ups and downs

It's been an interesting week here in the Van Daele household. Some days the ups and downs are just like this crazy Indiana weather. We had a few warm days last week and were able to take the kids out to enjoy them. However, the warm days don't last long enough for them. The warm days have now turned back into cooler spring days and the kids are antsy to get back outside. You know it's really bad when Trevor goes to get every one's shoes and hollers at the door. He soon understands that it's chilly when the sliding door gets pulled open and settles for downstairs instead.
Gretchen, well, she's been quite the handful lately. I thought 4's would be easier than 3's but I don't know who I was kidding. Miss Bossy for sure. She's always making sure that Trevor is playing with a toy in the appropriate way and not stealing toys from her. Some days the mornings are great and by afternoon I'm ready for bedtime. She has outgrown "nap time" so I settle for letting her "rest" in her room with a movie. Some days I think it's more rest time for me than her.
Last week a young couple from church gave birth to a little girl whom they took home from the hospital and assumed was healthy. That all changed for them in a matter of 48 hours. Their life was turned upside down and she was taken to Riley's in Indy. She is now in the Methodist Hospital awaiting more surgery. This has hit a soft spot in our household. With this situation and another family from church losing twins about 6 months ago, we realize how very special and miraculous it is that we have 2 very safe and healthy children. Especially Miss Gretchen. There are days that are rough and there are days that are great, but we must learn to take them all in stride. Being a mother isn't easy and no one said it would but there are days that I just look at my children in amazement. It's just amazes me what they can do and how and why God put them into each of our lives. Trust me there are lots more hugs and kisses being passed out in this household lately.