They’re here.

It's funny how it can take the forced pause from three feet of snow for me to notice what life is desperately trying to show me.

Sometime in the last bunch of years, I was given everything I have ever wanted. 

I'm not talking about the farm or even our house. I'm grateful for them, but never really saw them coming. 

I also never set out to run a business or a school, but life twisted me in that direction, and I'm crazy thankful for the opportunities.

However, I always wanted kids. Always. I regularly dreamed about them when I was younger. 

At some point, they took their places beside me- so subtly that I hadn't really realized my dreams had taken shape.

Until today.

I was walking through 8-year-old Tyler's room and tripped over some puzzle pieces. I paused to look around his room- the Lego creations, fishing trophies, Cub Scout hat. This is my son's room. The kind, gentle, soulful child I had always wanted. He's here. He's been here. He is a  dream come to life.

I continued out to the living room and noticed 6-year-old Jennie on the floor, coloring. She's here. Spunky and fun, kind and affectionate. This is my daughter. I always wanted her. 

Life gets so busy- so routine. Since the kids were born, it's been easy- logical- to focus on feedings and naps, play dates and preschool, babysitters and vegetables. Meanwhile, my dreams have come true, right in front of my eyes.

I'm not the type of mom who can honestly say "I'll never miss a moment," or "I vow to pay attention to every detail." I just know myself too well. I enjoy the heck out of my kids, but daily life gets busy and I sometimes forget to pay attention.

I'm so grateful for the snowstorm that helped me to pause and notice that in the midst of a crazy, beautiful life, my dreams have already come true.