tuesday.

I have artists living in my house. In fact, they believe that this house is their art gallery. The actual house, as in the walls. We have spent a lot of time coloring lately and somewhere along the line the crayons and pencils moved from the paper to the walls. We spent some quality time with the Mr. Clean magic eraser today. That thing is a lifesaver.

Seneca may or may not be asleep in her bed right now with ballet slippers on her feet. That's how excited she is to start dance class tomorrow.

She has also thrown some impressive tantrums this week. Gotta give the girl points for stamina. And me too.

Bex has been completely delightful lately. He got his hair cut Sunday and is so dang cute I can't handle it. He does things I think are funny just to get me to laugh at him like pull his jammie pants way up high. He's an awesome eater and goes to bed without a fuss.

Cooper and I have been reading the the first book in the Boxcar Children series at bedtime after scriptures. This is a change-up from Magic Tree House. The chapters are longer, but we're both liking it. I never really read these books, although I think one of my sisters really liked them... Katelyn, maybe?

Adoption certification is final. I feel perfectly content right now that the right little spirit will join our family whenever the time is right. I don't think it will happen quickly, but I'm not in charge.

Shout out to my dad who was a year older Sunday. He's pretty much the coolest old man I know, but don't tell him that. He gets a big head easily.

We made a decision on lights for the entry, dining and living rooms. They're pretty cool and I'm excited to get them up!

Coop had music class today. He came home excited to show me the chords he was learning, except that he doesn't know they are called chords yet... they are "tricks with his fingers." Love it. This program is really cool. We are practicing five days a week, which I thought would be a lot, but it's been fun and I love the things he's learning while thinking he's playing. brilliant.

I said the word, "cool" a lot in this post.

Denten just walked in from his swimming lesson. Better go give him some love. He is my one and only, you know. 'night.

it won’t be like this for long.

We took a road trip this last weekend and as we were driving, I heard this song again. There is such wisdom in the phrase, "it won't be like this for long."

During our trek northward, there were points in the journey when the three little people filling the car seats in the back became a little restless. They were tired and fighting sleep or were told there would be no more snacks right now or had simply been strapped in for too long and the whining and occasional screeching was getting to the driver. This song played and was a great reminder that this particular phase of our lives isn't going to last forever. This particular trip, even, wasn't going to last forever and we need to make the most of it. Sometimes it was funny as I turned toward Denten and told him, "it won't be like this for long." sure, he'd reply. could it stop by the time we reach that sign?

We said the same thing an hour later when I turned around to see three sweet little faces fast asleep, their eyelashes resting on their soft cheeks, their blankets pulled up to their chins. Peaceful. Quiet. “enjoy it. it won’t last forever.”

The 12 virtues challenge is focusing on gratitude this month and the title of this song has stayed with me as I interact with my children. They won’t be like this for long and I need to be sure I’m not wishing time away, but instead enjoying this moment.

Amy G. and Jess are probably not sleeping very much right now as they both have brand new little girls straight from heaven living with them. It won’t last forever. The sleepless nights, or the perfectly wonderful feeling of holding a newborn. Jaime is surviving 6 people in a New York apartment, three being under three. It won’t last forever. There are experiences being had and memories being made and moments with those children that will never come again. Leslie is about to burst from being so pregnant. While so uncomfortable she can hardly stand it, it won’t last forever. That sweet feeling of carrying a baby inside you won’t last forever and while you may be so grateful for that, it is a feeling some woman ache to have. Michelle and Kelly spend a good part of each afternoon as a chauffeur, driving children to music lessons and sporting events. It won’t last forever. Someday you won’t have anyone at home that needs to be somewhere in 15 minutes and precious time in the car free of distractions of the world to engage in conversation. Ben, Drew and Lexie are on their way to have great adventures away from home. Perhaps anxiety or nervousness accompany the event, but it won’t last forever. Two years will be over and done and there won’t be another chance to make the very most of this incredible opportunity. It can be two years wasted or it can be two years spent accomplishing great things. Rachel serves tirelessly every day pretending her entire body doesn’t hurt like crazy. Nienie has had to start over with her body, learning how to do the most basic of things one step at a time. They may have to look a little further to see that this won’t last forever. Somewhere there is a perfect body waiting for them. One that moves easily without any pain. Whatever it is right now, it won’t be like this for long.

Today isn’t going to last forever. Sometimes we’re exhausted and spent and done and the end of the day is very welcome. Sometimes we’re glad that this isn’t going to last for long. But I have experienced wise women in my life who often remind me that these days with my young children are to savor. These days are flying by and they aren’t coming back. I have today to be grateful for this experience I’m living and to make the very most of it. Because whatever today brings, it won’t be like this for long.

It Wont Be Like This For Long - Darius Rucker

raise me up

I heard this group for the first time this week and was amazed. They have such pure clear voices and the song is a favorite. Their version of Danny Boy is also breath-taking. Enjoy!

fill my soul.

this is worth your time, in my incredibly humble opinion. noting, however, that I am a fan of both of these songs, amazing piano playing and fantastic music. if you're not... I have sympathy for your soul. seriously, enjoy it. it's fantastic.

This one's for dad

I feel my dad when I hear this song and the easy, gentle way he has of pointing out how blessed I am to have the opportunities and experiences I'm having with my children.

I have two areas of focus this year. First, to be grateful. Second, to be present. This song is a wonderful reminder to be present and not miss the moments that are happening right now.

It's also for Jackie, and any other parent who wonders sometimes just how long these moments are going to last. Enjoy!

My thoughts: Music

I have come across an amazing song recently (thanks to Patria) and wanted to share it. It was really powerful to me on many levels. I had thoughts related to being a mother raising children in this unpredictable world as well as thoughts of being a child of God and knowing that whatever happens here, He's got me, always.

Music has always been a part of my life. It was very present in the home I grew up in and while I go through phases of being very connected to certain music and times when I don't need it as much, I have been touched by it quite a bit lately. I think a soundtrack completley sets the tone for a movie and it can drastically impact one's mood and demeanor. I have enjoyed a few select performances on Idol this season, namely "Let it Be" that Brooke sang and David Archuleta's performance of "Imagine." Dread guy Jason had a pretty powerful performance with "Hallelujah" as well. I also am able to feel the spirit very easily when the right music is around- yesterday we had an amazing rendition of "Oh Divine Redeemer" in church and when Lindsey nailed the high notes, I got chills.

There's a CD of LDS primary songs called "A Child's Prayer" that my Aunt Melanie sent us when we had Beckham- it is a collection of songs designed for bedtime and it is beautiful. We have it in the car and when things are crazy it calms everyone down and lifts the energy and spirit to a higher place. It has amazing arrangements of familiar songs, I highly recommend it!

I'm considering putting a playlist on my blog and I'd appreciate your opinion on that issue. Do you think music that automatically starts playing when you open a page is distracting, or do you like it?

Take just a minute and listen to this one- I hope you can enjoy it.

In My Arms, by Plumb