Things Learned and Re-Learned

Hello, friend!

Dinner is on the stove and i have a few seconds to update you on my life if you would care to know. If you have a few seconds of time, and I haven't heard from you in a while, I'd love to hear about your life as well!

Here, in short and no particular order, are a few things I've learned and re-learned (been reminded of in other words) this week:

-- An empty gallon sized milk container is far more entertaining to my daughter than, oh, let's say the Fisher Price Little People House she received for her birthday. (I did not know specifically that the milk jug would hold such fascination, but I did get the concept that toys are second to cardboard boxes and pots and pans in the world of children).

-- Fruit juice, even when diluted, should be given as a SPECIAL treat, not the norm. At least with my children and with, specifically, Apple Juice. Too much can cause major diaper rashes, sore heiney's and tears, tears and more tears. This should have been a given, but I'm a little slow sometimes.

-- Make new friends, but keep the old! We had two of my longtime friends and their families over for dinner last weekend. These two particular, wonderful, beautiful friends of mine (known since I was age 1 and the other, 6) and their husbands had hit it off at our wedding several years ago, and have long since wanted to have a chance to visit again. We made it happen on Sunday! James and Jen just became the parents of an adorable little girl, Grace (you can visit her blog if you click on "The Phipps Family" on my sidebar). Emily and Elias have 5 beautiful children. Yes, it was busy...and yes, at times it was loud...and no, it's not the occassion for deep and complex conversation...but it was a GOOD time with deeply treasured, lifelong friends...

-- I have very, very, very little patience. It is by far my weakest virtue and my greatest vice. I re-learn this several times a day, every day. I have also learned not to ask God for more. (for when I have, He is lightening-speed quick in His reply of offering more situations in which to glean it from Him. So now I just live with it.) :)

-- Babies in and out of the womb grow at their own and unique speeds. The precious one in my womb has decided late in the game to go ahead and start growing....faster. (I've been monitored by a specialist the past several weeks as the baby was smaller than they thought he/she should be. After ultrasounds from last week and today it seems as though he/she is catching up! Thank you, Lord!).

-- This mother (me) should ALWAYS carry Dum-Dum lollipops in her purse for occasions when bribing is 100% neccessary (even if not the wisest move). Judge not until you have had two children under 2 in a grocery cart. {smile}. I now have a bag of 300 on top of my refridge to use if and when in dire need.

-- Life is precious. I was in tears over a situation I heard of in which a young father of twin girls, age 2 and a baby age 1, is dying from a quickly spreading cancer. My heart is still heavy. Praise God, the father knows his Heavenly Father and is headed toward Heaven. Still....oh the pain I feel for them, and I don't even know them. Ordinary, "normal" life is soooo precious and not to be taken for granted.

-- A day at the beach with family is a DELIGHTFUL occasion!! We were down for the day on Tuesday, visiting my parents, sister and grandma who were down for a good part of the week.

Two things for sure: 1.) My children adore their 'mamaw' and 'papaw' who so lovingly play and care for them. And....

No matter how my heart wants the 'perfect picture' with ALL the children smiling and looking like little cherubs, it just is not going to happen when I expect it to. And you know what? That's ok! It's real life.

If this information is too much deep stuff to handle, I'll give you a break. My handsome hunk just walked through the door and we are having my cousin and his lovely fiance join us for dinner at 6pm. My time online has come and gone!

I wish you a peaceful evening!