Life in Joy Valley

The girls and I said our prayers tonight. Maggie actually folded her hands and Annie prayed. Maggie usually cries whenever we pray, so this was a major feat.

Annie: "Will I wake in the morning light?"

Me: "I sure hope and pray that you do."

This led me to think of my childrens' mortality. They are truly a gift from God. Some days I am so busy feeding, cleaning, and doing a million seemingly insignificant things, that I forget to be truly thankful for all that I have been blessed with.

My mom used to say that your children and your spouse are only on loan to you. You may only have them for a short time. What you do in that time is important. When you meet the Lord face to face, He isn't going to ask you how much money you made, or what job you held. He is going to ask you what you did for your family. What did you do to get them to Heaven?

I often times feel bad that I don't pray more or go to Mass more. When I seek the advice of someone, be it a confessor or friend, they are quick to tell me that simply by living out my vocation as a wife and mother, I am praying. I can offer the everyday, the mundane, to the Lord as a prayer. It's love in the little things, like the Little Flower said.

Annie: "Mommy, our house is messy like our car." Truer words have never been spoken.

Annie has been writing her name for a month or more by herself. She's been able to recognize the alphabet since before she was 18mos.

Annie started drawing people on her own last week. They look slightly robotic, but have all the right features. She gets better every day.

We are having a great time with my cousin Sister Gabriel (Keri) this week. It is so great to have her here. Annie calls her Mother Teresa.

Annie: "Mommy, I want a manger with a rooster that wakes me up in the morning. Cock-a-doodle-doo."

Charlie loves him some cereal. I know. Shocking.

Charlie has thus far accomplished many feats: he rolls over, cut his first two teeth and scoots a little when on bis tummy. Big boy!

Charlie rolled over for the first time this morning. The big boy rolled from his tummy to his back.

Our 18th Annual Marian Conference was a wonderful experience once again. I am grateful to all those who came and for their continued support