Traditions

I love traditions!  I love hearing other people's traditions!  And I want to do the tradition that I read about here and here!  (Also, note the WAY cool crowns and decorations.) The problem is that my kids are 2, and 9 months.  They won't be starting school for like - ever. ( And I'm very happy about this fact... and I already know what you're thinking, "It'll be here in a blink of an eye..." Yes. I know.) And when that blink of an eye happens, can you help me remember that I want to do this tradition? Thanks!

A Letter to my M&Ms (Blue&Brown)

Hi Sweet M Boys -

Tonight it is quiet.  You are both sleeping, Marsh you're in our bed, Maso in the crib.  As I sit with hands positioned on the keyboard I search for words to describe tonight, and my heart.

Right now you are both so little.  I want you to know - you make life wonderful.  The joy and fulfillment you bring to our family is beyond anything I could have dreamed.  I am so proud of you.   

I want to be the best mama for you.  I want to be consistent, fun, wise, silly, humble, and approachable. But I make a lot of mistakes.  I'm going to make LOTS more.  Please forgive me.  Right now in life we are learning so much.  We are learning that stuff isn't what makes us happy.  We're learning that it's okay to prioritize family, even in a society where that foundation is crumbling.  

My heart is to protect you.  Oh how my heart wants to shield and guard you.  Babies, this world is hard.   It sometimes brings heartache and pain.  I won't be able to always be with you, I won't be able to always comfort you, and I won't be able to keep you from hurting.   This reality makes me want to hold you tightly, worry, and control.  

But you know what? 
As much as I like to think you're MINE, you're really not.  
As much as I think I love you, Someone loves you MORE.   
That One knows your stories from beginning to end.  
That One knows how to comfort you better than I do.
That One is with you even when me and Daddy can't be.  
That One will never leave you.  

So tonight I remember.  
I remember to not hold you too tightly.  
Oh, I'll take care of you with everything that is in me.  
I'll cherish every memory you make, everyday.  
But I'll remember that you are HIS before you are mine. 

I love you sweet baby M&Ms.  Know Jesus, okay? 
He's completely trustworthy, 
and altogether everything you need.

Mama

Favorite Sayings by Marsh

"Whater YOU doing heer?"
"Why?"
"What mama? What?"
"Tanks"
"Cuse me"
"Shoot Baketts?"
"Run errands mama?"
"Motercyckel"
"Bikeacyckel"
"Wookit Daddy!"


Favorite Songs:
Happy Day
Jesus Loves Me
Our God
ABCs
I'm in the Lord's Army 

Party at Nana's House!

Nana is Jalon's Grandma.  She is beyond amazing in countless ways.  Over Labor Day we took our students to Page for a Back to School Retreat.  While we were there we got to spend lots of time with Nana.  Marshal LOVES parties, in fact he recently went to Lamplighters (our church's senior-citizen group) with jumps and giggles because he was convinced it was a birthday party.  Nana got wind of this and decided to throw Marshal a party while we were in town.  Was it his birthday? No.  Was it a special occasion? Yes.  Marshal and Nana time is always a special occasion.  Her party was a blast! Cupcakes, chocolate milk (or as Marshy says, "shock-a-nook"), party-favors, noise-makers, sunglasses, balloons, ice-cream, Spidey cups and plates.... and of course... PRESENTS!  A box of matchbox cars, a bath-time automatic bubble-blower, books, a Panda movie and stuffed bear... and the list goes on.  It was an evening of memories for my little party lovin' man.  Thank you Nana for making life so special.  Love you.