Hugs.........I Love Hugs!!!

Hug. Embrace. Hold. Squeeze. To me, a hug is the most simple and personal display of affection. Even from my husband I'd prefer a hug over a kiss any day. When he pulls me in and gives me that "I missed you" hug, my stress level shrinks and the business of the day disappears. But today I'm referring to the hug from a friend. I was so fortunate to see three of my sweetest friends between yesterday and today. To actually spend quality time with a friend in that volume in a two day span is a rarity to a stay at home momma. To say "your thoughts are safe", "you've been missed" and "I love you" with the simple gesture of a hug is invaluable. When I feel connected to someone, a hug is almost involuntary but never void. I always mean it. Laura, Heidi and Kim are such genuine, kind beings. Their first inclination is always to think of others first and I'm glad they think of me. I'm so lucky to have them in my life and thankful for their incredibly comforting hugs. Have you hugged someone lately?

I Hate When I do That!

After having a childless wonderful weekend with my hubby....it happened. We were in an argument. A legitimate one, but not the way I wanted to close out the weekend. I was so angry I didn't kiss him goodnight, a first in a looooong time. I first have to say my husband is a good man. Thoughtful, loving, affectionate and an incredible father. And yes I am guilty of those random complaints of all his idiosyncrasies, as if I don't have any, but he is my favorite person.
I was not in a forgiving mood and stubbornness broke the chain of our vow to never go to bed angry with each other or without discussing our perspectives on the disagreement. I hate when I fall into these spoiled little brat days of old. So, husband, I'm sorry.
But on a happier note, and a little random, God has really brought some special ladies into my life. At a time in my life when things seemed very stale, some sugar has been sprinkled. We have the essential, natural connections that I've mentioned before...effortless friendship. Such a blessing.
And to top this day with a cherry, my 5 year old, Sam became the "housekeeper". Complete with his own "to do" list, the beds were made, toilet scrubbed, litter scooped and floor swept. He was so cute trying to help Mommy out. I was sewing today and he so wanted to impress me with his cleaning abilities.......and he certainly did. As I was cleaning my sewing mess, he walked into the kitchen and said "Ugh, Mom, you didn't do the dishes!" I guess my lack of responsibility took away from the aesthetic value of his work!

This is What Has Been in my Heart, Thus the 2 Week Hiatus

If you've read my blog, you know that over the past 6 months we have been churchless. We don't fit where we used to and aren't quite sure where we fit now. It has taken a toll. On me, my husband and my innocent children. Jerry and I were just talking tonight about without a (church)home, for the time being, we have to allow God to re-light that fire inside of us where we are. Our devotion time has gone from suffering to non-existent. We feel a little like the Easter/Christmas church goers, which is not a judgemental statement just a reality that is foreign to us. Starting tomorrow we will have devotion time with our Father and our children again.
We have seen not-so-positive changes in our children due to our lack of investment in them. Not only through the lack of the Word of God but in our mission to "bring them alongside us in what we are doing"(~Josh Clark, great teacher, friend and blog). We have been sharing proximity more often than not but we have allowed busy-ness to interfere with the business of sharing and being. Their relationship with others recently, directly reflects our relationship with God right now and my heart is so heavy with grief. I know my God is here for me now and tomorrow, the same as 6 months ago and before, but our failure is real and reflective. I feel a little "icky" putting this out there, but I promised to always be real so there it is.....today I am a HOPEFUL FAILURE. Loved. Grieved. Already Forgiven.

2 weeks....Geesh!!

I can't believe it's been two weeks since I've made an entry. Busy, Busy, Busy!!!
Today I'm meeting my friends for coffee again and I can't wait! I am loving this process of getting to know these ladies more....which is unusual for me. I look forward to hearing what is going on in their lives and the encouragement that we share. God provides an incredible bond between us and seeing it bloom is an incredible blessing...Love ya Ladies!!

The Hen Meeting

This morning was a continuance of a new tradition. About one month ago four friends and I with children of the same age began having Tuesday morning coffee talks. My husband would call it a "Hen Meeting" or this morning he referred to it as an episode of The View........but regardless of what you call it, it has been very encouraging to me. All of the ladies have a grounded relationship with Christ and we are striving together to raise our children on the same ground. This morning we talked a lot about having "the talk" continuously throughout our children's lives. It was so refreshing to hear the different perspectives that we are facing. Two of us have all boys, one has all girls and the other two have both. (Heather wasn't there today but we missed her!) I love hearing the concerns of a mom with girls and being able to integrate that into the conversations that Jerry and I have with our boys about sex. TESSA made a reference to a class she had participated in at her church which stated "Our parents never talked about sex or money, but they had both!" And that was so profound to me.....and so true!! Sex was never described as a beautiful, sacred event between a husband and wife.......it was only advised that I "don't do it." In our family we are going to break the cycle of secrecy and shame and communicate to our boys the joy, intimacy and boundaries of a sexual relationship. I pray faithfully that Jerry and I will equip our boys to make wise decisions when hormones are raging...and beyond.

Love in its Purest Form-A Child

Today, at a wrestling tournament of all places, I saw the most genuine, sympathetic act of kindness. From a five year old. My son Sammy is a passionate little guy in victory and defeat. After winning one match, he lost the next two. It was the last match of the season. The big one. Immediately following his second loss, he realized there would be no medals in his near future. Devastation!! He ran to me, squeezing and crying "Now I'm not going to get a medal" My heart was breaking for him, he was so disappointed. His very best friend Austin was sitting next to us and just received his 4th place medal. He and Sammy have this kindred connection that I have never witnessed between two people so young. You could see the agony in his face, witnessing his friend's broken heart. He took his medal, the first he had ever won and handed it to Sammy, "Here Sammy, you can have mine." Sam's spirit immediately lifted and he hugged his dear friend and thanked him. Austin's mom and I sat there in utter disbelief. How selfless this little guy had been. Even at my urging for him to keep his very first medal, Sammy's happiness was more important than his own. What an incredible act of love. We ended up getting a replacement medal for Austin, not because he asked for one, because a heart like that deserves to be adorned.