Playing House

The girls love playing house.  They take turns being the mommy and baby or babysitter and baby. 

Sometimes Mom and Dad get to play too.  Usually Kristen makes the assignments and somehow I end up being the Dad and Phil plays the brother. 

Pretty Girls

Audrey

Playing Outdoors

 

Thankful

Recently a few people have called and asked me, "How are you doing?"

   And a couple of times, I quickly responded with, "Stressed, with too many tasks to do in a day, tired of the screaming and crying, frustrated with my girls' behavior, ready to scream myself, out of self control and ready to eat everything in my house." 

So to those of you that have gotten that response or to those of you who might get that response in the next few days... I would like to clarify.

 

 Yes, I am frazzled and tired and all the things I stated... but I am also very thankful. 

Thankful that I have the opportunity and privilege to stay home with my girls.  Thankful that is it me that directs their days.  Thankful that I get to be such an influence on how they think, act, and talk.  Thankful that God has entrusted these two precious girls to my care.    Thankful for their health, for their beauty, for their intelligence.  Thankful for the joy and purpose they bring to my days.  Thankful for a husband who loves me, supports me, encourages me, prays for me and my days, and even helps out around the house. 

Yes.  I am exhausted.  My girls ARE work.  They test me and push me to my limit. 

But thankfully, God's grace has no limits and He showers it freely on those who ask for it. I am so grateful that He has always answered my prayers for more grace, for more patience, for more love,  and for more wisdom. I am thankful for His presence, His comfort and the hope and joy He supplies. 

And when I have a really rough day and the kids have made me sooo crazy that I do scream and yell, or lose control and say things I don't mean, I am sooo thankful that Christ has already paid the ransom for my sins and He is waiting patiently for me to come to Him in repentance. 

  
So anyways.... I AM THANKFUL !!! even when I answer that question with a different and much more negative answer.