He was on his way out the door to ride bikes with the neighbor and play somewhere wild. I yelled "bye" from a pile of laundry that I was folding on the floor as I heard the door slam shut behind him. And not a handful of seconds had passed before I heard the door open again and I saw the oldest son running across the living room towards his Mama with a slap-happy grin on his face.
He wrapped his still, little-boy hands around my neck and said it clear into my ear,
"Mom, thanks for today. I had a great time with you. I love ya Mom."
And that was it.
He let go, and ran back outside.
And that's how I knew. How I knew that we're doing the right thing for us for this year. Week one had it's moments, stitches in time when hearts were bruised and forgiveness had opportunity to be learned. And yet, in the same breath we found a love for learning, a love for family, a love for each other.
He came back in with a hug and an I love you and for this Mama's heart it made all the difference.
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Gratitude carrying us through our days...
#'s 572-593
Days with the treasures, learning life.
The daughter who constantly tells me, "I love you Mom."
The husband who comes in from work and wraps me up in his arms in the middle of our kitchen... every night without fail.
Hope we have in You.
This extravagantly simple home that you're allowing us to live in.
The washer washing my clothes right now.
The Father-son camp out on the farm.
Afternoon rain and a cool breeze breaking the heat wave.
The smallest girl who insists on wearing two different shoes, she's always something to smile about.
Quiet mornings on the front porch with my tea and Your Word and a little girl sitting next to me "cuz she loves me," while belting the "B-I-B-L-E, yes that's the book for me!!"
Long chats on the couch with friends that I love.
A handful of chocolate chips right out of the freezer.
An encouraging word on the dirt path to home with the Cowboy.
Wise Words to share with the treasures as we muddle and laugh our way through.
An amazing ballet class for the dancing girl, a place where she learns to do it all for the glory of God!
11 years with The Cowboy, a night out, some roses, a card, and a kiss (or two:) in the dark.
