My Sweet Ann

Sweet Ann,

This morning, I dropped you off at soccer camp. As you got out of the van, you mentioned that your stomach hurt. I knew you were just nervous and I refused to let you skip out on the first day of soccer camp.

You joined in the crowd without a problem, though you weren't too excited about the heat. I couldn't blame you. It was hot!

After I rejoined your sister and brother in the car, I watched you for a bit. At first you ran and then you started walking. Like I mentioned, it was already hot! Soon, your brother and sister began asking to leave. I obliged and slowly, very slowly, drove away as I watched you getting a sip of water.

Now, I have a confession. Even though Chris and Jane were really ready to leave, I circled the parking lot one more time. I just had to know you were okay! You see, I've never dropped a child off at soccer camp before. So, silly as it may seem, it was kinda tough for this mama to wrap her head around your independence!

As I finally pulled away, I prayed for God's protection over you. Then, I took a deep breath and looked forward to picking you up two hours later.

It was no surprise to find out after those two hours, that you had a great time! You're most looking forward to the end of the week when you get to bring water guns!

Ann, you've been a delight for me this summer. I love that you attempt conversations with me. Just today you were sitting at the table working on a craft and you started asking me questions. I can't remember exactly what the question was, but you wanted to know my favorite of some item. You do this quite often now, mimicking the conversations I've always started with you.

You've also brought to my attention this summer that you crave my undivided attention! As the oldest, I think you get tired of seeing your younger siblings getting praise for things you've done for quite a long time. I try to remind you that we once praised you for the same new achievements. I've also tried to give you extra hugs and kisses this summer and remind you how much I appreciate your helpfulness.

Legos have been your toy of choice this summer. You love your big pink tub of Legos that Uncle G gave you for Christmas. You spend a couple hours most days putting together different houses complete with accessories. I would have never guessed that you would have developed such an interest in Legos. That you have, reminds me to never let my assumptions dictate what you do!

Of course, you don't play Legos when you're at the pool. At the pool, you're a little fish! You've learned to go off the diving board this year as well as how to dive for dive sticks in the over four feet area. You're doing such a great job and you love it! You've run into friends at the pool and that's always fun for you.

Ann, in three more weeks you will start first grade. You're going to have such a wonderful time and I know you'll do great! I also know I'm really going to miss you. You're becoming such a wonderful little girl and I love you to pieces!

God Bless You, Sweet Girl.

Ice Cream on Just the Floor?

I found it funny when Ann told me she spilled a little ice cream on the floor. We both had a good laugh when she saw her face in the mirror.

We were wondering how there was any left to spill or even eat. Maybe it all slipped out through that cute front-toothless grin!

Up to No Good!

I have to admit that it made me smile when I saw Ann rush over to Chris and whisper something in his ear. I could tell by the looks on their faces that they were planning to do something naughty.

A few minutes later, I was upstairs and noticed the bathroom door was shut and I knew Ann and Chris were inside. I told Tony, "They're up to no good in there!" He opened the door and told them to come out.

They both rushed into Chris' room and started laughing. It turns out they were "experimenting" with their mouthwash. They mixed the two different kinds and even tried adding water. Chris also mentioned that he tried putting hand soap in his and he didn't like it!

The only discipline I could muster was to tell them that it was being wasteful to use the mouthwash that way. It's hard for me to be too upset when I see them having such a good time together!

It's long been a question of mine as to what makes siblings close friends. Anytime I see mine truly enjoying each other, my heart melts. It's quite hard to discipline when your heart is so soft!

What Did She Say?!

This afternoon, I was able to take my oldest daughter out shopping for a bit. This has become quite fun for me as she is starting to take an interest in her clothes, but it's still very easy for me to guide her choices. She did quite well and came away with a new dress, shirt, dance leotard, and boots. She promised once she got home she'd try on everything for me.

Ann kept her promise and we were both happy to learn that everything but the leotard fit perfectly!

Just before I tucked her in, I noticed that she had her new top out to wear in the morning. I told her that I'd like her to save it for school on Tuesday. Then, I quickly became grateful I wasn't eating or drinking when she responded to me.

"What? You want me to be hot?" She asked.

For a moment, I couldn't speak. How on earth did she know what being hot meant? And more importantly, did she want to be hot? Did she think I wanted her to be hot? What had just happened?

Finally, I was ready to reply, but before I could, Ann said, "I will be because it has a hood you know."

Oh, she meant hot as in temperature! Whew! I took a deep breath and continued to tuck her in for the night. My little girl was wearing a tiara and a princess nightgown and all was once again right with the world. And it will continue to stay that way as long as I have several more years before one of my girls wants to be hot without sweating!

That Might Be The Last Time She Gets Her Hair Done ...

At least until she's quite a bit older!


As part of a school fundraiser, Ann got a free hairdo tonight. I couldn't help but smile when she walked in the door when Tony brought her home. Yet, all night as I would look at her, I couldn't help but think I was seeing her ten years from now. Of course, she'll probably have all her teeth and won't want to wear purple princess clip-on earrings by then, but still.


And, because I'm her mom, my other thought was, "She is so beautiful!" It's been six years and two months to the day since she entered our world and I still can't get over how blessed we are with her and her siblings. And not because she's beautiful, but because God trusted us with something so precious!


I love you Ann. Now, repeat after me, "I'm only six. I'm only six...."

It's My Blog and I'll Brag If I Want To

My mom has always told me not to "toot my own own," but it's not my horn I'm going to toot.

This afternoon, my sweet kindergartner came home with her 2nd Quarter report card. She got perfect marks. In addition, she is reading at the level they want kindergartners to be at by the end of the year! We're moving onto helping her with First Grade Sight Words. Way to go girl!

Of course, I congratulated her and she said, "For what?" I just laughed and told her she was doing a great job in school.

Then again, perhaps the reason she didn't give much notice to her report card was that she finally got to bring home Henry Hippo. Henry Hippo is a stuffed hippo that each child in her class brings home for a few days during the school year. We get to write about her adventures with Henry, who she keeps calling "Hippy Hippo." So far, he's had a snack and watched a few minutes of Scooby-Doo.

Once again, congrats sweet Ann! (Toot, toot, toot!)

One Proud Mama

This is Ann dressed up for Hollywood Day at her school.

Early this evening, Tony and I headed over to Ann's school for our first parent-teacher conference. We both enjoyed learning more about what is in store this year for our favorite kindergartner.

Her teacher had so many great things to say about her progress. We were so very proud of her! In fact, the only thing she really needs to work on is not being such a perfectionist. (Noooo idea where she gets that. Ahem.)

Ann also recently wrapped up an excellent first soccer season. She had so much fun. Well, except for the getting kicked part. I can't say I blame her. A pack of four and five-year-old girls running around a field can be a bit scary. Some of them are rather high kickers. I wouldn't want to be kicked in the stomach, so I couldn't blame Ann for being a bit shy of the pack. I'm guessing in a year or two, that will wear off and she'll be right there in the midst of the action. She still loved soccer and we enjoyed watching the games.

In addition to soccer, Ann has been taking dance lessons. I love to see her twirl and leap around the house. I makes me smile. Her dance moves have also taken on a bit of an edge that makes me chuckle. I have to be careful not to laugh at her though, because I don't want to discourage her from her fun. Of course, sometimes, I join in with her. Fortunately she's still too young to realize that I'm a bit uncoordinated.

Now that I'm writing this all out, I realize Ann is a busy little girl. She's been doing Daisy Scouts and loving every minute. Most recently, they had a police officer come and explain safety tips to the girls. Ann soaked it all up. I'm just waiting for her to remind me to look both ways and not to talk to strangers!

This year is the first year we've participated in church on Wednesday nights. I'm teaching the first graders while Ann gets to attend the Kindergarten class. Sometimes the younger two go to the preschool class. They all love it. I'm so grateful for a church that we all like so much. We are blessed!

Tonight, while looking for some photos for Tony, I came across some old pictures of Ann. For a moment, my heart hurt a bit knowing that I'll never see her sweet baby face or her three-year-old self smiling at me. However, as I came upstairs and watched her with her brother and sister, I realized that I wouldn't' have her any other way. I'm so proud of the person she is becoming and I thank God for the honor of being her mama.

Ann, your daddy and I are so very proud of you. Keep up the good work and never forget who loves you most! Know He'll always be there for you while your daddy and I will do our best. We love you!

Wednesday's Schedule According to Ann

We have a dry erase board that from time to time I use to write out our day's schedule. I've noticed that my children do better when they know what to expect. This has been especially helpful on days when we have several different things planned!

Tonight, while we went about our usual evening routine (whatever that is), Ann asked if she could write on the board. I told her she could and later tonight, this is what I found:

Wisd

Sgl Ann

Sgl Chris

Jane Sad

Lizz

Her phonetic spelling makes me smile! I'm pretty sure I'm translating it right like this...

Wednesday

School Ann

School Chris

Jane Sad (Because she doesn't go to school)

Lizz (Apparently Ann doesn't know exactly how I'll spend my day!)

That girl never stops amazing me with the new things she learns. It tickles me to see her walk around so often with a notebook and pen. I have a feeling I did the same thing when I was her age.

Kindergartners are such fun!

What does Usted rhyme with?

According to my kindergartner, it rhymes with "you're dead."

A lesser known fact about me is that I was a Spanish minor in college. I figure that almost guarantees that my Spanish will be a bit better than my kiddos' Spanish, at least through their elementary years. (I hope!)

So, when Ann came home this afternoon sharing what she'd learned in Spanish class, I was happy to help her remember what the words meant.

"Hola Maestra," she said.

"Hello, Teacher," I translated. Ann then told me her teacher says, "Hola clase." (Pretty sure you don't need a translation on that one.)

The part that made me chuckle was when she kept repeating, "Usted, usted, usted."

I told her that is the formal usage of "you." She looked at me like I was crazy. I assured her that it was indeed what it meant. Tony backed me up.

Very seriously, she looked at me and said that it meant, "You're dead." I had to suppress a laugh! Apparently she's caught on that several words sound similar in Spanish and in English. Therefore, she is acting as her own translator.

Which I suppose should have me wondering why she'd want to be running around saying, "You're dead!"

Hmmm, those kiddos of mine sure keep me laughing and thinking!

It's Finally Here

As Ann walked into my room this morning, the first thing she said was, "Can you believe my first day of school is here?"

Of course, if you're a mama, you know that my immediate thought was, "No, I can't, not at all! Where did the past five years go?"

I just smiled and said, "No, I can't." Then, I sat on the edge of my bed and asked if I could hold her for a minute. She indulged me and I scooped her up. (No easy task these days. She is big!)

After a minute or two she scampered off to make her bed.

Eventually, we all headed downstairs where Tony made some peanut butter and jelly toast. I dished out some yogurt and topped it with sprinkles. All my kiddos thought that was a fantastic kick off to the school year. I figured we can only do ice cream so many mornings a year!

I did surprise Ann with our special red plate that so far has been reserved only for birthdays. I had a note on top that said, "Happy First Day of School! We love you!" I could tell she felt loved.

During breakfast I read them a picture book and a Bible story. I really hoped that would calm everyone down, but it didn't help much. They were just too excited. I finally relented and let them watch part of show after everyone was dressed and had their teeth brushed.

All five of us walked Ann to school. Ann is so blessed to have a daddy that will go to work late to be there for her special morning! (Thanks, Tony!)

Ann walked right in the front door and headed straight to her classroom. I thought it would take her a while to learn how to get there since she'd only been there once, but nope, she just walked right in and knew just where to go.

She deposited her stuff in her little locker. (Too cute!) We got pictures and then I went to hug her. She was preoccupied with her desk work, so I had to ask her to hug me. She did and when she did, I had to let go quickly because I was tearing up. So, I stood up and took a deep breath before heading out the door with the rest of my family.

It was a beautiful morning and on the walk home I didn't feel the slightest bit sad. My sweet girl is ready for this next adventure and so am I. (I think.)

Will I Remember?

As I sit here, I can't help but wonder if I'll remember...

Will I remember that right now Ann likes wearing shirts with butterflies (not live ones) on them? That she prefers cotton shorts to jeans shorts, skirts or dresses?

Will I remember that Chris prefers to wear his Toy Story and Super Man t-shirts and would really like a Bat Man t-shirt? That he likes to wear mesh shorts like his daddy has?

Will I remember that Jane insists on wearing dresses and and sparkly jelly sandals? That she likes to be called "Princess Jane."

Will I remember the details of our short visit to Chuck E. Cheese yesterday morning?

The children each got to pick out a prize and Ann was all about quantity. She chose two rings, a plastic fish and a plastic lady bug.

Chris wanted the inflatable hammer.

Jane was thrilled with a two-sided crayon. One side was purple, her favorite color.

Will I remember that Ann's favorite color is still pink?

That Chris's favorite color is simply not pink and not purple. All others are okay.

That Jane's favorite color is purple which she pronounces, "purkle."

No, I likely won't remember all these details and so I write them. I want to be able to share these little details with my children.. These little things that seem so trivial, but are the small things that are slowly revealing more and more of themselves to me and to the world.

Though I've noted that a big part of me is mourning my first child going off to school (so soon!?). The bigger part of me is excited to see what they will become.

I love those little ones right down to their seemingly silly preferences.

She's Growing Faster than I Think I Can!

A favorite book of mine as a child was There's a Monster at the End of this Book. Lovable, furry old Grover from Sesame Street spends the pages of the book begging the reader not to turn the page because he is afraid of the monster at the end of the book. Of course, the delighted reader turns each page only to discover that an embarrassed Grover is in fact the monster at the end of the book. I'm sure I laughed every bit as much as my children do each time we read that story. Since the book is so special to me, I suppose it isn't surprising today that I feel a bit like Grover.

This morning, right before Ann's dentist appointment, I discovered that one of her top teeth is loose. I did the whole mom thing and shook my head in disbelief that she could be possibly losing her third tooth when she just finished teething, or so it seems.

I felt the same way last week when she discovered Silly Bandz. Now, she proudly sports a wrist full of those and other bracelets. How did my baby get in on a fad?!

I could go on and on about the things she does that make me realize that she is getting older and bigger. There is that little fact that she is soon going to full day kindergarten.

Meanwhile, I feel like Grover wanting to "block" her way. It isn't that I'm not happy for her and excited about all she has yet to discover, it's simply that like Grover, I'm a bit scared, for both of us. Until now, I've known what she is doing almost every minute of the day and that is now about to change.

So, like Grover I've wanted to keep her from turning the next "page." Of course, the pages of life must be turned. And so, the story goes on.

Yet, a week or two ago, I felt like Grover does at the end of the story...almost embarrassed. You see, as I drove along thinking about Ann going to school, I told God that I just love her so much and can't bear the thought of the world hurting her. Though I know it will and must happen, I still don't like to think about it. After I prayed those words, I heard Him whisper, "I love her more."

I couldn't help but smile and sit up a bit straighter. Though I can't understand it, I do believe it. God loves her more than I do. I know how much I love her so I know that's a whole lot. It's hard to be too frightened when I know she'll be constantly watched over by One who loves her more than I know.

I suppose it's time to switch my mindset to another favorite story from my childhood, "I think I can, I think I can, I think I can...." I think I can be confident about my sweet girl going to school. It's going to be great!

It's Going to Happen

I haven't seen my big girl since Tuesday morning. It's Saturday afternoon and I'm anxiously waiting for her to finish the drive home with her great aunt. I've missed her presence tremendously!

The past few days without her have made her starting full-day kindergarten more of a reality. If you'd asked me two months ago how I felt about it, I would tell you how sad it makes me to think of my little girl getting so big. However, over the past few weeks I've caught her excitement.

I just love the back to school season. In fact, I just bought myself a new planner and the thought of filling it up with fun things makes me almost giddy. (Silly and maybe a bit pathetic, I know.) We've also already bought Ann's school bag. She really wanted a tote bag like her friend next door has. I attempted to get her to choose a sensible and quality back pack that would last a few years, but I had no luck. Fortunately, the bag she chose seems well made and was less than ten dollars!

The other day, I stooped and rested my chin on Ann's head. I told her that I thought I wanted to stop her from growing up and she could be a preschooler forever. She laughed and then looked at me very seriously and said, "It's going to happen." Yes, yes it is. Fortunately, she's more than ready and I'm getting there!

For now, we're going to enjoy these last few weeks of summer! Just as soon as my big girl gets home. I can't wait!

Too Many Favorite Pictures!

This picture is definitely one of my newest favorites.

Part of what I like best is that my girls were sitting together when I took the picture. (Obviously.) The point is that normally I have to ask them to sit together to get a picture like this. In this case, they were already snuggling while watching a movie.

Love it! (And them.)

Asking Her Father for Help

If my kids aren't doing something crazy, funny or just plain cute, then they are saying something crazy, funny or just plain cute. For quite a while, I've been meaning to jot down some of the things they say. Of course, by the time I make time to do just that, I've forgotten what they said! However, today was different. I knew I didn't want to forget what my daughter said.



Due to some poor planning on my part, we found ourselves south of town on an empty stretch of highway with very little gas. I was starting to get worried that we might actually run out of gas and said so out loud. After just a few minutes (during which I was praying), my five year old daughter said, unprompted, "God will help us."



After we talked for a bit I learned that she had been praying "in her mind" that God would help us make it to the gas station. A few minutes later I saw the sign that the nearest gas station was only four miles down the road. I smiled, but not just because I was pretty certain we weren't going to be stranded on the side of the road. Rather, I smiled because my daughter knew what to do in a time of need.

Watching her learn to read has been a thrill, but it's nothing compared to seeing her learn to ask her Father for help. Talk about a great day!

My Favorite Picture of the Big Kids

I took this on a recent trip to Colorado. The kids loved hiking! (Calling it hiking was a stretch, but hey, it's a start!)

We were pleasantly surprised to see how long the kids wanted to explore and take in the new sites of Colorado. (A bit different from the Midwest!)

Big Girl is Getting Bigger!

Lately, I'm learning that it really is true when they tell you the years go by so quickly. They do!

A little over a week ago, my oldest child finished up Preschool. It's been a little over eight months since she posed for this picture. It was her first day of school! She was so excited!


Here she is eight months later eating ice cream after her last day of school. I told her if she keeps looking so old, I'm going to stop taking her picture. (That was a big fat lie if I ever told one!)

Finally, here is our big girl showing off her Pre-Kindergarten certificate.

Even as I sit and look at these pictures, I can't help but smile. It's hard to be sad about time going so quickly when your heart is bursting with pride. I'm not sure why God chose me to be this girl's mama, but it's an honor!

We love you "Big Girl!"

Defining a Bad Day

My oldest daughter recently overheard me talking with a friend who was having a rough day. After we left my friend, my daughter asked me why my friend was having a bad day. I responded that mommy's sometimes have rough days.



"Kids sometimes have bad days too," said Ann.



"Oh really," I replied.



"Yes. Like when we don't get a toy we want or something like that," she explained.



I chuckled to myself as I thought about how life would be so easy if that was an adult's biggest concern.



Later, I recalled the conversation, again laughing at what Ann considered to be a bad day.



A moment later my laughter stopped and it was though someone had thrown cold water on my face. Hadn't my daughter summed up what makes a bad day? Isn't it a bad day when we don't get what we want? Doesn't that truly sum up bad days for adults as well as children?

Of course, those desires may be something that is completely understandable such as health, a job, or something more trivial such as peace and quiet while making dinner. Still, at least for me, my bad days typically involve me not getting what I want.

That daughter of mine is one smart and observant kiddo. God sure is teaching me a lot through my little ones.

Time to Lace Up

Today marked the first time I went on a walk with one of my children when I was the one who had to struggle to keep up. To be fair, Ann was riding her bike and I made the mistake of thinking I would just walk and keep up with her. That isn't easy to do when you're wearing sparkly flip flops and jeans!

As I trailed behind her, I couldn't help but think how much our ride/walk symbolized my life as a mother right now. Slowly but surely, I'm leaving the season of sippy cups and afternoon naps. (I hope that completely leaving behind afternoon naps will be very slow in coming!) Sometimes I find myself struggling to keep up.

Often, I'll be getting ready to do something for one of my children and they will have already done it. My oldest makes her bed, fills her water cup, feeds the dog, sets the table, sorts her laundry and more. Yes, I like that she does these things. After all, we've trained her to do them. However, with each new skill she learns, I'm reminded that she is ever so surely decreasing her dependence on me. Of course, that is how it is supposed to be and I have every intention of celebrating with her even if I occasionally wipe away a tear or two.

This week we will be going to her end-of-year PreK program. She is registered for Kindergarten and I know it won't be long until we're shopping for school supplies and packing her lunch for her first day of school. You see my thoughts haven't kept up with her development. In my mind she is still a three-year-old meeting her little sister for the first time as she holds her one-year-old brother's hand. She is the two-year-old who eagerly anticipated our move back to Kansas. She is the one-year-old who had a most impressive vocabulary. In my head, she is most definitely not a five-and-a-half-year-old who grows less dependent by the day.

Apparently my mind is wearing some flip flops. I suppose it's time to get myself in a running-shoe frame of mind. After all, as much as I'm going to miss these toddler/preschooler days, I sure don't want to miss any of the fun that's sure to come.

Time to lace up.

A Monday Happy

The other day, Ann wanted to take a picture with me. I obliged.

The sweet look on her face makes my Monday! Please stop by Cheryl's at Twinfatuation for more fun Monday posts!