A Heavenly Perspective

Our Pastor heard this story from a friend of ours and asked Ron to share it during his sermon:

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As I was packing for a 2-day business trip, I was approached by Madeline, our 7-year-old daughter.  She said in a soft and almost troubled voice, "Daddy, you can't go.  You have to stay." 

I knew by her eyes and the tone of her voice that this was sincere.....it was not that she was losing her jungle gym for 2 days (I like to rough house with the kids) but more that she was in a place that she didn't want to be without me.

We had recently watched a movie together where the little girl was not sure her father was going to return to her.  I knew this was on her mind.

I explained that while she was far more important than my job, I did have a responsibility to do my work with excellence....which sometimes means an out-of-town trip.  Following through on my work is honoring to God and my family.  She seemed to understand, but was still not happy about it.

A few minutes later she brought me a note -- and in her wonderful 7 year-old letters -- she wrote, "Please sleep on the floor beside my bed tonight?  Circle 'Yes' or 'No'"

Of course I circled "Yes!"

She returned a few minutes later with an addition to the note that said, "What time? _____"

I wrote down a time and she seemed satisfied with the response.

Later that night, I went in to sleep beside her bed.  I found a new note sitting on top of two pillows.  "Please bring me down to sleep with you.  Put me on the stripes pillow and you get to sleep on the pink pillow.  And don't forget to snuggle with me."

I can't tell you what a precious moment that was.  Her genuine desire to be near me.  It was not a manipulative thing, just pure and genuine love.  She could have asked me for anything - literally anything! - at that moment and I would have given it to her.

I felt like a got a glimpse into our Heavenly Father's perspective.  He just loves when we want to be near Him.  When we have that genuine desire, there is nothing He wouldn't do for us.

-Ron

11-16-08

Throwback Friday

The girls are always "watching" photo albums on the Mac and a few days ago they ran across this picture.  It was several days after Hurricane Katrina hit.  Ron decided he had to head down and see what he could do to assist.  He, our BIL Jeff and friend Shawn decided to hit the road.

Our pastor announced their plans at Sunday service and before we even arrived home that day (2 hours later!) our doorstep was packed with food and supplies.

I will never forget the way our community, neighborhood, church, family and friends came together to make a difference.  Since that time, we try to send something to any tragedy that we hear about.  Something.  Anything.  I got to see first-hand that it does make a difference.

People thought they were just donating $10 or a single box of diapers......in actuality the boys left that week with $10,000 in cash (for generators) and a truck and trailer loaded to the hilt with food and supplies.

Happy Father's Day!

Ron - You are the best father ever.  Honest.  I couldn't even dream up a better Dad for our kids. I am blessed beyond measure.  

Rock Star

My SIL emailed me this photo from our trip to Disney. Not sure if he is wearing the Bjorn in this picture, but Ron spent most of the day wearing Gabe in the Baby Bjorn (proving the theory that men can rock the Bjorn), carrying one of the girls on his shoulders and pushing 2 more kiddos in the double stroller.

I know, could I be more blessed?

AHHHHHHHHH.....

....just wanted to visit for a second...

It's 2008.....and 4 days until.....

So I know this blog's purpose is to remind myself of all the wonderful, amazing, cute, adorable things my kids do (OMGoodness, I'm that parent!) ....really and truly, I have lost almost all short and long term memory...

But, just for a second, might I deviate to say......I'M LEAVING ON A JET PLANE IN FOUR DAYS!!!!!!!
Yes, it's true, Ron and I are headed off to 7 blissful days and nights on a honeymoon together (our 5th since we married...but who's counting?)
Ok, probably my mother who keeps our gaggle while we are gone. God bless her. Honest. May He give her an extra jewel in her heavenly crown. Truly. May she enjoy a long and healthy life. Ooooh, that would mean many more honeymoons.... I'm kidding.....kinda?

Do I miss my kiddos while I am gone? Like crazy. But, this opportunity only comes once every 2 years and I plan to take full advantage of every moment.

Here is my packing list so far:
bikini
sunscreen
sunglasses
deck of cards (yes, we are competitive, even on vaca)
breast pump (ok, so I still have to think about that...no worries!)

See picture below for the "This Time Next Week We'll be on the Beach" dance (to our college song, "I would walk 500 miles").
I wish I could say I'd been drinking too much wine....


(what is with the angry point, Ron? I'm sorry you have to wait...four....more....days.. Not my fault. Seriously people, do you see what I have to put up with!)

32 Days and Counting Down

Today is already a great day. Madeline and Abigail put candles in their toast this morning and sang "32 Days until Christmas" to the tune of "Happy Birthday." Hilarious.

I wish I could have captured the moment on camera but my (almost 34 yo) husband took it with him today to document his flag football tournament. Yes, that's right, he's playing football. Actually, his 1st place trophy from a few weeks ago sits very near Madeline's first soccer trophy. Strange?

So, while the kiddos and I travel several states away (ok, I'm exaggerating) to our annual Wassail, Ron will be re-living the high school days. I hope I don't sound annoyed -- I'm really not. He loves it. I've always said if he had two lives, he'd hang out with us in one and be an NFL player in the other!

This day has only improved by the fact that Madeline came into the office and asked how old God is. I better run....this one could take a while.