Conversation over Cream of Wheat

(and yes, Cof Wheat is a fave in my house as we're trying to up the boy's iron intake)
LM: I don't want to talk to my sister
Mommy: Does that make you feel good in your heart to treat her that way?
LM: (shakes his head yes)
M: Surely not b/c that would mean you didn't have Jesus in your heart and I KNOW you have Jesus and God in your heart. 
....silence, contemplation.......
LM: But I don't b/c God lives in the sky, in heaven
M: Well, you're right but he also lives in your heart......
....silence, contemplation......
LM: You're right Mommy b/c when HE lives in your heart it warms your heart and warms your tummy like when you drink hot chocolate and apple cider.

I almost melted--how sweet and wonderfully said by a three year old.

A great big Shark.....

Wonderful birthday full of surprises!  Got to go to the spa w/ Jennifer and had facials and pedicures and even though our pedicure gals talked a little too much and a little too graphically about their lives (thankfully we cracked up and tried to be nice as they had our feet in their hands w/ little sharp sticks and such )  we had a great time and relaxed and laughed.  
Then had dinner w/ Jen and Clif --ate too much and came home for cake which Daddy made and presents. 
Daddy and Jackson had picked out a beautiful white gold cross and chain for me, complete surprise.  And I got a steam Shark mop.  Now those of you who know me know how I love to clean, my house isn't immaculate by any means but I love cleaners, cleaning products, breathing fresh air , etc.  So I have been pretty excited and dying to use it and finally did.  LOVE IT!!!!

I also got a few other fun things that I am loking forward to using as well.  Pictures included and were taken courtesy of my camera by photographer C. Coleman ;)

Finally finished staining and decorating the table in the playroom

Cream of wheat ALL in her hair

27.......plus a few

As we got up to have breakfast this morning (muffins that J. made) Jackson asked how old I was.  To which his daddy replied "27 plus a few buddy".  Thanks honey for not reminding me.  Actually I must say it's not the aging that bothers me...age is just a number , right?  Not sure why , but there has been much anticipation for my birthday this year.  Maybe b/c it's the first one J. has been around for in 4 years, maybe b/c I have two toddlers and three geriatric dogs that need me every second and i wonder if I am living up to it.  I have been through so much in the last couple of years really that sometimes it feels like a blur.  This lifestyle doesn't allow you to relax for a second b/c you never know what's coming. I just hope I am getting it right, that I am setting a good example for my kids...that I continue to be a better wife andamso grateful that along the way God has held my hand.  When I thought it couldnt' get any harder, I can remember falling to my knees in prayer and saying I can't do this.  Each time he picked me up and gave me the strength to sometimes just make it through the day.  There have been so many times I felt so alone and He comforted me in that loneliness and I take a look  around now and just hope that I am doing something right...getting better as each year comes, more patient, more understanding, more compassionate.  So in my 34 years I hope that I have progressed and continue to do so ...much more to learn.....but for today I am so thankful for such wonderful blessings in my life, health, family, friends.......and now , let's party.  Celebrating with a day to the spa with Jennifer.  And then to dinner for something J. has planned.  I know it's going to be great if Jackson can just keep a secret....the boy is like me, can't keep birthday secrets. 

Soccer practice...

or should I say soccer chaos.  That's pretty much what it is with 3 yr olds.  LM's first practice was in 40 degree weather w/ a wind chill of 14, that's right I said 14 and snow flurries.  He just stood there frozen for a while and then finally participated a little and got the hang of it.  And then as if on cue while he's doing not much of anything except turning into a popsicle G runs out on the "practice field" to try and kick the ball.  Guessing we wont' have any trouble getting her to go out and join the crowd.  We'll see how practice and game go this week.  Pictures will come when I can whip my camera out and the hurricane force winds won't rip it from my freezing hands.....