Blessings

Today, Joseph asked me to go get him a hot dog and a root beer float from the Sonic. Even though Isabel usually asks for a corny dog from there, she also likes having the same things as other people, and since it was almost the same thing...I decided to get her a hot dog, too. When I sat it out for them to eat, Isabel looked down at the hot dog and said "Oh Mamma, Look! I think they were out of sticks!". I couldn't help but burst out laughing...it was so cute! She thought the hot dog was a corny dog without a stick...which, it kinda could be.
On the way to the grocery store today, I drove by one of the houses I grew up in...it took me back. I used to walk to the park & put-put golf with my cousin. We used to ride bikes ALL over Paris(it was safer back then). During summer, when it got dark we would get one of Mamaw's jars, my dad would poke holes in the top, and we would catch fireflies (we let them go before we went to bed so they wouldn't die). What happened to those fireflies, I hardly ever see them anymore. I thought about how good we had it growing up...we may not have had much, but it sure felt like we did.
I think about my own kids and how fast they are growing up. I've probably only blogged about that 1000 times, but I can't help it, it's true! I look at my life...my, my, how time has flown. I love my life, but I do miss those innocent, carefree days of my childhood...when I had no worries. No bills, no appointments, no errands, no cooking, cleaning, laundry...no rushing children here and there (I was the child being rushed here and there), not wondering how every little choice I make is going to affect someone else. I think how very precious those childhood years were, and how I wish I would have known then what I know now. I wish I would have known how special those times were and just cherished them instead of wishing I could grow up so quickly. Then again, If I would have known that, it probably wouldn't have been the same.
Still, I just want to grab my children by their sweet faces and look strait into their eyes and tell them to stop wishing their lives away...stop trying to grow up so quickly. I want to tell them to relish each day and just enjoy it for what it has to offer, that these carefree days will soon enough be traded in for a job, a mortgage, and responsibilities so numerous, that you will never be able to keep up with them all. But, I guess that is something they will just have to learn on their own...in their own sweet time. Of course, once they "get it", they too will be adults, and so the cycle will begin again.
Hmmm...that was too in depth for me, I am really to tired for that tonight.
Anyway, before I go, there are two things I would like to take a special moment to mention.
When we pray, sometimes we think GOD doesn't hear us, because we don't get the answer we want. But, GOD always answers us, we just have to be trusting, understanding that He has a plan, and He knows better than we do.
A lot of people have been praying for Amy's dad, who is in Iran and had a stroke. Even though her sister got to fly over and be with him the last few days, the rest of the family has been here, on pins and needles, stressed to the max. It is hard enough having a sick/hurt loved one...but one that you can't even hold their hand and comfort, or make SURE they are being taken care of? I can't imagine. I found out (her blog is under my links) that her dad should SOON be on his way home. Hallelujah! I don't know what God has in store for this man, or his family...but I know he is going to be here where they can help take care of him and see to him. Please keep them in your prayers...that the trip home goes smoothly, and that once home he is kept in good hands and nursed back to health. Pray that his family has patience and is able to keep their faith strong, no matter what comes their way.
Also! A while back Amber (blog is also under my links) told me about her husband's little cousin who was diagnosed with cancer. Can you even fathom? This really hit home because she is a three yr. old little girl. She has a Caring Bridge page (also under my links) and I have prayed for her and kept up with her since Amber sent me the info. I read via her CB page and Amber's email, that little Emily is now in remission! Just another one of God's many blessings!
Thank you Father for hearing our prayers and blessing these two specific families...please continue to keep your loving, caring hands on them as they still have rough roads ahead of them.
So, no pictures to share today...just happy thoughts...

"And my soul shall be joyful in the Lord; It shall rejoice in His salvation".
Psalm 35:9
~K

PS. We just made chocolate dipped strawberries and I ate wayyyyy too many! When you see me, if it looks like I have gained a little weight, now you know why...