The Confessing Lunatic

During lunch today I sat and just watched my kids, marveling at how distinctly different each of my children are AND knowing that I had nothing to do with it; God did. When Jordan was born there was no one to compare him to. He was unique. Then Caitlin came. Since she was a girl, we naturally assumed that she would be completely different from Jordan. It was when Jaden was born that I realized just how marvelous my children are and how wonderful God is. Jaden is nothing like the first two. Sure there are glimpses of Jordan and even hints of Caitlin but he is definitely his own person. In fact, looking back on my pregnancy when Jaden was thirteen months old, I knew he was strong-willed even in the womb. When Calise was born is was no surprise that she was not like the other three. She is girly; Caitlin is not. Caitlin is outgoing; Cali is not. Jordan is obedient; Jaden is, well, learning to be obedient. Jordan is reserved; Jaden is extra active. But one thing that is common to each of m...

When I was a little girl, our family would go to Kentucky to visit my Dad's parents. All the little kids would sleep on the couch bed in the living room of my grandparent's house, a double wide trailer on the side of hill. My Dad, the oldest of seven children, would get up early and have coffee with one or more of his brothers. I loved waking up in my grandparent's house. Rather than get up right away, I would lay there quietly and listen. I closed my eyes so I could tell which voice was my Dad's. I don't know why but it was important for me to know to which voice one I belonged. It was tough because my Dad and his brothers sounded so similar but I would eventually be able to pick out my Dad. Fast forward thirty something years...I woke up hearing Jim talking in the kitchen. As I lay in the bed, I strained to hear who he was talking with. As the memory of my Dad and his brothers flooded my brain, I could have sworn he was talking to himself. Did Jim's Dad come o...

This week has been amazing. I am so glad that Jim and Caitlin came along with me. Caitlin is very well spoken, nearly as tall as me (I know, that's not saying a lot), and handles herself very well. She is so mature that often I forget that she is only nine. After dinner tonight - a wonderful dinner I might add - Jim and I were talking about her. Jim said that after spending this time alone with her, he has discovered that she is very witty. She talks nonstop about just about anything that is on her mind. (This trait I'm not sure where she gets, ha, ha :o)...). She is very caring and has wanted to buy gifts for everyone she knows, from her siblings, grandparents, friends to the kids that live next door to her Billman grandparents. One of the disadvantages of being a working mother is that too often I am unable to focus on my children because I am so busy caring for them. Does this make sense? During the few daylight hours that are left once Jim and I get off work, there...