So thankful...

I knew when we decided to have our 5th baby, life was going to change, yet again, but I was prepared as much as I could be. Having 5 kids is crazy sometimes, but for the most part it's been pretty awesome. Yeah, getting out the door is a nightmare and never fun, but when I watch my babies throughout the day, my heart swells a 1000 times, like the Grinch's, and I am reminded how blessed we are to be parents. As I watched Grace walk away into the school this morning, I was almost brought to tears.She is growing up so fast. She is a fire cracker. She is wise beyond her years. She is constantly in motion. She is an amzing student with a love for kitties like you've never seen before. I love my kids so much. I love them for all the same reasons, and for a dozen different ones as well. This morning went so smoothly with Grace and she offically won the "getting -ready- in- the- morning- with- a -good attitude" award! I tend to get so busy throughout the day that I forget what I am doing half the time. When I stop and think about it, it hits me that I am raising future leaders, thinkers, problem solvers, teachers, gymnisits, doctors, poetry writers, vetrinarians, inventors, band members, chefs and clothing designers. I am raising little boys and girls that will grow up and hopefully become Mommy's and Daddy's one day. I never thought about it before, but I am raising those who will be caring for my grandchildren. What I am teaching them daily (or not teaching them) will ultilmatly affect their lives- A LOT. That is huge. I was reminded this morning of the difficult yet breath taking responsibility I have as a parent. I have to remember that each minute I have them in my care, it can be a learning experience and if I'm too worried about keeping everything spotless- they are never going to learn to do anything. Yesterday the little girls and I were baking a cake. When it came time to crack the eggs (yes, my least favorite part because of the gooey mess), I said, "I'll crack them." Grace said, "That's ok Mom, I can do it, Grammy showed me how." I realized that through her almost 6 years of life, I hadn't given her the oppertunity or taught her myself how to do it because I didn't want the mess, but that my Grandma had showed her on a recent visit- how to do it. She was so proud of her self and of her abilities and wanted to show me how great she could do. I just stopped and thought-Stop it Emily! Let them crack eggs! And so I did. Grace cracked hers and willow cracked hers, and yes the shells fell into the batter and I had to fish them out, but who cared? They were having fun. They were doing something themselves. Besides, how else were they going to learn, if I didn't take the time to teach them now? Oh, how Heavenly Father teaches me! Often it is through a loud voice saying "Emily- stop it!" But slowly I am learning too. I am grateful the Lord loves me and is patient with me as I try to figure out how to teach my babies how to live and grow and develop their talents.Thank you eggs for reminding me what is really important. And thank you Lord for my chance to be a Mom, they are my world and I love them to the moon and back.