Thursday, December 20, 2012

Our Little Middle One... growing up...



They say time flies, to savor each moment when they are young, that they'll be gone before you know it.  My little, middle one turned six last week and I can't believe where the past six years have gone.  It's tough being the middle child (or so I've heard) and then to have a December birthday on top of that (I understand...).  

So this year, we made it special.  Our girls get to have "real" parties on their first, fourth, sixth, eighth.... and we'll see from there.  I wish I were more creative, but my creative juices seem to be waning the older I get.  She did get her homemade double-decker butterfly cake and a small pajama party (no sleepovers yet, that's the eighth birthday).  Getting her haircut was the highlight though!  She has wanted her hair cut short for two years and Mommy finally agreed.  

Being in the middle of two sisters, it has given her a new sense of identity. She's still our shy, quiet (in front of others), and reserved child, but how I love her laugh!  She has the best sense of humor once you get to know her and is one of the biggest wiggle worms you'll meet.  She loves to snuggle and give hugs.  She's our adventurous one who will surprise us when we least expect it.  Often when she sees a need in others, she is quick to give whether it be a card or handmade gift from her room. 

Her birthday was on December 14, the same day that so many parents lost their precious six year olds.  It's impossible to understand why, yet still possible to trust.  Needless to say, I held her a little tighter and a little longer this past week.  When the stresses of her birthday party arose on Saturday, the thoughts were still fresh how many parents would love to be giving their sweet babies their parties.  Let me not take for granted the children He has entrusted me to care for.  How blessed I am!

Wednesday, December 12, 2012

"Happy" Holidays?


In a little less than two weeks, one of the most anticipated days in the life of a child will be here.... at least for my children.  We count down the days.  I pray that everything will be bought, sewn, and wrapped in time.  Every year I desire for a stress-free Christmas, yet I still want to do all the activities and ideas that I find on Pinterest that make me think we have to experience in order to have the "perfect" Christmas.  Once again, this "peaceful" season has been anything but full of peace.  

It amazes me how much our children sense in our tones and reactions in life.  Sophie's favorite question these days is "Mommy, you happy?"  Of course, I try to answer yes.  Sometimes, it's more like, "I'd be happier if you'd eat your supper. or I'm happy to be in the car... finally!"  But her question has really caused me to think.  I've been so busy going to Christmas functions, shopping, trying to make Christmas crafts to go along with our advent, trying to do random acts of kindness for others, in hopes that it might teach my girls something about the real meaning of Christmas.  But I'm tired...  With the warm weather and running around ragged, I've yet to sit back and enjoy the moment.  So, today... I choose to let it go.  There will still be moments of stress and times that I lose my temper, but I want to enjoy these next two weeks with my family.  I want to read for the fun of it and give to others because we truly desire to, not just because a list.  


Happy Moments of Christmas...
  • my sweet mama sewing Christmas skirts with my littlest
  • coloring or crafting 5 out of 12 days of our advent ornaments
  • bonfire & Christmas cookies
  • seeing Christmas lights as a family 
  • walking through our neighborhood with friends 
  • being blessed at the mall by someone else's random act of kindness of quarter's & masking tape on bubble gum machines
  • visiting grandparents
  • the first Christmas presents under the tree wrapped by my oldest
  • meeting neighbors over cookies




Monday, December 3, 2012

Tomorrow is another day...


Tomorrow is another day....  Praise the Lord!!  May tomorrow be spent more at home than out running errands for seven hours rather the two or three planned (in which bathroom breaks are taken at EVERY SINGLE store and sometimes more than once in a store).  May tomorrow have less arguing among sisters and more love (or least quiet glares).  May tomorrow involve a somewhat cleaner house or least the breakfast dishes washed before bedtime.  May tomorrow be more about the peace-giver and less about the presents.  Tomorrow is another day....