One More Trip to Gran-Gran's

We were able to take our sweet boys, along with my parents, to my Granny's the first weekend in May. This was a special trip, as my Granny (or Gran-Gran as the boys call her) will be moving out of her home in less than two weeks. A home that my dad lived in from mid-elementary school until graduation. A home that my sister and I spent at least a week in every summer with our Granny, and considered our "beach house." A home that invokes so many memories, just by the way it SMELLS to me. Needless to say, it was very important to me that little LJ get to visit one time before she moves. (We missed out going last summer due to the clean up from the last hurricane.) The silver lining? Granny will be moving much closer to all of us, so while we will miss being in the home that holds so many memories for all of us, we will celebrate getting to spend WAY more time with Gran-Gran. :)

This is not the best picture of the four generations, but it made me laugh. So candid, and RIGHT after L popped me in the face. If you look closely, you can see frustration behind my smile. LOL!

I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE this picture! After many, many granddaughters and great-granddaughters, I can't help but think Granny is getting a kick out of these boys.

For one of the first times, we actually stayed in a hotel in Galveston (too many of us...or should I say too many crazy little one's to stay at her house now). The Hotel Galvez will celebrate it's 100th anniversary next year. See the windows boarded up? That's the 5th floor that is being completely renovated in preparation for the celebration next year. It's also the floor that's haunted. Ooooooooh......

The hotel was GORGEOUS, inside and out. This is just one spot around the front.

L's first beach trip. He decided in the end he liked it. After he learned to live with sand all over his feet.

My little beach bum. It fills my heart to see him playing and jumping waves just like I used to. This beach may not be the "best" in Texas, but it's "Granny's beach" so to me, it will always be the best.

Papa walking on the rocks with J. He is such a little explorer.

Daddy and J had a blast, again, in the water. Had to drag them out, yet again...

My two little loves on my beach. Priceless memories.

L decides he needs a break with Ghee...what a tough life!

We were able to take the boys to the Moody Gardens aquarium. We have pictures of J when he was his baby brother's age just staring at the penguins. Always a hit!

Geesh, is it difficult to get a picture of L being still!

Of course, there were sharks swimming over their heads, so I understand being distracted!

J, on the other hand, has always enjoyed smiling for the camera!

"Get in here so Mommy can take a picture!" Thanks son, but this is all we got!

Paid in Love

“Being a full-time mother is one of the highest salaried jobs... since the payment is pure love.”
-Mildred B. Vermont

Today, I was expecting sweet cards and kisses. I thought I might get breakfast made for me. I knew we would go to church and have some quality worship and family time together. And I wasn't disappointed. I got all of those things.

And then, I got more.

I had one of those moments with my 5 year old sweetheart today. One of those I'm-going-to-remember-this-moment-for-the-rest-of-my-life moments. I don't think I can even do it justice by describing it. So I'll just say it involved the most beautiful music box I've ever been given, a tender moment between my oldest son and I, where I almost felt time stand still, and some sweet words. After "the" moment, I looked down at him, and told him how much I loved being his mommy. He looked up at me with such pure sweetness, and with a bit of maturity replied, "I love being your son." My heart was bursting and I immediately thanked God for allowing me the sweet gift of motherhood.

Not to be outdone, his baby brother threw in a bit of his own tenderness and surprise for me today. He has never been one to throw his arms around our necks and squeeze us when he hugs. He does kiss us, and will hug our legs or lean in for a head bump, but usually when his daddy or I hug him, he just folds up in our arms and lets us do most of the squeezing. Not today. He was a full-on mama's boy today. Lots of BIG kisses. Lots of giggles and attention. And TONS of hugs. Real, arms around my neck, not lettin' you go hugs. It is the most amazing feeling. Ever.

Add to ALL of this my sweet husband putting together a slide show video of me with my boys, set to amazing music, and filled with beautiful quotes about how important mothers are...let's just say I feel very blessed. I love my life. I love my husband. I love my boys and am honored to be their mother. It's by far the best, most amazing thing I have ever done. I'll take a salary of being paid in hugs and kisses any day.