Things I Love

The other day Five months ago, I read my friend Ashley's blog about things she loves.  It was so beautiful, I was inspired to write my own list . (Which I did, but never posted because I didn't feel it was complete.  As I read over it today, I realized that many of the things I listed are but a distant memory- a phase my little ones were going through...  So, I decided to hit the publish button and share the list 'as is' or 'as was' as the case may be.) My heart is so full of gratitude to the Lord for the blessing of being mommy to my two little girls.  As I tucked Gracie into bed tonight, I snuggled up next to her one more time and couldn't hold back the tears.  Sometimes it hits me that way...
Girls~
I love...watching you play together.  Karis you are already so good at pretending.  Your 'mmm, mmm's' as you bring a plastic cupcake to your lips makes me smile.  Gracie, you are getting so good at hide and seek, and are teaching your sister to be a great seeker.
I love...how you both light up when Daddy comes home, and race to the staircase so that you'll be the first to be picked up. 
I love...the sparkle in your eyes when you interact with each other.  You two can cover every square inch of the living room in no time at all.  You're so busy climbing on cushions, loving on stuffed animals, and rolling around in each other's arms; it makes me a little nervous, but more happy than anything.
Gracie Beth~
I love...how you use a british accent whenever you don your princess outfits.
I love...how you whisper prayers at your every need, like when you really want Karis to stop crying and you don't know what else to do. 
I love...how you make up songs about, well, just about anything.
I love...now that you're four, you 'stike a pose' everytime we take your picture.
I love...your amazing imagination.  Your imaginary friend, Sally the brown horse with a rainbow on her tummy, and gigantic wings sounds incredible.  Ok, she's not imaginary.  She's real.  I realize that she lives in China, and that makes it hard for Mommy and Daddy to see her.
I love...when you refer to Karis as, "Hon."  You're such a wonderful, big sister. 
I love...when you talk to Daddy on the phone and ask him, "How's your morning going?"  You're such a big girl.
I love...how you wanted to give Daddy a cup of cold water, so that Jesus could have a drink.  (The night before, she was asking me questions about God.  How big is He?  Can He fit in our house?  Then, out of the blue, she asks, "Does God need a drink of water?"  I shared the scripture, If you've done it to the least of these, you've done it unto me.)
Karis Joy~
I love...how you smack your lips together, and lean in towards us because you want to give kisses.
I love...how you are so vocal.  mama, mommy, dada, daddy, yacie(Gracie), dahgg (dog), uuuuuup (up), mmeeooww, mmeeoow(moo, moo), baba (baby)
I love...how you gather up your blanket before you exit your crib in the morning.
I love...how you cuddle up in the corner of your bed, with your bottom up in the air.
I love...how you hold your stuffed animals in the crook of your arm.
I love... that you are a girl who knows what you want.  (Note- that has not changed! * big smile*)