Picture This...

Well, as you may know or can imagine, the transition into life with 3 kiddos is quite the adventure. Because of the juggling that I practice everyday, I have been unable to be too consistent with this blog. I love doing Favorite Things Friday and will continue to...just probably not every Friday.

In the meantime, however, I thought I'd start a new thematic strand called, "Picture This." Over the past 7 weeks, we have walked through some pretty crazy situations that I am unable to grab a camera for...and sometimes haven't wanted to. But some of the stories that have come out of our crazy situations are totally worth blogging! I read a quote today that says,

"Never lose an opportunity of seeing anything that is beautiful; for beauty is God's handwriting...Welcome it in every fair face, in every fair sky, in every fair flower, and thank God for it." Ralph Waldo Emerson

I am hoping that catch the opportunities of seeing the beauty...even in chaos...around me as we continue to grow as this family of five. And even if I don't have my camera handy, I am excited to share glimpses into the beauty and declare my thankfulness for what God has given.

::Picture This...Mother's Day::

Today has been a wonderful day for the Smith Family. I love being a mother to these beautiful, adventurous, creative, and charming boys! I had a sweet 'picture this' moment a little while ago:

While rocking sweet, baby Rylan to sleep in the rocker, I was looking out the window at Mason and Haden playing so well together on their new swing set in the backyard. Rylan was snuggled up against me and so peaceful. (Occassionally he sleeps with his eyes open, so I gently rub his head and close them for him.) :) The big boys were swinging and laughing...Mason occassionally helping Haden get on the swing, or helping him get up if he's fallen down...and Haden following closely and in sync with his big brother. All the while Donald was cooking a wonderful steak dinner for us...everyone loves steak at our house (and thanks to Grandpa, we get to have it whenever we want!) After lunch we enjoyed a cake that Mason decorated at school for Mother's day and a little bit of ice cream...everyone also loves cake and icecream at our house!

All I could think was, "Life is sweet." I am thankful for the gift it is to be a mother to these boys and a wife to my amazing husband. Today we sang my favorite song at church and one section of it says:

"All of my life
in every season
You are still God
I have a reason to sing
I have a reason to worship."

Life is sweet!