Nestled All Snug in Their Beds...

Tonight I had one of those rare sacred moments that only a parent can have. The house is quiet because I am the only one awake. Andrew went to bed a while ago because he has early morning meetings tomorrow. I was studying my lesson for Sunday School on the worth of souls, when I heard a little cry at the top of the stairs. Zach was having a hard time sleeping and wanted me to come snuggle with him until he fell back asleep. So I went up and laid there in thier quiet, dark bedroom, listening to them breathe and watching their peaceful faces (why are they always so much cuter when they sleep?) I felt so incredibly blessed! How did I get to be thier mom? I thought about the unique and wonderful things I love about each one of them and I HAD to come and write it down.
Michael, my independent and curious 5 year old, who thinks he will grow up to be a superhero, but still snuggles with me on the couch and holds my hand, tells me he loves me the "mostest."

Zach, who was born a clever little tease, somehow finds humor and mischief in every moment, but melts at the sight of babies or kittys!

And Daniel, my peacemaker, who will share his whole bag of candy, if one of his brothers asked, (without taking any for himself) and never passes up a hug or a chance to help.

I keep thinking about President Monson's talk in conference about finding joy in the journey. I know this time whem my boys are small is so short and soon it will be gone. I hope I can find more of these quiet moments to be grateful and find the joy in the process.

"This is our one and only chance at mortal life—here and now. The longer we live, the greater is our realization that it is brief. Opportunities come, and then they are gone. I believe that among the greatest lessons we are to learn in this short sojourn upon the earth are lessons that help us distinguish between what is important and what is not. I plead with you not to let those most important things pass you by as you plan for that illusive and non-existent future when you will have time to do all that you want to do. Instead, find joy in the journey—now.

...If you are still in the process of raising children, be aware that the tiny fingerprints that show up on almost every newly cleaned surface, the toys scattered about the house, the piles and piles of laundry to be tackled will disappear all too soon and that you will—to your surprise—miss them profoundly."

-Thomas S. Monson Oct. General Conference 2008