Is Your Refrigerator Running?

Then ya better go catch it!!!!!!!  Tonight I am having a slumber party with my girls and so far it has been a blast. We have eaten junk food, painted our nails, called a boy (thanks Daddy!), had a pillow fight, and Grace's personal favorite: made a few prank phone calls (to family, of course).

I had a lot of slumber parties as I was growing up, ranging from watching Dirty Dancing (gasp!) for the first time at Sarah's, to toilet papering at my own, to sneaking out at Lindsey's, to spending time with my pledge sisters the night before my sorority initiation, and I can honestly tell you that this will be the most memorable slumber party I ever attend.  I never would have guessed back then that I could have this much fun with a four year old and a five month old.

I will never forget how much Gabbi giggled when Grace and I had a pillow fight. She laughed so hard, she could hardly breathe! And then giggled all the more as we lightly tapped her with pillows! I will never forget Grace's wide eyed expression as I told her I was going to call the boy I liked and then hung up when he answered. I will never forget how Grace giggled hysterically when she called a few family members and asked them if their refrigerator was running. And, I will never ever forget when Grace told me that she wants to be just like me when she grows up!

My children are growing up so fast! I need to cherish every moment I have with them and remember to thank God for them everyday.  I can't believe that Grace will be going to full day Kindergarten next year. There are so many memories that could have been made or things I should have taken the time to do with her in the past that I took for granted or said I would do later. Two summers ago I read the book, Notes Left Behind, and it made me realize that EVERY moment, needs to be cherished. Even those times that Grace yells from her room for the hundredth time at night to put off going to bed or when she is acting silly as I try to get her dressed. Even the times that Gideon decides to be ornery all day long  or makes a huge mess during dinner. Notes Left Behind is a book of notes a six year old left her family while she was dying of brain cancer. It's a beautiful message that you will cry all the way through and really makes you value every moment with your children.

Well, I have two girls to carry upstairs and tuck into their beds (this momma is going to pass on spending the night on the hardwood floor- you can ask my pledge sisters, I left them in the main room on our floor to sleep in my own bed too!) and a boy to kiss on the forehead who is already in his bed! I'd love to hear about the wonderful memories you are making with your little ones. Good Night~Julie