Unexpected

     I never dreamed I'd have the life I live.  I never knew I'd find a man who would love me for who I am, faults and all.  I never knew the All Knowing Lord would send me 5 amazing boys who would teach me far more than I'll ever teach them. I never could have thought up all the blessing that are constantly thrown my way.  I'm constantly amazed that I've been this blessed and that I have so many people surrounding me that help me be reminded every day how watchful my Heavenly Father is of me and all of us.
     I am an undeserving person.  I have the most amazing husband who just celebrated 15 years of marriage with me and we're working on a 16th year.  I can't believe that I look at him and think that he picked me out of all the rest.  I'm astounded that he would stick with me through all of the things we've gone through.  It hasn't all been easy, but loving him and the boys has been.  He is an easy man to love and a patient and giving soul.  I don't like to think about where I'd be without him.
    My boys keep me on my toes and make me have to run like crazy getting everything done, but I wouldn't trade my crazy everyday life for anything in the world.  My boys are making me learn and grow in ways I would never have thought I could.  I've been pushed over my limits so many times and really believed at the moment that I'd not be able to do it or get through it.  Then I find at the end of the moment that it was all worth it and I came through unscathed and even better for the journey and trial.  I know it sounds emotional and mushy, but I say it all with a smile on my face and thoughts of excitement when thinking about how much they've helped me grow. 
    With that in mind I've learned something my parents tried to instill in me all my growing up years.  When you think you can't, you're right.  There are NO limits.  The sky isn't the limit, there are no limits.  You CAN do whatever you want, dream or are determined enough to make happen.  I've built bridges across those chasms I was sure I'd never cross.  I've built ships to sail across oceans full of storms and was sure I'd drown at the time.  I've build hot air balloons that have helped me float above the stress of the moment and helped me get to the other side of the issue.  I look down and realize I'm still here in the calm of the storm and I'm not destroyed.  I'm alive, well and stronger because I had boys to teach me things I couldn't have learned otherwise. 
     I love telling people I'm the mother of 5 boys.  I get the most amazing responses.  I love when people tell me they knew someone with 8 boys.  There are the ones who look at me like that's the most amazing thing.  The comment that I've only heard twice, but makes me think the most is "there is a special place in heaven for people like you."  Why?  I'm not doing anything special.  I'm just here.  I'm just a mom like so many others.  The difference is I'm selfishly using my children to better myself and glean what I can from them before they fly away to have their own families. 
     Having 5 boys isn't a trial, it's a blessing that can't be described.  My crazy run, run every day life keeps me busy.  I hope I'm always this busy.  Life goes by fast, but I don't think I'd be a good person if I wasn't constantly learning and doing something.
     On the other hand, the unexpected moments of peace and calm, when the boys are listening to me read, or one climbs up for a snuggle (very rare indeed), are the most pleasant times.  Deep breaths in and a sweet boy to hold for a bit.  My life has been an unexpected miracle and I'm grateful for the crazy times as well as the unexpected joyous moments of peace that will always be a treasure.