Sweet spot

So I guess this time in life is called the sweet spot. I have my little ones at home with me. They are ages that I consider almost perfect. Big enough to go potty alone but not too big to fit in my lap. They like to hold my hand. They want me to read books at night. They don't get mad when I wake them up by singing "rise and shine" (although I'm pretty sure that's coming, right Mom?). They usually let me pick out their clothes. When they are hurt they cry for me. They think I am smart and my answers to life's questions are sufficient. I know I'm going to miss this.

And I have my parents close by. They are well (praise God for my dad's health). They are such a part of our lives that I can't even believe we lived 550 miles apart for so many years. How did we manage? I can't imagine not being able to get to them in 25 minutes. We would be so lonely.

I am a blessed Mom. The boys gave me the first wave of gifts on Thursday- they couldn't wait. A hand painted wild rose from Nolan and a #1 Mom key chain made with T's own chubby hands. I can't imagine better gifts.This morning David made breakfast and the boys ushered me into the kitchen (Thomas bowed as I entered...he is so funny). More gifts arrived during the day- a bookmark and poem Nolan made in school, a puzzle he decorated for me in Sunday school and flower pots Nana helped the boys decorate. We had lunch with Ryan & Jen & kids at Nana & Bopa's after church. It was delicious despite the blackened vegetable kabobs. I think they added to the festive mood. I wore my grandmother's rings today and told the boys about them. David got his grandmother's pistol out of the safe to show the boys which I thought was hilarious. This is our family---some families have jewelry heirlooms, others have weapons...We have both.

And I hope next year is a repeat of this year. Except I pray that a little girl will join us.