Reflections of an aging Momma

Tomorrow my youngest baby, Clair Vonita, turned three years old. This is just another reminder of how fast life is flying by. It seems like just yesterday David and I were in New York, single and free, with a very simple life. The past decade has been full of fantastic changes. I have truly wanted my children my entire life, I do not remember a time where I was not thinking about the family I would have one day. 

What I didn't know was how hard it would be to have a family. What I didn't understand is how hard it is to work and try to do the right things for little people you're responsible for. What I knew was that I enjoyed taking care of children and playing with them. I love playing with my kids. Unfortunately, with this busy life that I lead, work, trying to make all the right decisions, cleaning, eating, exercise, attempt at other things, I truly don't play with my kids.

I do hope they grow up, Mary will take the good things from their childhood marry them with change and the good thing they see their family in their life. David and I are doing this one way, there are many ways to do this. I was speaking to a colleague today who thought it would be a good thing to teach her son that he shouldn't marry a boy that wants to stay home and raise a family only. I have to admit I don't feel the same way. If anyone of my children choose I would admire them for it. Being with your kids, truly having the patience to teach them and raise them, is the hardest, most rewarding, most time-consuming, most filling part of life. I honestly believe this.  

Claire, thank you for being my little girl. Thank you for your smile, thank you for the challenges, thank you for your energy and your curiosity, thank you for your love letters and love of learning, and thanks for keeping me on my toes darling! I pray that I will get enjoy my children for many decades to come. And I know, during that time, Clare will continue to keep me on my toes and keep me in line. 

Tomorrow my baby turns three, Max is almost 6, and Ellie is eight and a half. I am so proud of each one of my children. I pray God enables me to help them become the people he wants for them, and me who he wants for me to be.

And on the more commercial side of things, I can't wait to watch my baby girl's eyes as she enjoys the Prezzys we have waiting for her in the family room for the morning!

Planning Clair's first real birthday party

Clair turns three in a couple weeks. I have yet to actually give her a real birthday party. The first birthday we combined with Easter. Second birthday was an afternoon at pump it up with two of her cousins. This year she really wants to celebrate. She has taken note of how much fun it is when her siblings celebrate. We were on a mission to find a good place for her party. On Friday afternoon I think we found it.

Within 60 seconds of being inside paradise of fun, Clair was in the gate shoes neatly tucked into a shelf and on our way inside one of the jumping castles. She had a blast and loved it. The place was clean, it smelled nice, it was colorful, and it just seems to work. So we are planning the party. This weekend Ellie and Clair helped me make birthday party invitations that Clair will deliver to her friends at school tomorrow. She's really excited about inviting her class friends. 

And almost 3, Claire has so much personality. She knows what she wants and she's not afraid to go make it happen. That's going to serve her well in life. She also has a sweetheart and great manners. She will tell you she loves you, she will thank you for your help. She really looks up to her big sister, and loves playing with her big brother. She's great company to anybody who spends time with her. She's really into books. And over the past month she's become quite an expert at her letters. She enjoys spotting letters telling you what she sees

Talk about letting personality shine, check this picture out which I snapped at my moms house on Easter. Claire had that dress on for Easter, and came downstairs in the green shoes the orange hat and caring the baby doll. It Just suited her perfectly. And she was back upstairs to keep playing with the big cousins. 

Rules and self assurance

Today I struggle with the values I teach the kids - to follow the rules yet stand up for yourself and others. 

There have been a couple times this year where Max and Ellie have had someone physically bothering them - touching them inappropriately or hitting them - and they have been too worried about getting in trouble to get the attention of the adult in charge to make it stop. This makes me feel sad and wonder if I've taught the kids to comply by too much, worrying too much about getting in trouble. For example Ellie didn't want to say anything because you aren't supposed to talk in the hallways and it would happen when walking in a line. 

We want them to stand up for themselves. We want them to be respectful. Teaching how to strike this balance is so hard yet so important for human beings. 

I pray for guidance and wisdom to help the kids through learning this. 

Today's approach was to seek help from the guidance counselor. David says if that doesn't work, well tell them to defend themselves. 

By Gods grace let's hope we get this right. I struggle daily with this still as an adult. Difficult conversation are just that, difficult. 

A nice visit by Grannie

Grannie came to visit us for a month this spring. It's always a welcomed change of pace. The kids really look forward to her visits, spending time with her, and getting a bit spoiled. 

Max has a very special relationship with Grannie, as do they all. She is his special comforter though. 

Grannie gives Clair and Ellie lots of extra time for art adventures. They love this!

It was pretty cold this time around and we didn't get out a lot as there was a lot of work on the house to be done. But it was eventful as any. 

Here are a couple photos. 

I had no idea she could also write the letter

We were sitting at dinner last night and Clair was looking at her kids menu word search. She asked where is the Q. I said I could find one. She quickly says, "here's a Q!"

I can't believe how fast she's learning this stuff!

Tonight at dinner she ate pizza directly off her plate. 

She's a character.

Another softball season is underway

Ellie and I started another softball season together. This is our fourth season of her playing and me coaching in one fashion or another. I think she is starting to enjoy it, most of the time. I'm starting to get the hang of coaching and finding my coach voice a little better. We have our moments on the field but I'm also getting used to how to manage her in the midst of the other girls. There's definitely an art to coaching and being able to be a good parent to your child and a good coached all the other children on the team. 

The Saturday practice and we got her and somehow the ball managed to hit the back of her head. She didn't cry, she used an ice pack for a little while, and then I told her I needed her to get back in the game and play with us. I was proud of the way that she responded and pulled in and did and played. She did all right. She's a heck of a hitter. She always sees that ball. She's getting to be a decent Littlefield her too. She's recently discovered that she might like first base just as much a second base. That only came after almost being in tears when I asked her to help me out at first base one day for a couple minutes.

Saturday after practice we stopped for an ice cream treat at McDonald's. I told her it was her treat for having a good attitude and sticking with her head and practice even after getting hurt. I love that girl, and I love when we can find time to do something together. I do worry a little bit that treats for us are always around sweets. But nonetheless it is fun to take her for a treat.  I love my Ellie!.

Proud Momma, my boy

Today when I picked Max up from Sunday school Sunday school teacher looked at me and said, "you should be really proud of the wonderful boy you are raising." I thanked her for her kind words and smiled at Max. Then I asked her what happened. She told me that Max knew when to stand up to a friend and tell them to stop doing something that wasn't right. Apparently one of his friends was using bad language and Max corrected him. I was proud of Max. He was still playing with that friend, so no doubt he did it in a subtle way. Luckily he has the subtle influence from others in the family besides me. I love that boy and I think he has the most perfect heart and wonderful loving friendly personality. He is going to be a great friend to those that welcomed him into their world.

This afternoon, much to maxes dismay really, we had an opportunity to snuggle together for a little snack. It was sweet watching his little body lay there snuggled up holding his Blankey there, taking deep breath's and being still. He is still such a little boy. I love his energy, his enthusiasm, his heart, and his smile

I took this picture of Max at the staff basketball game Friday night. He was so excited to find his teacher and sit with her. He was a perfect little angel during the second half of the game sitting safely beside her.