Around here and in heaven

As usual, things are busy around here. The beautiful weather has given us all spring fever. We went to the park this week (twice), rode bikes, lived outside. I could so deal with a constant 80 degrees. Everyday. Year round.
I am planning baby boy's first birthday bash. I cannot believe that sweet little guy is 2 weeks shy of 1. Pure craziness. He is growing so fast. Quickly leaving the baby stage. Heading full steam ahead into the toddler world. Just tonight I reached my hands down to pick him up and instead he gave me five. He is taking 4-5 steps alone trying so hard to walk like his big brothers. How do they go from teeny tiny infants to high-five-giving little kids in the blink of an eye?
The big boys are full of energy themselves. Myers' favorite thing to tell me is, "Mommy, look at me with your eyes." Whether I am doing some important (taking care of his baby brother) or not so much (playing on pinterest), Myers wants my undivided attention. It makes me giggle everytime he says it, but it also make me think. He deserves my attention. All of it as much possible. They all do. They need to know that no matter how many things I have to do, I always have time for them.
Manning is himself. Always asking questions. Big, deep, thought-provoking, mommy doesn't know the answer, questions. Just this morning he asked me, "What do we land on when we fall down in heaven?" I, of course, have absolutely no idea. He responds, "I think it is grass." Oh, yeah. You might be right. Why do you think that though? "Because no one cries there and it doesn't hurt when you fall on grass."

 "And I heard a loud voice from heaven saying, "Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and He will dwell with them, and they shall be His people. God Himself will be with them and be their God.  And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away." Revelation 21:3-4


When I think of heaven I can't help but think of my momma. She died right after my 24th birthday. She was sick for 6 1/2 years. From her diagnosis to the morning she passed away. She battled cancer one quarter of our time together. My most recent and vivid memories of her are watching her fight. Watching her struggle. Watching her suffer. And ultimately watching her die.
Therefore, it makes my heart so happy to think of her now. Whole. Healthy. No pain. No tears. I know she can't see the terrible things that happen on earth. I praise Jesus for heaven. A place of eternal joy separated from the ugliness and heartache that define our world. However, I pray that my momma can see my boys, can hear their laughter. I pray she got to hold them close before they were given to me. I pray she knows how grateful I am for her. I am the mother I am today beacause of her.