PAUSE, please.

Can I please hit the pause button?

Yesterday morning just Sister and I went to breakfast. It was really special. And a surprise. We sat beside one another in our own little secret corner beside a fireplace...we talked and ate a cinnamon roll and bagel. Towards the end of our time there, she came over and SAT IN MY LAP. Do you know how precious that was??? She leaned back against me and said, "Mom, this has just been so special." Then she held my hand all the way out to the car and all the way to her classroom. I love that girl. I can't believe how precious and wonderful and grown she is!

And this morning, because it was the last day of school, I promised her breakfast in bed! Little Man accompanied.

She was delighted.

Cinnamon rolls always taste better in bed.

And then she readied herself for her last day of kindergarten. She proudly donned the outfit we made together, and then modeled for me. I was teary all morning.

Little Man wanted "in there," too.

And then we headed for school. It's so bittersweet. I want to hit the pause button. Such a sweet, sweet season of life is coming to an end. I've been reading in Ecclesiastes...there is a time for everything. It is time for this season - of Sister being in Kindergarten - to come to a close. It has been so rich. So wonderful. It's been like honeycomb to my soul.

I want to PAUSE...to take time to thoroughly enjoy everything.

On the way home I wound up beside this truck..."LONG LIVE THE HOME." I love that. I suspect they are referring to the house itself, but I loved reading it. Yes, long live the home. Long live the family!!! Long live the bonds that tie.

Life is often hard, but it is rich and it is good. God's mercies are new every morning and He is faithful, even in the seemingly insignificant and small. I give Him thanks and praise for this wonderful season of life. A season that has brought me to my knees in both total exhaustion, pleading for strength to stand again, and also in thanksgiving for His goodness and love. There is a time for everything and this has been a sweet, sweet time.

Sister, I love you with all my heart! It has been an honor and a joy to watch you grow and mature. I am so happy God gave us you! Perfect little you! You bring such joy and delight to my heart. Your imagination runs wild and you are incredibly creative! I am so thankful to God for the gift of you. I pray He will continue to draw your heart to Himself. I love you, dear one and I cannot wait to spend these long summer days with you...not to mention having you under my wing this fall as we begin our homeschooling adventure! I love you!!!