Monday, March 05, 2012

Mama, Come See!

Last Wednesday {Leap Day and my newest niece's birthday!} I got to talk to Carrie on the phone! We usually plan to talk on the phone for about an hour once a week and that was our time! We had a great time catching up and it was relaxing and fun and pre-baby.

And, God was gracious in allowing my children to play so nicely during this time. Often, my children completely fall apart when I'm on the phone - but it was a gorgeous day and they were in and out enjoying it.

But they weren't just enjoying the day. They were inspired.

They closed the curtains to the porch and worked away on their idea. When I got off the phone - one held one side of the curtains open and said, "Look what we made for you!" While another waiting nearby started a CD player {that they had moved outside and set up} with soft Christmas music. And, a third rushed over to a pink chair prepared extra special - for who? Me.

"We wanted to plan something special for you because you are sad about Aunt Carrie being in the hospital."

Oh. my. They are listening and observing and even though it is more than being concerned for her being in the hospital, it is that I am not there and we've talked about my going and agreed all together that to wait is best.

If I were there with her in the waiting, I would have brought some little fun project to make, given her a pedicure, read books, sat quietly, played a game, watched a movie, listened, prayed, cried and hugged and loved on. I would have brought flowers and fresh fruit and any little comfort that would've encouraged her.

But, God knows and He is watching over both of us in different ways. And, oh - how He blessed me through those sweet children {blessings!} that afternoon.

They found a piece of fabric for a tablecloth, picked flowers and put them in the very cutest cup they could find, set out tea cups, poured the tea {milk} and fixed a snack of gum and chocolate chips, put on pretty music and even brought a painting out of my bedroom to decorate the porch.

They are watching. Emily passes me a tea cup with a tiny bit of milk and some chocolates {by now, Rachel has brought out the M&M's!} and I'm holding my camera and she asks if that interests me. I am so humbled. They are studying what interests me and hoping to encourage by showing that they have noticed. And, it really does encourage!

We sip our "tea" and eat our treats and Samuel drops his M&M's and chocolate chips into his milk and proclaims, "Shhhhh - they are sleeping!"

I guess he wakes them up because he then begins fishing them out and getting milk all over. But his smiles and all the cheeks sprinkled with freckles are just complete beauty to me at that moment. And, the precious gift of love they poured into this time. How they have blessed.

And, how blessed I am to be their mama. When I struggle with the challenges of mothering, when I feel unappreciated and worn to a frazzle - may I be reminded of these sweet blessings. I would never want to miss these moments that God has given and it makes me thankful that I have these moments to treasure.

25 comments:

Elise said...

That is precious!!! Such sweet, thoughtful children...They are learning from the best, Monica!!
Elise

Mrs. K said...

How very sweet. You have taught them very well by example!

Katy said...

That is incredibly sweet! Like mama, like littles! :)

bretswife1 said...

That is just precious!

Mom said...

This is so very precious -- what a blessing!!! How encouraging to see them soaking up what they are learning in your home and then turning it around to bless you when you needed it! Thanks for sharing :) -- love to all, Mom/Grammie

Tim and Susan said...

What sweet kids to treat you so well...they must have learned it from YOU.
Susan

Kathy said...

oh that is so precious!!

Angelia said...

Awwwwwe this is truely a time to remember. Your words brought the moments to life. So lovely, sweet and touching. May the seeds of your motherhood in the lives of these wee ones continue to bear such fruit as love and joy. What encouragement for the heart this mother, Angelia in Tx

Sherie Rowe said...

What precious little ones you have raised! I am overjoyed at how they are watching you!

Flyonthewall said...

Praise the Lord! You are SO RIGHT - they are watching AND they are learning! Train up a child in the way they should go... you are training and they are receiving all the goodness that the Lord has for them through their parents! This brought tears to my eyes to see their wonderful love for you demonstrated through their beautifully sweet actions! Cherish the moment, and know that you were right where you were supposed to be that day!

~katie~ said...

Absolutely precious. Little hearts expressing love and concern as they have been molded and shaped tenderly by a mama who abundantly has done the same!

Hugs to you as you wish you could be with your sis!!! Remember, in God's perfect timing, he will allow you to be together at just the right time in just the right way. :) I know all that you have done from right where you are has blessed them immeasurably.

Blessings to you and your darling blessings!
Katie

Christy Stanton said...

They exemplify their Mother. So very sweet;)

Hattie said...

This is just the sweetest thing I've ever seen! Brought tears to my eyes....Their deep love for their mama and they know how to express that love so well. Good job, Monica.

Grace said...

Beautiful!!

Kelli said...

Just so sweet! Congrats on the new baby in your family as well!

Carrie said...

That is the sweetest thing EVER! I absolutely loved this.

We've been praying for Carrie and it's SO exciting to see pics and hear how well she is coming along. I've been thinking about you and praying for the whole family as you are separated by distances which are USUALLY painful, but much more so when there is a crisis situation going on.

Thanks for sharing about this huge blessing in your life!

Melissa said...

Precious children you have! I know your heart was so encouraged.

Wendi said...

How sweet!

LynnMarie said...

What sweet kids you have. You set a good example.

angie said...

Your children couldn't help Aunt Carrie, but they could comfort you. And, in turn, you could be an attentive ear to Carrie on the phone. And the blessings continue to ripple....
We can't save the world...but one at a time. If you haven't read "Kisses from Katie", you simply must. (Oh wait, maybe I got the recommendation from you!)

Jennifer said...

So so so sweet! Children have such kind hearts : ) It is wonderful that they gave you uninterrupted time to talk to your sister, and also for the lovely surprise tea.

Your children definitely learn from your example. Praise God that they are learning to be thoughtful and encouraging!

Shelby said...

PRECIOUS! They have learned so much by their wonderful mama's example.

Heather's Blog-o-rama said...

Monica,
this is so neat. It really made my heart smile HUGE. It's so cool to see your kids starting to mirror the love and care that you shower on them :) :) Love and hugs from the ocean shores of California, Heather :)

*carrie* said...

Love that the kids were inspired to do something so special for you. Empathy is such a beautiful thing. And it's so neat that you'll all have that memory connected to Naomi's arrival!

HeatherMavis said...

simply wonderful. God richly and continually bless you for being such a faithful Mama and sister. Blessings on those little ones too.