Satisfaction

- Six beautiful little girls snuggled safely in their beds,
Good night kisses still fresh on their heads.

- Coos of an infant, and big brown eyes.
Baby smells, and baby sighs.

- A glance in the mirror, each buckled in their seat.
"Little Bunny Foo Foo" becomes a goon in defeat.

- A tiny babe's warm breath against my neck,
stealing midnight glances, just one more check.

- Dances, giggles, squeals, leaps and twirls,
and all the glamour in a house full of girls.

- The tug on my finger, "Come on, Mom, Pleeeeease?"
Butterfly kisses and a little hand's tight squeeze.

- Daddy lets me sleep in, after a wakeful night.
But sleep eludes when little girls are all squealing with delight.

- Knees worn from prayer, tired bodies falling in the dust.
A knowing Father, for He walked ahead of us.

Worn

Dear little red shoes,


I know that to the normal eye you may be considered old, worn, and even ugly. I know your once bright red is completely worn away on the toes, lighter in some places than others, and your velvet is stained with milk and juice and ice cream and such. But to Grace, and to me, you just may be the most beautiful pair of shoes we've ever seen. I remember when the kitten chased your bows, and when the dog had his turn of chewing on you. You have endured being left out in the pouring down rain, waiting patiently by the trampoline until you were found again. You have also endured miles and miles of parading around town, sported by your wearer, though not one thing else on her body was red. Well, I suppose you do match her lips. Or her rosy cheeks. But never her clothes. She's worn you in the exhausting heat of an Arkansas summer: with her bathing suit, with her beautiful white dress for church, with her pajamas. Even while she slept, often begging to not have you taken off as we tucked her in bed. Sometimes I would sneak into her room and gently pull you from her feet as she slept. Other times I just left you there, knowing you'd make her smile first thing in the morning. She has loved you dearly.


We bought a new pair of shoes for Grace's 4th birthday. Don't be sad. Yes, she was very excited to see those bright new ones. And, yes, you were quickly thrown to the side, seemingly forgotten. But I assure you, no one can take your place. You're just tired, and old, and I want to put you in a shadow box before you fall completely apart. I am so thankful for the joy you've brought my little Grace. You'll be treasured. And talked about for years to come. Grace's little "Dorosy" shoes.

With much love and adoration,

Momma

For Grace

My last born of the body baby is 4 today. She's the perfect example of God's grace, hence the name. We had no plans for her to come along, perfectly content going through life with our 2 children, 2 income family. Yet another example of how magnificent my own plans are.....oh, they pale in comparison to His. Thank heaven He graced us with another child even when it wasn't in our perfect plan. (Though I can't say it was a complete surprise because I was never very good at that silly pill) I loved being a nurse. Absolutely LOVED it. But as soon as Grace made her appearance, I wondered what in the world I had been doing with my life. Being her mother was the best thing I could have done. She brought the blur of life back into focus for me. My saving Grace.

She's this amazing little girl. She is prissy and dramatic, beautiful and sassy, compassionate and determined. She can be painfully shy, but her smile will melt you if she decides to give you one. She LOVES animals, kittens and alligators are her favorite. I realize those are worlds apart, but she doesn't. The alligator is just as cute and lovable in her mind. She takes great pride in her hair, which is very long and very beautiful. She likes being fashionable (well, what SHE thinks is cute) and I try hard to bite my tongue and let her wear those silly "Dorosy" shoes because that's what she wants. They are red velvet scoop out shoes that she says are "Dorosy's" (from OZ), and she wears them EVERYWHERE. Including to church with the pink dress.....and purple socks. I don't remember Dorothy wearing purple socks, but she thinks she looks more like her with them on.

We are so blessed to have her, and we can't wait to see what God unfolds for her life.

Blessing's Adoption Service

A couple of days ago I found Blessing (just get over the o-so-dangerous-playing-on-the-ladder part) busily climbing up and down the ladder tending to one baby after another. She would put a bottle in one's mouth. Then go down a few steps and cover another with a blanket. Then call "I'm coming!", and go back up a few steps and pat a crying baby while making the sounds for it. "What are you doing?", I asked. I'm sure either Faith or Hope put the words into her mouth, or she was mimicking their play, but she answered, "my doshin sewvish". For those of you who do not speak Blessing, that's "my adoption service." Bwahahahahahahahahaha! Oh, the joy this babe brings me.