This book is very special to me. In a million years, I never thought I would write a children’s book. And now I can’t wait to write more! It is so funny how God works in our lives even in ways we never saw coming. Isn’t that pretty cool? God puts plans in place and passions we didn’t even know we had.

Are there any pulls in your heart that God is telling you to follow? Take time to listen, truly listen, and clear your mind of all the garbage you do not need to fill it with. Just be still. Let the good times roll then my friends!

1. It is okay to just STOP. Now it took a while to get used to the idea of being forced to stay home not by choice. But in the days that followed I appreciated the idea of STOPPING. The rush of schedules, the rush of do this do that, be here be there, all came to a stop. It gave time for many to breathe and take a break they may not even know they needed.
2. Everything doesn’t have to be perfect or the way everyone on social media is saying. When Quarantine first started everyone was posting how many closets they cleaned out, how many projects they got done. When I was thinking, ” Did we get school work done, did we have playtime, did the kids have some fun today?” I made a list of things to do but then realized that it was far more important that our kids remember this pandemic to be fun and no scary.
3. Power of Prayer. So many times during the day, I would say a quick prayer for all those affected by COVID-19. Prayer for those on front line, prayer for loss of loved ones, prayer for the separation of families and friends, prayer of guidance during this time, and so much more. When you don’t know what to do, think, or say at times, PRAY.
4. Our kids watch everything we do and say. I didn’t realize this as much until this pandemic. Our kids hear and see how we act in any situation. So if I want them to be speaking and acting the way they should, so should I. I talked about this COVID-19 with no fear but concern. I did not want them to be afraid so I didn’t act like it in front of them. We showed them we can make the most out of any situation together.
5. My favorite saying (which I know will come to an end) has been, ” There is no hurry.” I have loved every time I say that. Almost like being on vacation. There has not been any sayings of HURRY UP!! WE HAVE TO GO!! No hurry, we will do it, be there, etc. in no rush to go to something next. Probably one of my fav things of this Quarantine to be able to say that and mean it.
6. We live in a world of instant gratification. And, I am one of them who love right away too. But having to be patient waiting for say Amazon to deliver has been a new thing and one to plan for. Things don’t always happen exactly when we want and that is okay. Great reminder.
7. Spending time as a family as been great. With Nathan’s job we rarely get family dinners during the week. So to be able to have one every night has been one to treasure. I know it will not be like this forever so enjoying it while it is here. And really holding our family time tight these times.
8. Getting creative, even more. I have learned some learning behaviors of each child I may not have known before. So to Pinterest I went to find fun ways to help that. Getting creative in learning, visually, and educationally has been something new for me. Not being a teacher, only playing one as a kid, has been interesting but seeing them learn something and advance in things will always be remembered.
9. Gratitude in this time and always. I am thankful, so beyond thankful that all our family and friends are doing okay during this time. Many people are not making it, losing jobs, struggling, etc. and for that I pray for them all. This too shall pass but in the meantime, trust in God. I thank God for all the memories and what good things this Quarantine has given me. Hope you can find some things in it too.
10. I know I will be completely heart broken once we actually all go back to a new normal. Once the kids are in school, Nathan goes back to school, long hours of sports, etc. I know it will come one day, so in this time left, I am going to make the absolute best of it. I feel as this has almost been a gift from God, a time we all needed but didn’t know it. I do not know if we will ever get a time like this together for this long again. Kids grow up so fast as it is, so this time spent together will never be forgotten. And I hope the kids will always remember this time as a happy and wonderful time with their mommy and daddy.

Happy Mother’s Day to all the moms out there! It’s the most amazing time of our lives being mommy’s to our children. A time we will NEVER forget and will always treasure in our hearts.

Each and every day I thank God for choosing me to be my three babies’ Momma. I am so blessed to have them and to be called Momma. I want to be the best and give them my all, they are my precious gifts from God.

I thank my mom for being the mom she is to me and the grammy she is to my children. I owe so much to her on being the mommy I am today. Thank you Mom!!! Love you!

Happy May!

We are getting close to warmer weather which means sun, cookouts, walks, flowers, and more! This is the time of year where we can refresh ourselves and grow in ways we choose too. I hope you find those strengths and desires to grow and flourish in this month!

“Where flowers bloom so does HOPE.”