"If you are still in the process of raising children, be aware that the tiny fingerprints that show up on almost every newly cleaned surface, the toys scattered about the house, the piles and piles of laundry to be tackled will disappear all too soon and that you will—to your surprise—miss them profoundly." - President Thomas S. Monson

Honestly, I definitely have my moments. Moments when I want to scream and cry and pull my hair out and drop my kids off at Walmart for someone else to pick up.

But lately, those have been happening less. My sister in law told me something along the lines of the above quote one day. I had heard something like that before- but seeing her really live that statement, really have joy in her children and in every moment she spent with them, had an effect on me. I've been seeing the joy my children bring me more often. More moments are filled with board games on a living room floor full of laundry waiting to be folded. More art projects on a kitchen table with the dirty dishes smooshed to one side to make room for the paint. More sewing projects left undone so animal safaris could be built. And I feel my life being fuller.

Heaven is here. 

{stole that from nienie's new book, but I love those words together. It exactly describes this picture.}

I have moments every day where I feel so grateful for these two munchkins. Especially since they don't come like free samples at Costco around here. The crazy thing to me is that I've been feeling that overwhelming gratefulness when my hair is being pulled for the 25th time and my feet are being stepped on for the 47th. It mean my sweet little baby is loving on me and my 4 year old wants in on the action. There is just about nothing better than having my kids climb all over me. I love it. I really do. In those moments, I realize why I am here, what my purpose is, and the huge difference I will make in this world; even if right now it is only in two small packages. I wish I could slow down those moments because I can tell that I will miss them, a lot.


Figured I better write this down so tomorrow, when they are driving me crazy, I can be reminded that I love them.