on my heart.

i have class on monday evenings.  as much as i hate leaving the girls while they are napping in their beds, it sometimes serves as a refreshing break in the "outside world".  it also gives me a renewed vigor to return home in time to scoop them up, squeeze them tight and help tuck them in, after a flurry of books, songs and bedtime prayers.

tonight as i made my way up our front walk, i peered into our living room windows and through the lace veil of our curtain panels i spied bella sitting on the couch.  she was freshly bathed, hair wet, donning her elmo jammies and her eyes were fixed on a bible story dvd that we sometimes let her watch before bed.  i climbed up on our porch and looked more closely through the window until her eyes caught mine.  upon seeing me, her face broke out in the brightest smile, excitement of my arrival home causing her to bounce and giggle.  she was at the door before i could open it, flinging herself into my arms.

i thought to myself "these are the moments i never want to forget".  these are the moments that make the struggle worth it.  that spur me on when i'm tired, frustrated, drained and overwhelmed.

that cause my heart to feel as though it will burst i love these sweet ones so much.

i saw this photo circling around facebook tonight, and it summed up what's on my heart so perfectly.

{source}

life is fleeting.  drink in all of the moments, breathe through the hard ones, and treasure today.  being able to laugh doesn't hurt, either.

and love.  always love.