My little friend

Sometimes I think it's funny that one of my best friends here is in high school. However Naomi and I seem to share the same brain most of the time. And so during spring break the girls and I spent quite a bit of time at the mall searching for the perfect prom dress. You only get your senior prom once! Avery said she looked like a mermaid! And then because of my children (who were actually quite understanding and great that day) we didn't get to see the final selection before she bought it. She apologized which was funny. Her mom and sister were there too, and I'm sure I was giving my opinion a little too liberally, but we had fun.

Finally the big event arrived. She made Avery's night on Saturday when she came over in her "mermaid" dress to show off her sparkles. On a night when most people are fairly consumed with themselves, she came to see some of her favorite people. They just happen to be 1 and 4 years old. I love that! Her date was completely understanding, and even teased Avery a bit. Big bonus points for us. Thank you Naomi for loving my girls. You have no idea how much you mean to all of us. You looked absolutely gorgeous, and we love you!

Man that was quick!

I just turned away for 2 seconds... and this is what I found.

Reagan had pulled her food off the table and right into her lap. Apparently gravy makes great finger paint because she was spreading it all over her tray. What a mess... the food... and the kid. She's going to make life exciting!

I'm Ready!!!

This is what my daughter yelled as she came out of her room. We were going to run errands and I sent her to go to the bathroom and get shoes. As Josh and I tried not to laugh too uncontrollably, I quickly grabbed my camera and asked if she was missing anything. She looked down to check things out and then looked straight at me and said, "Nope. I'm good."

I can handle the black patent leather shoes, even on the wrong feet, but you MUST, MUST, MUST wear shorts!

Bittersweet

Today our lives look much different than they did yesterday morning. Yesterday I had job interview. I walked out not sure how it went... who ever knows about these things. I think interviews are a little silly. Just call references and be done. Don't ask me first what my references will say. But I digress. I walked back into my house a little meloncholy as I watched my beautiful girls laugh and play. I got a call at 3:30 offering me the job. 5th grade reading/ language arts/ social studies. Everything about the job is great... except I think they would frown upon me bringing my children. I accepted, again a little down. What a strange feeling. I know this is God answering our prayers. Josh has been on the phone with loan people all day and it's looking like things will work out so that we don't have to move twice (still praying on that one!!!). I'm glad I have a degree so that I can have a job where I don't work nights or weekends or summers and still get paid fairly well for it. I'm glad that I absolutely love teaching and that I'm pretty good at it. And yet, I am heartbroken. How will I survive not spending each day with these girls that fill my life to overflowing? Especially now that I've had that. Will they survive this? Will they still grow up and be wonderful productive adults? Will they still love God? Will they still love me? I know I should be grateful... and truly I am, but I'm sad too. So please pray for me that as things move along I can be the best working Mommy in the world. My girls deserve that and so much more.

What an honor.

After working all day today I got home to shouts of "Mommy" and a giggling toddler. What wonderful sounds. I ate a quick PB & J and then it was bath time. We made bubbles and scrubbed and then put on pj's. Then Avery said "I want to blue my hair with the blue dryer." I was suprised (this isn't a usual request) and tried to change her mind, but she would have it no other way. So off we went to Mommy's bathroom so we could "blue" her hair. She sat on the bathroom counter and we played beauty salon. She looked at all my makeup and hair stuff and stared at herself in the mirror. However, it struck me as I played with her hair. The only place she has seen a blow dryer is with me. In her sweet little girl, I want to be like my Mommy way, she wanted to "blue" her hair because that's what I do. WOW! What an honor and a priviledge that at least today my little girl wants to be like me, and that is shaping who she will become. What does she see? What will she remember? I pray daily that she sees Jesus.

Please Lord, help me to be You in her eyes. When she's all grown up, and looking back please let her know how much I love her and how much I love You, and let her love You too.

Happy Birthday Grannie!

I am a very blessed person. Yes, I do realize this even though I often complain about my circumstances - past and present. God has been very good to me despite myself. Today is my grandmother's birthday. Grannie is an amazing person, and I am so much better for having her in my life. She is married to my grandfather, who now is an amazing man, but that is in large part because of her. In May they will celebrate 60 years of marriage. She is a mother of 4 girls all 15 months apart. All are successful and still all love to be together. As a child growing up almost all of our family lived in the same town and as I look back I can't even tell where my immediate family stops and my extended family begins. I remember all of us - grandparents, parents, siblings, aunts, uncles, cousins - always together. Not just for special occasions, although those are included, but random Monday nights or Saturday afternoons. Family was just a part of life. As we got older my best cousin Janel and I would complain about having to go to "another family event", but even then we knew it was where we belonged, who we were, and ultimately those were the people that most mattered. In the center of it all was Grannie. Again, truly amazing. Grannie could send an "I love you" look across the room without ever saying anything. She could also discipline you without saying a word from 2 blocks away. I know this first hand. She could make a meal out of leftovers and no one would know. In fact she could do anything on a budget and no one would be the wiser. She is wise and loving and I am who I am in part because of her. I am proud that my oldest daughter is named for her. In fact I actually wanted Avery to be LATE so they could have the same birthday. I pray that my children get to know her better. What a blessing she has been, is, and always will be. Happy Birthday Grannie! I love you!

She's a STAR!!!

Avery had her spring performance at school this morning. As soon as she got to her spot she found her Daddy and yelled to him to "Get out the video camera". They sang "Davey Davey" and "L-O-V-E". She did a great job and we were so proud of her. I can't wait until next year when we get to watch both of them!

Busted!

Yesterday was one of those crazy days for us. All the girls had school, then Avery and I rushed to pick up Reagan so we could make it to swim lessons on time. Then we came home, got Avery changed and headed out to a birthday party. Josh met us there because he had a meeting at church. On the way home Josh stops off at Kroger to pick up his medicine so we don't arrive at the same time. The girls and I get home and try to get all the junk from school and swim and party in the house. Josh gets home, we're talking in the kitchen and suddenly he says "Where's Reagan?" We do a quick search and this is what we find in the playroom... with the lights off.

Ooh La La

Avery was feeling a little dramatic this morning. You go girl!

A Day of Firsts

Today was a day of firsts for my little Reagan-girl. This was the first day to ride facing forward in the car seat - she loved it! This was her first hair cut - she hated it. And this was her first ride on the carousel - she absolutely loved it. Often these days I blink and wonder where the last year has gone. It can't have been over a year ago that Reagan came into our lives. How can this be? It's just not possible. And yet, as her personality develops I absolutely love the person she's becoming... not just because she's mine, but because she's funny and smart and I know one day soon she's going to give Avery a run for her money, but still they are becoming best friends. Thank you God for this amazing blessing.

Two steps back

Well, we can't always walk. Sometimes we get so excited that we have to crawl really fast... right out of our pj's!

WALKING...

on sunshine... whoa oh. I'm walking on sunshine... whoa oh. I'm walking on sunshine... whoa oh. And don't it feel good!

How can it be that my precious BABY is walking?!?!?! Let the games between Reagan and Avery begin!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q-5Xgkzb-f4

There is no greater compliment...

than a compliment of your child. Josh and I met with Avery's teacher today. I must say Mrs. Blair will always hold a special place in my heart. She has been so good for Avery. She understands the way Avery ticks... which isn't always the same as everyone else. I adore Avery, but she has her quirks so not everyone appreciates her the way they should. She went through some testing with Avery and here is her funny story. During the test the conversation went something like this...

MB: Okay Avery, we're going to count.

A: What are we going to count?

MB: We're not going to count anything. We're just going to count.

A: (Looks at MB like she's lost her mind.)

MB: I'll start you off. 1...

A: (Another strange look from Avery as she slowly starts) 2...(she slowly continues) 3...4...5...6

MB: Keep going. What comes next.

A: Don't you know??????

Apparently they only got to 10, but we have all heard Avery count much higher.

Avery got many "Sometimes" on her evaluation because as Mrs. Blair says (and we've all seen) Avery only does something when she wants to. She got one "No". That was for sitting quietly at circle time. I don't think that one needs to be explained. She said she didn't like to draw, and art wasn't her favorite. She said Avery loves to read and is very strong mathematically. She was basically at or above level on everything. Then she said, and this is what thrills me to my soul, "Avery has a positive attitude. She has a good self image and a compassionate heart. I have enjoyed having her in my class." I tear up as I remember our conversation. She said that even as active and busy as she is, she always notices and is concerned for her classmates. She always wants to make sure they are ok, even if it means she misses out on something. In my Mommy mind and heart that was better than all of the other stuff put together.

Avery - never forget to care for other people. You have such a sweet heart, and I am so proud of the little girl you are becoming. I love you!!!

Redemption

It was a beautiful day... the girls were feeling better... let's go to the park. Avery and Reagan had a blast! We had a picnic dinner and then played and played. They both loved the swings and Avery could slide all day long. I think we might be forgiven.

We Survived

After an hour and a half, $50, inconclusive vision and hearing tests, a refusal for blood pressure, a blood test, an allergy test and eight (yes I did say 8) shots later, we left the doctor's office with 2 crying girls. However, they recoved quickly. Avery was promised a special lunch so she picked tacos. It's quite hard to explain to my ever-questioning 4 year old that Mommy and Daddy will protect her and yet we will hold her down and let a nurse stick a needle in her not once but four times. She was not pleased. Now both girls are sleeping off the stressful morning. Oh the bliss of knowing that all this is done for another year.

A good friend

Beth, Thank you so much for coming down this weekend and going to Avery's party. She was thrilled to have you and Sarah here and it was so good to sit and talk for hours. You are a wonderful friend and we love you dearly.

The Big Kahuna

We finally had Avery's Strawberry Shortcake party today. She's been waiting for a month now. She was starting to think it would never get here. She had a wonderful time playing at the park. Mrs. Mary's cake was completely awesome! The kids seemed to love the hats we decorated. All in all it was a huge success! Happy Birthday once again my sweet girl. We love you more than you know.

Party #2

Avery is going to think her birthday lasts for days. Yesterday at school we had a small party at lunch for her. Josh brought her McDonalds (to the envy of all the 3 year olds) and then we had ice cream for all the kids. Avery got to pass it out to all her friends and just loved being the spotlight. It was hysterical to hear. The kids were told several times during lunch to quiet down but when they got their ice cream they were all silent! Happy Birthday again Avery!

FOUR!

I am in awe that my sweet baby girl is four today. This is one of those days where you forget all the times you yell, and send to timeout and spank (even though I had to pull the car over today because she undid her car seat). I look at Avery's baby pictures and look at all she has become in the past 4 years, and I am speechless. She is such an amazing girl. She's sweet and loving and always wants to help. Of course she's headstrong and stubborn, but I'm thinking we will appreciate those qualities one day. I can't wait to see what God has planned for this beauty. Thank you God for the past 4 years. What a gift!