This little girl....

Amazes me.

We were eating lunch and singing "On Top of Spaghetti" because of course, we were eating...spaghetti. I said, "Maybe we should sing a little louder." Claire replied, "You mean FORTE?" Uhhh yeah. That's what I meant...sure.

Not 5 minutes later, she ran in from outside and yelled, "MOMMA! MOMMA! I just saw a bee getting a flower's pollen!" I had to ask, "Claire, how did you get so smart?" Her reply?

"Well, that's how God made me...and I watched the Bee Movie."

It's things like this that make me so thankful that I am able to stay home with my kids. It's also things like that that cancel out the times when one is screaming at the other because, "SHE'S LOOKING AT ME!!!" Thank you Lord for the balance in my life.

**Update** Claire came in again and said, "MOMMA! That bee is STILL out there pollinating!" Love that kid!!

Amazing Grace.

The book I started on vacation is called, "Grace Based Parenting." I instantly fell in love with it for so many reasons. As I read I knew that THIS is the kind of parent I want to be. I was encouraged because I feel like I am on the right track. (Of course I still have a lot of work to do!) Just a few chapters into this book I became overwhelmed. My heart overflowed with appreciation for my mother. The best part about this book was knowing that THIS is how I was raised! I've always known that I want to be just like my momma when it comes to parenting. I just never expected to find a book describing my childhood! I have been searching for something that was right here all along. As usual, I was making things WAY more complicated than they should be.

Here's to you mom. For all those times I should have listened only to find out later that you were right...as usual. For all those times I came home with a broken heart and you knew EXACTLY what to do. For all those mornings you sat with me while I got ready for Jr. High so I wouldn't be the only one in the house awake. For all those times you came to the rescue when I was going through the darkest time of my life. For every meal you cooked, for every load of laundry you did and for every classroom party you organized. For every hug, kiss and pat on the back. Thank you. Thank you for everything. Thank you for the amazing grace you have shown me and continue to show me. I love you!