My Levi

Sometimes an ordinary picture stops me in my tracks. This is one of them. Levi is telling me in this picture, "This is a ghost." Pointing at the white blob on his pumpkin.

There was a very good chance that I wouldn't remember in 15 years what he was telling me when I snapped this photo, but now I will. These little freeze frames are beyond precious to me. If I can't keep him little, at least I can save a little moment in time like this...when I just love him so much it makes my heart almost hurt.

I just love you, Levi...and your ghost, too!

The Sweetest

Eden made a bee line from the bus to the house after school today. She always beats us home, because Levi likes to take in all the scenery. He can be one pokey-joe!

When Levi and I finally made it to the house, I found this on the front door.

I really don't think it can get any sweeter than that. An amazing tiny treasure.

The Letter "I"

Today's Tiny Treasure is brought to you by the letter "I".

Eden practiced writing the Letter I in Kindergarten today. She then had to complete a sentence that began with "I...

Her sentence: "I like going to church."

My sentence: "I like that Eden likes this."

Paper Puppets

My sweet Eden came up with these all by herself today and I think they are the cutest! My very favorite part are their red lips! Oh, how I love her creative little brain.

We had an action-packed weekend! Eden's birthday posts coming soon. All I can say is that I am one blessed lady. My family is absolutely A-mazing!

Stronger Hugs

Today's Tiny Treasure: Last night when Scott was hugging Levi for night night; Levi told him, "I can do a stronger hug". Then proceeded to squeeze Scott with all of his might. It was precious.

I think the world could learn bunches from my little man. We could all use some stronger hugs.

Thank God for Weebles!

Today's Tiny Treasure: About a month ago my brother and sister-in-law returned a toy we had shared with their kiddos when Eden and Levi out grew it. We packed it up, brought it home and I put it out in the garage. It was always a favorite toy of ours, so I tucked it away in the hope that my grandbabies, many years from now, would play with the old treasure.

Levi caught glimpse of the somewhat hidden Weeble Village this afternoon and asked if he could bring it in! "Absolutely!", I said - with memories of one-year-old Eden dancing to the happy Weeble music racing through my mind.

He brought it in, set it up and soon recruited his sister to join him! They made up little stories, had the weebles carrying on crazy bathroom related conversations, put the weebles in a long line to ride the weeble plane, had a crazy game of weeble bowling in the kitchen, and maintained the slide and moving sidewalks when the village had a "break down". Literally two hours of play on a toy I thought they had out grown!

My heart swelled. The simple joy of knowing that they are still so young and innocent. They are still my babies. It was such a happy moment for me. I am so grateful for my kids, for the love they share and for the fun they have when they play. Thank you, God for Weebles!

A New Chapter

I have been putting off this post for some strange reason. I guess I'm a little anxious about what tomorrow holds.

It is the beginning of a new chapter for our family. Mommy is going back to work.

I have a whole mix of emotions about our decision.

Part of me is excited to have something outside of the home again. It will allow me to use all of the skills I learned prior to being a mommy, contribute to our family finances and get in some serious "adult" time.

The other (bigger) part of me is worried I won't be able to balance being the kind of mom I want to be with the responsibilities I'll have to work. I hate that when they fall and get hurt, I might not be there to pick them up and tell them everything will be ok. I hate that I may not notice a new freckle right away or be there to answer the 100 "why" questions they will ask throughout the day! I guess I just hate that I will miss out on some of the tiny treasures that make being a mom so amazing - simply because I won't be with my kids as much.

I know in the long run this is a good decision for our family. As much as I would love to stop it - they are growing up and becoming less dependent on me. I'm actually really proud of that fact. 9 times out of 10 my kids enter a new situation with confidence and even excitement. I think this enthusiasm for life speaks volumes about how Scott and I have raised them up to this point. I know they are ready for this new chapter.

But, all of those affirmations don't change the fact that I will miss my babies.

Eden and Levi, I promise I will always be your mommy first. No amount of work outside of the home will ever compare (even for a second) to the joy I find in being your mommy. You are my greatest work and I thank God everyday for blessing me with your sweet little lives.

Mommy loves you to Pluto and back...