Did That Warm Your Heart?

So often it feels like I am going through the motions and the idea of slowing down to enjoy the journey is pushed back to do later when I have the time....or is it just me? I keep piling the tasks on, keep saying yes to help with whatever until Jeff reminds me "You know Sarah you can say No sometimes". It's not that I don't love volunteering or quick cards or visits to others it's just that life gets soooo crazy. I go through a lot of my days with my mental planner (and real one too) in my head ticking away at the "to-do's" and the "already dids" and the "remember that for tomorrow"s. It's then that a moment will catch you off guard and you remember to re-prioritize. I have re organized my Franklin Planner so that family needs- not tasks are written first. It's amazing how writing them down at the top of the page completely changes your outlook. This happened today. Mondays are crazy! The last few have been chaotic to say the least...preschool, phone calls, bills, laundry, house cleaning, early dinner to make T ball at 5:30, Fencing at 6:30- and then around 30 minutes after the kids are in bed (which is 30 minutes after they SHOULD have been in bed!) as I finish cleaning up the kitchen I realize that I am dead on my feet and that I actually did not sit down once through the whole day (car seat doesn't count). Even my meals were eaten on my feet as I filed paperwork or did my make-up. (That is so not the French way...) Still trying to figure out how to multi-task in the shower..will it really zap me if I keep texting in the shower?
Well tonight we cleared the schedule! AJ decided he is not that crazy about Fencing and Eli has T ball on Tuesday instead. We actually held Family Home Evening on Monday night instead of Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday or on the drive to church....
Please don't think I am complaining..it's just life, but it made the enclosed experience quite sweet.
Our Family Home Evening Lesson was on "Family First". Loving our Brothers because they can be our best friends for the rest of their lives. (if you have daughters, insert "sisters" here.) We discussed kind things that they do for each other that "warm our hearts" as moms and dads. Elijah spent the majority of the time climbing all over me as I talked and I was pretty sure he didn't hear more than 3 words. The treat (after a rip-roaring game of Hide-and-go-seek) was ice cream. As we sat there eating our Caramel Tracks Delight, Elijah turned to Patrick and said "I love you Patrick". I sighed an "ohhhh". Then Elijah turned to me and said "Did that warm your heart?". I was struck by the question and I realized "Yes it did!" The words coming out of my mouth may be hanging in space somewhere, but along the way there they did pass through my busy boys heads! And it totally helps that they are so cute too.
So I have recommitted to stop concentrating on the check marks of another task well done, but instead on doing the most important things well. This week I shall seek out actions that can "warm my heart" and be sure to serve others so that I might create warm hearts where ever I go...(too cheesy? It must be all the sugar in my brain left over from the Caramel Delight:)
Did that warm your heart?

Tears of Joy....

Ok is it not crazy how our kids bring tears to our eyes at the weirdest times? Last Sunday our two older boys participated in the Primary program at church. Eli's first this year! As I watched Elijah sing with the rest of the kids, looking quite reminiscent of the Grinch (Jim Carrey) trying to sing with the Who's--(you know mouth moving but not in synch with the crowd, head swaying and nodding dramatically) tears sprung to my eyes! It is so like Elijah to be oblivious to the crowd of 250 people staring up at him. Both Eli and Ammon did a great job with their parts! Eli took his time, maximizing microphone usage. Ammon spoke quickly and to the point. Jeff being a primary teacher got to join in the fun and sing "Called to Serve" with Ammmon and the other 7-12 year old boys. I love Primary programs! It is soooo entertaining to watch kids doing funny things, thinking that no one is looking at them, that they are blending into the crowd. Ultimately it was a Great Program, the kids were quiet at the right times and the songs were sung with a quality of reverence about them.
Patrick turned two on Sunday as well. He said to himself "well I am two now, what terrible thing can I do" so he decided to climb out of his crib. Naptimes will never be the same! However after a drive with Dad he fell asleep and was able to be well rested and happy for his Birthday Party. His little "wow" after gifts he liked, and after seeing his Car cake again brought tears to my eyes. He is so beautiful! He is such a fun kid! (Kid now, no longer a baby! "sigh" of time passing)
It's always amazing to me how you see your children every day, watch them grow. But there are always those sliver of moments when you REALLY see them. You see the love of Christ in their eyes and you get a glimpse of what Heavenly Father feels for each of us as we are His children. I think that must be what brings those tears of joy (and pride, happiness, sweetness...) to our parental eyes!

Sounding Off

I enjoy putting together our family blog. I do it mainly for family and friends to keep up with what we are up to. But I often find myself wanting to add personal musings, that many may find boring...so here is my place to sound off (and maybe add a little pink here and there). I kept a studious journal for years, however with three busy boys and a hectic schedule I find that I am not as consistent as I once was. It seems that typing a few lines here and there is so much quicker, and involves less writer's cramp (in my hand I mean:). I plan to "sound off" with whatever is on my mind at the time, and encourage all those who care to read it to add your two cents. I love a good, well rounded, all sides seen discussion so feel free to contradict me! But hopefully I will be an uplifting source to anyone who may need a kind word or a soothing thought. Much love to all!