rainy days.

Dear Mack & Mason,

Not for a moment would I trade the pile of muddy clothes, the soaking wet boots, or the sound of you playing and exploring the hillside and canyon below our house during a downpour for life in town.  Not for a moment.  These pictures are proof that we're right where we're meant to be.  Rain or shine.

When it rains, you usually opt to be outside.  It used to concern me a bit, thinking you would get sick or catch a cold, but as the months pass, the weather changes, a new season begins, and another year goes by, I've realized that even the stormiest of days are opportunities to "live" just like any other day is.  Why would I want to keep you from "living" or using your imaginations to the fullest extent just because of the weather, or the mess?

Thankfully, gray skies don't bring dullness to your world or to anyone else that finds themselves on an adventure with you.
You seem to have this contagious amount of joy - even when it's overcast, dreary, cold and wet. That joy is a gift from God.  A gift that whispers to your heart and soul that waiting for just the right weather or just the right time isn't what life is about.

Life is about trusting that the faith you have in each other and our washing machine is worth every stain, every hole, and every minute.  There are things unseen and unknown around every corner, but thankfully, you never hesitate to follow your heart.  You're always looking for treasure in the every-day things, while creating and using your uniqueness to make life interesting and even a bit out of control.

Life isn't meant to be controlled by you, me, your dad, or even the weather.  Life is meant to be lived knowing that Jesus has us on an adventure from the minute we wake up, to the minute we go to sleep every single day.

It's a chapter in our story that He has written out for us perfectly - with just the right setting and just the right characters.

An adventure - and a life - where joy is evident, and gratitude soaks us to the bone.

Yes, joy & gratitude - 2 key ingredients, components, and players in a life lived well.

Thank you for the muddy pants, and the soaking wet coats.

Thank you for grinning from ear to ear - nearly every day of your life.

Thank you for living your life well - with joy and gratitude for the little things- that really are big things.


With appreciation for a washing machine that works and for boys that love to explore the world God has created,

your {blessed} mom