Fuzzy footed pajamas. The first fire of the year burning in the fireplace. ("It sounds like pretend popcorn popping, Mom-ma!" "Dat warm fire is ticklin' my fingers.") The Toronto Children's Choir singing an angel chorus on the radio. My heart feels like it may explode. I do not want them to grow up. Not one more day. Really.
I know it is incredibly selfish..that God has big plans for them in this world...and that every age really does get better. BUT, as they were all climbing all over my lap telling me what they wanted to thank God for tonight before bed (monkeys, frogs and bunnies) I just kissed all over them. I looked at their pretty white cribs all lined up in a row and realized those will be replaced by big kid beds in the near future and felt like I might burst into tears.
I love these little people with their hilarious observations, ("Mom-ma, why Joseph wear a paper towel on his head?") their huge hearts ("Deese pwesents for the kids who no have any toys?" ), and their sweet innocence ("Dis picture of my mom-ma and dad-dee. Dey are fwiends. Dey share.")
Tomorrow morning as I rush to get them out the door by 8:45, I'll sigh an exasperated sigh and long for the days when they can dress themselves and load themselves in the car. But tonight, I just want to hold them close and freeze time.
Your children are precious! And, can I just say that I love, love, love the picture of the 5 of you from behind and you're walking hand-in-hand? That picture speaks volumes! What a treasure!
ReplyDeleteWhat beautiful kids! And I love your profile pic! I bet your Christmas will be triple the fun, too.
ReplyDeleteJenn~ You are speaking to my heart. I think the same thing so often. It literally breaks my heart to watch Colton grow up and all the hurt he will have to endure....just because it is life. One day we will look back and be proud of the grown men and lady they have become. Until then....enjoy every second!!!
ReplyDeleteI totally agree with your "don't let them grow up" sentiments. My boy's first baby tooth fell yesterday (he's a late bloomer at G-2). I'm having a hard time coping with it. He's growing too fast for my mind and heart to catch up.
ReplyDeleteI praise the Lord for these cutie pies you are blessed with, for they in turn are a blessings to many others in blog space.
A mother's heart toward her children...it is a very special thing! I feel the same way. I've seen how quickly our big girls have grown...it doesn't seem like very long ago when I was dressing them alike. They are 2 years apart...I just enjoyed matching clothes. Now,with more little ones and one on the way,I just want time to stop...all of mine are at perfect ages. I would love for it to stay the same. But,the goal is for them to be godly adults-we are raising them for adulthood...our job is short....it just seems all consuming right now!
ReplyDeleteJen, The thoughts you put down for your kids someday - what a treasure for them to be able to read how their momma felt about them.
ReplyDeletePerri
I feel like I can REALLY relate to what you are expressing here.
ReplyDeleteI realized lately that I have let myself get into a slump wishing for the days when my children were toddlers again. So I have finally decided I could not let myself miss the joys of THIS phase of life with them (and it is joyous)by wishing for the earlier stages.
I can tell you are soaking up every moment with your precious children and it is beautiful to read about it.
I know you will read it a hundred times, but that picture of your family walking down the street is just so beautiful. I think I would call it "Oh, Happy Day."
I love your mommy heart and I echo all that you wrote....time does pass all too quickly...our job raising these precious kiddos is a lot of work, but OH so worth it! ENJOY every fun moment with them...as I know you are!
ReplyDeleteAll kiddos are pure treasures and teach us so much. Glad to have "met" you through this blog world :) I love your heart and your love for God and His perfect plan for your family...walk in His ways, your kiddos are very blessed to have you as Momma...
love IN HIM,
Liz
Hi Jen~ I wanted to "introduce" myself to you. I've been enjoying your blog for a few months now. I love your perspective on your beautiful children and the blessings the Lord has given you. They are so precious. Toddlers are so sweet and change so very fast! Keep them close in your heart. Each stage is truly unique though.
ReplyDeleteblessings,
Precious times they are. Enjoy every last minute of it!!!!
ReplyDeleteYou are speaking my language!! I feel that way all the time. How I wish I could bottle up moments and pull them out later so that I could relive them. . . These are precious times, my friend!! Thanks for the reminder!!
ReplyDeleteI absolutely know what you mean!
ReplyDeleteI definetly can identify with what you said here. I just adore my children. And every once in awhile I sit back and take in the moment and fall in love with them even more!
ReplyDeleteOh, I know, savor those moments, it's going to be over before we know it.
ReplyDeleteHi =-). Just wanted to say a quick hello and and huge THANKS for all your prayers and encouragement over the last week. We are so thankful for every good minute that passes by.
ReplyDeleteEnjoy those three beautiful little ones, I LOVED all the pics you posted on Sunday.
Delurking to say that your children are beautiful and I love reading your blog. You are so insightful and have a wonderful way with words.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the reminder that they are only so small for such a short time!
Thinking about the future can so often help me to treasure the present. Time goes much too fast.
ReplyDeleteMy mother slept in a crib until she was seven. I plan to do the same with our triplets. Partly because I can't bear the thought of them having free run of the hosue ... but mostly because I can't bear the thought of them growing up!!