Mom and Madie....here we are, and we're pretty much inseparable. Madie woke up yesterday morning while I was getting ready for work. She didn't fuss or call for me like she usually does, I just heard little footsteps pitter-patting through the house, and she runs and throws her arms around me. I can't tell you how good a feeling that is!

I have wanted to be a mom pretty much all of my life...my sister and I would discuss parenting, and she'd always say she didn't really care if she got married or had children (this was when we were about twelve and fourteen). I would have gotten married at age sixteen if that had been allowed! I just wanted to hurry up and get to my "wonderful life" with a husband and kids and home of my own. God made me wait a long time for it, but it was definitely worth the wait.

I wrote this when I was lonely and very upset and wishing I had the happy marriage I wanted:

I look around at others who have gone

Beyond the door that's locked to those alone

Who haven't sealed themselves with circled bands

That flash in silent meaning on their hands.

I can't help wanting to be something more

Than just an object hidden by that door,

To share in every joy and trial you face

And know that I'm entitled to that place.

I wish that time and age could hold no weight

And love and life could not be ruled by fate.

So here I am, waiting for my cue

Which, no matter what, must come from you,

Watching scenes from those familiar places

Flash their light on other people's faces.

I wrote that when I was sixteen years old...and I wasn't married for ten more years after that. Makes me ever so thankful for my family and home. I have always wanted to be exactly what I am today...I guess God knew what He was doing.