Me: Levi, how did you get so smart?

Levi: I came from a smart Mom.

Later that day:

Me: I want a mini granola bar.

Levi: Is that because you are a mini Mom?

Either he loves me way more than I deserve, and thinks I'm way more awesome than I actually am (and will be very disappointed very soon), or he really wants something. Either way, I love that boy of mine, and I'm so grateful that I get to be in his life. (also, I'm grateful for how much he encourages and uplifts me.)

Me: Ugh, I hope the kitchen fairy turns up to clean this mess.

Levi: The kitchen fairy? Is that real?

Me: I guess we'll just have to wait until the morning.

Levi the next morning: The kitchen fairy came!

This might not be that extraordinary except that Levi is a true skeptic. When he was 3, he asked me if Santa Claus was real. When he found a dollar under his pillow where his tooth used to be, he told me that he knew I put the money there. But the kitchen fairy seemed plausible to him. Presents in a stocking? Had to be Mom. Money under a pillow? Definitely Mom. A clean kitchen? Fairies are the only explanation.

Have you ever felt that peace that doesn't make sense? I am content. I really don't have a reason to be. But I am. I'm having trouble explaining it without the use of cliches or christian-ese. I just know (seriously, I KNOW) that I'm making my Father proud, that Jesus is delighting in me, and that the Holy Spirit is guiding me. I'm not saying I'm perfect, or that I've got anything figured out. I'm not and I haven't. My life is full of daily trips, fumbles and confusion. I'm just saying that right now, in this tiny little breath, I have peace that actually does transcend understanding. (That's probably because my understanding is so limited, but don't let that diminish His capabilities). It's my prayer that I hear and respond to His guidance and continue to find His peace. I am loved.

Cora: I'm going to tell God I want to stay five.

Me: Why?

Cora: I don't want to grow up.

Me: There are lots of things that you can do when you grow up. Like paint your own nails.

Cora: (trying not to smile)

Me: And learn how to drive.

Cora: I like going with you.

Me: And when you get a lot older, you can have a boyfriend.

Levi: (covering his ears)

Seriously, this happened at dinner tonight. I love that Cora isn't anxious to grow up; I know one day she will be, and right now I'm savoring her innocence, sweetness and, most of all, her happiness. She is content right where she is, and I love that about her. I adore Levi's big-brother, don't-mess-with-my-baby-sister, protective nature. He is everything I would want a big brother to be: always looking out for his girls. When I pick them up from school and ask them how their day went, he always reciprocates with, "How was work?" I love that my wild man also has such a big heart. My kids are amazing.