Before Dinner

It's a typical afternoon around here. We picked up Ann from preschool and headed home for a quick snack and some play time.

Now, the chaos is about to start. Chris is currently sitting on the counter sorting silverware while Ann is playing at the table. She is fixing a tea party for her dolls and saying things like, "I wish Eva (her favorite doll) had a pumpkin house." Well, of course.

As part of her tea party, Ann made invitations for her dolls. I helped her with a bit of the spelling, but then she took over and started spelling phonetically. She invited Eva, Pni (Pinky), Rabo (Rainbow), and Butrfli (Butterfly).

Now, I sit here recording her first bit of attempting to spell on her own. I grabbed her invitations and told her I just wanted to quickly write something down. (She just came back over to claim them and I can tell that she is proud that I thought it was important enough to write about what she was doing.)

Chris has now finished sorting the silverware and has joined his younger sister watching Imagination Movers.

So, I guess I better stop recording this typical before dinner moment and get back to actually making dinner. I'm thinking my family might want more than the brown rice that is simmering on the back of the stove.

These are the days!

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!

Little Man's Favorite Song (My God is So Great)

My God is so great!

So strong and so mighty.

There's nothing my God cannot do for you!

Oh, I love that little guy! He loves, loves, loves this song. We were recently doing some of the curriculum at ABC Jesus Loves Me and this song was part of the lesson. He was so excited because it's his favorite!

It's my prayer that he doesn't just like this song, but that he believes it!

It's Going to Be Alright

A few weeks ago, I called the elementary school near our house to check on Kindergarten Round-Up. I'd seen signs posted advertising the dates and other schools, but wasn't sure when I needed to take my oldest.

I was a bit surprised when they informed me that I didn't have to wait until Kindergarten Round-Up to get started with Ann's school journey. The school has what they call Pre-K Nights to help new students and parents adjust to their new school life.

That is how I ended up dragging my sweet Ann to school last night. Dragging is the right term because she had no interest in going and I had to pull out all of my parenting tricks to finally get her in the car. We made the short drive and were soon in the library with all of the other parents.

Before we made it into the library, I ran into a friend from church. I'd forgotten that her son would start school at the same time as Ann. I felt relief flood through me as I realized I'd have a friend going through the same thing at the same school!

Once we were seated in the library, it really started to hit me that my oldest would soon begin a new phase of her life. My friend asked me if I was stressed out about the new chapter in our lives. I started to answer, but my eyes began to water and I told her I probably couldn't talk about it just then. (When did I become so sappy?)

It didn't help that Ann was curled up in my lap shielding her face with her coat. She had already turned down the cookies they had offered. (This is very unusual for my sugar-holic!) I realized that she might be a bit scared and nervous. I also realized that if she felt that was next year while she was at school, I wouldn't be there to comfort her. It was then that I again almost cried.

After I asked her one more time if she'd like a cookie, she did indeed take one. Perhaps energized by the sugar, she suddenly started to act like her normal self.

Soon, the time came for her to go with the other soon-to-be kindergartners to play games in another room. She popped up off my lap and gave me her "aren't-I-cool-that-I'm-doing-this" smile. It was then I was reminded she was going to be just fine.

I spent the rest of my time learning about the social skills needed in kindergarten. A half an hour later, Ann came back to the library with the other students. She looked happy.

After meeting the principal, who I immediately liked, we walked to the car with my friend and her son. Ann played with him as my friend and I talked. Once we parted ways, I helped Ann buckle into her seat.

"Mom," she said.

"Yes," I replied.

"I think this is going to be fun," she continued.

I think she's right. I can already see God at work in the beginning of this new adventure. I won't lie and say I won't cry on the first day of school. I most certainly will, but I also have a feeling I'll be excited for what is in store for Ann.

Ann, I couldn't be more proud to be your momma! You are a true blessing and I love you dearly!

"Kisses"

Around our house, it is a big deal that only Mommy and Daddy get to kiss on the lips. If you ask the kiddos why, they'll tell you it's because we're married.

Of course, that doesn't stop them from trying to steal kisses on our lips and then yelling, "Oooh, yuck, I kissed you on your lips." (I've also been known to get in on that immature behavior from time to time. I can't help it, I just love to see my little ones laugh, even if I do give them cooties!)

So, I knew we were in for some silly moments when I passed out the Valentine treats Grandma sent in the mail. The treats were much like Ring Pops, but instead of being attached to a ring, they were attached to red plastic lips.

Before long, Ann and Chris were trying to "kiss" each other. Fortunately, I was nearby with the camera. I love this shot because it perfectly portrays the moment. Ann is laughing and encouraging the "kiss," however, she is also a bit disgusted by it. You can tell that by how she is pushing her harm against her brother. She doesn't want him to get too close!

He, of course, loves that his sister is a bit disgusted and is grabbing her to make sure she doesn't get away. That kid could write a book on how to be the stereotypical little brother! (But they do love each other dearly!)

Happy Belated Valentine's Day!

Please be sure to head over to Cheryl's at Twinfatuation to see more Makes-My-Monday posts.

A Letter to the Month of March

Dear March,

February, though technically a short month, has thus far been a very dreary month. My daughter's birthday aside, there is very little I've liked about it this year.

That said, March, if you know what is good for you, you will come both in and out like a lamb. You do know what is good for you, right?

Sincerely,

Lizz

P.S. (If you see that old groundhog, please tell him to get lost!)

Becoming Friends

If you're a parent, you know that a quiet house (while the children are home) is a mixed blessing. If the kiddos are awake and all is quiet, something is usually going on that you probably wish wasn't happening. At least this has been true in our home!

I knew something might be going on yesterday as I put my two-year-old down for her nap. My three and five-year-old were being just a bit too quiet. I did, however, take the time to relish the fact that my two oldest children had spent the past few days playing very well together. This isn't always the case, so I reminded myself that even if I found a huge mess, I should be at least grateful for their enjoyment of each other.

As I walked down the hallway to my oldest daughter's room, I was met by my two preschoolers. They were talking over each other and very excited to show me their "secret hideout."

It turned out to be their version of homemade bunk beds. Hilarious!

They were a bit disappointed when I told them this wasn't safe and there was no way they were resting like that! I told them they could have a "sleepover" if they'd like and they did. After a bit of silliness, they both took a nice nap. I know because I couldn't resist checking on them more than once! Sleeping children are so precious.

Watching my children become friends is certainly a finer thing! Be sure to stop by Amy's for more finer things.