Crown You With Grace

Recently I found this photo that I didn't realize was being taken.  Its of Avery and I walking hand in hand on the route from the hotel to the conference center in Bellaria, Italy.  We walked that stretch several times a day lined with quaint shops, restaurants and apartments.

She's such fun company and I look forward to the day when she's older and we can be friends.  I love my girl, as Avery would say if she was posting this to my Instagram.

I don't take it lightly, this being a mother to young (but growing!) girls.  I distinctly felt the weight of it when we found out Amanda was a girl.  Two girls looking to me!

But I quickly committed them to God.  They are from Him, they belong to Him and He loves them far more than my human heart ever could.

While I try to do my best, I often wonder what impact my influence will have.  I'm sure like every generation before they will take all their my mother always did this' and my mother never did thats and make their own unique style.

On Monday morning, I woke the girls up wearing a leprechaun hat and singing one of my morning songs.  Eventually they pulled out of their dreamland and smiled at me before pulling the covers over their heads.

I am a morning person.  To me, its the most exciting time of day.  The day is fresh and filled with promise and because I am usually up a couple hours before the rest of my family, I am ready and anxious to see them after the long night.

As I was headed downstairs to make Shaun's breakfast, I wondered what my kids will think of mornings when they are grown.  Will they embrace them as I do or will they forever be scarred by my over-exuberance?

I don't get it right everyday, but I sure do love being a mom.

Mommy, I want to be just like you when I grow up.  Amanda 1st grade.

My child, listen when your father corrects you.

    Don’t neglect your mother’s instruction.

What you learn from them will crown you with grace

    and be a chain of honor around your neck.

Proverbs 1:8,9

 Let it be so, Lord Jesus.