Busted Watermelons and Blessings from the Liquor Store

Earlier today the four kids and I went to run an errand. We had a DVD to return to our local Kroger. Quick in. Quick out. Well, sort of. Near the DVD machine was a lovely display of little personal watermelons. The kids were drooling over the delectable melons. So I suggested we get two (they were a two-fer special) to go along with our grilled hamburgers that Brian had requested for dinner. Jacob and Nicole each chose one. As we headed for the checkout, Andrew noticed he was not carrying a melon, so he headed back to choose one of his own. Then he promptly dropped it. It split open. Then Jacob managed to drop his. It split open. With an air of confidence (?) that only a crazy new mother of four could have, we quickly paid for our melons and headed out. Oh, and we were let off the hook for our broken produce. They know us well.

As we caravanned back to the car, the door to the liquor store opened. A man was exiting with his brown paper bag of purchases. "Well, look at that!" he said. I smiled. The conversation continued. "That sure brings back memories. Mine were all just like that," he said with a smile. "I sure wish my wife could see this! Ours were just like this. And we made it through. Thirty-five years last weekend." I congratulated him and asked how many children he had. He said he had four - a girl, a boy, a boy and a girl. How wonderful. I told him as we got in the van, "You know it's a lot of hard work and they keep us busy, but it sure is a lot of fun!" Then he ended by exclaiming, "Yep! We had a ball!" Amen.

For every negative remark and prying question that parents of large(r) families must deal with, there are the good and positive ones that come our. I wasn't feeling terribly in need of encouragement at that moment, but what a way to brighten my day! Thank you guardian angel! Chalk one up to the good guys!

Happy Birthday Handsome!

Yep! Today is your birthday. And what a special day it is! For you. For me. For the little people who love you. Life is brighter because you were born. I can't imagine my world without you! And to think God created you for me. He prepared you all those years for you to be here, right now, doing exactly what you are doing. I am so proud of the man you are. I love you with all my heart!

Last June on our trip to Arkansas! The smile hasn't changed a bit!

4 months

5 months

3 1/2 years

8 years