Even though 5:00 a.m. would not be my rising time of preference, I do feel like I have been extremely productive today.  Don't ask me what I have done because I have ridiculous blank spots in my memory right now.  I think I will probably remember some of it later in the week,  just not today.

I have to say that the sound of little children laughing, playing or just chatting with each other has to be one of the most rewarding moments of anyone's day.  Then there is that first few minutes when one of them wakes up after a (hopefully) long night's sleep or an equally long afternoon nap.  Nothing like it.  Those cuddly few minutes that can't be replaced by ANYTHING!

Blessed beyond belief to experience these again with my grandchildren is really amazing.  Remember when you were rushing through your days and nights with your own children?  There was no time to stop and enjoy all of the little happenings that occurred EVERY SINGLE DAY.  Those are the ones I am talking about.  Those are the ones I am relishing.  Those are the ones I am choosing to enjoy.  Those are the ones I don't want to miss.  Probably because I missed some of my own children's special moments making sure that my day wasn't interrupted by chaos.  Chaos that I seem to be enjoying continually these days.

I guess it all does come down to this.....with age comes wisdom:)

Thirty four years ago today I became a mom.  The thing I wanted most in life and God granted my petition.  He gave me Emily.  I really can't begin to describe all that she is in my life.  She is laughter.  She is joy.  She is love.  She is happiness.  She is stubborn.  She is determination.  She is immense talent.  She is an amazing mother, wife and friend.  My list, although only partial, gives you a little hint of how blessed my life is because Emily is a part of it.

I am so thankful that my heavenly Father also calls her His.  She belongs to Him and this is the best attribute of all.  There are so many things in life that we can label ourselves.  Thankfully mine include mom, "ya-ya", wife, daughter, and friend.  Where one ends and another one begins is sometimes just a blur.  For that I am eternally grateful.

"Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all our ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight".

Happy Birthday Emily!

One more thing (or two)

While going through some old paperwork I found this.  I wrote these down many years ago and they are still so relevant.  (or at least to give thought to)

SOME IMPORTANT THINGS I HAVE LEARNED IN LIFE

Life isn't always fair, but you only get one chance...give it your best shot.

People you trust sometimes let you down..God NEVER will.

Accident is just that - don't dwell on the "what if's" - just be thankful you walked away.

Patience, they say, is a virtue and it really gets you extra credit when you need it most.

When you truly love someone, hold on for the bumpiest ride of your life.

Never sell yourself short - you CAN do anything you set your mind to.

Pray about the little things and the big things won't seem so overwhelming.

Trust your heart but listen carefully to what it tells you.

Never turn your back on a friend.  Someday you will need a shoulder.

Hold tight to the memories from your childhood...time passes quickly.

Always keep the forgiveness of a young child close at hand - keep short accounts with loved ones.

Let your feelings be known and not left to be somehow questioned.

Know that the longer you love someone the more you understand what it takes to be "in love".

Never underestimate the power of deception.

Jealousy has no place in a Godly home.

You cannot forgive what you choose not to forget.

Do not judge others until your robe is sufficiently fitted.

If God adorns your life with children, love them unconditionally.

Laugh EVERY CHANCE YOU GET.

Never say anything hurtful.  Words can break hearts.

Don't sit back and let someone else enjoy your blessings.

Be thankful for all that God is teaching you.

Learn anger management early...it will save many tears.

Give unto others before they give to you.

Hold out for the best - you deserve it.

Never compromise your beliefs.

Always cheer for the underdog - he or she is "someone's" child.

Tell your friends how much they mean to you.

Never argue religion or politics - it is a lose/lose situation.

Communication is an intricate part of life.

Death truly is a part of life.

Smiling takes a lot less effort than frowning.

Crying does not a baby make.

You can love more than once in your lifetime.

A heart can be broken more than once.

the gift that keeps on giving

Yesterday I went with my daughter and two grandchildren to see Beauty and the Beast in 3D.  I have to say that I was quite skeptical about the whole 3D experience seeing as I am EXTREMELY prone to motion sickness.  However, I will admit that it truly was an okay viewing.  Both of the kids seemed to love it.  Lucy, the three year old, took multiple "potty" breaks, but Asher, age five, was completely mesmerized and transfixed by the movie.  He had seen it a few times before on the small screen, but with the glasses affixed permanently on his little face....he never moved.  It really makes you stop and think about what all really makes it through the thought process of their little minds.  (probably more than makes it through mine these days)

It is always a great time when I get to spend it with my little ones.  They are truly the lights of my life.  I am so blessed to have them all within 15 minutes of our house.  When we are all together chaos ensues but it is organized chaos.  Loud and mostly cheerful.  There is an occasional time-out or two, but for the most part...they are my gift that keeps on giving!

where do I begin?

There are days that time just simply passes me by and I can't even give you a description of where my time went.  Then there are those times when I really just want time to stand still and let me take in all that life has placed in my path.

For instance...listening to my 5 year old grandson read one of his very first books, or the story of my adorable 4 year old granddaughter innocently asking "how do we get to heaven to see Jesus?"  I mean is there anything more perfect than that.  I am what I always said I wanted to be...a stay at home mom who has been blessed to now be a stay at home grandmom enjoying all that comes with the job description.

Are there challenges?  You bet there are.  Are there rewards?  More than I could ever express.  It all comes down to this:  God is all good, all the time!

This is a journey we are all on.  I want to make my journey count and keep short accounts of my journey.