Everyday Love

Brothers, they are going to love growing up and having each other. They are already so protective of each other and have so much fun.

I left Kyler in the middle of the couch and told Crew to talk to him and make sure he did not fall over. Well I came back and Crew had moved Kyler next to him and they were just hanging out watching some cartoons.

Brodes is always wanting his shoes and "octs" socks on, he is one kid we could leave outside all day.

Silly Bo Bos

Crew and Brody take turns blowing on Kyler's stomach, it is so fun to see them get so excited over something so little.

A rare photo!! Brody holding Kyler!

Wow these days are crazy around here. Coming off of Chris working 5 nights in a row, I took a big sigh of relief knowing that I had my partner back in taking care of this house of boys for at least a day. It is quite the job raising these boys, and without Chris I don't know what I would do!

This past week I read a devotional out of "Jesus Calling" that really made me think, 3 days later I am still pondering over it and how relevant it is to my life and raising my boys the way God wants me to and not comparing myself/kids to other people.

Stop judging and evaluating yourself, for this is not your role. Above all, stop comparing yourself with other people. This produces feelings of pride or inferiority; sometimes a mixture of both. I lead each of My children along a path that is uniquely tailor-made for him or her. Comparing is not only wrong; it is also meaningless. Don't look for affirmations in the wrong places: your own evaluations, or those of other people. The only source of real affirmation is My unconditional Love. Many believers perceive Me as an unreleasable judge, angrily searching out their faults and failures. Nothing could be farther from the truth! I died for your sins, so that I might clothe you in My garments of salvation. This is how I see you: radiant in My robe of righteousness. When I discipline you, it is never in anger or disgust; it is it to prepare you for face-to-face fellowship with Me throughout all eternity. Immerse yourself in My loving Presence. Be receptive to My affirmation, which flows continually from the throne of Grace.

(Luke 6:37, John 3:16-17, Isaiah 61:10)

So often I get caught up in what I don't do well as a mom, and what other moms do well. I am not a crafty, creative person, and I wish that I could do more things like that for them. The fact that I have 3 kids, 3 1/2 years apart I feel guilty that I don't have time to give each one of them more individual and one on one time. I enjoy playing with Crew and doing games, but Brody likes to destroy the towers and tracks we build and doesn't necessarily make a good partner in games...Brody gets shortened on his most loved cuddle time with is mama because mornings can get so busy with three little ones. Reading books for him are often him sitting there flipping through pages and I am bouncing Kyler and reading over him. Kyler if he is being good gets left on the floor or exersaucer longer than I would like just to tend to the other boys or the everyday chores that seem to build up. I put pressure on my self and a lot of days are filled with anxiety and stress because I am feel as though I am not doing my job fully. I don't like to feel like I am failing, I am a very competitive driven person, I don't settle for just average, that is why I go to bed at night and think the kids won and I lost that day. Being triple teamed is hard! With a whistle around my neck referring the next fight/match I want to be in the one in control.

Well I have been humbled! Time and time again God reminds me about how His plan is the one that counts. Three boys this young can keep me turning in circles and not knowing what is going to happen next but I do feel God's strength and encouragement for me. I can't sit and compare myself to other mom's and kids. God has given me these special gifts and a purpose to do my very best and raise them to be respectful, loving, and happy boys. I pray that my boys love Jesus because I don't know what I would do without His love. I often say or think to myself how good other mom's feel about themselves or their kids when they are with me, because it seems like their kids are so much calmer, behaved, and respectful. I feel as if I am judged because I have crazy boys always doing silly and naughty things. Many of my friends know that when they call our phone conversations will often be cut off by a fight, someone getting hurt, a crying baby, or whatever that day brings I feel like they think my house is so crazy! I guess that is what you get when you mix Chris and I, two very on-the-go and active people!

But God is telling me otherwise, he gave me these very special boys, and with his guidance I know that we can win. At the end of the day I really couldn't be any happier and realize that this phase in our lives won't last forever and not to take a day for granted. What a blessing these boys are, and what a joy they bring to my life. I can only do the best that I can do, and with a fresh start each day, and God on my side, I am excited to raise these boys and see all the special days and memories ahead. I can't tell my boys enough how much I love them, and I know they love me too. Phil 4:13.