Life lessons

Source: rosalindafrank2.blogspot.com via JESSIE on Pinterest

I'm sure I've said it a hundred times, but I'm going to say it again..

I have so much respect for the moms who have to be away from dads longer than a week!

I have learned a lot this past week.  I'm thankful for that.

If I didn't know it before I definitely know now that God loves His children so much and will answer even the smallest of prayers!  The minute I feel weak I ask God to give me strength and I immediately feel Him touch me.  I am so thankful for His peace, strength, and courage.

Yesterday was our busy day outside of the house.  It was kind of nice to be out and about and not cooped up inside, but it was still lonely knowing I was doing it completely by myself.

ALTHOUGH...

I appreciate my children so much more than I did before.  Anyone who knows me knows I adore my children!  But while we were sitting at McDonald's yesterday I had both kids on my lap and we were laughing about something, and I just gave them the biggest hug...

I have always tried to be a patient mom.  I try to always come to their level and try and listen and understand them the best I can, and I always try to not raise my voice.  Well, I feel like I've stepped it up a notch this week.

There have been a lot more hugs.

A lot more I love you's.

A lot more tickling.

A  lot more coming to their level and explaining why bossing Bubba is a no-no.



A picture for Daddy



I have reminded myself that absence makes the heart grow fonder.  I hate that saying, but it is so true.  It seemed like our lives got too busy for each other.  Paul has been working non-stop since becoming an assistant manager.  Between my household chores, working from home, and keeping busy with the kids, I am pretty much worn out by the end of the day.

Our lives have been go-go-go so much that we forgot about family time.  To be honest, it got to the point where I felt like I was a single parent and I happened to have a room mate live with me.

I hope this week will be an eye opener for Paul and I.

We need more dates.

We need more family time with our kids who are growing up too fast.

We need more hugs.

We need more kisses.

We need to stop and smell the roses.

So in a way, I am thankful for this week.  I'm thankful for the lessons I have had to learn.  Lessons are never easy, are they?

What I have learned so far

It's ok to show emotion.

Once I shed a few tears I can wipe my eyes and nose and I feel better about getting it off of my chest.

Always have a prayer on your lips.

Whether it's a praise or request, I have made sure to be in a constant conversation with the Lord.  It has helped me so much and I want to show Him how grateful I am.  Also, because I haven't had a lot of adult conversation, it helps knowing He's always there to talk to.

No matter what other people think of you, your children adore you.

This past week I have definitely struggled with insecurities.  I have come to the conclusion that it doesn't matter if I'm the favorite to anyone.  My husband loves me with all of his heart, and our children adore me!  Like I said before, Zoe and Max are so much more affectionate.  There have been more snuggles, more kisses, more loving words.  I may not be anyone else's favorite, but I am my husband's and my children's favorite and that's good enough for me.

I'm sure I have learned more lessons than these three, but my coffee hasn't kicked in yet. =)

There is only one more day standing in between Paul and I!  I cannot wait till Zoe and Max see their Daddy.  They are going to go crazy.

Have a wonderful Thursday!