The Making of M.O.M.

I am joyfully accepting the challenge given by another blogging mommy. The challenge is to list all the things that I take for granted, with regard to my children. Then, the next time I do one of these tasks, I will think of Tricia, and others like her, and praise my Lord for the ability to do these things. Some of these will reference past duties.

Note: If you've not yet read about Nate, Tricia and Gwyneth, take a moment and check out their blog over in my list of faves.

Things I take for granted, when mothering my kids:

* Changing poopy diapers
* Fixing lunch, and sitting with them while they eat
* Cleaning up after a messy, but enjoyable lunch
* Hearing the squeal of "MOMMY!" when I open their door 1st thing in the morning
* Toddler jibberish
* Random hugs
* Sugar-lips
* Being able to take care of their basic needs
* Breastfeeding (from the past, but I still took it for granted)
* Giving them baths
* Stepping on cherrios
* Watching , "Go Diego, Go!" for the millionth time
* Being continuously interuppted each time I attempt an adult conversation
* Sprinting someone to the potty, before it's too late
* Wiping snotty noses
* Snotty kisses
* "Doctoring" a bloody lip
* Tickle parties
* Sneaking in at 11pm (with my husband) to watch them sleep
* Pig piles
* Belly munchins
* Uncontrollable screaming
* Always looking for "Kitty" and "Bear Bear," Lucas and Ashlee's lovies
* Piles of dirty laundry (I'm blessed they are here to make it)
* A dirty house
* Teaching Elizabeth about God, Jesus and how to love others
* Watching Lucas and Ashlee pray

These are just a handful (okay, maybe two) of the things that make my heart swell with love and joy. Sometimes, I look at my life, as a stay-at-home mom and ponder my purpose. Thanks to Tricia, this is something that crosses my mind a lot less lately. I feel so blessed to take care of these kids that call me "Momma." They give me a life with direction and heart of purpose. I love my job....do you?

We have some incredible friends who are moving to Kenya this summer. They are selling everything, their house, cars, furnishings and going. God called and they are answering and, quite honestly, I think they are incredible. Elizabeth knows "Chris and Windy." She understands that they've already been to Africa once and that they will be going again, and staying a long time. She prays for them I think it is just precious.

Anyway, yesterday, Lindy (Windy) came by to pick up some photos she "accidentally" left at our house (I say accidentally, but again, I'm learning that our God isn't a God of chances). When she got here to pick them up, I asked to see them. They are selling them to raise money for their missions. I spread them all out on the floor and we were inspecting them. I explained to Elizabeth the reason Lindy had the pictures and told her that she was selling them so she could go tell people in Africa about Jesus. Though all of the pictures were amazing, Elizabeth particularly fell in love with 1. It was a photo of a zebra that Chris had taken. Beautifully framed, it was pure joy for Elizabeth. She immediately asked me if she could have it. I told her that it cost a lot of money ($15, but to a 3 1/2 yr old, that's a lot) and that if she would be willing to pay half with her money, I would pay for the other half.

With that, Elizabeth runs to her room and grabs her envelope full of her "Save" money. (Elizabeth does chores to earn money. She gets a maximum of $3.00 per week. She gives $1 to Church, Saves $1 and gets to put $1 in her Spend envelope.) She comes running back into the living room with a fist full of $1.00 bills. I told her that her portion of the cost is $7.00. Diligently, she counts out her money....$7.00 exactly. I explained to her that if she uses her money to buy the picture that she won't have any money left to buy the toys that she's asked for from the T.V. In a complete moment of maturity she says, "Yes, I know Mommy." She proudly hands her dollars to Lindy (who is sobbing) and takes her prized picture in her hands. She runs to her room to find a place of honor.

God amazes me that I can still learn so much from my children. It was not a coincidence that Elizabeth had exactly $7.00 saved (I didn't know how much she had when I told her I'd pay half). What an amazing heart my child has. I feel so incredibly blessed to witness these everyday miracles. God is so good.

Now, I'm wondering, have I given God my $7.00 today? Have I offered Him my all? And with complete joy, have I placed what He has given me in a place of honor? I think there are so many lessons to be learned from the heart of a 3 year old...

Check out my friend's version of the story by clicking here.