Mother's Day Tea

I just returned from Meghan's preschool Mother's Day Tea. I must first note, that there was no tea in sight. Just some yummy lemonade mixed with sprite.

I have never been so proud to be a mother. At the preschool Christmas program, Meghan would not sing even one word of any song that day. She stood the entire program, looking mad.

Yesterday, Meghan came home saying she sang on stage during practice and she was so excited!!! Her teacher was proud of her too. She told me she would sing during the program. As the music began, I wondered, "Would she actually do it?"

SHE DID!!!!!!!!!!! She sang every word of every song and with a big smile on her face. And, to top it off, she sang right to ME! I cried through the entire program! My heart felt like it would burst.

On our way home, I was telling Meghan how much I appreciated her singing to me and she replied, "You are a special mommy!" More tears followed.

I feel so blessed by my children. And, they make me feel special.

What Matters to You?

For me, friendships are high on my list of priorities. It seems so ridiculous to me that I am just now learning that not everyone places friendships near the top of their list. And, I am having to learn that it's okay. God has made everyone different for a reason. Could you imagine what the world would look like if everyone put friendships as a top priority. It could be a little scary. I recently re-evaluated what friendship means to me and asked on facebook what friendship meant to others. It was very interesting to hear people's view.

One of the most important lessons I have begun to learn is that we all have a different idea of what friendship is. I guess what it really comes down to are the different levels of friendship. Not every person I meet will be my soul mate. For someone like me, who finds a lot of my value in friendship, it's a tough thought to process. For me, friendship is time spent together and talking. Talking doesn't have to be in person, it could be over the phone, a quick email, a note on facebook. Communication is key for me.

Please don't misunderstand what I'm saying here. Everyone has their priorities. Mine are not better than yours. They are just different. I am so glad that God is teaching me this.

I love my friends and there is nothing that I wouldn't do for them. God has given me a diverse group of people in my life and they add so much to it. I hope this helps you to understand me a little better.

So, now you know what matters to me...what matters to you?

Nothing...

I needed to change my post because it's not Alyson's birthday anymore. But I really don't have anything to say. Nothing funny stands out to me to write. I have no morsel of encouragement. Many of my friends have very profound, life lessons to share. Sorry, I have none of that either.

I guess I feel sort of...speechelss. I've been thinking for days about what to write. This is what I came up with you.

Hope you have a fabulous rest of the week!!

It's Alyson's Birthday!!!!!

Today is Alyson's 9th birthday. In fact, as I write this, she really wouldn't have entered the world yet. Here is what I remember from that day.

Alyson was born April 24, 2001. It was a Tuesday. The Friday before, I had an ultrasound (still not sure why they scheduled one, they had not given any reason), where the tech asked me if I knew the baby was breach? I said, "No!" and began to worry as any new mom who had never been through this would do.

The doctor checked me and said, "Yep! That's definitely a butt. I can see why they thought it would be the head, but it's definitely a butt." Funny now, then, not so much. So, my options were to try and turn her (I was full term and this was not recommended) or to schedule a c-section. We opted for the c-section, although, this was really the last thing I wanted. Then we prayed for 3 days, that she would not arrive on her own. I really didn't want to go through an emergency c-section.

On Tuesday, we woke up at 5:30 to get ready to go to the hospital and meet our baby. We didn't know at the time if we were having a boy or a girl. I was so nervous and scared and excited. Such a weird combination of feelings. So, the doctors and nurses prepared me for surgery. They were able to start early and at 9:08, my beautiful daughter entered the world, all 8 lbs. 2 oz. She was my smallest baby of all 4 girls!

Being that Alyson was my first full term pregnancy, I had nothing to compare it with. After my pregnancy with Kelli, I realized how different Alyson's movements were. I realized that I only felt her movement right under my left rib cage. I though that was normal. Turns out, she was basically folded in half, with her feet by her head! Had I gone into labor before having that ultrasound, she would've tried to enter the world behind first! I can't imagine that would be a good thing. God's hand was definitely all over that situation.

Alyson loves people and it doesn't matter what the age is. She befriends children and adults alike! She has a way of making those connections so easily. Over the last couple of weeks, I have noticed a change in my daughter. She has definitely matured and is handling the tough, disappointments in life with grace and understanding. It is wonderful to watch her grow into a young lady, who is learning what it means to live for God. I am excited to see what God is doing in her already and look forward to all that He's going to do in the future.


Happy Birthday, Alyson! I love you!

Whistle

A few days ago, Hanna was whistling. I didn't know she could do that! She's 3 by the way. I asked her where she learned to do that and she said papa taught her.

So, I told her to go show daddy. She ran off to show him and was unsuccessful. She came running back to me in tears and declared, "I ran out of whistles!" I laughed, she cried some more, I consoled, she tried again, and what do you know! She found more whistles and was able to show daddy!

On a side note, last night I asked my dad if he taught her how to whistle and he said no. So, where did she pick it up? Your guess is as good as mine.

Some days are just like that

Ever have one of those days when you just feel like you've been through the wringer? For me, it's been a day full of some highs and lows. Thank goodness it was mostly highs. Tonight, we celebrated Erik's birthday again and added Alyson's birthday, with my parents. The kids were loud and rambunctious, but we had fun anyway!!!

I do have to say, that even though today had it's rough moments, my girls definitely brightened my day. Hanna and her one liners kept me laughing all day. And, Alyson's sweet smile and attitude lifted my spirits.

So, all I can say is that, when you've had "one of those days," repeat after me...Some days are just like that!

It's Erik's Birthday!

By the time most people see this, it will be Erik's birthday! Now, he may not be as excited as I am, but who cares. I love to celebrate people's birthdays! I love for people to feel special, because, well, they are! So as a tribute to my man, here's what I love about him:

Erik, first and foremost, is a man of God. Everything he does, is for God' glory. He is a spiritual leader in our family and desires to be right where God wants him. Through every trial, Erik has been my rock. His trust in the Lord is truly authentic and when he's struggling, he is honest about it.

Erik is the hardest, working man I've ever met. He puts everything he has into any job he ever does. Even folding laundry! Do you remember those days at Bethany, Erik? He just doesn't give up on anything.

Erik is one awesome dad! People used to tell us we would have beautiful kids and they were right! Erik loves those girls and adores them beyond words. I love watching him when he is watching and interacting with the kids.

Erik is my sidekick and my extra set of hands. He is always willing to help with things around the house. He is one of the funniest guys I know and he makes me laugh all the time.

He's not afraid to kick the cat off the bed so he can be comfortable. This is something I have not mastered and probably never will. And, Erik loves me despite the stupid things I do.

Erik is my forever guy! I know with him, that I will always have someone to come home to. He sure puts up with a lot from me.

I love you Erik and I hope you truly know that. You are my best friend. Have a happy birthday!