Thankful

I am extremely thankful that this area didn’t sustain damage in the major storms that swept through the south yesterday.  In the midst of warnings, watches, and blaring sirens, my mind was with my family. My son was at track practice, my daughter was with her Mamaw, and my husband thought it was the ideal time to take a leisurely trip to the store. I hate us all being apart but during times like that, but it makes me realize just how little control I have.  Instead of panicking, I did the only productive thing I knew to do. I prayed. I prayed for the safety of my son at school during what he was told was a tornado drill, I prayed for the safety of my daughter who was playing dolls at my Mother-in-law’s house and I prayed that God would give my husband the good sense to stay put the next time we are issued a tornado warning. I’m happy to report that at least two of those prayers were answered. The verdict is still out on that last one.

My heart was heavy this morning as I watched the news report on the devastation that swept over other areas last night as my family slept safely in our beds. I immediately worried about family members and friends living in Alabama and waited impatiently to hear of their safety this morning. I’m happy to report that everyone I know is accounted for but there are many others out there who did not receive the same reports. Today, I pray for those friends and family who woke up to bad news.  News that will forever change their lives and made them feel like part of their heart was suddenly missing. Today, I pray for comfort and strength to those in need.

Clowning Around

My daughter will be turning 5 years old next week. *GASP!* It's hard to believe that is even possible! Five years doesn't really seem that long when you think of it, but she has truly grown too fast. From the very get go this little jewel has had us all on our toes. She has a knack for doing things on her own time, which generally means way earlier than the "guidelines" say she should. She obviously didn't read the manual. The shortest member of our family is a brilliant girl with a zest for life that wears me out even from my tiny observation deck. I savor the quiet moments, the ones where she cuddles up ever so gently beside me in need of a little affection, because they are few and far between. She possesses a confidence that cannot be taught or learned; one that doesn't need constant approval in order to thrive. Don't get me wrong, she definitely has challenging moments, but those same characteristics that bring me to the brink of insanity and back almost daily are the very same ones that are going to take her so very far in her life. I just know it. And I can't wait to watch every single minute of it.

Today was clown day at preschool and she had me cracking up all morning long! She is a very animated talker anyway, but some of the excitement usually gets lost in translation because of her fair features. Not this morning, though. We painted on black eyebrows as part of her clown makeup and I found myself totally engrossed in watching their every movement as we carried out our morning routine. Every emotion on the child's face was even more blatantly obvious than usual. This one.... she's going to either keep us young or make us very, very old.

Exhibit A: 

Exhibit B (and my personal favorite):

Happy early birthday to my little Spunky Monkey! You literally light up my life.