Happy thoughts - little things, really, that just make my heart smile...
Sweet baby hands cupping my face in his hands as he studies my face when I pick him up...
those same sweet baby hands that reach up during a nursey and touch my cheek while his other hand rests gently on my breast from which he feeds...
soft baby babbles as he explores the sounds he can make, squeals of joy and hiccups and other baby noises that you can't help but smile at.
the sloppy, slurpy kisses of a happy but still tiny two year old -
the same sweet girl with her butterfly wings bouncing and she dances round and round to the music of our favorite Celtic or country "bouncy music"
that small voice sweetly singing good morning songs most mornings - and sometimes even in the afternoon after a good nap -
the rambunctious, running, body slamming, arms wrapping around my legs and nearly knocking me down hugs of a bouncy and happy four year old snuggle bug - my tractor boy, little buckaroo cowboy, 4 year old heart stopper.
the sneaky little boy, creeping up the stairs "one last time" to give extra good night hugs or kisses... slurpy kisses and big bear, chubby armed, all encompassing hugs that leave your heart tingling and singing long after the hug has been given
those sparkly smiley eyes that say "I'm your hunky boy!" or confidently shouts "me!" when asked who is as handsome as Daddy?
the joyful, inquisitive, sparkly eyes of my 6 year old as she explores and learns about the world around her...
the "wizzaby bear" hugs she so freely and so often loves to give.
her happy singing as she tries to remember all the words to so many favorites of songs - even the false vibrato that she occasionally tries to imitate from grown up singers - the pleasure and peaceful expressions that come from her joy of pretty music
the whoops and excited hollers of a 7 year old son exploring the sand box, running beside the dog who loves to play catch and tag and fetch and chase...
his love of animals and joy in feeding the baby calves, running his finger along the plexiglass of the chick brooder, and his giggles as the baby chicks chase that same finger back and forth across their little boxed world
"eskinose" kisses he offers each night at bedtime...
The made up recipes and expressive pictures drawn by my 9 year old daughter who aspires to anything creative when she's "all grown up some day" -
the smiles and tenderly expressive eyes that are like a book of emotions, regardless of how she feels from moment to moment, so clearly read and expressed in her eyes...
Her instantaneous smiles and bunches of hugs and snuggles that she shares with any and all around her.
The pre-adolescant shyness alternated with outgoing jest for life of an 11 year old.
the twirly dancing and joyful singing that erupt every time any music turns on in her presence ~
the happy giggles and thoughtful sighs as she delves into the newest novel within her reach, becoming one with the characters and immersing herself in the story lines.
The bedtime kisses of a teenager finally comfortable with expressing feelings after a years' long struggle with bi-polar disorder. The gentle looks where for so long hard stares were the norm, genuine smiles and laughter because she can sometimes take joy in life now that her medications are levelled and working.
creative stories and poems, silly rhymes and amazing artistry that stem from her amazing brain and heart -
the rare occasion of the clean bedroom that came unprompted and without many reminders - just because she got tired of living in a messy bedroom...
tender smiles given in secret to her baby brother when she thinks no one is looking, because she's really not quite so rough and tough as she likes to pretend to be all the time
The shy, blossoming heart of an oldest daughter, safely snugged in at home and gently reaching out to explore the world beyond her day to day experiences -
her tender heart that cries at the pain of others, and the servant's heart who seeks out ways to bless people without expectation of something in return...
the joyful pride she takes in showing her newest creation of her multi-talented handiwork - the pleasure she takes in trying new crafts, many of which are almost lost in time to her generation (and often even to mine!), seeking to create the beauty for the world that is already inside of her heart and usually gentle spirit.
The special truth that children are a blessing of the Lord - and despite all of my shortcomings and unworthiness, the gifts the Lord has so graciously blessed me with in giving these nine children to me for a time, filling my hands and overflowing my heart.
I am blessed. I am thankful. My heart is full and smiling.
Thank you, Lord.
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