Moms for Moms

I've never seen a full episode of any of the teen mom MTV shows. But, every week, I volunteer at a program for teen moms at an Austin high school. Today I was reminded that because of all those shows where chaos reigns in the homes and lives of those teen moms that even the phrase "teen mom" now has a negative stigma attached to it and the teens I am with each week would rather just be a "mom". They are teens, yes. They are also in high school and extra curricular activities of all sorts. They are beautiful and smart and speak their mind. And they have children and/or are pregnant. And though I go each week supposedly to help and encourage them. They help me so much more. I see the world differently through their eyes; I see God's great grace and mercy upon my life and theirs; and I see my circumstances, that I all too often complain about, are nothing at all to complain about.

One of the moms in the group is currently salutatorian of her class and wants to be a lawyer. I believe she will be one. And I believe she will all the while, somehow, figure out how to continue to be a loving mom to her daughter. What I pray for all of them, though, is that they will not struggle in their own strength, but lean on Jesus. That's ultimately why we are there with them each week - to show the love of Christ and that He compels us.

Bluebonnets!

Yes, it's a Texas cliche to have pictures of your kids in bluebonnet fields. But, this is the first time I've ever done it! The twins are almost 7 and I have not one picture of them in those fields! Every year that we lived in Texas, I always meant to, but it never worked out, and last year there was hardly a bluebonnet to be seen because of the drought. This year, though - we made it happen. We pulled over to the side of the highway this morning and in about 5 minutes (because, of course, my camera battery was blinking!), I got enough shots to be satisfied.

Spring Break Success

Spring Break takes a whole new turn as a grown up, obviously, but also after your kids start school! You can't just pick up and go at the drop of a hat anymore - you have to wait for days off of school. Boo! So, the pressure is on to make the most of it. The twins possibly only have 11 more Spring Breaks under my roof! Yikes.

Well, our besties from Houston, the Askews, came for a visit the first half. We let the kids play while we do what we do best...talk about anything and everything, laugh hard, be mommies, drink wine and eat chocolate. We also shop pretty well together, but didn't get to that this trip. We took the kids to the pond, to see The Lorax, and to eat burgers. I LOVE watching and listening to our kids play and laugh together. It sometimes could bring tears to my eyes if I think about it too much.

The second half of the break we went to Dallas to see the Prices and our other bff's. We took the kids to the Dallas Aquarium and just spent time with those we love, but don't get to see enough. Payson was a trooper with the travel and new sleeping arrangements, but I would expect nothing less. He remains his happy, easy going, lovable self. However, he does pretend he is shy around strangers at first and when they try to talk to him, he averts his attention to something insignificant and pretends to doodle with his finger on a wall or something. Very funny.

Overall, we really had a great vacay with our kids close. Piper declared tonight that the break was "awesome". Success.

And tonight they were in bed at 6:57. Success.

15 Months

I don't know how he figured it out, but we are now getting eye rolls from a 15 month old. All it does is make us laugh hysterically and therefore, he does it all the more and we encourage it. He really is a funny little guy and giggles all the time at everything and at nothing. He LOVES playing outside and can say something that is pretty similar to "outside" when he's ready to go. He remains in the 98th percentile for height and 95th for weight. At least he's been consistent these past 15 months. He loves to eat - even if it's dirt, which we've often caught him doing. But, in general, he's a happy healthy eater of most things we eat. And although he remains a happy, busy boy, he has discovered how to throw a little fit if he's not getting his way...like not getting to play in the dog bowls. It's pretty funny even though I know we shouldn't laugh, but he gets over it pretty quickly, thankfully. Piper is seriously a second mother to him. I love it. She may be even more protective than me! Pretty funny. Every day, we are so thankful for our little surprise angel baby. He brings out such joy in people. Thank you, God - again and again.