Clouds and Colors

Never.

In 34 years would I have ever imagined being this blessed.

I had not even a clue.

To stay a child forever, I am with these 2 by my side.

God's black and white sketches for my life ...

Unfold as vibrant hues of warmth and happiness upon MY mantle.

My first kiss as Mrs. Kenny Cobble.

The vase that was my mom's.

Books as gifts from my best friend.

A coral wall just for me.

Buttercups picked by my boys.

A family healthy and together.

Last year, I was given the best gift ever. Yes, my Eli melted my heart on so many levels. His interpretation of his family will always be etched in my mind on my 33rd year.

And at church this Sunday, he interpreted us again one year older...

(gotta love the "ELI" written with train wheels)

Eli: "Mom, I picked this one because it looks like you and your eyes sparkle like stars when you smile."

Me: MUSH.

Eli: "This is me and Case. We're good bros, aren't we, mom?"

Me: MUSH.
Eli: "And here's dad. He has some gray in his hair and wears that ring that says he's yours forever."

Me: MUSH.

And then being one year older, he was asked to draw his family too...

oh.sweet.goodness.

MUSH.

If you think for one second this is not going to be put in a frame in our home you.are.dead.wrong.

Upon closer examination of this work of art, I got tickled at each character's points of emphasis.

Me with my hair balled on top of my head and quite endowed up top, I must say.

Kenny with a belly.

Casey with red lips.

Eli with a long neck.

I just had to inquire more about these features.

Me: "E-man, tell me more about each of us in your drawing."

Eli: (looking intently at his picture) "Awwww, man, mom. I messed up! I forgot to draw Casey a neck. Everyone else has one, but I forgot his. He is just so short, it made me forget!"

Apparently, my bosom and Kenny's gut are necks after all.

Lucky Kenny.

And, I guess my birthday wish was but an interpretation in Eli's drawing of me.

Oh well, a girl can dream...

Casey, at 3 years old, drew us too.

Casey: "See me and Eli side by side, mama? We are playing together. You and daddy are watching us cause you guys are the big bosses in charge."

(I'm guessing Kenny and I are in the big block figures on the left. We are the militant parentals, you know.)

And so being born has awarded me heapfuls of blessings and more for which I am grateful.

The little mores, you ask?

Like my favorite coffee cup heaped full of whipped cream this morning...

And hoards of my favorite donuts to gobble...

The impatience of warmer weather for my favorite flowers to grow...

Bright Lights Big Color on my fingers and toes...A new spring handbag with vintage coral taffeta that was my mom's in queue...

And surprise words from my dad that have pressed in against my heart...

And like the rainbow I captured with the boys yesterday evening...

Through the clouds and rain, you can always find bursts of color...

34 years today...

"Mom, I am doing my best to make my Meghan statement."

Thank you God for all the clouds and colors.

.mac :)