The Loves of My Life

The Loves of My Life

Wednesday, April 29, 2009

Doing It.

So there I was....standing in my kitchen making dinner.

Not just any ole macaroni and cheese dinner.....but an actual meat & potatoes dinner with salad to boot! For those of you that know me....that doesn't happen often. 

But there I was.......in the kitchen. Paul had taken Riley out for a bike ride to a little beach near our house (yes- I know, life is hard) and Jeremiah was playing Roller Coaster Tycoon on the computer.

With excitement and juberance....my sweet Riley comes bounding through the kitchen door with a huge smile on her face.

Paul follows her in...

"Mommy, Riley has something very exciting to tell you."

With the biggest smile on her face.....she shares that she just rode her bike for the first time without training wheels.

"I did it!" 

I gave her the biggest hug I could and smiled right back at her......as I looked into her face I don't think I have ever seen her look so proud of herself.

It's taken her awhile to learn how to ride on a bike.....and I didn't even know that Paul was gonna have her try on their bike ride.  It was such a pleasant surprise.
Before Paul walked out of the kitchen he told me that as soon as she was done.....she got off her bike and jumped into his arms. (I'm weepy just remembering him tell me that).

What a beautiful moment. 
...and I missed it.

I was sad, but I was more proud than anything.

When Paul walked out of the kitchen, I couldn't hold back my tears and they slid down my face as I sliced up the tri-tip.

I was teary for many reasons......but mostly because as my daughter and husband walked out of the kitchen, where I was cooking a family dinner into the living room to share with Jeremiah the exciting news, I realized.......

 that I had done it.

that I was doing it.

I had fulfilled a dream that I wasn't sure imaginable......

I had created a family......a whole family.

Growing up with a dysfunctional family I had always wanted a daddy to teach me to ride my bike.
I wanted family dinners where we sat down and talked......or not talked.
I wanted to come home to a house where I knew my mom and dad would be there.....to celebrate with me on all occasions.

So I stood there in the kitchen with tears of joy and amazement. I am continually amazed that I have been given the blessing of a wonderful marriage and beautiful healthy children. 

I am amazed that I can give my children what I didn't have.....and it brings me so much joy.

13 comments:

aurelia said...

So sweet and awesome. I love it, Jen. I'm all teary. I too, am so thankful for our family and hope never to take our blessings for granted.

Lisa P said...

I grew up with a mom who was, like yourself, a cycle-breaker. I have so much respect for you! I have been given the gift of a whole family and still find it hard to duplicate what I've been given. But for those of you who have to take the broken pieces and create something whole--well, it's a masterpiece and I applaud your connection to Jesus that gives you the strength to do it!

Anonymous said...

Yes, you did it. I am so very proud of you because you do it with such loving grace. I love you.

Rebecca Snavely said...

What a beautiful moment and glimpse of grace -- thank you for sharing. Love you.

Stephanie said...

Aw, you made me cry! Beautiful moment. Thank for sharing.

Brazenlilly said...

Amen! God is good. This post fills me with gratitude and pride for you and your fam. Like Lisa, my precious immediate family is the result of a cycle-breaker (my dad) and I cherish those foundations. Your children will too!

eileen said...

That is beautiful! I grew up in the family I wanted to create and now I am living it with my wonderful husband and two boys! It's a wonderful thing, I thank God daily! You have truely been blessed, Jen! I am so happy for you!

Anonymous said...

Awesome. You and Paul have made a wonderful family with precious little ones who are blessed with great parents like you two! Yay!

The Unlikely Pastor's Wife said...

awww thanks my friends. Thank you for your encouraging words and for cheering me on :-)

Heidi said...

Beautiful post...

You're a very strong woman - I admire you a great deal.

nabz said...

what a beautiful story!! what a wonderful family God has created in you all! my heart has been touched with the warmness you & your family exudes! :)

Grammy said...

Yay for Riley, and yay for all of you! We rejoice in your family and are very thankful for the blessing of our extended family.

Corrina said...

Beautiful!

I tagged you on my blog if ou are interested in participating.