Tonight is Alli's birthday party. Finally. She has been so looking forward to it and so have the 20+ girls(!!!) that are supposed to be coming. I know it'll be crazy and chaotic but, I can not wait. I look to hear them giggle and sing and play. That kind of loud, craziness is a happy reminder that I've been blessed with a happy, healthy little princess. I love to listen to all three of my kids talk when they think I'm not listening. When I was a little girl I always dreamed of having a house full of kids. The house where all the neighborhood kids came to hang out. Now, my house isn't quite like that now. I let pride of having a small house and not fixed the way I want it get in the way too many times. But, I'm getting there. :) There is always at least one extra kid there on the weekends and I love it.
Back to the party, our kitchen has been transformed into "Peace Central" and at approx 10am tomorrow, as all the girls are leaving, I'll be running around like a crazy woman getting ready for my brother's wedding. One of the little girls wrapped her arms around me and looked in my eyes and I said, "Are you ready to party?" She said, calm as can be with all seriousness she could muster, "Mrs. Woods, I think we may just have to stay up all night." Never cracked a smile. Uh-oh. I'm done for.
My brother is marrying a sweet girl named Stephanie and they are expecting their first child together. The good news is Stephanie treats Ava like hers already so this is all very exciting. It's soon and crazy but usually that's how the best things in life start. Gotta look at the postitive right?
After the wedding, we are going out to eat with everyone and then Ms. Ava is spending the night to give the Newlyweds a break. I'm really looking forward to it. That kid is a mess! So funny. I love to hear her talk.
Sunday is Valentine's Day, a day that my kids have always loved. We have some traditions around our house on V-Day. The kids get of course their favorite candy in whatever Valentine theme I can find it in and a new hardback book. This thrills them! I always get Brad Turtles candies and he usually gets me Turtles. Hahaha. Also, we didn't last year, but usually every year Brad takes us all to Wasabi. We are all eaters at house so we love this, too.
I am just really looking forward to making memories this weekend. I love my family so much so the times I have with them is precious.
On another note, since the tragic earthquake in Haiti, those people have been on my heart and mind. I CAN'T stop thinking about them and praying for them. I wish I could DO something tangible to make a difference. Please pray for this country and their people and all the ones who love and care for them. This is such a diffucult time for a country that was already so devastatingly poor. Please pray for me, as I have been doing some wrestling and struggling within myself. I love my life, my God, and my family, I just know I could be doing more, I could be making a bigger difference but I feel so stuck. Like I can't move. All my life I have been this way. I get overwhelmed so I have to take some time to think and pray before I act. I'm ready to act now.
2 comments:
Amanda, I am loving your blog! You are so good at this and are making me think of things in a different light. Looking for the blessings in the chaos. Hope Alli feels better real soon!
Thank you, Lindsay! You are too kind. I voice these things because if we say them out loud then we are more apt to hold ourselves to them. I have to be accountable for the things my kids, friends, and God has heard me say out loud.
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