Drip Drip in my cup

When I began this blog my desire was to post daily about at least 1 thing that inspired me daily.  While I am certain, that daily I am being inspired by something, life gets in the way and I do not post daily.

I stopped worrying about that and post when I,

 1. Have uninterrupted time, and
 2. am feeling inspired to do so.



If you have ready many of my posts then you know that often the inspiration comes from my children so it is of no surprise to me that after spending a long weekend with them I am again so inspired.

Have you ever felt like your cup is so full that is is going to spill over? Full of good, not full of stress and things to do and decisions to make.

 We spent a long weekend in North Carolina with daughter Ashley, son in law Rick and precious granddaughter Audrey, and having son Mike and daughter in law Meredith fly in from California.  As we drove away, the car silent I began to cry.  I was crying for the things I would miss Audrey doing, I was crying for the length of time it would be before we would all be together again, for the distance we all live from one another, but mostly, simply because I love them all.

These kind of tears tend to make us nostalgic or least they do me.  I began to think about what has gone into my cup that has made it so full that it is running over and was not surprised when my thoughts continued to take me to my children.

The birth of my son and the pure joy of first time parenting.
The birth of my daughter and the immediate connection that my then 3 yr old son had with her.  The unexpected, unplanned (somewhat) adoption of my 2nd son continued to bring Blessings into my life.  As I continued with my thoughts I quickly realized that each layer in my cup was lined with a memory of my children.

As the miles took me further from them this weekend I reflected on what the weekend gave me.  I had another opportunity to see what an amazing mother my daughter is to her own daughter now.  drip drip in my cup!  I got to see how happy she is and how well cared for she is by her husband. drip drip in my cup! I got to see all the wonderful new things that Audrey can do since last we saw her. drip drip in my cup.

I got to see my son and his excitement for the impending birth of his own son. drip drip in my cup.  I got to see my daughter in law as she carries that precious child drip drip in my cup. I experienced our family celebrating this new generation, how sister and brother shared this new honor.  They were not competing, they were sharing.  drip drip in my cup.  I listened as conversations have changed from the likes of what is the latest greatest movie you have seen, to advice from one to the other on diapering and what are the must haves for baby care.  drip drip in my cup.  I watched as one grown man now a father showed another soon to be how to put the car seat in the car and how to put the baby in said car seat. drip drip in my cup. 

I watched my daughter and son in laws excitement and nervousness as they anticipated the first big event in their daughters life, her Baptism and what that meant to them and their commitment to her. drip drip in my cup.  I watched (and teared up) as my son stood in front of the church by his sisters side along with his wife pledging too that they will always be there for Audrey. drip drip in my cup. 

So many moments contributed to the tipping over of my cup but I realized it wasn't just about the moments it is about how we got here.  How my son and daughter are truly friends how their spouses have blended in so well with the family, how Cameron is loved  and molded into the family.  There will never be one of us in need that another will not be there.  Distance though painful is not a barrier to our love.  Watching my family this weekend I know that memories and moments will continue to pour into my cup so much so that a cup will no longer be big enough to hold all that is precious to me.  My cup runneth over for sure but the love that was spilled will not go to waste.

Audrey Shows Nana her cheerio skills

A Piggy back ride for Rick

 

Rick shows Mike how to put Audrey in a car seat.

 

Audrey being silly as mommy dresses her for church.

 

Nana reads to Audrey before church.

 

Proud God Parents with Proud mom and dad.

 

I am so Blessed!

 

Auntie Mere,Mommy, Daddy and Uncle Mike with Audrey.

 

Nana and Audrey.

 

 

 

 

My beautiful Audrey.

 

 

 

Audrey LOVES her Uncle Cameron!

 

 

 

 

 

Choose JOY

I recently read something that partially inspired my post today The author was saying that she felt like in order for someone to have "good writing material" it seemed something bad had to happen.  She was saying that she felt when something rocked her world in a bad way her words flowed out in a more inspiring way.

While I understand the emotions that come with sadness can lead to some high powered writings I think the opposite to be true.  I think the passion that comes from good news, good feelings, positive experiences that is where inspirational words flow.

My first born, a son now 31 is expecting his first child.  This past Sunday it was confirmed through an ultrasound that he and his wife are expecting a son.  What a joy to hear the excitement in his voice as he shared what it was like seeing the images of his child.  It became real for him.  It became another reason for his being.  It gave him a new hope for the future.  In all honesty it gave him another reason to continue his love for "toys". 

On Monday he was online buying his son a onesie that said he was his daddy's co-pilot, and looking at plans to build him a pedal plane.  Being a dad is so much more than onesies and pedal planes, however the act symbolizes his excitement , his desires, the love he already has for his son.

Son you are moving into another chapter of your life which ultimately comes closer to closing one for me.  I keep repeating over and over, he is going to be a dad.  I have had a lifetime to prepare for this, sometimes wanting it to come quickly, but ever thankful that the Lord shows me that it is NOT about me!
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My thoughts cannot help but to keep returning to my son as a little boy.  An image of your face appears before me and I see that little face as you look up at me with those big brown eyes and say "can I"?
You know me well enough to know that this event would not go without your mother getting all emotional and celebratory.  Protecting you and preparing you has been such a big part of who I am it is hard to redefine my role and accept that my job is done.
 

I have vivid memories of the promises I made you as you slept below my heart many years ago.  Promises I am certain that were kept and some broken.

I am allowed to indulge myself, as Nana it is my right. Part of me sees the baby you were, taking his first steps while the other foot sees a young man going forward with his foot stepping into a world of promise.  You did not step forward you leapt into a world of freedom, adventure, independence a world where you are capable, competent and smarter than I will ever be. ( Do Not ever use this on me).

Even though I am your parent, have been your teacher, your friend, your disciplinarian I can see that I have also been the pupil, you have taught me so much son and you have taught me well.  It isn't just about what you have done, it is only about who you are, your value is in your existance.
I hope as you move into this role as a parent that I have taught you by example, but more than that you are led by your heart.

Your world is about to open up to more than just, lego's, and model planes, it is not just about the Easter Bunny, or Santa Claus.  You are no longer just a son, brother, or husband you are going to be someones dad.  Having to be both mom and dad to you, my hope is that I gave you enough tools for you to be the dad you desired for yourself.

My son there is nothing I can give you that you do not have, but there is much I cannot give you that you can take;

No Heaven can come to us, unless we find rest in today- Take Heaven.

No peace lies in the future which is not hidden in the present- Take Peace

The gloom of the world is but a shadow behind it, yet within reach is joy- Take Joy.

Congratulations son, may this journey be your greatest adventure.