Today

Today, I have a five-month-old baby girl who lights up when you look at her and coos when you talk to her, who offers sweet sounds as I lay her down to sleep, then turns and snuggles into the side of her bassinet.

Today, I have a rambunctious two-year-old boy who climbs to the top of the couch and yells at the top of his lungs, "MOMMMMMMMMMMM!" until he gets my attention and, "a me, a me (look at me)" then topples over onto the cushions.

Today, I have a four-year-old girl who likes to make her own peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, put her own barrettes in her hair, draw numbers her way even if it is not what mom or anyone else considers the right way, and puts herself down for a nap after lunch because she is tired.

Today, I have a six-year-old boy who snuggles with mom over a morning devotion, gets himself ready for school in a timely manner yet, needs a little reminding here and there to stay on task, and who tunes mom out very quickly if she talks too much about life lessons on the drive to school.

Today, I have a husband who sticks around a little longer in the morning so I don't have to load all four kids in the SUV to take Robby to school, and who gives me and each child a kiss on his way out the door to work.

Today, the sun is warm and the air is crisp.

Today, colors outside are changing and clouds are hovering over the mountains in the distance.

Today, nothing out of the ordinary has happened.

Yet, today - is a gift.