I can remember days when the girls were smaller, and I felt like all I did was discipline, and say "no" constantly.   Yes of course a lot of that was based on their age and the fact that me telling them "No" was keeping them safe.  Keeping them from getting hurt.  But lets face it, being a mom is tough.  It's challenging, its exhausting, it's emotionally draining, BUT...it is the most rewarding job there is!

There are days when I go to bed feeling so defeated.  Feeling like my efforts as a mom are just not cutting it.  Filled with Joy that I get to be the mom of these two special girls, but overwhelmed at the task.

I often fill my heart with the pressure to produce "good" girls....Girls that love others and love Jesus with a fierce kind of love....that I neglect to fill my heart and my mind with the promises of God.  The promise that they are His. That he died for them, just like he died for me.  The understanding that his Grace covers them just like it covers me.  In elevating my self and my ability to raise Children who live dangerously for Christ...I take away His role in their life and His sacrifice for them.  Producing children who feel a constant need to be "good enough."   I am learning that I can't produce good kids, because I am not a good mom.  The only thing good in me is Christ and when I try to do things on my own....I will fail.  Every. Single. Time.

I am thankful for The Grace of God that covers me daily.  I  need it.  I need it as a woman,  a wife, and I need it as a mom.

This past week both of my children at different times blessed their momma!

Alyssa had a envelope on the counter for me.  It said, "Happy Mother's Day."  I opened it to find this....

Bella came up to me and hugged me and said, "Mommy, you are the best mommy in the world.  You love me the best and you always teach me about Jesus."

It was in that moment that I was reminded that we do not labor in vain.  God sent me a reminder through the vessels of whom I spend so much of my time praying for and pouring in to on a daily basis. A reminder that they are getting it!  The truth we are pouring in to their little hearts is soaking in. 

So for all of you who are in a time of motherhood that is tough...press on and know that our children are His and covered with the same grace that He covers us with.  Yes, He's that good!

For I will pour out water to quench your thirst and to irrigate your parched fields.  And I will pour out my Spirit on your descendants, and my blessing on your children.  They will thrive like watered grass, like willows on a riverbank.  Isaiah 44:3-4

Catch up!

Spending my days with this charmer always fills my heart so full. 

Breakfast before school!:)

I made some homemade wheat French bread. We had some leftover so I whipped up some croutons!  So yum. So easy!

These little Jimmy Dean Delights held up to their name. They are quite delightful!  Get yourself some and thank me later. 

Oh bat girl. This kid. I melt. 

Seriously the cuteness just kills me. 

Daddy-O and big sis coralling some cattle and picking pecans. Two peas in a pod right there. Thankful for that relationship!

Love our days together as a family!

The Pioneer Woman never disappoints and her cinnamon rolls are on the top of the list of my favorite things of all time!!  So yum! Gather up a girlfriend...or two and make some of these. They freeze great, make great gifts and They will make any Saturday morning extra sweet!:)

This little beauty. She's gorgeous on the inside and out and I am thankful to be her momma!

Backpack finds

Earlier this week Alyssa forgot to get out the door with her backpack so Matt and I were going to run it out to her. Daddy-o went to pick it up and almost took out his back!  Not really, but is WAS heavy!  So...we began the search effort to rescue some of these fabulous finds!  We couldn't believe all she had "accumulated" in just a matter of a couple days....

This was interesting!

This was grand!  100 pencils?  I better be seeing lots of work if you need THAT many writing utensils. :)

Well you never know when you might need a couple pecans.....or a tiny golden bell!:)

Those zippers are lifesavers. I'm glad you have an extra!  Whew. I already feel better. 

Rocks are good too!!;). Especially this many. 

Then you have this sweet face. This child is precious. Matt and I laughed pretty much all day about all this "stuff." We call it junk...she thinks it's special. It holds value. She takes nothing for granted and values the smallest things in life. Makes me stop and wonder what value I place on things.  How often do I overlook the greatness of something because it's junk in my eyes. I love this kid and that she teaches me life lessons daily. Today was to be thankful for the little things and the splendor they hold! 

Every good gift is given from The Lord. James 1:17

A wknd in Austin!

I left Friday for a fun weekend in Austin. I have been blessed with amazing friends in my life. Some are here right at home and a couple live away. It's always a huge blessing to see Katie!  We do lots of laughing, talking, eating, shopping, driving, and did I mention eating!!?:)

This weekend was nothing short of precious and I am so grateful for our time together!

On my drive to the airport Friday, The Lord decided to show out!  

Let me just tell you about this place. Wait..there are no words. Google it. Find one. Go!!

Friday night dinner!  

Mani and Pedis Saturday morning!  So fun and relaxing!

Lunch of course. So yum!!

I like pizza. I like food. I was happy. 

Oh yeah...same day...skip forward a few hours to 9pm. 

Oh there was nothing to be afraid of!  Pure bliss. Throw in "cheese dip" (apparently it totally threw the waiter off when I ordered "cheese dip".  He said "we call that queso." Same thing dude) and a cinnamon roll and a brownie Sundae and you have all your main food groups covered!  Fear not and dig in. That we did!

Coffee before church Sunday. 

Of course we had to have our Newk's pic!  

Thank you Katie for an amazing weekend full of laughs and abundant memories. So thankful for Godly friends who pour encouragement and truth in my life!  

A great weekend for Branson

I love Branson.  I especially love Branson in the fall.  I know the colors aren't at their peak and most days it's still a little warm to feel fall-ish, but this particular weekend met all the requirements for fall.  It was chilly and beautiful and the skies were fall-blue!  I know you know what I'm talking about!:)

So thankful for precious memories with my sweet girls!  The Ward's love Branson!  Good food.  Good fun.  Good times!