Time with Clair Bear

Clair is a talker. She loves to be with someone and truly enjoy their company. She likes to talk about anything and everything. She truly can say the most interesting things and carry a conversation better then many adults, including her Mamma.

Today we were on our way home from piano when Max and Ellie cheered that we had no plans this evening and would be at home. Clair on the other hand groans and declares she wants to "Go run errands with you Mommy."

I decided there were some things we could do and she cheered loudly. The plan was laid, the relaxing crew will stay home and chill - that's Ellie, David and Max, while Mommy and Clair will take on Walmart to get a birthday gift and some odds and ends. Everyone is pretty much thrilled with the division of labor around here.

We went shopping.

Once in the store Clair quickly went from shopping for a gift for her friend, to eyeing up many toys on the shelf for herself. I tried to keep her focused, but it was hard. We had some sad moments and some threats of losing desert. These were always followed with a deep look in the eyes from Clair, "I'm sorry Mommy." Followed then closely by, "Can I please have the new baby doll Mommy I really want it."

We managed to exit the toy eye and while picking up some essentials - Cheerios, Laundry soap, and cat food, Clair declares with a pout, "It's no fair, you get all this stuff and I can't have one doll."

I asked Clair, "What happens if Lady Grey doesn't have any food."

She looks at me seriously and thinks, then quietly replies (disappointed), " she will get sick?"

I say dramatically, "She will not only get sick, but she will die. What happens in Clair doesn't get a new doll?"

She again thinks, and sullenly responds, "Nothing."

I use this to explain what a priority is to Clair. We have the same discussion about Laundry soap, though no one dies (except perhaps a germaphobe like me).

As we move towards the register she is sullenly moving behind me. I try to pull her out of the way so a couple of ladies can pass us. I apologies and explain she is sulking because she can't have everything she wants and we are learning about priorities today. One of the ladies smiles and tells Clair we all struggle with that all the time and it's a hard lesson to learn.

As we go through the parking lot Clair asks again will we get our snow-cones, hoping i will accept her apologies for not pleasing me. I ask her if she has learned the lesson and remembers what really upset Mommy. She explains I was upset because she was asking for a doll for herself. I was impressed she got that take away and remind her that being a friend means bringing a gift to help someone celebrate their birthday. She says with those big eyes again, "I'm sorry Mommy. . . . (pause) . . . Can we get snow balls now please?"

And of course we go get snowballs.

While we wait for the snowballs I pick her up and hold her so we can watch them be made together. She snuggles her face smushed right up against mine and tells me how much she loves me. She wraps her little hands around my head and squeezes and holds me. She is so lovely. She shows love so openly and freely. I love this girl so much and the way she makes me see the world.

When we sit down to enjoy our snowballs I tell her that I used to come to this same place and get snowballs as a kid. She finds that funny. A few minutes later she asks me "Mommy, who do you love the most - Max, Ellie, Me or Daddy?"

I laughed and told her I loved everyone in my family with my whole heart and I could not pick someone i loved the best. She agrees that is an acceptable answer; I can love everyone the best! I decide to turn the question around on her to see the response, "Max..... Ellie ..... Daddy ..... and You! I love everyone the best in my family too!"

And so it goes as we chat through snow cones, with drips of sweet sugar juice requiring immediate attention in "catching" every so often. We enjoy the sunset and the summertime treat. I enjoy watching her. I marvel at how she is growing up, holding her own cup and not spilling it, smiling, and leading a lovely conversation all the time through. She is such an awesome little person. I can't believe she is my child! I want to call her mine, but she's not mine, she is the worlds! She is Clair Bear!

Max gets glasses

I've known for a while that Max needed glasses. I've put this off because he is a young boy and glasses are a big responsibility. For several years the doctors agree to the watch and wait approach, but now, this summer, it's time to get him the glasses. He is excited. We picked out the glasses and waited a week for them to come in.

He kept asking when they would arrive. I on the other hand was not looking forward to him getting the glasses. I was not looking forward to the way they change my sweet boy's face. Glasses age a person and make a person look different to me.

When I got the call they were in I told Max they were in and we could go pick them up sometime. He asked if we could go that day. I asked him why he was so anxious to get them. His response was so innocent, sweet and pure, "Mommy, I know I can see better and I want to be able to do that. That's why I want my glasses."

Okay then, let's go get them. With that response, I couldn't delay. We took a family journey to get him his new specs! He was so excited. I loved watching him trying them on for the first time. The look in his eyes as he enjoys this new vision is really awesome. He started to have some fun with them as well. About a week later, he's now getting mostly adjusted. We have some organization with the glasses and he is happy with all the details in life he can now enjoy.  I'm happy for him too!

Love my Maxers!

PS. Max is currently obsessed with these fidget spinners. He got 4 for his birthday; 3 are broken; this is a new one I bought him as a consolation. I wonder how long this phase will last? This too shall pass.... this too shall pass.

Max is Seven!

My boy turned 7 already. What happened to that snugly, sweet little boy of mine I left home when I went to the hospital to have his baby sister 4 years ago? He's still here, but he's had to grow into an independent middle child. He's thoughtful and he loves getting attention from adults, especially Mommy and Daddy. He is creative. He builds not only Legos very well, but he also makes some pretty awesome 3 D art and other things like forts, block castles and generally anything creative he can think to do with stuff lying around the house. He loves to laugh and have a good time. He tries to make almost everything a joke. His best friend in class is John. His other best friend is across the street, Henry. He's an amazing brother to both his sisters; he would do anything for either of them. He tries hard to please his parents. He has a true heart of gold. He wouldn't hurt a sole. He's amazing. He's still my snugly sweet little boy, but he just keeps growing!

To celebrate Max's birthday we had a nice long weekend. His actually birthday was on a Friday. We enjoyed the day as a family. He got lots of presents that he wanted. He enjoyed playing with them and putting new legos together. On Saturday we had his friend party at Adventure Park. Several school buddies showed up as did some of his cousins. We spent over 3 hours there and everyone really had a great time. Max enjoyed time with each person. He was even brave enough to ride the roller coaster! What a fun day and weekend for Max!

Happy boy with a pile of presents!

MMMMMM good! and good looking too :-)

Laser Tag was the best!

Pizza Time

Letters from Church

Clair's been to church a few times the past month. Each time she writes a letter to either Daddy or Mommy. She is so proud of these letters. I took a picture of mine tonight. Her printing is really amazing for being just 4.

Her other favorite thing to do is to site and flip through the hymnal reading the pages. 

She's wise beyond her years :-)

Clair Vonita completes 3 year old preschool

Last week Clair completed her school. She loves school and would like to go every day. She was quite sick early in the week with Strep Throat; we were lucky to get her well enough to make the last day of school. She was glad to see her friends and Miss Melissa. She really loved Miss Melissa this year and I think Miss Melissa really appreciated the uniqueness's of Clair. My girl is a whirlwind. She has ideas and thoughts that are pretty advanced for her age and for some this would be too much. She's not really a conformist. She is going to do what she wants and stretch others to find a way to play too. She loves to play pretend and Miss Melissa says her stories are so elaborate for her age. I surely agree.

Her year end report card showed she has mastered all the skills. In pre-k I want her to work on being able to play with the other kids and have a good friend. She is more interested in her games and her ways then blending in with the other kids. I'm glad she's a girl who knows what she wants. I know that by the time she gets to PreK she is going to be so ready. She can read a few works and do basic math already. She writes very well and can draw elaborate people. She amazes me for a just turned 4 year old.

This summer I have a feeling we will master a bike without training wheels and swimming. She keeps growing, but still likes her Mommy to start the day snuggling her. I wonder how long that will go on. Yesterday morning she says, "I can't start my day without snuggles from Mommy." She knows all the right things to say to get what she wants. That is for sure!

A relaxing Birthday for Mommy

The kids seemed to really appreciate and enjoy celebrating their Mommy right now. They love being helpful and making me art projects, not to mention having a good reason for a few extra treats. My birthday felt like a continuation of Mother's Day.

Ellie was up early. She visited me while I was trying to wake and told me to stay in bed and rest, she would get Clair and Max up for breakfast. I did take her up on that for about 10 minutes, but it was a school day. The two girls worked well together. I only had to intervene when I was listening to them talk about bringing me breakfast in bed. That was sweat, but we didn't have time for that to happen and get them to school on time.

I had the day off work. I spent extra time snuggling Clair and reading to her in the morning. After that I had a chance to exercise to start the day off right. I then spent my mid day with my Mom. We got pedicures, had lunch, went to Starbucks and ran a few errands. I ended the afternoon with a nice massage before heading home for an evening dinner out at the local, followed by gifts and my cookie cake that I had enjoyed making myself.

The day was very relaxing. The weather was gorgeous. The kids enjoyed celebrating with me. I am a lucky 41 year old Mommy of three.You never know where life will take you when you are older. I'm glad for what I have right now.

Memorial Day Fun

On Memorial Day I hung out with the kids and David worked. We had a relaxing day. We saw the Smurfs meeting in the theater in the morning. We had lunch out and then headed home. The kids decided it would be fun to wash Big Red. So I decided to take them up on it.

The girls had fun. Max wasn't really that interested and ran away to play with the neighbor instead. Ellie and Clair tried hard to help and then continued to play in the water for about an hour after.

Clair enjoyed trying the new home made ice pops, shades and all!

It was a relaxing afternoon and I was thankful to relax with the kids and enjoy a taste of summer with their smiles.

They were not ready for school Tuesday morning. They are ready for summer schedules, summer days, and lazy mornings!