in Mother, Home, and Heaven.
~William Goldsmith Brown

Now that I'm older, and a mommy myself, I appreciate the words of that old song so much more.  I live to be an example of love to my children... as my mother was and is to me.  God, help me hear their little voices, care for their needs ~ no matter how big or small ~ and love them as you love me.  Unconditionally.

But God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. -Romans 5:8

As I sing this song to my son and daughter, help me convey the overwhelming love I have for them in my heart.  They'll understand the words someday... when we're all a little older.

MOTHER~ A word that means the world to me.

A Pan of Unfortunate Brownies

I have two young children, and was asked to bake either pies or brownies for our church's Baked Steak Supper. All I could think of in that moment were my children digging into 4 pies when I wasn't looking. So decided to make brownies.  

One pan of chocolate brownies
could be easily managed... 

As it turns out, there are 2 nice-sized holes on one side of my brownie pan, where each child took their sample. Seeing this, anger immediately boiled up inside. "I needed those for today!" I said - then stopped to think. Always a good idea.

Good sense makes one slow to anger,
and it is his glory to overlook an offense.
 
~ Proverbs 19:11 ~

How silly to get so upset over a pan of brownies.  Anger is a healthy emotion and needs to be expressed, but not at the expense of my children. So, I apologized to them, and we cleaned up the crumbs together. They looked up at me like two sad little puppies and said, "We're sorry, mom." After hugs and a few kisses they both jumped up to play, as if nothing ever happened.

Be kind to one another, tender

hearted, forgiving one another,
as God in Christ forgave you.
 
~ Ephesians 4:32 ~

I'm thankful for life's little lessons, whether they be learned through a time out, a meaningful verse. Or even a pan of unfortunate brownies.