If you hang out on Pinterest – you have seen some fun ways moms are being playful with their children on April Fools Day.
image via KateherineMariePhotography
But this is our tradition…
It’s Lexi’s Birthday –she is my little April Fool’s baby and trust me, when I was delivering her, I was feeling sorry for the day she was coming out. lol! April 1st is her day –she’s 8!
We had her party at a bowling alley –here she is with some of her cousins and daddy.
And the Grandma’s came and watched. My Grandma on the left is 90 and on the right is 93! Aren’t they beautiful!
And the other Grandma (my mom) bowled!
I wanted to get a picture of me and my two sisters…but one of the sisters {ahem} would not cooperate. Guess it’s hard to be the big sister of a blogger. lol! It’s extremely common for my family to duck out of photos when I pull out my camera –they all know where it could end up. Sometimes I reassure them, “these photos are only for my memories.” but…
–April Fools!!! :)
Here’s my oldest sis – she looks good from behind right ;) !
And my middle sister – the more cooperative one. lol! 
And the family!
Alexis was a very high energy baby and rarely wanted to sit long to be rocked once she could walk. So I remember the day we decided to move the rocking chair out of her room so we could put a brand new doll house in the rocking chair corner.
Are you are a weary mom today? This poem by Karen Kinsbury is one of my favorites titled:
Let Me Hold You Longer
(Warning: get your tissues ready!)
Long ago you came to me,
a miracle of firsts,
First smiles and teeth and baby steps
a sunbeam on the burst.
But one day you will move away
and leave to me your past
And I will be left thinking of
a lifetime of your lasts… 
to your baby lips
The last time that I lifted you
and held you on my hip.
The last night when you woke up crying,
needing to be walked,
When last you crawled up with your blanket
wanting to be rocked.
The last time when you ran to me,
still small enough to hold.
The last time that you said you’d marry
me when you grew old.
Precious, simple moments and
bright flashes from your past-
Would I have held on longer if
I’d known they were your last?
Our last adventure to the park,
your final midday nap,
The last time when you wore your favorite
faded baseball cap. 
Your last few hours of kindergarten,
those last few days of first grade,
Your last at bat in Little League,
last colored picture made.
I never said good-bye to all
your yesterdays long passed.
So what about tomorrow-
will I recognize your lasts?
The last time that you catch a frog
in that old backyard pond.
The last time that you run barefoot
across our fresh-cut lawn.
Silly, scattered images
will represent your past.
I keep on taking pictures,
never quite sure of your lasts…
The last time that I comb your hair
or stop a pillow fight.
The last time that I pray with you
and tuck you in at night.
The last time when we cuddle
with a book, just me and you
The last time you jump in our bed
and sleep between us two. 
The last piano lesson,
last vacation to the lake.
Your last few weeks of middle school,
last soccer goal you make.
I look ahead and dream of days
that haven’t come to pass.
But as I do, I sometimes miss
today’s sweet, precious lasts…
The last time that I help you with
a math or spelling test.
The last time when I shout that yes,
your room is still a mess.
The last time that you need me for
a ride from here to there.
The last time that you spend the night
with your old tattered bear.
My life keeps moving faster,
stealing precious days that pass,
I want to hold on longer-
want to recognize your lasts…
The last time that you need my help
with details of a dance.
The last time that you ask me for
advice about romance.
The last time that you talk to me
about your hopes and dreams.
The last time that you wear a jersey
for your high school team.
I’ve watched you grow and barely noticed
seasons as they pass.
If I could freeze the hands of time,
I’d hold on to your lasts.
For come some bright fall morning,
you’ll be going far away.
College life will beckon
in a brilliant sort of way.
One last hug, one last good-bye,
one quick and hurried kiss.
One last time to understand
just how much you’ll be missed.
I’ll watch you leave and think how fast
our time together passed.
Let me hold on longer,God,
to every precious last.
In the midst of fevers, spit up, diapers, dishes and homework we moms can grow weary. We can forget all the firsts and LASTS that our children are progressing through as we wish for the next season – one we dream to be easier.
Today I hold my Alexis a little closer. So proud that she’s such a sweet 8 year old and yet sad that the baby, preschool, kindergarten and 1st grade days are forever gone. She used to love Barney, the Mickey Mouse Club and Curious George but she grew up overnight last year and informed me those shows were for babies. When we walk by Gymboree (my favorite store to look for deals in) - she no longer lets me window shop…she wants more grown up clothes now. :( Lasts are passing us by. The door of the little years has slammed shut in my face. Gone forever!
Weary moms enjoy your children today! Don’t waste time wishing the little years away. Sit back. Relax.
Enjoy them because I can testify, they will not last forever.
Psalm 127:3 “Children are a gift from the LORD; they are a reward from him.”NLT
Walk with the King!
