Loving World

Even when he's tough he's cute

"Mom, get out of the texting world and come to the loving world...and after that come to the real world." - Ryland

Seriously, it is sad when you kids call you out like that....the totally sad thing was that I didn't even hear it the first time...I was too wrapped up in that "texting world."

Who even knew what texting, or tweeting, or blogging was a few years ago?  (ok...maybe more like 10 years ago) But it is true that we have so many opportunities to be distracted these days...our computers are laptops and go with us everywhere, our phones are constantly beeping and buzzing with new messages, updates, alarms...we (not all, but many of us) are constantly connected to the internet in some fashion, we text rather than talk, and when we talk we have a hard time tuning out in order to tune in.

Having said that...we, as a family, have really tried to work on this...it is actually one small reason why I have not been blogging much on here lately.  When I'm not working, I have wanted to be present...be off.  The kids always equate being on the computer with work.  I don't want them to ever think we live to work...we do work to live, yes, it is a part of our life, but it is not our life...they are.

Addison and Richard on their date!

I do however, miss writing about them...miss reflecting and mentally noting their perspective.  I honestly NEED to write because I have the WORST memory ever.   I have to write or I will loose those moments.

A recent comment from Addison - "Daddy, do you think I'm pretty?"
I hope she always knows to look to her Father - both heavenly Father and earthly Father (who thankfully is an amazing daddy!) to let her know she is beautiful inside and out...don't all of us yearn for that? 

I am watching the snow fall...if it is going to be cold it might as well snow.  At least it makes things beautiful!  Yesterday I got a chance to catch up on some wonderful blogs (many of them on the right hand margin here) of some great friends.  Their beautiful words and sweet pictures made me really want to re-do the last couple months.  I have often stopped realizing that life is happening all around me, time is passing with or without me, and that all of it is a gift.  I cannot earn it...I am not promised it will last forever....and (just as I wrote on my chalk board yesterday) it's not all about me.

There have been moments of sweet bliss and complete contentedness, but those have been swallowed by rushed to do's and hushed children.  I have not taken notes, listened well, or been thankful enough for the love, beauty, fulness, health, and pure joy that is around me...around us.

Children have an unending ability to love, to forgive, to run wild, and to be present in the moment.  My kids have much to teach me still.  So....my 2011 resolutions are:
- listening instead of hushing
- choosing joy over guilt
- making right priorities rather than making everyone happy

I wrote on another blog this Christmas that the series of Holidays (Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Years) was about being THANKFUL for what you have been given, GENEROUS with what you have, and HOPEFUL for what is to come.

I am hopeful that God is beginning a new work in me...

Addison is full of joy...ALL the time! I see God's love so alive in her.

These 3 (and Layla) have such fun together whatever they are doing!

Happy Birthday Jesus...thanks for these 2 most perfect gifts!

Ryland loves life and lives wide open.  I just want to tackle him to the ground and kiss him all over!

This is just the beginning!