raising my sons

I hope that I am the one to raise my sons all the days of their lives. I am their mama, I know every inch of them, I know what they need without them even asking. I know their laughs, their cries, their looks. 

But sometimes hard things happen. Sometimes mama's dont get to be there for their children's lives, sometimes they are needed more in heaven than here on earth. If that were ever the case I know that my sons will be loved and looked after so well. They have so many amazing people in their lives- they are so incredibly lucky.

There are some things I want them to know, and do. There are things that I try to do every day that I hope would continue on-

Tell them you love them at least 10 times a day. Tell them they are special, Jesus loves them, they are born to do great things. Tell them they are brave and strong. Make sure they say their prayers every night, have family home evening once a week I dont even care if its on Monday's.

Give them lots of TLC. Hug them constantly, carry them around even if they are old enough to walk. Hold their hands, tickle their backs (or their faces they LOVE that) Cuddle on the couch. Rub your hands through their hair. Dont let them cry or be scared. Kiss their boo boo's

Lay in bed with them before they fall asleep. Read lots of books, sing songs about Jesus, sunshine, and even hot dogs. Talk about everything, share secrets, tell stories, recap your day. Ask them questions to get them talking.

Let them get balloons from Nordstrom, eat m&m cookies at Panera, stop by the park and let them run around in the sun or rain. Take lots of walks. Write them notes and mail them back to the house. Color pictures and put them on the fridge. Have movie nights at home with pop corn and the lights out. Enjoy tickle fights and building forts.

Give them bubble baths and let them play til the water is cold and they are wrinkly raisins. Give them Eskimo kisses and do our secret handshake. Build towers with blocks and knock them over- repeat over and over again. Rock them to sleep sometimes, even when they are big. Let them sleep in bed with you and be the little spoon.

Reward and praise good behavior and try to forget the bad. Give them treats. Remind them that Heaven is wonderful, that we all get to live there together again someday. That Jesus is there too and he loves us.

Tell them mommy loves them to the moon and back.

He is a child of God

and he KNOWS it. 

I am so happy today that I am a part of a church who worships our Father in Heaven with such beautiful and uplifting music. We have a book of hymns that we use during church, on average 5-6 songs per Sunday. And even better, we have a children's song book too. Ryan loves it when we sings songs before bed every night and thanks to our church we have lots to choose from. Some of his favorites are "I love to see the temple" and "I am trying to be like Jesus" Tonight he specifically asked for "I am a child of God" 

I am a child of God

and he has sent me here

has given me an earthly home

with parents kind and dear

lead me guide me, walk beside me

help me find the way

teach me all that I can do to be with Him someday

He knows it! He knows he is a child of God, that he is never alone and has such a special life ahead of him. If I can do nothing more than to teach him that I think I have done an okay job. I wish every child could recognize the love of Heavenly Father in their lives! 

I love how reverent he is, how he loves to pray, and how he loves to help me sign and sing these songs of praise! 

I am willing to mail a childrens hymn book to ANYONE that wants one, 

email me at laurenmariealberts@gmail.com

be inspired

My mind is swimming with so much this afternoon. Probably because I did the quickest google reader clear out known to man AND left comments for my peeps. I feel inspired, lifted up, humbled, and proud to be in this group of strong, God fearing women. Some days when I am feeling down or uninspired all I have to do is open my blogger and let the light pour in! Blogs about faith, righteous child rearing, wholesome marriages, adoption, service, forgiveness.. everything so positive. Sure we all get our moments where we complain and let our guard down and that is ok by me. Everyone deserves a quick pity party every now and then but the point is there is an end to the sadness. There is hope, grace, and faith.

Sometimes I wonder if this blogging thing is all really worth it. It takes time, lots of it some days. The networking, the posting, the pictures, the reading. But would I do it all over again- in a heart beat. Its because of all of you I have meet some of the greatest people and learned some of lifes most valuable lessons. I have shelves of life help, parenting, and "be the best you" books. In my humble opinion. This right here is all I need.

This boy is my light. I hate to admit that sometimes he is not enough. Sometimes I let my strong mom wall tumble down and let the ugly beast within show its face. The one where the house isnt big enough, toddler hangs on me too much, hubs cant do a thing right to save his life, dinner hasnt been made in days, my hair is too fried, and my boobs are sad. Where I look in the mirror and want to throw something at it because how DARE I let the devil into my thoughts this much. How dare I take one look at my self and think I am anything but beautiful.

I was reading a post and for the life of me cant find where it is now hopefully Kelle will email me with it soon. She was asked lots of questions about her blog- all things I already knew being a long time reader- but some of them stood out so strong to me at the time and still do. One of the questions was where do you find inspiration. Her answer- where do I NOT find it? I love this.

If I sit here, without moving much, and look around my house I can be inspired. The family photos that adorn my walls. I am part of something bigger than myself. I am part of this elite club of people, sealed together as a family for eternity.

I see toys scattered all over the floor. Signs that I was blessed to be a mother. That God trusted me with one of his choice spirits. He is healthy, he is happy, he is our joy.

I see our family year book. Its filled with stories and pictures (thanks to this blog!) reminding me of the life we have lived and all of the greatness we've shared.

I see my camera. A generous gift from my in laws. Probably one of the greatest temporal gifts I will ever be given. Through that lens I see the world in a different way. I notice the details that people are too busy to see. I capture the moments that are sometimes too fading yet can also impact a lifetime. I see beauty in the world when without it, it all seems to dark to bear. I can preserve precious moments of my life and of my son that I will cherish forever. I know I cant take them with me when I die but I can take the memories that they provide. I can take the lessons I learned when that moment happened and that is priceless.

I see photos of temples, quotes about family and love, artwork of the Savior. Always reminding me that I am not alone. He knows my fears, my struggles, my pain. He rejoices in my triumphs, my testimony, and my love. All of which I know are blessings from Him.

Today I, as Kelle, ask myself- what doesnt inspire me?