Journal Entry... November 28, 2011

It's been a crazy morning. Mondays usually are. And while I should be using this precious nap time to shower or straighten up my chaotic home... I've decided to sit down and write.

My words, should this journal survive the toddler years, will last forever, but the same cannot be said of a clean house. So today I'm choosing to look past the piles of laundry and dishes... and set my eyes on the bigger picture.

When I look at the big picture I remember that these crazy moments ,with my sweet and unruly children, are fleeting.
I remember that it is much more important to stop and thank the Lord, than to get dinner started. To praise Him for these precious days that are overflowing with blessings, yet usually masked with exhaustion.

When I take the time to look at the big picture, I think of my children being able to look back through my journals in 20 years... and to see how much joy they've given me and what a gift from God they are.

I want them to remember (or at least read about)... NOVEMBER 28, 2011...

~ the day that the house was a disaster.

~ the day that we kicked the toys out of our way as we danced to 'It's a Hard Knock Life' for the 100th time in the past week.

~the day that grandpa sent a huge box of Christmas presents from florida.

~the day that Doodle opened all of her toys in seconds flat... then peed on them because mommy was so busy with the video camera that she forgot to set the timer.

~the day that Evangeline so kindly helped Baby Brotha open his new squeaker shoes from grandpa... then within 30 seconds pulled the squeaker out and bit it in half.

I want my dear little Evangeline to know that I love her more than she'll ever know... and that I'm so grateful for her sparkling personality. Because, seriously, who would read a book about a quiet and well-behave little girl?

I want my sweet Elliot to know that he is my best friend. That I would never trade a minute of the times we've spent together in the middle of the nights.
I want him to know that nothing in this world melts my heart more than his polite, half-smile that he gives to strangers... or the wide, gummy smile that he saves for rare occasions.

I want the Lord to know that I see his sweet love for me every time I look at my children. He has given me good gifts. Crazy, unruly, poopy, drooly, loving, snuggly, fussy,singing, giggling, disobedient yet learning, hungry, burping, messy, but beautiful gifts.

And now that I've taken the time to look at the big picture and get my thoughts onto paper, I will now zero in on the smaller, less attractive picture. First, I must discover the strange odor that has been distracting me for the last 10 minutes... then onto the piles of laundry (which, now that I'm thinking of it, could explain the odor). Happy Monday.