Just for this evening...

*Just for this morning, I am going to step over the laundry, and pick you up and take you to the park to play.

*Just for this morning, I will leave the dishesin the sink, and let you teach me how to put that puzzle of yours together.

*Just for this afternoon, I will unplug the telephone and keep the computer off, and sit with you in the backyard and blow bubbles.

*Just for this afternoon, I will not yell once, not even a tiny grumble when you scream and whine for the ice cream truck and I will buy you one if he comes by.

*Just for this afternoon, I won't worry about what you are going to be when you grow up, or second guess every decision I have made where you are concerned.

*Just for this afternoon, I will let you help me bake cookies, and I won't stand over you trying to fix them.

*Just for this afternoon, I will take us to McDonald's and buy us both a Happy Meal so you can have both toys.

*Just for this evening, I will hold you in my arms and tell you a story about how you were born and how much I love you.

*Just for this evening, I will let you splash in the tub and not get angry.

*Just for this evening, I will let you stay up late while we sit on the porch and count all the stars.

*Just for this evening, I will snuggle beside you for hours, and miss my favorite TV shows.

*Just for this evening when I run my finger through your hair as you pray, I will simply be grateful that God has given me the greatest gift ever given.

*I will think about the mothers And fathers who are searching for their missing children, the mothers and fathers who are visiting their children's graves instead of their bedrooms, and mothers and fathers who are in hospital rooms watching their children suffer senselessly, and screaming inside that they can't handle it anymore.

*And when I kiss you good night I will hold you a little tighter, a little longer. It is then, that I will thank God for you, and ask Him for nothing, except one more day...............

Friends, I am so fortunate to have two beautiful, happy, healthy children! I love them more than words can ever express! As I read through other blogs and news stories of families with children who are facing huge medical obsticals I guess it is only fair to feel guilty for my happiness and the small things that we take for granted. I must admit that some nights I grumble under my breath when it is Ashlyn's bedtime because it is a HUGE 30-45 minute routine of brushing her teeth, reading a book (and I must say that I always try to get her to choose the shortest book possible. Don't tell me I'm the ONLY one who does this!), scratching her back, rubbing her back, holding her 10 times.............yes we have to count and make sure that I've held her snuggly EXACLY 10 times..............No my child does not have OCD! =), saying her prayers, making sure her bed is oh so neat and perfect (wonder who she gets that from????? Hmmmmm?????), tucking her in, giving her hugs and kisses over and over again, The "I need a drink of water" spill. Please don't misunderstand me. I LOVE spending time with my kids! I just think that sometimes we get caught up in the routine of things and we take so much for granted! I'm going to definitely try to stop taking all of small stuff for granted! I am so BLESSED!!!!