Things that stir my heart...

I went over 24 hours without turning on my computer. I can hardly believe it myself! A whole day without writing on or reading other blogs.
In that time, I snapped a lot of pictures. I am learning that I can get some great pictures of my kids when I snap them individually versus trying to get more than one kid to do what I like. Basically I am learning that doing anything with them- four little ones against me, is a challenge. So, the one-on-one time or using candy as a bribe seems to be working well around here. =)
Those four smiling faces can make me look deep inside and say, 'I'm not worthy'. I still remember saying over and over again, "I'm never having kids", and now look at me. I've been blessed more than I should ever have been through them.
Music. I have loved music my whole life. My mom claims I used to sing hymns in their entirety even as young as age four- in my sleep. =) Funny. Chip never claims to hear me singing in the night these days. But, I still sing-everyday. I sing with the radio in the car. I crank cd's and belt out songs at dinner with my kids (my poor neighbors during the summer months). I sing in my head when words come to mind. I sing with my eyes open or shut. I love all sorts of music, but find inspirational songs stir my heart.
Last night, Brock and I went out on a date. Just Brock and me. It was a gorgeous night and so we headed downtown Grand Haven and took in the fresh air and sat in the second row while we watched 'Selah' in concert. From old hymns to 'God bless the broken road' to Dolly Pardon's 'Coat of many colors'...it was awesome. We had time to save our seats and grab a little something at the Dairy Treat before it all started. Nothing like letting your kid know that you love spending time with him, enjoying a Maui flurry (Hello, Coconut! What did you think I'd order?) and taking in the sights of the boats on the waterway with uplifting music touching my soul.
I didn't even miss my blog yesterday. As for my email...I see I am getting way behind in responding to some of my 'new fans'. My apologies. I have read all of the notes up til 5:00 pm tonight, and usually I try to drop a reply right back at ya. I've had some Scrapper of the Year stuff that's kept me busy the past few days as well, so that is partly why I seem to have slipped.
If you don't hear from me and you'd really like to, drop me another email in the next day or two as a reminder. That way I'll see that you really ARE a fan. =)
In the meantime, I hope that you take time in your week to think about or enjoy some of the little things in life that stir your heart. All you have to do is look around or within yourself. Surely if you stop and think about it, there is more than enough in your life to make your heart sing!