It's all worth it!

So yesterday morning Arika peeks her head in our room and says, "It's time to get up guys!" Jim told her to come climb in bed with us, which is usually allowed only on Saturday's! So she snuggles in between us. After a few minutes I rolled over (facing her) and I see her beautiful big blue eyes watching me.


Here is our our conversation went!


Me ~ Good Morning.


Arika ~ Good Morning.
Your hair is soft mommy! (while feeling my hair) You want to feel mine?


Me ~ your hair is soft too!

She placed her hand on my cheek and says, "I love you Mommy." In the sweetest voice you could imagine! You could hear the love in her voice.


Oh how my heart melts when I hear those words from my child's mouth, especially when she initiates.
Right there was God telling me that, "It's all worth it! Thank you Lord. I need those small encouragement's to keep going. Arika is definitely 3! Day in and day out is a continual battle!
After days on end of her trying to argue with me and continually testing me, It was a huge encouragement! So thank you Lord! And a huge Thanks to my wonderful Hubby who a huge help with the kids!
I'm wondering why nobody seems to tell you about the trying 3's. I heard a lot about the adventurous 2's (as I call them.) But yet I don't think I would have believed anybody at the time! For any of you that have or have had a 3 year old you know exactly what I mean!
I love my kids! I wouldn't trade them for anything in the World! Even as frustrating as it gets at times, I know that IT IS ALL WORTH IT!

Duty calls...

Jury duty that is!
I got to report in Detroit bright and early on Monday morning. I was excited and nervous all at the same time. One driving to down town Detroit all by myself, and having never been on jury duty or even been in a courtroom before. My day started at 5am! That's early for me! It was so weird to just get myself ready to go somewhere without the kids. I sat around for about 2 hours before anything happened. We got to watch a short video clip that was made in the late 80's to early 90's. Then we headed into the courtroom. I never got called up into the box to be questioned, which I was really glad. I wasn't sure how I would answer some of their questions. I don't know that I could have been inpartial, considering it had to do with identity theft. I had my identity stolen twice in a 6 month time span a few years ago. I still get to call every night for the next week. I could still get called back in. I do have to say I did enjoy the ride home with no kids, just taking my time and stopping for lunch, I had the music blasting for most of the way home!
A huge thanks to my husband for keeping both kids for half the day! It sure is challenging with both of them!

What a guy!

I know this is a couple of weeks late, but it is never to late to tell the men in my lives how important they are.


To the wonderful man in my life that is a great Father to our kids. Jim, thank you for having such a part in our kids lives. It means a lot to me and I know it will mean a lot to them later in life. Thank you for being willing to help out all the way from changing diapers to playing with them on the floor.


To my Daddy. I love you. Thank you for having such a part and influence in my life. I'll never forget the time we spent going out for birthday breakfast's, just hanging out and getting good advice! I'm so glad that you live closer now. Happy Father's day!
Sorry, I don't have a picture on the mac!
To my Father-in-law. Dad, thanks for always being willing to joke around and for being there. It has been great getting to know you in the last 7 years. Thank you for having such a part in my husbands life. He is a great man!

Happy Father's Day!

More...

Well, I went to the doctor and told I have a viral infection! What's next?
haha!
few things I forgot to tell you in a nutshell...
when we were at the mall on Sunday! We got sent to the tornado shelter!! That was a new experience! There was a tornado warning!

there was something else and I just can think of what it was!
Maybe I'll remember later!
Joy

In a nut shell...

Okay, so it's been a while since I've made a post. I'll try and wrap it all up in a nutshell!
Arika had a fever for 4 days!
Went to Plainwell, Mi spoke in a church
Grand Rapids spend night in hotel and had dinner with friends
Saw Glidewells and got our Van!
I strained my back and was down for a day.
Went to Lansing to be a tourist in our own town day with in laws and grandma
Start feeling sick!
Have strep throat. Take medicine
feel better.
Amyberlynne comes to visit.
Speak at church in Okemos! Start feeling sick again.
Fever, chills, sore throat start on the way home last night! (june 8th)
Going to the doctor today.
tell you more later!

Joy

YES! and AGH!

So for the last 3 1/2 Days Arika has had a fever.

Day 1 -- she didn't want to do anything. She just laid there.

Day 2 -- She had a little bit more energy, was happy to just watch T.V., Lay on couch, read books, etc. Just chilled.

Day 3 -- Didn't want to sit still for anything. Faught tooth and nail, didn't really listen at all!

The Yes! part is that last night her fever finally broke. Thank the Lord! The AGH! part, is it seems that ever time after she is sick she is as ornery as can be! I think she just has to make up for the last couple of days and get her quota in! Hahahaha! Hard part is that she didn't sleep through the night for the last 2 nights! Jim and I are exhausted!
Oh well, such is life. We'll make it. So far no signs of any of the rest of us getting it! Thank you Lord!
Till next time!
Joy

A Tribute...

As much as I love being a mother and having a day to celebrate it. Yesterday was a struggle for me. Knowing somebody personally that isn't able to be a mom. It really made me pray for those who aren't able to be moms but want to sooooooo bad. Or for those who are estranged from or have lost a child or children. I sit here crying as I write these knowing that yesterday was such a painful day for some. I have days that I struggle with being a mom! But yet there are women out there who would give anything to be a mom. I need to remember to be thankful for what I have and that I can be a mom. So this post is a tribute to all the women out there who had a rough mother's day. I'm praying for you!
from a somber mom,
Joy