This morning was one of those mornings every Mom cherishes. Everyone got up without a fight. Katie got dressed without major coaxing and threatening. We actually sat at the kitchen table and had breakfast, instead of wolfing things down in the car on the way to school.

I made bacon, toast and fruit for breakfast for the girls and I. John was already off to work by this time. The girls gathered their bears - Creamy and Blueberry - and their American Girl dolls and sat at the table.

After making breakfast for the bears and the dolls in the play kitchen that resides in our real kitchen, Amanda blessed our food by singing "God Our Father". Then we sat and ate together.

I would love to have this joy every morning, but I suppose it was had it each day, it would be ordinary. These kinds of mornings are the ones that will carry me through when one or both of the girls are being rotten and trying my already thin patience.

And, they are the ones I will cherish and remember when I am an old woman wearing purple. I am reminded of Mary, and how she "collected" memories. They saw her through a time more horrendous than most Moms have to face.

Luke 2:15-19 tell us: " 15 When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, "Let's go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about."

 16 So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger.  17 When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child,  18 and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. 19 But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. " (emphasis mine)

Oh moms, seek each day to fill that treasure box in your heart and mind with the precious moments of your children. One day they may carry you through a valley.