Babies, Brownies and Blessings

It feels a lot like emerging from under water to capture a deep breath of air before the next wave hits. Expecting to go back under quickly, you're surprised to find that you actually stay above the surface. Not just for a second, but for a minute, or two. An hour even. This is the evolution of motherhood as you go from diapering, feeding and wiping everything in view to coaching, refereeing and teaching older children. This is the beginning of you returning to YOU. The you that married that man you couldn't stand being apart from. The you that danced in the rain (and didn't care if your glasses got wet and your hair looks awful). The you that was spontaneous and actually had hobbies. The you that didn't mind buying a gift, decorating for a holiday. The you that gets to take a deep breath without being smothered by one of those delightfully clingy children you love dearly but just need to not to touch you...just for a minute?? Ah, the wonder of coming up...

2015 held so many wonderful changes that I find myself smiling as I look back. After 30 years of glasses/contacts my eyes were fixed with LASIK. 10 years after having our first baby, we now have all children in school. 11 years into Brian working evenings (3-11pm) we are starting to see some of the benefits. This past year we asked God to speak into our year and He seemed to be offering" My Gift." Now that could mean so many things. Maybe money? (nope, wasn't that!) Perhaps a day shift for Bri? (not so much) An easy year of parenting? (laughable!!) Instead, we felt that He was offering several different seasons of gifts. Starting with the gift of sight! Not needing glasses has been STUNNING. Truly. I have enjoyed playing with my kids in ways I never have! From swimming to sledding, to throwing footballs and not being afraid of the rain. There has been so much joy and freedom in my eyes being restored to new. No more worries that my glasses will break an...