They are my sunshines...always

I recently shared my summertime mantel.  There is a lot of feeling and heart behind this decor and I wanted to share it with each of YOU today...

(our summertime mantel with my new Sunshine painting)

They are my sunshines.  When Titus was just a very little guy he would sing "You are my Sunshine".  It was the most adorable and beautiful thing I've heard.  His music grabbed my spirit, making me smile from the inside out.

No matter what

always

It didn't matter what conflict or stress was in my day, if Titus sang that song, all was well.  Those imperfectly voiced words formed from his tiny lips created lasting fulfillment in this Mama's heart.   How true these lyrics are:

 

Another painting from JumpInTheLake (I don't own this one)

 

I don't think my three beautiful boys fully realize that they are MY SUNSHINES.  Love isn't complex after all.  It is an organic, simple, pure passion beneath our skin that moves with more power than anything else.   True, raw love holds no conditions or expectations.  It is stronger than any disappointments and hurts.  The force of it conquers all roadblocks, and is always victorious. 

Unconditional


forever lasting

This is how I love my boys.  I don't choose to love them.  It isn't difficult.  I don't need to practice demonstrating love.  It is just there, always silently and majestically accompanying my spirit.   This intense passion I have for them is a treasure.  God created this great love and sent it to the world for us to enjoy.  The amazement of this emotion is unmatched in its purity.

They are my sunshines

 

I can't keep my eyes off them. Their faces are absolutely beautiful.  

 

This old favorite from a few years ago 

is framed above our fireplace, 

under the sunshine painting

I love to study Cameron's brow while he is reading a textbook and absorbing what he learns.  His brow has always furrowed right between his nose so adorably when he concentrates!   He has made this expression ever since he was a baby.  He has so much personal depth! He thrives on learning and I love to study his incredible face as he is studying his books.  He teaches me to feel deeper,  to remember my morals, and to appreciate learning.  So, I pause during the busy moments of living and quietly trace my fingers over his forehead, appreciating my oldest son and all the ways he enhances our lives.

And seeing Dakotah's captivating smile spread full across his face is a genuine delight.  His smile vibrates emotion throughout a room.  It is not only seen, but it is strongly felt.  As I smile at his smile, happiness swells within me.  He has always been extra passionate about life.  He smiles between sentences -- big, real, full smiles!  So, I pause again in the busy moments of living and cuff my hands on either side of his face, framing his smile with my hands, soaking up the love he so generously offers to the world.

I never tire of watching my little Titus.  It's all about his voice and his laugh.  He laughs with his entire body.  His shoulders scrunch together and his eyes brighten as his little row of teeth make a smile, showing the joy on his face. His sweet laugh is heard from any area of the house. He laughs over everything and makes us all laugh too. He carries no concerns, everything rolls off of him easily.    He takes nothing seriously, yet his compassion towards us never wavers.  He teaches to not bring heaviness into the day, but instead to find joy in all of our moments.  So, I pause again in the busy moments of living and scoop him into my arms while I run my finger down his nose to the tip.  He taps my nose back, gives me a long hug and runs off again. 

 So my dear little sunshines, 

thank you for making my heart laugh.  

Thank you for making me FEEL deep within.  

You each have taught me so much about this thing we call life.    

My identity wasn't lost 

when I became a Mama, 

it was completed.   

 

This post is linked to: Under the Table & Dreamin, It's a Blog Party, Think Pink Sundays LambAround, DIY Showoff,  Seasonal Sundays,  Met Monday, Making the World Cuter, A2Z Tips & Tutorials, Lettered Cottage How To, Tasty Tuesday, Tempt My Tummy, Tip Junkie, Get Your Craft On, Home Decor & Organizing, Outdoor Wednesday, Works for Me Wednesday, Blue Cricket Design, Whatever Goes Wednesday, Transformation Thursday, House of H, Tablescape Thursday, Show off Your Stuff, Strut Your Stuff, 36th Avenue,  Show and Share Day, Foodie Friday, Frugal Friday, I'm Lovin It, Tickled Pink, Friday Flair, Design Dazzle, T.G.I.F.,  Be Different Act Normal, Funky Junk Interiors, Weekend Wrap Up Jennifer Rizzo Giveaway