Spring Cleaning

Well, I have been attempting do a little "Spring" cleaning. (Even though it doesn't exactly feel like Spring yet). I started with Jeremy & I's closet. It has been driving me crazy because it is so full of clothes everything is crammed in there. So, we sorted and donated. I love doing this. Jeremy however does not. He is attached to his t-shirts like they are an extention of his body. He has a ton of them (some of them dating back to high school or even middle school!) He thinks I make him throw away his stuff- nope just send it to Goodwill. So we battled it out and got rid of a few things. I finally gave up on a few of my pre-mommy clothes deciding they might be out of fashion by the time I fit back into them (if ever).

And it got me to thinking about the spring cleaning I need to do in my heart. I have seen an old battle resurface in my life, my self-image. I have found myself discontent with my physical appearance. And God used my daughter to give me a precious reminder. The other day I was telling my girls that they were beautiful. And Grace looked at me and said-Mama you beautiful. I said thank you. And what she said next is pretty deep for a two year old. She said, "Mama you beautiful in your heart." (and I know that is what she said because she pointed.) Now some might think that was a let down. Aren't I just beautiful? But God was reminding me where true beauty should lie- in my heart. I tell my daughters all the time that they are princesses because their God is king. Sometimes I need to be reminded that God is my father too, and I'm still his princess (Mommy body included) And most of all I want him to think I'm beautiful in my heart.

Easter Pics

Well, it took me a little while but here are a few pics of the girls in their Easter outfits. Grace got an umbrella which she loved (as you can see it made most of our pics) I was very sad it made an appearance in the one of her kissing her sister as we have very few decent pictures of them together. But they aren't screaming so in our house that is a succesful picture of the two of them at this point. :)

A Love Letter to my Gracie

Grace,

Today was one of those special days you have to write down or you are sure to forget it. This morning after breakfast I put on some worship music while I began cleaning the kitchen. You came out with me and we "danced for Jesus." You had a blast waving your hands and giving it all your little two year old energy. And in that moment I thought, it doesn't get any better than this I am living my dream. I hope you know that this is my dream- trying to be the best wife to your dad and best mom I can be to you and your sister. I didn't put my dreams on hold to be a stay at home mom this was the original dream for me.

Then you disappeared and I realized it was quiet.. Uh oh, not a good sign you sometimes get into trouble when it is quiet. So I went to check on you. There you were sitting in your room "reading" your Bible. You love your Bible. It is one of your favorite books-its actually falling apart you drag it around our house so much. And I thought that is my dream for you. That you will always be dancing for Jesus without refrain and have a Bible that is falling apart. I'm tearing up just thinking about it. I wanted to capture this moment and tuck it away for the days when we visit the dark streets of Tantrum town or for the days when you loose your "listening ears" and just can't seem to find them. You are an independent little woman...just like your mother (according to most). But most days I celebrate that independence because it is that quality that helped me to love Jesus even when it was difficult and someday I pray will help you too. I love you my baby girl, and I always will.

Your Mama