Does it look like I have it together?

I wanted to blog for a bit on the troubles of being at home, having 2 kids, and also the JOY of both as well. I know for myself it might look like we have it together by the pics on our blog and all the sweet smiles, and for the most part, we have pretty easy days. There are some down moments that I wanted to share because I know other moms experience this too. For one, let's talk about this past Sunday. Reese was just having one of those crying-fit days where nothing consoled her. Jason put a new ceiling fan in our bedroom that took a couple of hours and then helped my parents do the same thing in their home. He was out of pocket all afternoon and I was responsible for the kids. Reese cried on and off all day until 5p hit. Then she started crying and would not stop. No kidding, that girl cried until 11p. I was so exhausted and worn out (and so was she) that she slept until 6a Monday morning... and that was nice :) We did go over to my mom's around 9 while she rocked Reese and we ate dinner. Reese did stop crying for about 15 min. She does like lying on her Su-Su.
Last night, we met with some other good ole folks to talk about issues we face as christians and we do this over dinner and then a discussion. It is something Jason and I have been looking for, for a very long time. We think we have found a group that we LOVE and totally enjoy going to. We took both kids to the group and it ended up being more than we could handle. Jonas & Reese did great the first hour while we were eating, but when it came time to talk, it was another story. It was also past J's bedtime and R had started her midnight-cry, so we felt stuck in what to do besides get our stuff and head to the house. And that is what we did. It was soooo disappointing having to leave our newly founded friends and christian fellowship that we desire, but at this time, we have to put our kids' needs in front of our own.
The JOY of my sweet, dear children.

• You are reminded constantly of the love Jesus has for you just by how much you love your own little ones. Amazing! Thank you Jesus for this reminder.... I know it doesn't compare to all the love you have for us.
• My children are normally functioning with no disabilities. Our home stays a wreck with scattered toys all over the floor, but we are all very healthy.
• Jonas talks (babbles) once you put him in his crib for bedtime and it's a very sweet sound to listen to. He also dances to his night-time tunes and I love seeing his head move to the beat.
• Reese brings me peace as I watch her sleep because she does look so peaceful and at ease. Babies are precious and they are only in this stage for a short time. After she cries for a while and then falls asleep, it allows you to relax and reflect on just how much you really do love her. And that through our trials and frustrations, God continues to love us and guide us too.
• Taking Jonas to daycare is bitter-sweet. I enjoy the down-time with Reese, but miss his voice and pitter-patter feet.

I could go on & on, but children are surely a gift from the Lord and teach us to be stronger too. It seems that I have been in constant prayer the past few weeks whether Reese's eye issue(which was nothing), Jonas's whining and asking for patience, Reese's crying and wondering what causes it and asking God for strength, or asking God for endurance to sustain the duties that lie before me for the day.