Loving my kids in summertime!

I woke up this morning after our first week of summer break and was so grateful to be a mom! My children are a lot of work, but they are great kids. Well-behaved, helpful and fun to be around. They are getting too big too fast, but I am enjoying every minute of it. I love summertime, because they all play together and I get to see them more and love them more and enjoy them more.
This may be our last tub shot of all of them. Modesty being the first issue, but Xander is so tall he can barely fit in the tub! It was impromptu and I couldn't help but capture the moment! The boys were helping the girls bathe and they got wet and ended up in the tub together. They were having such a great time I had to come and check what was going on. There was water EVERYWHERE, but it was one of those moments I will remember FOREVER!
And looking back on how much they have grown in just a year. Wow! They are so amazing to me! Their little minds how they work and how much they love me, despite my weaknesses.
There have been a couple of things that have happened this week which have made me reflect on all of these things....

My sister-in-law said to me the other night how her kids would be going to camps all summer so they would stay out of her hair. I didn't reply, because I could only think of how much I would miss my children. And my sister had a scary experience where she couldn't fine her three year old for over 40 minutes. My heart is still beating fast from reading it. She ended with saying how precious our little children are. I couldn't agree more! These are my reason for getting up every day!

And, another friend, posted that she can't believe someone calls her "Mom" and when did that happen?!?!? Sometimes I feel the same way. Sometimes when we are all going somewhere, I have too pinch myself to see if they are all really mine! But those baby kisses and big boy hugs and little girl snuggles remind me that they are and the immense joy I get from calling them my own is immeasurable!
There is no greater joy I feel than little sticky kisses and silly songs and homemade cards and big tall boys who still need their momma! I love it. I love it! I love it! I am so blessed to be a mom and wife and have the opportunities and blessings I have!

I am looking forward to a great summer!!!!