I had yet another ‘My kids drive me crazy’ conversation a few days ago. A very sweet lady asked me how many kids I had and her eyes widened when I said this was baby #6. She told me she had one child and two step-children. The next words out of her mouth were, ” I loved being pregnant, it’s the next 16 years I don’t like.” I’m sure my eyes widened as I smiled and told her that I’m just the opposite – I’m not very fond of the whole pregnancy thing, but love the houseful of kids. How I wish this was an uncommon conversation instead of one I’ve had over & over through the years!

On a funny note, this is a conversation I had with Sassyfrass (3) the other day:

Me: Did you pick up your toys yet? (I knew she hadn’t)

S: Yes, I did!

Me: Sassyfrass, it’s a very bad thing to lie. It makes Mommy sad and it makes God sad. I know you didn’t pick your toys up, and so does God.

S: God is eating lunch right now.

What am I going to do with this child?

On Saturday I read the words I’ve been dreading – sweet little Ethan had finished his time here on this earth. Please keep his parents Ben & Becky in your prayers as they plan “Ethan’s Going Home Celebration”.

We sang one of my favorite songs on Sunday, and I think it paints a good picture of what Ethan’s parents are holding on to right now.

In Christ Alone

In Christ alone my hope is found,
He is my light, my strength, my song;
this Cornerstone, this solid Ground,
firm through the fiercest drought and storm.
What heights of love, what depths of peace,
when fears are stilled, when strivings cease!
My Comforter, my All in All,
here in the love of Christ I stand.

In Christ alone! who took on flesh
Fulness of God in helpless babe!
This gift of love and righteousness
Scorned by the ones he came to save:
Till on that cross as Jesus died,
The wrath of God was satisfied –
For every sin on Him was laid;
Here in the death of Christ I live.

There in the ground His body lay
Light of the world by darkness slain:
Then bursting forth in glorious Day
Up from the grave he rose again!
And as He stands in victory
Sin’s curse has lost its grip on me,
For I am His and He is mine –
Bought with the precious blood of Christ.

No guilt in life, no fear in death,
This is the power of Christ in me;
From life’s first cry to final breath.
Jesus commands my destiny.
No power of hell, no scheme of man,
Can ever pluck me from His hand;
Till He returns or calls me home,
Here in the power of Christ I’ll stand.

The scene in our house Monday night: 4 little kids jumping up & down and screaming.

The cause for all this excitement? One sentence…..

Mommy’s going to have a baby.

Now you know the REAL reason I haven’t been posting much lately.

Here’s a thought-provoking article about inviting God into normal everyday life. Note that she isn’t saying ‘no’ to quiet time, just offering some additional training time for moms of little ones.

God’s Presence In Our Homes

[HT to Thoughtful Motherhood]