What Does Respect Look Like In Your Family?

One of the joys of being a mom to all boys is that I feel loved and needed all of the time. 

If you would have told me that I would be a mom to only boys I would have laughed in your face. I thought for sure I would be the one with a bunch of little ladies with painted nails and tutus running around our castle. Instead I have capes, crowns and swords and you know what? I couldn't imagine my life any other way. C'mon look at these boys. How can you not just want to eat them up?! 

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My boys bring me joy far beyond anything I could ever have imagined. With that joy comes the pressure of knowing that as their momma I only have a brief time with them. When they leave our little castle I want them to be ready to take on the world, fully prepared and equipped with everything they need to be godly men, husbands and fathers.  I read one of the best posts ever - 10 Ways for Moms to Respect Their Sons. Jen says, "If I want them to look for a wife who respects them one day, I better demonstrate what that looks like now." Is that not so true? I see myself so focused on making sure my boys behave and do the right thing that I often don't step back to make sure I am respecting them. This was a great wake up call for me and such an encouragement. If you little men in your families I challenge you to read it. What does Respect look like in your family?

All You Have To Do Is Take It...

I was looking for a cool down song for my zumba class tonight and found this beauty by Francesca Battistelli. I thought I would share the lyrics with all of you. 

"You Never Are"

Lost your way and you don't know how it happened

So much time you wasted chasing satisfaction

Seems like there's no where else to go please i wish that you would come home

Oh don't be so afraid

you think that you're too far

but you never are- you never are

So scared that you're too late

too hidden in the dark

but you never are you never are

Grace is under estimated all you ever really have to do

is take it God is bigger than the times we fail

So why can we not forgive ourselves

Oh don't be so afraid

you think that you're too far

but you never- are you never are

So scared that you're too late

too hidden in the dark

but you never are you never are

You will never be perfect... oh but you're still worth it. You've gotta just believe...

Oh don't be so afraid

you think that you're too far

but you never are - you never are

So scared that you're too late

too hidden in the dark

but you never are you never are

 My favorite part is "Grace is under estimated-- all you have to do is take it. God is bigger than the times we fail. So why can we not forgive ourselves?" I can so identify with that. What about you? 

Happy Thursday Friends!!

Top Ten Tuesday {Life Happens}

Hello May! Hello Beautiful Friends!

Life has had me going in a million different directions. I am sure you know how that goes. As much as I have wanted to sit and write it seems like there has been no time. 

I thought I would catch you all up on some of the crazy that has been going on here at our castle.

1. Guess who FINALLY lost his first tooth?!

2. Do you remember this post? I am so thankful I stuck it out. That I didn't quit.

I am amazed and thankful for the opportunities that have come my way since that post. I love being able to encourage other woman to exercise and get healthy. I knew I loved it but honestly I didn't know I loved it this much.

3. Guess who got his first haircut?! He didn't move the entire time! So sweet. 

4. I miss my van-- Chalk that one up as something I NEVER thought I would say. It has been in the shop for a week and seriously I find myself missing that darn thing. What has my life come to?! 

5. My little sister is pregnant with a baby boy! YAY! 

We are sooo excited I can't wait to get my hands on him!

6. I feel like Facebook should be called Fakebook. 

Maybe it's just me but lately I feel like people are so fake. I know, probably not the nicest thing I have ever said but seriously I just can't handle it.

7.  I have been wrestling with a decision on whether or not to put my sweet Cole in speech therapy. Oh Mercy-- it has been waying so heavy on my heart. For now, I am waiting but goodness I hope I am making the right decision. 

8. In a little over a month we are headed back to the beach. 

The last time we were there was two years ago. I seriously can't wait. 

9. I have been preparing all week for this man to be leaving on a jet plane for Texas. After all the planning, worrying and stress-- his work trip was cancelled. So thankful to have him home.

  

10. I am really trying to slow down. I feel like I am always in a hurry. As you can see life has me going crazy and honestly it feels so good to just sit down, sip on my coffee and take a deep breath. 

I have so missed all of you I would love to hear what has been going on in your life. So, now it's your turn.... 

This post is linked up to Top Ten Tuesday at Many Little Blessings
 Go check out some other fabulous Top Ten lists!