She's winding down...well, we are all winding down. I bet if I mustered up the energy to get up and check, I would find the Fly and the Little Man dozing off to Slumberland.
What a day. What a beautifully full day.
There was so much love in my house today. How appropriate, I know.
About a month ago I was thanking God for my neighborhood. We live on a street filled with kids and parents who love them recklessly. Recklessly loved kids are the kind of kids that jump off walls together, run around screaming at the top of their lungs, ride their bikes at high speeds and do summersaults in the front yard without fear. They know that mom and dad are nearby if they are needed. In the mean time, they are fearless, young and fearless, and their love-tanks are full.
As I was thinking about all those great kiddos and their great parents I thought about how fun it would be to get them together for a celebration. With the big V-day around the corner it was a perfect opportunity. Plus, Pinterest basically tempts me to have a party everyday...not exaggerating.
So we planned it. Some of us split up some of the responsibilities and early this afternoon my house was filled with kids...laughing, running, eating, craft-making, cookie decorating, followed by the cookie eating, of course.
As the kids ran off their sugar highs the mamas and a couple grandmamas sat around my kitchen table and laughed. It was so good to laugh. We learned new things about one another. Our friendships sunk in a little deeper.
As nap time neared everyone began to gather their things and trickle out the door. Smiles, hugs, and thank yous were shared among all of us.
Thank you. We each said it to each other. And as they all left and I put the kids to bed for their naps I could still feel the thickness of joy that was left behind. I walked downstairs to clean up a bit and all I could do was smile. So thankful. I was so thankful for each of them.
For the one down the street at the end of the cul-de-sac. She makes me smile. She cares about my kids and has been a key friend in my transition from working to staying home. We've gotten close over the past couple years and that warms my heart.
For the one right across the street. She inspires me. I watch her love her kids and pick and choose her battles with wisdom and I can't help but look up to her. I treasure our middle-of-the-street conversations as our kids ride each others scooters or ride their bikes up and down together.
For the one across the other street, perpedicular to the cul-de-sac. She makes me laugh. I love her silly songs and the way she teaches her kids to love the Lord. She reminds me through her actions not to sweat the small stuff and to laugh with my kiddos.
For the one right next door. She wasn't here today but her daughter and her mother-in-law, whom I love as well, joined us. She encourages me. I love it every time we get a chance to chat. We swap advice and she reminds me that I'm not alone in this adventure. I love her generous heart.
It was a privilege to have these ladies and two wonderful grandmamas around my kitchen table today.
It's an honor to laugh with them and do life with them.
 |
| The Valentine's Day Monsters the kiddos made at the party:). That's Proverbs 17:17. |
No comments:
Post a Comment