the beauty of it all

summer brings with it a new set of experiences for the kiddos.  new textures, feelings and emotions to explore . . . new smells, tastes and sounds to devour.  i love summer for all of it's gloriousness in so many ways.  between the sunscreen kisses, whispered "i love you's" and sticky popsicle fingers i see my girls blossom.

i revel in watching them smell the blades of grass, share in their excitement as they crouch to see the caterpillars move through the green jungle of it all, smile in amazement as they profoundly show the world just how wonderful they truly are. 

i am saddened with them over the hurts that are experienced through tumbles and spills, i cuddle them through the tears and play doctor when the time comes.  i lovingly share my own experiences with hurts and pains through childhood allowing them to see me as more then just their mama.

memories of running barefoot through the grass allowing the softness envelope my feet abound as i watch my girls shed their shoes as they play in the backyard . . . . smiling as i realize just how much like their mama these girls truly are . . . . embracing their dirt covered feet as a sign of the adventures that they have had throughout the day.

and as we sit on the back steps enjoying the endless blue sky and commenting on the exact fluffiness of the clouds, i am awed at the wonder of it all and am reminded to look for the little things, as the youngest proclaims "look mommy!  i can see the moon!"

with sticky popsicle fingers i embrace my kiddos and know in my heart just how blessed i truly am.  i may struggle and may not always act the way a mama should towards my kiddos, but i am still learning as i am taken on this journey.  God truly is blessing our family as we continue to embark on the path of life.  i may not know where he is taking us but he truly is present each and every day.

and as we wash away the signs of our fun and adventures i again am reminded of how precious these beauties are to me.  as they laugh and giggle while they rub soap over each other and wash each other's hair i say a silent prayer that these days will never be forgotten or pushed away . . . for the magic of the summer is only beginning and i want to drink in the beauty of it all.