Tumbling around in my mind...

As I was just going to type "I wish I had something interesting to tell ya'll"... I thought of, like, 20 things that I could share.

First thing on my mind this morning... remember the Nelson Family? Well, sweet baby Lucas passed away this week in the arms of his family. Absolutely heartbreaking.

Death is something I did not deal well with at all. Until my brother died. You would think since he was so close, it would be the hardest to deal with. I'm not going to lie, it was no picnic, and it really sucked. But I surprised myself at how well I "dealt" with it. I KNOW  the reason I dealt with it so well is because we had so many family members and friends praying for us. The experience was incredibly spiritual and peaceful. Heartbreaking, but peaceful. There must have been angels with their arms around me (and my immediate family) holding my insides together and my heart from breaking into a million pieces. It was because of the prayers and faith of those who cared about my family that I was able to function and let my faith in a Loving Father in Heaven carry me through the weeks.

This is what we can do for the Nelson Family.

I've been holding my babies a little longer. Telling them "I love you" a few more times a day. Letting them get away with the little things that have no eternal consequence (which, let's be honest, at 2 is pretty much everything). It is much more important for them to know that I love them unconditionally than whether or not he makes a mess - again. For the teenagers it is more important for them to know that we want to trust them and communicate with them, than if they are 15 minutes late, or forget to load the dishwasher. I don't have the energy to be angry, at all! At least not longer than it takes to take a few deep breaths.

I don't know what the point is, I'm just putting my thoughts out there... well, not "on paper".... just out there.

Let your kids blow bubbles in their milk. Let them talk for a few more minutes on the phone. Let them dump out all the legos on the floor, and talk with your child as you both clean them up! Go out on a one-on-one with him/her and get to know your child! Instead of spanking or yelling- hug (that would really throw them off and make an impression!!) Don't let anger motivate you to clean your home. Don't let anger be the reason you're yelling at your child, instead of cheering him on!

I'm not trying to tell you how to parent. I'm just encouraging you to stop being angry and hug, forgive, hug... forgive and hug! :)  Don't assume your family knows how you feel - Make sure your family knows you love them. We really don't know when we will have to say goodbye.