Thankful

Today was just a typical summer day. Started it out with a run and a workout with my hubby, how I've missed morning workouts together with him during those seven month deployments. It's always nice to get some alone time with him even though we're parents; still, it's refreshing that we have my husband's sisters to generously watch Lilly while we run. (We are in Illinois for another week staying with Rich's family while his car gets fixed, then off to our home in Virginia! I've been learning patience day by day because there's days where I just want to be back in MY home and have my own space and privacy to do things, but God is definitely teaching me patience and helping me be content no matter where he leads my family, and if it be to stay in IL for another week, so be it..)

After Lilly's nap, we (me, Rich, Lilly, and his sisters) crammed into our car and went to Borders Books. Let me tell you, I love love love being a mom, but there are some days over others where I will be watching Lilly and I'll suddenly get this overwhelming feeling of thankfulness and love for her. NOT that I don't always love her of course, but you know how it is, some days I just want to get a break and go out alone. Well while we were in Borders, I got one of these overwhelming feelings. I read a quote recently that said you will not truly understand unconditional love until you become a mother.. or parent, and it's so true. I don't know how many times I thank God for blessing us with Lilly. Sure, she's like any other almost-two year old (she'll be two in 3 weeks, can't believe it!) where she'll have her occasional bouts of disobedient behavior, but overall she is such a smart, loving, brave, generous, fun-loving, happy-go-lucky-like-her-dad, and beautiful little girl! And honestly, the older she gets the more I enjoy her because of how much she communicates and understands. Being a wife and mom has always been my number one dream in life, and I'm so thankful God let that dream come true at such a young age for me. =)