Matthew in the Morning

The kids' bus arrives at 7:15 AM. 

John and I wake up at six so we can talk, and lately; we have used that time to read scriptures together (side note: it's been soooo much better than right before bed!) At 6:30 AM, Caity's alarm clock blares through the upstairs. Johnny stumbles his way to the bathroom and Matthew enters our room, smiling with his sleepy eyes. He is so excited to be awake, and to come squeeze between his parents. There is no doubt in his mind that we our mornings exist for this very purpose. He assembles us together so we are both cuddling him simultaneously, then he pats us one at a time saying, "Mooommyyyyy! Daaaddyyyy!" He smiles so big I think his round little cheeks are going to pop. Caity and Johnny flutter in and out as they get ready for school. John gets ready for work, while Matthew commandeers me a little longer. Sometimes his strategy involves the sweetest kisses, other times with books. He knows what speaks to me. 

By 7:00 AM, William has also sauntered into our bedroom, and is very chipper: sleep has a magical effect on that boy! He navigates his way into our bed to make sure Matthew doesn't have more access to Mom than he does. William usually curls into a tight ball in the crook of my arm, and I give him a good squeeze.

We read from the Book of Mormon as a family at 7:00 AM, say family prayers, give each other a hug, then it's a mad dash for every one to get out the door. I like that we get to pause in the chaos of mornings to breathe in the good stuff. The days we don't have time for scriptures feel a little emptier for me. Some mornings vary. I may be up exercising, or John may leave to work early. One thing I can always count on is Matthew claiming his spot in the middle of our bed, smiling like everything is right in the world.

(His angry face. It is always on the verge of giggles, and I love it.)

Also, this quote resonated with me today:

It seems that winter puts in me a weird funk, and as hard as it is navigating through it (in January particularly), it can be even more difficult pushing forward to the future.  I think I kind of lose faith in myself, however; I'm realizing that where I lack faith in myself, I can increase my faith in Heavenly Father. I'm choosing to believe today.