My arms are full. It's been a long day, so a short rest on the couch seems like such a good idea. I lay down, Jim is reading. Ryan comes over and says "mommy, I want to snuggle on you." He climbs up. I put my face in his hair. He smells like dirt, sunshine and little boy sweat. It's almost narcotic. I want to bottle it.

My arms are full. My Ella. Sweet girl who I don't see all day. We miss each other. She curls in my lap and tells me her day. I lay her in her bed and just look at her and take her in. I still see her sweet, precious, baby face. It's her eyes.

My arms are full. I am cleaning the kitchen. Dirty cutlery, dishes. I got to feed my family. Jim comes up behind me and I turn. He says, "thank you." I say "for what?" His reply, "everything." Wow!

My arms are full. Ava, who is going to be three tomorrow, has fallen asleep in my arms. Her hands are curled up under her chin. She has this soft sweet smell, it is deceptive because 30 minutes ago she was having a complete meltdown. She wanted to q-tip her own ears. I held her while she screamed at me. Her hair is stuck in little strands around her face. I wipe it away from her closed, dreaming eyelids, and lay her in her bed.

My heart is full. Of gratefulness. There is roof over our heads, clothes for my family, food to nourish. We are (mostly) healthy. I am blessed with a pretty great husband and three amazing kids.

My heart is overflowing!