Memorizing Moments. . .

Our week. . .

could be summed up by the above picture!  This has been beautiful, wonderful, and gentle (if I can use that word to describe our week:-).  I have spent several hours of each day outside watching my boys play.  With temps in the 60's all week, we have spent most of our free time outside soaking in the warm sunshine and the soft breezes.  Sometimes I choose to sit back in a fold up chair, sip hot chocolate, make lists, and watch, and sometimes I choose to join them in their fun. When I sit back and watch, this is what I see. . .

and this. . .

and a little of this. . .

Makes a mama's heart happy!!! :-)

And, all the play and sunshine has resulted in some very tired little men. . .

 And, all the while I have been watching them, and (to steal a phrase from Mrs. Voskamp) "memorizing moments," taking them in, holding them close, savoring them because time is fleeting.  The other day Joshua counted the years until he will be in our church's youth group.  I told him to be be quiet, please.  Please!  These days are so sweet, and I hope they do not pass too quickly.

Today Elijah fell asleep on my lap as I read aloud to him and his brothers.  He was 100% knocked out.  If you know Lije, you know he likes his sleep ~ except in the early morning ~ but that is another story.  I kissed his sweet sleepy cheeks at least a thousand times this afternoon while I held his sleepy, limp body in my arms.  One day he will be bigger than his mama.  One day those sweet cheeks will be full of rough, hairy stubble.  One day I will try with all my might to remember what it was like to kiss his soft, sweet, plump 3 year old cheeks.  Now I know, and I am attempting to memorize the moment.

Other moments that I am memorizing this week. . .

God's glory in the sky. . .

My boys friendships growing. . . They have so much fun together!  I asked Erik on the way to church the other day as we were being loudly serenaded by our four men, "What do you think it would be like to grow up in our family as one of four boys?"  He laughed and said, "I think it would be a lot of fun!!"  

I so hope that they look back and think it was fun!!  I'm having fun.  They are joy to my heart!  This week everything schoolwise has clicked and fallen into place so nicely.  They have gotten their work done faster than usual, and we have really been able to enjoy the beautiful weather!  We've eaten lunch outside every single day!!  The fresh air makes all of us feel so refreshed!  It is hard to believe that my yard was covered in snow last week at this time!  I can't decide which I like better???  I love them both!!!

The boys keep pointing this out to me. . .

They are so ready for spring!  It will not be long now!  The seasons pass too quickly these days.  Wasn't I just getting excited about the cooler weather of fall???  And, now it is time once again for spring!  Where do the days go?  The hours?  The moments?  They are gone in a flash.  So, here I am sitting back watching these little wonders, miracles walking all around me, running barefoot, sweet and free.  And, I am trying desperately to cling to the moments, to memorize their little feet, little hands, little smiles, little voices. . .

Moments, moments, moments. . .