tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-42723840532565484462024-03-13T18:06:03.035-07:00Gerber to GourmetAND THE ROAD IN BETWEENAnnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11738177334283473835noreply@blogger.comBlogger169125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4272384053256548446.post-87871349037334597552015-07-01T09:19:00.001-07:002015-07-01T09:31:56.204-07:00Living Large: Celebrating 40 Years of a Humble Servant Leader....<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Didn't we just meet? You 21...me 18....fresh and new on our journey as adults. That was yesterday. Today is almost 20 years later. Here we sit on the peak of that distant mountain that seemed forever away looking towards the new peaks and adventures of a maturing family and future milestones.....looking back at the path winding up to this time - fresh, youthful hopes and dreams - of marriage and careers. Of children and adventures.<br />
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Somehow, I stumbled into you, the enlisted sailor from a small town who wanted to be a fireman. The man I was never going to marry, at least said my all knowing teenage self. I was going to marry a college bound career oriented man, never a man wearing faded Wranglers and old cowboy boots with no plans for college. <br />
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Yet, then I met you - that intensely handsome face and gentle demeanor with a kindness that spoke somehow to that deeper part of my soul.....the part that knows beneath it all what really matters. I decided then that kindness was more important than careers and ambition. Little did I know.<br />
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What it took me a while to understand, as I peeled back layer after layer of my own foolish pride and youthful arrogance, is that I had discovered one of the wisest and most honorable men I would ever know......a rare and beautiful gem. Even back then, your gentleness, your patience, your dedication to what was right and honorable and true quickly became evident.<br />
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Slowly, I began to step aside from my own fiery path of personal ambition and watch you. I watched how people followed you, how they deferred to you. I watched your humility and your courage. I began to perceive your wisdom, strength and honor..... I began to see you for what you are: a humble, servant leader. <br />
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People follow you, Jason. Not because you are loud and insist on your way, but because your words are wise and your manner is gentle. Your way is encouragement. You come alongside....building up....deferring always the best to others...and stepping in as a father with a child at the moment you perceive it is needed, even in the manliest of men. Yet you take not an ounce of their dignity, rather you hold it up for them....allowing them to step on your shoulders.<br />
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You are generous, giving in secret - never letting your right hand know what your left is doing. There is no boasting or arrogance. <br />
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Life is large for you. A big adventure. You don't shrink back in fear but plow forth in courage. You work hard and play hard.<br />
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Somewhere in all of this, by God's grace to me despite my own foolish, youthful arrogance, I became your wife and the mother of your four beautiful children. And somehow, some way, we've passed nearly 19 years together already. <br />
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40. Some cringe at this number, this decade. Jason, for you, I perceive it to be a crown of glory....the entrance into another decade of God's faithful provision. You enter this middle stage of life with the strength, wisdom, and grace that many never achieve in all their years of living, and you are loved, honored and respected by all who know you. If this is 40, how magnificent will the future decades be for you?.....a true culmination of God's intention for humankind......a shining reflection of God's love and an illustration of Christ's example to us all.<br />
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Our children have a rare gift in having you as a father. And I am humbled beyond words to be your partner and best friend. Jason, you are amazing. <br />
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So, happy birthday, my love. May this day for you be as a fresh, new beginning into the next decade of adventure and living, of growing in wisdom, knowledge and strength as you run the race that God has set before you. <br />
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<i><span style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #001320; font-family: Trebuchet, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px; text-align: justify;">"Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but </span><span style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #001320; font-family: Trebuchet, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px; text-align: justify;">only</span><span style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #001320; font-family: Trebuchet, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px; text-align: justify;"> one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may win. </span><span style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #001320; font-family: Trebuchet, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px; text-align: justify;">Everyone who competes in the games exercises self-control in all things. They then </span><span style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #001320; font-family: Trebuchet, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px; text-align: justify;">do it</span><span style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #001320; font-family: Trebuchet, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px; text-align: justify;"> to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable. </span><span style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #001320; font-family: Trebuchet, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px; text-align: justify;">Therefore I run in such a way, as not without aim; I box in such a way, as not beating the air; </span><span style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #001320; font-family: Trebuchet, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px; text-align: justify;">but I discipline my body and make it my slave, so that, after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified."</span></i><br />
<span style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #001320; font-family: Trebuchet, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px; text-align: justify;"><i>I Corinthians 9:24-27</i></span><br />
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<span style="color: #001320; font-family: Trebuchet, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: #fdfeff; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"><i>"Blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked or stand in the way of sinners or sit in the seat of mockers. But his delight is in the law of the LORD, and on his law he meditates day and night. He is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither. Whatever he does he prospers.......For the LORD watches over the way of the righteous."</i></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #001320; font-family: Trebuchet, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: #fdfeff; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"><i>Psalm 1: 1-3, 6</i></span></span></div>
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Annhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11738177334283473835noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4272384053256548446.post-61078748534315042632014-08-22T09:40:00.000-07:002014-08-22T09:47:58.286-07:00late summer musings<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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The stirring is within me again. Perhaps it is the late summer mornings, so similar to fall, yet without the color or enduring chill. They cause me to both look back on the current season and look forward toward that which comes soon. My itch to write, though it has been there all these long months, has lain dormant. The writing happens in my head and in my heart. Yet, busy schedules, technology troubles, sleepy mornings, lazy evenings, and a certain lack of ability to focus, or "mental spinning" that comes with the parenting of young children, has prevented me from settling down to simply express my thoughts in tranquility.<br />
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I wonder of this - how many blog posts will remain forever in my mind.....in my heart, never to be known by anyone? Perhaps someday I will strike at some of them I have wanted to share. I will reach into the recesses of the deep and share. Share with whom, you ask? This is always an interesting thought. Who, exactly, am I writing to? I'm not even sure I quite understand this myself. Many have thanked me for sharing my thoughts publicly, a humbling reflection to be sure. As I am not necessarily writing for the purpose of climbing up on a soap box, it is somewhat embarrassing to then post to social media, or an email group, these thoughts of my inmost being. Yet, I am frequently prompted to by that same inner voice that guides me in the big decisions of life....the voice of the One who knit me together in my mother's womb, and who is also well aware of the purposes for which He made me. I suppose He knows if I am to write and when I am to share.<br />
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So back to the "for whom" do I write. In my own heart, I always hope that my words will provide a light to my children and grandchildren. Though they may not find help or wisdom in my thoughts just yet, perhaps some year far from now, they will be walking along the same well trodden path as I, not knowing that they are not alone. Thinking, perhaps, that they are blazing a trail that has never yet been traversed. Yet, truly, it is only overgrowth that they are cutting back. I, too, have traveled that trail.....and many unknowns before me.<br />
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Lately, I have become awakened to a new dimension of my late Grandmother's life. My Grandma Blickenstaff passed away when I was sixteen years old. I had a good stretch of knowing her, and I am grateful for that. Yet, I knew her as a Grandma......a kind little old lady who was my Grandma. Being born when she was eighty, and having lost her before I had the chance to experience life as an adult, I missed the chance to really know who she was. She was so much more than an old lady. And, it's not that her life wasn't still vibrant and active as such....I just couldn't perceive it.<br />
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This summer, I began researching our ancestry. In the process, I dug into the cardboard box of forgotten old photos, unorganized and dumped in moments of convenience over time. What I discovered as I looked through those pictures was a treasure. I brought them out at family reunion and was transported back in time as I heard the stories of various people in the photo, told to me by the remnants of that elder generation, the nieces and nephews of my own grandmother. I learned of her siblings and their stories. The stories and lives they lived during the time they were my age. Looking into their faces was like looking into my own. Time seemed irrelevant. I heard of their love stories, their losses, their great blessings, and their family. I began to see the beauty of a family with fourteen children that year after year came together to reunite siblings and cousins. And we still do. How many years has it been since those early reunions back in North Dakota? Seventy? Eighty? Ninety? My own grandmother would be one hundred and seventeen years old, were she alive today. And still, our family comes together each year.....the off spring of a great generation. Will my generation know the importance of this? Will we continue to gather as family? Do we know each other well enough to care?<br />
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I began to see my Grandma B for the woman she was: I saw a courageous pioneer who went to nursing school in a time when women immediately married and stayed in the home. I saw a woman who loved photography and captured many adventures with friends, traveling, hiking, and seeing the great United States around her. I saw a fashionable socialite, but only in the best sense of the term. I saw a committed friend. I saw a daring adventurer who moved to the wilds of Alaska to work as a nurse in an orphanage and was the only medical provider in the Eskimo village. I saw a woman who met the love of her life on this grand adventure, my grandfather. I saw a handsome young couple, who now knowing the type of individuals they were made me respect them all the more. I saw a first time mother who kept three baby books for her first born, who recorded every bite he ate and every trip outside the home (Is that unlike any first time mom?) I saw their growing family through the years. I saw their dreams, both fulfilled and those set aside. I met a woman who had deep, lasting friendships....and I saw her friend's children.....and I saw them grow up. I saw the great depression and a failing farm....a family who started a nursing home in their own living space to make ends meet. I learned of the heartache of a troubled home life of a mentally challenged first son and the pains his siblings had to endure....something his parents surely never imagined when their sweet baby was born. I saw the lined faces of stress, anxiety, and premature aging. Yet, lines of laughter and joy were there too, for beneath the mask of the other - the joy and kindness could not be erased, though it may have been silenced for a season. I saw the smiles of vacation, of picnics, of pets, of meals around the table. I saw laughter. I met the faces of my grandparents as they gazed at each other with a deep connection that I share with my own husband. I saw love. I saw beauty. I saw LIFE.<br />
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And these were all things I stitched together from pictures, from baby books, and from the stories of others. And, so I wonder. Will my words help others to know me? Will they look into my eyes from pictures yet know my heart from my own words? I would have loved to have heard the heart of my Grandma B. I would have loved her thoughts on life, heard the voice of her struggles. I would have loved to have heard the result and the lessons she learned along the way, the wisdom gained. When she was alive, I wasn't wise or seasoned enough to have listened and understood, even had she told me the stories in person. I didn't know to ask, nor did I have the maturity to truly hear. <br />
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As I gazed into the eyes of my Grandmother, I saw myself. I look a lot like my Grandmother in my adult years. Now, I am no longer ashamed of that as I was as a youth. Somehow in those early teen years, that comment made me angry. "I don't want to look like my Grandma!" I'd think. Yet, now, it is a badge I wear with pride. To be compared with such a great woman is an honor. I've never once heard someone say anything other than kind things about what an amazing Grandmother I had. I guess, even years past her death, I am getting to know my Grandmother. I am seeing her life in hindsight, knowing the end and the results of things as the face in the picture as of that moment did not know. Their life together, their years, their struggles, their joys, they are but a memory now. The only piece of them that lives on is their legacy, their children, and their pictures and memories.Yet, I am part of this next chapter of the story they began!<br />
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These words may sound melancholy. The length of life is but a breath. Yet, it is real and enduring while we live it. And so I go, off to embrace the day, to soak it in! Carpe diem!<br />
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<br />Annhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11738177334283473835noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4272384053256548446.post-10316094800248108202014-07-16T08:54:00.003-07:002014-07-16T08:54:31.330-07:00the words of my heart and how my perfectionism keeps them in...It's been a while since I have written. Really it has. A couple of years now, really, since I have sat down to capture more than just the monthly changes of Gracie or a few thoughts here and there. And, I ask myself....."Why is that?" Easily one could say, "Well, it's time, of course! You're a busy mother of four small children!" I tell myself that occasionally. <br />
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There is another reason though that haunts me. I'm a perfectionist. While it's wonderfully freeing to me to pour out my heart's thoughts in words, there's a part of me that can't let go of making sure I've captured every last one of the details. For whom? I don't even know! For me, perhaps? In the future so that I don't forget a single moment or joy of life?<br />
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Say, for instance, Gracie's two year old blog. I just posted that last week, eight months past her birthday - well headed towards age three. At the time I didn't post it, I was needing to find the "perfect picture" of Grace, oh, and add a few more details I didn't want to forget. So, here it is July, and I forced myself to post without those bits of perfection. I believe I still need to post Caleb's five year old blog. Can't remember if I did that one, but I hesitated for the same reasons. He'll be nine in the fall.<br />
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My obsession in those things, however, lead to me not blogging about anything......missing scores of details and memories I would have liked to have jotted down for future smiles, well, because I hadn't finished what I was working on. And do I need them all? No! But a few funny stories now and then would be nice. Or even just an ability to speak my heart, captured for future reflections, or for the generation ahead as they work through similar struggles in the future. Words of wisdom for the way. A light ahead, perhaps?<br />
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Now, truly. Must I capture all of the details of life? All of the memories? The precious moments? What if I don't ever capture how Gracie says "nah-er one" for "another one" (phew - captured that one!)? What of the stages of my three other precious children that I missed while focusing on capturing a month by month picture of the first two years for Gracie, so that I could always remember what the first two years of having a precious little one were like? Am I focusing on the wrong thing? What is it about me that can't live and enjoy the moments as they come, then let go and move on to live and enjoy the next? <br />
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There's a balance that's to be had in this whole experience called life. My first year of homeschooling taught me much about that. A story for another day. However, I was really forced to look at myself, my faults, and my internal motivations. It made me ask the question: "Why do I ask what I do of myself and others? Is what I'm asking of them (or myself) really important or even necessary? MUST a child, for instance, finish all 26 letter projects from Kindergarten just to have them for the year end notebook? Even if he already knows them? What goal does that meet other than perpetuating perfectionism. I'm certainly a proponent of doing your best and finishing what you started, but sometimes, we cut our losses and move on. Not EVERY hill is worth dying upon, or even fighting for. <br />
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I'm still learning. I have a long ways to go. I am encouraged, however, that I do see a light - even if it's a ways in the distance. <br />
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I am reminded: "The steadfast love of the LORD never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness." Lamentations 3:22-23<br />
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<br />Annhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11738177334283473835noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4272384053256548446.post-35993048237259135772014-07-10T08:58:00.000-07:002014-07-10T08:58:12.170-07:00Little Time LapsesThree days ago, Gracie became extremely articulate. Don't get the idea that she hasn't been verbose.<br />
She has been. Since birth.<br />
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However, if I've noticed anything over the course of my parenting toddlers, it's that new developments often happen quite suddenly....as in....one minute they don't do something - the next minute they do, with gusto.<br />
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So, I picked Gracie up, and with great expression and many words, she told me all about her troubles. I stood there, holding her, and thinking...."It just happened again. Before my very eyes. Wow."<br />
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Later that day, and increasingly again, I heard her again and again explaining herself to people. Childhood is simply amazing. I'm so blessed to be a mom.Annhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11738177334283473835noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4272384053256548446.post-66820732284487167512014-07-10T08:13:00.002-07:002014-07-10T08:13:56.537-07:00Gracie: 2 years and change.....Exuberance defined...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Sweet Gracie. You are nearly 2 months past your 2nd birthday. And, wow - have you changed!!! Since your second birthday, your words have been tumbling forth at an ever increasing rate. Now you are forming complete thoughts, pretending, engaging, and.....of course, not to be missed my many a 2 year old, throwing tantrums as a point of holding firm on your position. And hold firm you do! <br />
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You are exuberance defined. You bubble. You giggle. You belly laugh. You dimple. You smile. You rage (but not mostly). You entertain. You cuddle. You love. You create. <br />
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You are everything we could have hoped for, and more than we ever dreamed for our 4th and final child. You bring us all together in peals of laughter...much to your delight. <br />
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And, did I mention how you are? Oh, yes. You are quite busy. For all of the things you are, there are equally as many as you do......<br />
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- Coloring on yourself (and objects such as your clothing, furniture, walls, and floors....frequently<br />
- Playing in the toilet<br />
- Carrying the dog dish FULL of water....and spilling it<br />
- Opening the refrigerator and helping yourself to anything messy....<br />
- Eating sugar by the handful, straight from the container<br />
- Eating whole packs of gum (by spitting each piece out after a couple of chews)<br />
- Carrying tangerines to the garbage, one by one, and tossing them in<br />
- Eating chap stick<br />
- Swallowing pennies <br />
- Wearing Mama's makeup<br />
- Pushing around carts full of dollies<br />
- Playing in your kitchen and bringing me things to "eat" and "drink"<br />
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And all of the words<br />
- Going potty "Bee Guhl" (Big Girl), and telling Mama to "Sit down!" as I wait for you. (And this sometimes is a fruitful exercise, and sometimes it is simply to angle for a piece of chocolate (your reward), I'm sure....<br />
- Scawy Monstoh coming!!!<br />
- Oh! [insert any word]??? (This is the cutest thing ever! Every word is preceded by an "Oh!" when you are repeating something back to us. <br />
- Sometimes you just confirm something to yourself in a very resolute voice. "Oh! Papa coming?" "Yes, Gracie - Papa is coming home soon." "Oh. Papa coming home soon." <br />
- "No! Me do it!" (This is very popular at present. :-)<br />
- Couds (clouds)<br />
- Singing, singing, singing.....especially Jesus Loves Me...<br />
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<br />Annhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11738177334283473835noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4272384053256548446.post-35969639900768385832013-10-08T17:07:00.001-07:002013-10-08T18:11:24.280-07:0020/21/22 Months: Gracie's into EVERYTHING!!!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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What a blessing you are, my love! Papa commented just the other day that this is the age for each of our children that has been tremendously fun....somewhere between 20 and 22 months it begins. <br />
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Oh yeah. And you're into everything. EVERYTHING. Wipe and Tissue boxes, baby powders and creams, lotion, shampoo, toilets, garbage cans, dog poop, litter boxes, soap (thankfully, after all of those), laundry, drawers of clean and folded clothes (you like to wear several of Sissy's shirts as pants), the refrigerator, kitchen drawers, school supplies (you draw on everything around you - especially your face and hands).....etc.....etc....etc. I have never had a child that gets into as much. Period. <br />
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You are FULL of words, repeating most everything your siblings say and coming up with a good deal of things on your own. Today, for instance, you found a dry rosebud, picked it up, and said "Fower, Mama! Mell fower?" as you held it up to your nose. That is typical of the words and phrases that pour out of you all day. "Mama, I neeeeeeed you," you cry out from your bed in the morning. (You can technically climb in and out yourself, but it is still a little scary for you, so you prefer that we or brothers get your out.) "I stinky" is a frequent phrase. Also, "All this (as you shake your hands in your own version of the sign for all finished when you are ready to get out of your high chair.....WHICH you now push a stool over to climb into all by yourself)" :-) <br />
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"Bruhdohs (quickly changing to Brahdohs)" and "Sissy" are your sweetest friends, but you do NOT like it if they take something away from you. Often, you will be about a mission for a clear purpose, such as gathering blankets to make a bed for your dolly so that she can nap. If at any time during this process you lay down your dolly, in order to construct her bed, Sissy might be apt to pick her up and repurpose her. Then....you are NOT happy! <br />
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And, ah how you love your "Dollies", or "Baby?" as you call each one of them and your stuffed animals (especially the giraffes) and your favorite blanket. Giraffes are your clear favorite animal, and I'm starting to hear you say, "J'raffy". <br />
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You have your "knowing" looks, in which you tuck your chin down and tilt your head to the side. Then, there are your silly looks, for which you roll your eyes, throw back your head, bend forward and sideways, and do all sorts of turning upside down and shaking your head. Pure silliness, you are! <br />
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Today, after getting dressed and ready to head to our church service, I told you to go show Papa. With every step down the stairs, you said, "I cah-yute?....."Papa...I cah-yute?" It was simply adorable. <br />
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When you see Sissy get her hair done, you want yours done too! At first, you would simply back up towards me so that I would do your hair. Now, you know to ask for poggies (piggy tails)! :-) "Poggies?" you'll ask. <br />
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You are still a very good eater, and will eat most of what I make. However, I believe that hands <br />
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down, your favorite food is still chocolate. In this picture, you were clutching the chocolate that you wouldn't let go of. (We were planning to make smores.) "My chocwit!" you would say, over and over! You also love to play in the play kitchen we have next to mine. Whenever I'm cooking, you'll likely be over there cooking as well. I'm so glad I overcame my desire for a tidier looking house to live for the day a bit. I knew you would love the kitchen, and you do. <br />
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Sometimes, when I'm changing your diaper, or getting you dressed, you start naming people in our family, as if you're going through a mental roll call. Emet, Sissy, Papa, Mama, Kay-ub. You have this sweet, pensive look on your face, as you stare off, trying to recall them all. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-HVBgTglGVke1k5ZFAXgrz2nPal5EVMtkmTiEFVR-czXlO-nl3iVpvinesnS7Ha_GdVNSYGV9X-MRrSu_UzDUDAbEGI1K16CUzRtkcUfjC3I7lK3jtb-GF-ohsmwbKGtyJFPr6OZN4wA/s1600/DSC_0091_7187.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-HVBgTglGVke1k5ZFAXgrz2nPal5EVMtkmTiEFVR-czXlO-nl3iVpvinesnS7Ha_GdVNSYGV9X-MRrSu_UzDUDAbEGI1K16CUzRtkcUfjC3I7lK3jtb-GF-ohsmwbKGtyJFPr6OZN4wA/s320/DSC_0091_7187.JPG" width="211" /></a><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIhcZpr3DZpvAYW_nHppolX2rxhjrPNaD0DEnGXNt5SwwC4yCCK2V9HWRAQ2LM6T4hrb2Sc_bTgcFdk80DOcODwB1QQplcT0qAzijjv0Uzb-8Wstnhci5ac6yjpc0Pm6pPUqjB3OF09wI/s1600/DSC_0089_7185.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="211" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIhcZpr3DZpvAYW_nHppolX2rxhjrPNaD0DEnGXNt5SwwC4yCCK2V9HWRAQ2LM6T4hrb2Sc_bTgcFdk80DOcODwB1QQplcT0qAzijjv0Uzb-8Wstnhci5ac6yjpc0Pm6pPUqjB3OF09wI/s320/DSC_0089_7185.JPG" width="320" /></a>During school time, you insist on being with us nearly every minute of your wakeful time. Occasionally, you will go off to get into some trouble on your own, but most of the time you are front and center, right in the middle of us all. (Literally, your preferred spot, which I'm consistently removing you from, is the center of the school table. :-) If anyone has paper and pens or pencils, that's what you want too. If they're using math manipulatives, then you want those too. You just want to be included. <br />
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When Papa comes home from work, or when you hear Greta bark in the late afternoon, you happily change course from whatever distracts you, and say "Papa!" You, like all of the others, adore your Papa. And you have good reason to. He is a fine man. <br />
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Our little nap and bedtime routine (with me, at least) is to grab your special pink and brown blanket ("Baby") with the brown silky ruffled edge and your other "Baby" (typically your "J'raffy"), though others will substitute well if the favored is missing. We then sit down in the wooden rocker in your room and read a few stories....Pajama Time is the story unique to you, to which you raise your left elbow each time I start reading so that you can do a jig to my rhythmic words...."The moon is up, it's getting late....let's get ready to celebrate...It's Pajama Time!" <br />
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As I write these words about our special bedtime routine, I recognize that while they are fresh and current to my every day life now, there will be a time in the future when we are far from this routine of ours, and these words will jog a memory that will make us smile. It's funny how the things we see and do everyday fade into the recesses of our memory, but how they can be brought fresh and new with a simple reminder. This is probably why God was so insistent that His people build memorials and hold annual festivities to commemorate events. Because, no matter how much something touches our hearts or impacts our thinking during the time of it's occurrence, with time, even the strongest of memories and experiences fade away. It is for this reason that I blog. I do not want these years to have been in vain! I want to remember and to cherish, but also, I want to continue our story. I want the paths I have walked, and the lessons I have learned as a parent to be recorded for my children, so that they can remember, cherish, or simply to learn from me. Maybe that will simply be by way of learning how to appreciate the little things, acknowledge the passage of time, and see the bigger purpose of life in all of the small trials. Right now, these stories are my life. Over time, these will flow together to simply be a timeline of stories. But they will be the stories of my family. <br />
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<br />Annhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11738177334283473835noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4272384053256548446.post-87064410580192761102013-09-30T22:58:00.002-07:002013-09-30T22:58:17.888-07:00Caleb says goodbye to Santa...It was kind of a hard day for Mama. The questions had been coming too frequently and too often to not answer them honestly. Before, when Caleb had asked a specific question about Santa.....I had been able to easily dodge it. "So and so says that Santa isn't real, but I don't believe it. Do you?" "Hmmm...." I'd answer. And, off he would go to play. <br />
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As the Christmas season approaches, (you see - when Costco brings out Christmas décor in August, these discussions begin earlier and earlier) and discussions of Christmas lists and letters to Santa begin circulating among friends, just as every year, there will be those in the know who truly want to make sure their friends also understand the truth of Santa. <br />
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For us, these discussions kicked off a month or so ago, and again, the questions began......However, it was Emet who would bring it up with the above mentioned phrase. "Mama? Is Santa real? So and So says he isn't, but I don't believe him." "Hmmm....what do you think, Emet? Do you think he's real? What do we know about Saint Nicholas?" "Can I have a snack?" "Ok". Caleb, however, has begun to ask the real questions...."How can Santa live so long? Do you know, Mama?" "How does he afford all of those toys? Who would do that?" <br />
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So, today, as he and I were alone in the kitchen, I told him the truth. A secretive smile crept into his eyes. He just learned a huge, big, life truth. The tradition of Santa Clause is just that....a tradition. Yes, it's based on a real person, who was wonderful, and very much believed in the true meaning of Christmas. However, there is no jolly large man in a red, fur trimmed fireproof suit, stuffing himself down blazing chimneys and being hauled at the speed of light through the sky by reindeer. <br />
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Yet, along with the secretive smile was a bit of a sadness and panic too. He, too, realized that he is growing up, and sometimes it's hard to face the reality of that. <br />
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He and I went for a long walk, a trip to the library, and ended up at Starbucks for a celebratory peppermint hot cocoa and sugar cookie. I explained to him that it nearly broke me inside as much as it did him for him to now know the truth about Santa. I have loved this amazing stage of childish wonder and delight....having all of my children believe in Santa. I was looking forward to at least one more year of it. And, I know, that this is only the beginning of this loss. However, I wanted him to know that he could always believe me, and that I had promised myself that if ever he began to ask real questions about Santa that I would tell him the truth. He needs to know he can rely on me for the truth. <br />
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Caleb understood, admitted to being a little disappointed, and asked lots of questions about how I found out and how I felt. He also decided it was still pretty cool to know that Santa is Papa and Mama, and agreed to not share with any other friend or sibling. Each child is to find out in their own time, just as he was able to. We talked, again, about the true meaning of Christmas. <br />
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And then we moved on. Papa snuggled Caleb tonight, alone in our room, so that he would have a chance to chat with Papa too about his new found status of being in "the know." <br />
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As for me? Am I glad we chose to do Santa? Sure - it's been fun. I'm just struggling, as usual, with letting go of another last. <br />
Annhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11738177334283473835noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4272384053256548446.post-36040643699638670282013-07-28T00:19:00.000-07:002013-07-29T16:36:27.861-07:0019 Months: One of Them<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqDjF6xI1m7FgILPcsxrzE7-v_z4FwOvFUq42luSRIOOxnP3FLon0UGOd9UhSTbxpCTax6r6L28rh8BFPE3NikIKDRGdFG9OzqGiJlducXiCJLt7eVk_rRM5WcnFA1iJxTbYXVfnrV8ik/s1600/DSC_0666_5194.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqDjF6xI1m7FgILPcsxrzE7-v_z4FwOvFUq42luSRIOOxnP3FLon0UGOd9UhSTbxpCTax6r6L28rh8BFPE3NikIKDRGdFG9OzqGiJlducXiCJLt7eVk_rRM5WcnFA1iJxTbYXVfnrV8ik/s320/DSC_0666_5194.JPG" width="211" /></a>You have become one of them, little Grace. Bit by bit, over the past month, your eyes and ears have become more and more alert to there whereabouts of your brothers and sisters: where they are headed, what they are doing, what they are about to snack on. And, as your vocabulary has increased, both in understanding and in speaking, your attentive little countenance quickly follows every detail of their interaction, and then you insert yourself into the equation. "Pahcicl!!" (Popcicle), you interject. Or, "Go side!" (Go outside).<br />
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When they laugh, you laugh. And, all the better if you can make them laugh.....which you do often. If they are headed out to the swing set with their popcicles, then so are you. When they are going to the woodshed, off you go. Bikes and trikes? You're out there. And pretty amazingly, they look out for you. You are not often left behind, at least not when their friends aren't over to distract them. "Come on, Gracie!" we'll hear them say. Or, "Get Gracie!" <br />
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When they are coloring their states, (we are learning the states and capitals this summer), you are right up there with them at the dining room table with your pens and paper, often coloring your arms and face in addition to the paper. (Thank goodness for washable markers!) <br />
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I recently had a minor surgury on my arm, and couldn't lift over ten pounds for a couple of weeks. Your brothers hauled you around and in and out of your car seat and crib. You "might" have a few extra bruises and scrapes because of it, but all in all, they did a great job. <br />
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You have a stubborn, and determined spirit, and are not easily detered from your intended goal. <br />
This has also been the month of "My!" and "Me!" (You will notice neary everything you say ends with an exclamation point! And, this is not without intent. Those phrases that don't end with gusto are instead followed with a sly, sing-song nature and frequently end with a silly smile, your head tilting back and eyes slighly squinted at us. "Naaawwwwww" (No). Then there's the sweet little head nodding with your "Yes", though you don't lift and lower your jaw as much as you used to. It's still adorable however. :-) And "No" (though "No" is much more often accompanied by an a frown, a poked out lip, or a shove of the arm.) One of your favorite new little expressions is to make a face of suprise - eyes popped open to their widest, looking back and forth, and your little mouth in an "O". <br />
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You have also started running. Not a fast, hard run, no. However, that forward trot that seems to exist at an angle that could be easily toppled or tripped.....and sometimes is. :-) Many times, you will be seen wearing around your navy blue owl backpack. And, if you aren't wearing it, odds are one of your big brothers is.....which is pretty cute too. <br />
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Words are coming faster and faster and with increasing confidence. I often ponder this stage of life - between 18 and 24 months, where a little child goes from baby speak and progresses into the many words and patterns of the preschool years. It's as if you are crossing a bridge between the stages. I do love the little words that only a Mama can understand..."boot" (book) and "Bah ble" (Bible - which refers to many books). <br />
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"Baby" is still the name of your increasingly favorite blanket (that you now like to drag around when you are feeling sleepy....my first blanket dragger. :-) ), in addition to your dollies (also referred to as "Dah ee"), and your favorite stuffed friends (currently the giraffes). <br />
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You love attention and being silly. No one would accuse you of being shy. Your older siblings have been in a water awareness program this summer, and you love walking around the lawn to other families, standing right next to their picnic spot and staring at them. When it's time for your brothers and sisters' swim session, you insist upon going to the meeting carpet with them and waiting with the class until it's time for them to go back to the pool. <br />
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Snuggling with Mama is still a favorite past time, for which this Mama is very glad. You have started to climb up and down onto our bed and now like to crawl under the blankets right next to us and pop in your thumb. True snuggling. Oh, Gracie. One word continues to describe you: Joy. It was the describing word that we knew of you before you were born, and it continues to amaze us how much increasing joy you bring into our lives. You are a bright light, Gracie. Shine on. <br />
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<br />Annhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11738177334283473835noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4272384053256548446.post-88113865816461939172013-07-03T01:15:00.003-07:002013-07-03T01:15:37.399-07:00Trying to capture just a tiny moment of my heart as a Mama....I cannot begin to explain the hundreds of thousands of words living inside of my head. "This for sure is something I'll need to blog," I'll say. And, it will float around in my head, being added to every few days, until I assume the thought finds a remote file to place itself on, as it rarely happens that I actually sit down to write. I've always wondered just how it is that people can keep up with their blogs. I envy the memories they have captured. I had many, many beautiful moments to capture too.....but I likely never will remember them. <br />
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I have come to understand that I am a writer. Growing up, I always assumed that statement meant that I needed to have a great list of credentials, or have written for my school newspaper and studied journalism and writing through college. I did neither of these. <br />
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What I now understand about myself is that my writing is how I best express my heart.....for myself, to myself, and hopefully to someday benefit or encourage my children. Perhaps I'll even inspire someone else in their own life journey along the way. However, writing is my form of "scrapbooking". (Of course, I wish I did that too, and I may.......when I'm retired. :-) ) <br />
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The problem seems to be, that these children of mine are growing up so quickly. They said it would go by fast. Every older person I have met in the street, at the store, or at church has said time and time again how quickly it all goes by. The strange thing is, I didn't think I would notice until it was over.......but I am noticing! Watching my beautiful children grow and change as the weeks and months go by is nothing short of a miracle! Yet.....yet.....somehow I want to run out and yell, "Wait!!!! Stop!!!!!!! I'm not ready!!!!!!" <br />
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I'll pull a book off of the shelf to read to Grace, and my mind will go racing back to reading it to Caleb. I realize that I didn't really read it to Emet or Ru Bear.......or that I did, and that Gracie is the last one through. Next stop....passing on to a friend, or storing away for Grandkids. Grandkids? Really? Can I be thinking such thoughts already?<br />
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It's in these moments that I'm infinitely thankful that we have made the decision to homeschool this next year, and until God leads us otherwise. My throat closes up and I think that I don't want to miss a single moment.....of anything. Even the tantrums. <br />
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What about Caleb? How quickly he is growing up, becoming a boy......a baby no longer. Second grade this Fall! On his first day of Kindergarten, I remember him telling me that he liked it, but he would rather just be home with me. He missed being home with me. I wonder if he'd still say that now? I think he might, because he's my tender boy that doesn't want to hurt Mama's feelings. Well, at least he still likes to snuggle with me every day. <br />
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What about Emet? Charging ahead into life, he is! Brave and bold.....not to be left behind in any pursuit. In my mind right now, I can look back to him and his brother sitting in their superhero underwear together on the couch tonight looking at his Starwars LEGO book, planning to somehow obtain all of the Starwars LEGOs in the world! No more Thomas the Train. At least he still likes Larry Boy and likes to cuddle Mama. <br />
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What about Anna Ruth? She has been the one to bring these thoughts to me the most lately. Her changes have been slow, but steady. I think it's because she's the first girl. I've noticed lately that somehow she slipped into little girlhood, and left behind toddlerhood.....perhaps without me really noticing. Or, I did notice. In those "I really need to blog this" moments that I have now forgotten and never captured. She is quite a big helper to me, the nurse of the family, and one who will disappear quietly upstairs to play dollies or read by herself. At least she still comes down in the middle of the night and crawls in our bed to snuggle. <br />
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What about Gracie? I don't think she is going to give me much of a chance to hold on. I can watch her eyes and see her calculating how to fit right in with her brothers and sisters. They love her, and she them.....and she is not to be left behind! But she sure loves to cuddle with her Mama.<br />
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Cuddle bugs, one and all, they are. And, I AM SO THANKFUL to God for this gift. For, though my mind simply cannot grasp how quickly time is passing and things are changing; though my hours cannot seem to find time for the expression of my words and memories, my arms are full of my babies who love to cuddle me. <br />
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Oh, God.....hear my heart! There must be a greater plan you are crafting than that we Mamas are purposed here for scrambling to grasp and capture the moments whether in words, pictures, or mementos. Surely you are etching deep within us the very purposes for which the beautiful yet painful job of mothering involves. Surely our hearts and souls are being transformed from the experiences that our minds may not remember, even though they were those things we never planned to forget....yet never captured....and now they are gone, to us at least. <br />
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I trust these things to you, Oh LORD, because I cannot fathom them. Tears stain my cheeks as I am called time and time again to "Let go" of another precious last with my children. Even the little things move me to tears. I receive inexplicable joy and simultaneous pain in seeing these moments pass before my very eyes, knowing that even the most precious ones, I will likely not "capture". And, even if I captured every moment.....would I miss them all in the attempt? Would I ever simply "be" in the moment and not trying to get behind it, whether in word or on camera. I struggle with that as it is. <br />
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For those who have read my blog.....if only you knew! If only you knew how many more precious moments and memories have occurred within the walls of this little, loved home. If only you knew how God has so greatly transformed my mind and heart as a mother.....how much I have been humbled, and yet how much I have been raised up. <br />
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I think I fear sometimes, that, when it is all said and done.....when the last little one has left home, that I will want desperately to remember, and I won't be able to. And so, I simply must trust that you, God, have a greater purpose than I can understand, and that you won't leave me wanting when I am in need. You haven't so far, and so I can trust that You won't then either. <br />
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Oh, God......to You, I leave this writing....to your Purpose and to your Glory. I barely know how to process it all. My words will simply never be enough. Annhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11738177334283473835noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4272384053256548446.post-75958727680436599862013-06-20T00:49:00.001-07:002013-06-20T00:50:16.127-07:0018 Months: Abundant Joy<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Oh my, Gracie. What a month this has been! You have simply blossomed, turning further and further away from your recent days of babyhood and charging headlong into toddlerhood....smiling, grinning, and being silly the whole way. <br />
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At almost exactly 18 months to the day, you began repeating most words we would say to you. Sometimes they sound like what we said, and sometimes they don't. But, it's clear you are listening closely and repeating them back to us. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1yYOvvylK8FgNqjNgypcFMCZb_5XNV4bJ67MQV0E1Hwi3hmulg-0_S4XyRVXGXbEckUKT2YIepuhRTzJMROHIwx0BkTuy9Rhjtbm3m8GQlc2pbCsd9KOOXKnOwOd-pqEHYnANSiTqDes/s1600/IMG_0184.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1yYOvvylK8FgNqjNgypcFMCZb_5XNV4bJ67MQV0E1Hwi3hmulg-0_S4XyRVXGXbEckUKT2YIepuhRTzJMROHIwx0BkTuy9Rhjtbm3m8GQlc2pbCsd9KOOXKnOwOd-pqEHYnANSiTqDes/s320/IMG_0184.JPG" width="240" /></a>Your little (or not so little) personality is continuing to develop too. Gracie is NOT to be left behind! You smile, flirt, hold your hands up be picked up and held. There are simply so many ways you bring joy to each and every moment. And you are so very loved by your brothers and sister. <br />
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Though you love your brothers and sissy, if you are not in the mood to be picked up, flung around, or talked to within inches of your face, you have begun to give them your frown, loudly say, "No!" and push them away. This has also started with a little friend, about 5 months younger than you, if he infringes upon my attention when his own Mama isn't nearby. You literally position yourself between him and me and push him down if he begins to stand up as if coming towards me. I've also seen you take a bite out of sissy a couple of times when she hasn't heeded your push and loud warning. Thankfully, this doesn't seem to be a habit......so far, at least! <br />
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You LOVE to dance. Love, love, love it! It's as if you can't even control yourself when music starts to play, and the first thing you do is raise up your left elbow and cock your head to the side with a sparkle in your eye and an open mouthed smile on your face. <br />
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When you are approaching your brothers and sisters as a group, you will sometimes put your arms both behind you and bend forward a bit. It's as if it is your natural response to wanting to be part of a group. You'll also throw both arms back and bend over when you are being stubborn too<br />
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The little words and phrases we are hearing constantly are "Papa?", "No!" "No?" or a playful and musical "Nooooo." "Mama. I need you." is still a big one, and "Bye!" is becoming super clear. "Cheeeeeese" is what you know to say for the camera. "Than kyow" (Thank You) and "Cheese" (Please) and " Men" (Amen) is coming around more frequently after our prayer times. And given your propensity to eat, and eat a lot I might add, you really love the word "Moe!" (More) On a good day, it is "Moe Cheese"! We see you pointing on saying "Dat one" (That one)or "Dis" (This) a lot. Many of your words are becoming recognizable, "Shoe?" "Boo?" (boot). You, like your brothers and sister, seem to use a question for every word, as if you're checking to see that you got it right. You'll attempt all of your brothers and Sissy's name, "Eh met", "Aa Ooh" "Cay eh" but there still unclear enough that I'm not sure I have them quite right....especially late at night, hours after I've heard you say it last. When you pick up a piece of garbage or old food to eat, or when we're changing your diaper, we always say "No, don't touch, Gracie. Yuckies!" You repeat back, "Yuckies?" then sometimes repeat "Yuckies" and nod your head knowingly. <br />
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And speaking of yucky, your favorite past time seems to be playing in the toilet, or fishing things out of the trash! You also like to help Mama clean things, and seem to like to combine all of these activities. Just last week, while in a public restroom, I was helping Anna Ruth to wash her hands. In the moment I was distracted, you had taken a paper towel, dipped it in a (thankfully flushed) toilet and were washing your face with it. (!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!) The day before, you had reached into a public toilet (again, thankfully flushed) with your thumb, and instantly shoved it in your mouth! Again last week, I was upstairs cleaning a potty accident of your sister, while you were downstairs using a cup from the kitchen to scoop water out of the (yep, you guessed it)....toilet and were flinging it out and into the bathroom. Some days I simply want to pay someone to pressure wash the <em>inside </em>of our house with bleach. Or, perhaps we'll wait out this beautiful (yet challenging) stage of parenting, and then move....leaving all of our possessions behind. :-) Knowing how sentimental I am, however, I don't think either of those options will be as easy for me as I know jokingly proclaim. <br />
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One of my all time favorite things is still when you shake your head yes. You now shake it from side to side for no, so now an up and down shake most definitely means "Yes." Sometimes, you'll accompany it with a "Yeah"...but oftentimes still, you respond immediately but silently to my questions with a simple head shake. <br />
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Now that you are crawling up and down stairs with ease, you have this cute little habit of turning around and backing up towards the top of the stairs on your hands and knees.....dangling one leg over the top. It's adorable! <br />
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One of the excitements of your month has been the addition of a beautiful red play kitchen to our living room / kitchen area. A couple of years back, I was blessed to encounter a woman who was selling the very children's kitchen I had only dreamed about for a reasonable price.....the vintage Pottery Barn red set. In our small house, with my current shelves and décor, we didn't have room for the whole set, so it was out in my craft building, collecting dust and flies. One day recently, it dawned on me that both of my girls were at a point where they would love to play in this kitchen and would enjoy it very much, but only for the next few years. Would I leave this kitchen in the outbuilding? Or, would I sacrifice my home décor, perhaps inviting some extra mess into the living area by bringing in the toy kitchen. The latter idea won out, for my heart couldn't stand to not have you girls using your beautiful kitchen! And, I'm so very glad I did. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbm1NHadk7-0Oi9xKSTtXi-ieoeenTKVqAG4H5s7_SNwIePIziP_VaJJsjMf25XAIV2Z1TV27sCDPtDLVB1mlungvyGRow2f6tmMMUynL2YPluDdt2SJ0s_wdtjXPbDpBd5guK0quMNkA/s1600/DSC_0050_3456.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbm1NHadk7-0Oi9xKSTtXi-ieoeenTKVqAG4H5s7_SNwIePIziP_VaJJsjMf25XAIV2Z1TV27sCDPtDLVB1mlungvyGRow2f6tmMMUynL2YPluDdt2SJ0s_wdtjXPbDpBd5guK0quMNkA/s320/DSC_0050_3456.JPG" width="211" /></a>You are absolutely thrilled with the kitchen, and are over there making food and treats for everyone much of the time you are downstairs! And, this is no great surprise considering how much you love to eat! The other day, you ate 6 bowls (SIX) of black bean soup, and second and third helpings are commonplace with your favorite foods. I'm starting to find a few things you don't like, such as cantaloupe and watermelon, but they are few and far between. Your all time favorite treat seems to remain chocolate, and you recently had another "incident" of getting into a bag of chocolate chips. (This is becoming a pattern....despite the precautions we have taken.) <br />
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You have a new fascination with the strawberries that are coming from our garden, though you don't seem to mind if they are green or red. But, oh, when Papa points out a red one....you are on it like a duck on a June bug. Ah....Mama's good girl. :-) <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6dumcJB_pqp1clOkTIWHo2xPxmyEasZyYqBhkM47_-toZVOW3hEbv4vophGN-bwbfZ7pkIjRlkxEu6c1db3gNbnUiz2HvCNp3SbozcySk72RVuoU80TfszQb8MhUpfgzQLzDRsUiDSeo/s1600/DSC_0247_3171.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6dumcJB_pqp1clOkTIWHo2xPxmyEasZyYqBhkM47_-toZVOW3hEbv4vophGN-bwbfZ7pkIjRlkxEu6c1db3gNbnUiz2HvCNp3SbozcySk72RVuoU80TfszQb8MhUpfgzQLzDRsUiDSeo/s320/DSC_0247_3171.JPG" width="211" /></a></div>
On the last day of school for Caleb, we went to Luke's Legocy Carnival to honor the memory of Luke Jensen, a little boy who died of Leukemia, and to raise money for the Children's Cancer Association. We had a great evening of fun as a family. One of the things your siblings and I did last year was to get our faces painted. I had assumed that we wouldn't get yours done this year, thinking you wouldn't sit still and would immediately wipe off your face. However, at the last minute, I decided to go for it. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJTt-X7T6naomUYm5CUv8F5va83XPXnUEi0WPNXgGbVnFJMg3kIlrLW9Dti2O2Z-ocAddW4EA2lVV7-1fbojsIXMYwTWL0h3Hgfse4YdJksaGQNejNXfcxHLwq3DkArSlhnJVV6Y4HWL4/s1600/DSC_0254_3178.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJTt-X7T6naomUYm5CUv8F5va83XPXnUEi0WPNXgGbVnFJMg3kIlrLW9Dti2O2Z-ocAddW4EA2lVV7-1fbojsIXMYwTWL0h3Hgfse4YdJksaGQNejNXfcxHLwq3DkArSlhnJVV6Y4HWL4/s320/DSC_0254_3178.JPG" width="211" /></a>It was definitely one of those turning points for me in my assumptions of where you are at in your little mind. As soon as I put you on the stool, you sat perfectly still and allowed the lady to paint your face, almost leaning into her as if you were very much enjoying the experience of being trusted to be a big girl. When she gave you a mirror to see yourself, and you looked and looked at it. Not once all evening did you touch it or try to rub it off in the way that you often instantly remove barrettes from your hair. (Though, even these you are beginning to leave in if I allow you to choose it, then show you how it looks in a mirror.) You are growing up, Gracie! So quickly!!! Before long, we won't even remember you as being a baby anymore. You'll just be a little person.<br />
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This month you and I said goodbye to our beloved "Nursey-Nurse", or "Na na" as you sometimes called it. I've said that phrase now with four children. Wow....that was hard. I knew it was coming, as we were down to one feeding each day, but as I had hoped, I didn't know the last time was my last until the next day. I had fed you as usual for our morning feeding in my bed. Afterwards, you sat up to play. The next day, I was sick in bed and hoped that the children wouldn't bring you down to me to nurse. When you did come in the room with Caleb, instead of lifting your arms up and starting to whimper for me to lift you up in bed, you happily held up a half graham cracker your brothers had given you and offered to share it with me. Then, you happily toddled out of the room.....coming in from time to time to offer me another bite. I pondered in my heart that day, the previous day might have been the last, and that perhaps it was time - especially since we had had a pleasant experience the day before and didn't know the end. The next morning, I hopped out of bed before your brother brought you in......the following day we babysat for a friend and had left the house early in the morning, and then, it was over. For a week or so, it was hard for me, as my body was still prepared to feed you and it was a little uncomfortable. Then there were a couple of mornings when you asked to snuggle, then pointed and pulled at my nightshirt. Those times were hard. I simply had to redirect her, saying "No, no, Gracie. All finished." She understood that, but wasn't very happy about it. Me neither. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-PJYdpq14dVeRsJsXKw5C_5Nvu0LpHBj6E4CO5nFvHKx1bv_vQnBvOTKGI4nu1Gx_8GpJqJxCQkrnPm1wMlB9E0ICn8PmY9AZBkfv9X41CAv5GoH0nLOZEbEeYnMS1M0XePTlMoKQ-xU/s1600/IMG_0356.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-PJYdpq14dVeRsJsXKw5C_5Nvu0LpHBj6E4CO5nFvHKx1bv_vQnBvOTKGI4nu1Gx_8GpJqJxCQkrnPm1wMlB9E0ICn8PmY9AZBkfv9X41CAv5GoH0nLOZEbEeYnMS1M0XePTlMoKQ-xU/s320/IMG_0356.JPG" width="320" /></a> It's been two weeks since Tuesday June 4th.....our last day of nursing, and we're doing ok. I try not to let myself think about it, though sometimes if somebody asks, it makes me choke up a bit. The emotions I have experienced as a mother have been surprising sometimes. Before having children, I didn't think would ever be so emotionally attached to things. I had it all planned out based on good reason. I would, of course, nurse my babies until they were exactly one year, but then I would be done. I didn't realize how much that special snuggle time would come to mean to me......how deep that bond was between us......how symbolic the act of nursing is to the attachment between mother and child - the dependence, the trust, the tenderness. I could go on. <br />
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For me, saying goodbye this time, was even more significant. I had held on for a few months longer than I had in the past for the mere fact that this was to be the <em>very last </em>time I would ever nurse a child. This season of my life, that of being a mother of young children, is passing.....the baby stage is now past for us. Intellectually, and even in my heart, I know that beautiful and new stages lie ahead for our family. Yet, letting go is always hard....regardless of how much you know or trust the future. <br />
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Your new little security is your blanket, which you call "Baby" and also your stuffed giraffe, also called "Baby". If we only pick up one or the other, you will turn and point and say "Baby!!" until we get them both. At this point, both items can be subbed out for replacements, though if it is up to you, you will choose those. It will be interesting to see how this progresses over time. Your thumb is still your ultimate comfort and pops in when you are getting really sleepy, when we rock in the rocking chair, and when we lay you down in bed. It's looking pretty battle weary, but it's hanging in there! :-)<br />
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My Little G, I could write about you for hours, and have already done so! You are growing and changing before our very eyes, and we love you so. You are truly our joy. We love you, Gracie!<br />
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<br />Annhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11738177334283473835noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4272384053256548446.post-7467755565494992362013-05-18T17:58:00.002-07:002013-05-18T17:58:41.764-07:0017 Months: No!!!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Well, we've arrived....."No!" is your new favorite word, and you use it <em>frequently. </em>"No!" can be said with a playful smile, a determined spirit and strong voice, or an angry voice accompanied by a little swat at whatever is near you to hit. "No!" can also mean, "Yes." In any case, it seems to be your favorite word. Just today, you responded with "I Mama" and a little nod yes when I counseled you that "Yes, Mama" was the proper response. Oh how my heart melted just a bit. I have heard those words emerge with each of our children, but each time, they are a special treat. Firsts are always special. You'll still nod your head up and down with your mouth opening and closing as well to indicate yes. And....I love that. I wonder if it will be something you continue into your childhood. I hope so. <br />
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The other words we hear frequently are near and dear to my Mama's heart....."Mama, I need you. <br />
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Need you."....typically drawn out when crying as "Mama....I neeeeeeeed you. Neeeeeeeed you." Last month, it was "Knee you, Mama. " Whatever the words, I love that it's me that you need. Your Papa has always been the natural nurturer of the two of us, so often the other kids would be comforted by Papa, with little complaint. But not you. It's me you want.....me you reach for, even when in Papa's arms. You'll often walk up to me with your arms held high, wanting to be held. And when I lift you into my arms, you rest your little head on my shoulder, sometimes sucking on your thumb, sometimes shoving your arms down in front of you as if to nestle in as close as you can get.....sometimes just holding onto me. It is one of the greatest gifts I can imagine. I am so glad to be wanted by you. I'm happy you need me. I am so much more patient with this than I would have been in the past and am thankful for this change in my own heart.....the realization of how quickly time passes and these brief seasons end. <br />
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You love to snuggle and cuddle, dollies and stuffed friends, and recently blankets. Burrowing into them and cuddling in your sweet head. I love to see it. <br />
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"My" is another of your favorites now.....and means "Mine" or "Me." And, slowly, the words are becoming more clear and distinct. You have started to point at things and say their name with a little question as if to receive confirmation from me if you're a little unsure...."Shir?" (Shirt) "Shoe?". If you are sure, however, there is no question. It is either said with excitement or assuredness. For instance, when you point to Greta, you say "Dog" and nod your head down. Today, on exiting our car at a friend's house, their chickens came into view and you excitedly exclaimed "Ducky!!" To your credit, there were two ducks there as well, though I'm pretty sure you were pointing at the chickens. :-) <br />
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You do say, "Thak You", changed from "Dah Koo", but it's mostly doled out when you want to. Please is still "Cheese".....and you definitely say "Cheese" before any photo opportunities....any time I say "Look at Mama" in a sing-song voice. <br />
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You can now climb up......and down....the stairs. The down part has been happening for the past week or so. In fact, the first time might have indeed been the time that you decided to climb out of your crib, also as a first, after I had laid you down for a nap. Then, down the stairs you came and into the living room where I was sitting with a friend. You stood there for a while as we watched you, and I know you were speculating what we might do. Finally, as I stood up, you started walking towards the back door and pointing to it, indicating you wanted to go outside with the rest of the kiddos. No luck for you! Back to bed. I had heard a strange little cry a few minutes before you came down, so I assume you might have been a little frightened in getting out of the crib. You haven't tried it again. :-) However, the stairs are another matter. You seem so pleased with yourself each time you descent the stairs. And, you do it just like your big brother Emet did.....starting about 2 feet from the first stair, you turn around and crawl backwards, reaching your leg out until you reach that first step. It is adorable! <br />
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Coloring is a new thing for you. The picture at the top was taken only a few days ago, and it was the first time I had seen you laying down, crayon in hand, and coloring. Well, a couple of days before, you were at the table "coloring", but it turned out to be mostly on your face. Thank goodness for washable markers! :-) <br />
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And you are about as silly as they come. A real ham. With your frequent "No's" and your silly sunshiny smiles, we have dubbed you <em>The Sassy Sunflower. </em>You have an unmistakable gleam in your eye that shows you are fully aware you are delighting us with your happy smiles and sunshine. You love to cock your head to the side and smile, looking up at us, then tuck in your chin and chuckle. <br />
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As a wonderful illustration of your valiant spirit, you have never been intimidated by Greta, even after she moved from the annoyed yet patient family dog of infants to the snarling family dog of "children who should know better than to bug her". When she growls at you, you simply growl right back, no matter how many growling snarls she brings on. And, we love that about you. I finally got that on video today, even though it was Papa you were growling at - not Greta! <br />
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Music is your absolute delight. I'm not sure you could hold still if you tried. The very minute music comes on, your left elbow lifts up, as if it's going to send you into your musical twirls. You are not shy at all about your dancing! You may well be headed for Broadway. <br />
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You are not to be left out by your brothers and sister, and <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNFHcIlEIKFApQCpryWHRAPaAyqJXTFkg2INheVGNinKKIkw27yn4UQiG1Bch3j5gFEQ3b8t1H8E8h9iMBSxCJrWEiRv-gGrRFHoyaEPC2nb7jq3Yjxnx1Q_evVLCO0weg-LBJoKMC3mc/s1600/IMG_0904.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNFHcIlEIKFApQCpryWHRAPaAyqJXTFkg2INheVGNinKKIkw27yn4UQiG1Bch3j5gFEQ3b8t1H8E8h9iMBSxCJrWEiRv-gGrRFHoyaEPC2nb7jq3Yjxnx1Q_evVLCO0weg-LBJoKMC3mc/s320/IMG_0904.JPG" width="240" /></a><br />
want to be with them at all times. You do not appreciate when they head out of doors without you. And, every minute they are inside the house, you are with them playing and interacting. And, how you love them! You'll come up behind them when they are sitting on the ground and give them a hug, laying your head on their back or shoulders. Just yesterday morning, after you finished nursing, you looked over me to see Anna Ruth laying on the other side of me in our bed, still asleep. You crawled over me and laid on her, giving her a hug. She sleepily wrapped her arm around you and patted your back. It's times like those that make my heart simply melt. <br />
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I know that before too long, you'll be talking, being sassy, and being 2....(and in our house age 3 seems to be a similar experience!).....full of joy and annoying little habits that drive your siblings crazy. However, at this age and stage, everyone is still fully in love with you. (Though Anna Ruth has started down the path of tattling and getting angry with you.) Still, however, she loves you dearly. And, though I believe the two of you will have many hurdles ahead in learning to share and get along, I think she'll always have a special place in her heart for her "Gwacie."<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcMgy1yDvIO7R-IKesBwSbZydpenMKoY_U7uNyEWLx4vLyOkNWQbBTcNXZYqow9n-mt88PhrWocGF3eraY4-dLVWUmy4ZArcaoQW2Deutm2btfZtBlN_d_uRE998BMek_7LhJbjVm9SO4/s1600/DSC_0006_2826.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcMgy1yDvIO7R-IKesBwSbZydpenMKoY_U7uNyEWLx4vLyOkNWQbBTcNXZYqow9n-mt88PhrWocGF3eraY4-dLVWUmy4ZArcaoQW2Deutm2btfZtBlN_d_uRE998BMek_7LhJbjVm9SO4/s320/DSC_0006_2826.JPG" width="211" /></a>For some reason, you love to get into cough drops and seem to find an endless supply of them. You must have found a secret stash of them somewhere, but they are multiplying like loaves and fishes! I am thankful that you seem to most often bring them to me, as if to check in to see if you can have one, even though I'm pretty sure you know you're not supposed to. I wanted to write this down, because I wondered today if I would remember that about you. Often, the little things that children always do are forgotten as they fade away. And, this is a fun little memory. <br />
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You are growing and changing, right before our very eyes, Grace. As we have planned for you to be our last child, we are watching each minute with a sharp focus.....seeing change, and saying goodbye to another precious last time and time again. At times, it seems more than my heart can bear. Yet, somehow I know that there is a greater hope. I know that time is not going, it is coming.....and that which is before me is going to be better than that which is behind, even despite hard and painful times that are part of any human existence. However, that is hard to grasp when all I know for sure is that which I can hold within my hands......and that which is ahead is yet unknown. I wonder how many Mama's ponder life like I do? How many of us are sharing the same thoughts? <br />
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As a follower of Christ, this defines much of my existence, and I have seen it prove true in my own life over and over again. Yet.....yet......it is still a concept that is hard to grasp for the human mind and heart, and so I struggle on. <br />
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But, oh Gracie - in your sweet, pure innocence, you don't struggle with these concepts yet at all. You simply charge forward, growing and changing as quickly as you can, living life to each moment's fullest. Nothing holds you back but Mama's hands for nap time. :-) <br />
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Charge ahead, sweet Gracie, charge ahead. Let nothing hold you back as you come into the fullness of who God has made you to be. We love you! </div>
Annhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11738177334283473835noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4272384053256548446.post-25774074768613599002013-05-02T17:32:00.000-07:002013-05-02T17:32:44.314-07:00Treasure in a Sticky WrapperI am in process of 100 projects of trying to reduce clutter, purge un-needed items that a family of six living in 1150 square feet simply cannot support, all the while trying to maintain the basics of living (laundry, dishes, homework, etc.) while not being home. In other words, there is no forward progress on any one project, and we've been doggy paddling just to get through the week with laundry and food. Food for each day....and clothes for each day, and that's about it! <br />
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My car is messy. MESSY. And, full of clothes, toys, bags, garbage, and items from a "haven't been at home at all" type of week. <br />
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My house is messy, cluttered, and unkempt. I am sitting now on my unmade bed, staring at piles of laundry that need to be folded. <br />
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And, as much as I'd like to say that this is an odd week out, it's more normal than it is not. Do I love to live in a mess? Am I the carefree sort that just isn't bothered by clutter? NO!!! I would LOVE to live in a Martha Stewart magazine or a Pottery Barn catalog. Cleanliness and order create a sense of calm and peace in my heart. However, no matter how hard I try....the slime, grime, clutter and goo of this stage of life overtake my ability to stay on top of them. Rather, I should say, they overtake my ability to stay on top of them with the time I have allotted to them given the life we live. <br />
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Because, when I hear of a friend that's frantic for help cleaning her own home due to an impending inspection that evening......or a friend that needs babysitting for the evening......or a friend who needs help going grocery shopping due to a recent surgery......I want to be there for them, and I don't want the life that is so controlled by my own schedule of orderliness and peace that I cannot reach out and help my friends. For, I am certainly not only on the giving end of this.......our life has been a circle of friendship and support. <br />
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Yet, as I carried my sleeping Grace in from the car this afternoon, I was overcome with thankfulness. It was one of those moments where I felt so full of joy and gratitude from head to toe that it caused a pain in my chest. I wouldn't trade my life in for anything at all. The little hands that nestle into mine.....the little fingers that grasp mine....the little voices asking for night time snuggles or nap time back scratching......little books being thrust towards me for reading.....little boo-boos that need kisses.....tears that need wiping.....small crackly high voices that join with mine in song and lullaby....sweet prayers....hands that "help clean" and make bigger messes.....feet that track in mud as the voices they carry proclaim the amazing thing they've seen or done out of doors. Watch me! See me! Hold me! Love me! <br />
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All of that may sound exhausting to some. Truthfully? It is. At times, it is absolutely overwhelming. Yet, it is beyond beautiful. It is a treasure that, though fleeting in time, will always be a part of my life and of who I am. It is a treasure that is shaping me and refining me in all of those characteristics that I would hope to have. And, while another may only see a sticky wrapper, I am blessed to have the treasure inside as my own. <br />
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.......even if occasionally my bare feet stick to the floor. :-)<br />
<br />Annhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11738177334283473835noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4272384053256548446.post-13218528321719799732013-04-21T23:10:00.002-07:002013-04-21T23:10:44.081-07:0016 Months: Metamorphosis<br />
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There was a period of about 2 days this past month in which we witnessed the beginning of a metamorphosis. Your words, actions, interactions and absolute silliness broke out of the cocoon. It was as if we had witnessed a complete transformation. By the end of the month, you had added in some tantrums as well! <br />
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You point at things and speak with determined words, even if we cannot understand most of them yet, but you will repeat the same phrase over and over. Your sweet head nodding continues, and has become your best form of communication. You will point to something and nod your head yes to indicate that is indeed what you are hoping for. If we don't soon catch on, the loud, frustrated sounds will soon come. :-) <br />
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Your "Please" sounds like "Cheese!" (oh - and you say "Cheese" when smiling for pictures too! :-)and your "Thank You" is "Dah koo". Then the pointing and nodding yes. It is so cute! It is so cute! <br />
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I can picture you as I write this, sitting in your hanging high chair and pointing to some food object I am frantically trying to prepare. Your appetite mirrors your eldest brothers.....endless. It is fun to see all of the food you eat! And, you are not at all picky, and will happily munch on those foods none of the rest of your siblings will touch....such as mushrooms - cooked or raw, or those for which they will at least grumble.....such as sautéed greens. You don't seem too fond of cantaloupe or almond milk, but so far - those are the only two things I've noticed you don't care much for. <br />
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I so enjoy seeing you interact with your siblings. You definitely want to be a part of the family and are not at all interested in being left out! You listen when we talk to you, and always respond by either your nods, garbled words, or actions. If I tell you to take Sissy's hand, you reach for it. You will put something back if told, or deliver an item to the garbage can. (Though sometimes, you will make it all of the way there, then turn back around and return with it!) Last night, Sissy was jumping up and down and saying "Look at me jump!" I asked you if you could jump too, and you immediately started to bend at the knees and try. Your little feet never left the ground, but you got the bending and squatting part. It was adorable. <br />
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And, oh how you are walking around now. So sturdy and with such purpose! Typically, you are headed for something.....always reaching, picking up, opening, grabbing, playing in. Your favorites at home are the baking cupboard and the toilet (ugg). You are constantly on the go and getting into things! Yikes! <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSbE0K9gtfULimWayjEcE7yLgtvSl6_rzr1R4Ywl5Zndp-ZDFklElc5HSMf4hh-3i1wlqE3oNu9IPiT9bb6i5YoW0ReT60h643mvXtqmkYm-3IFsBUjmNPsMBQCBL4KTQFothyphenhyphenW_-eihY/s1600/DSC_0279_1497.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSbE0K9gtfULimWayjEcE7yLgtvSl6_rzr1R4Ywl5Zndp-ZDFklElc5HSMf4hh-3i1wlqE3oNu9IPiT9bb6i5YoW0ReT60h643mvXtqmkYm-3IFsBUjmNPsMBQCBL4KTQFothyphenhyphenW_-eihY/s320/DSC_0279_1497.JPG" width="211" /></a>Papa taught you how to smell flowers on Easter Sunday. I hope to always remember you bent over in your little Easter dress simultaneously holding, pulling and smelling the daffodils outside of the church building. And, it was so fun to see you hunting with your siblings for Easter eggs in our yard after dinner. You held your own little bucket and loved finding eggs, though you would frequently unload some of your eggs into Anna Ruth's bucket. You didn't seem to mind at all. :-) <br />
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You are silly as can be, and love for us to see you doing something we perceive as funny or cute - like when you climb into a box, or sit down on a stool. As soon as you notice we are smiling, you put on your silliest, grin face, cock your head to the side or throw it back (depending on your mood), and smile away. Then, often you'll stop and take a serious peek - just to make sure we are still delighting in you. <br />
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When Papa drives in the driveway after work, you now shriek with excitement and bang on the sliding glass door, yelling "Papa!!! Papa!!!" at the top of your voice and then clamor to be included in the mass of children exiting the house to drive in with Papa. Papa now waits for you to come, and you either sit on his lap and get to drive in, or sit on one of the laps of your big brothers. I love this little evening routine. <br />
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When it's time for you to nurse right before bed, you will bring me the Boppy and my nursing cover, then try to climb up in my lap and ask for "Na-Na"....a name you made up on your own. I've had several Boppies over time, but the one I've used the last couple of months was my only Boppy when Caleb was born, the soft blue fleece Boppy with the white clouds. It's as if we've come full circle. I've nursed you longer than all of your siblings now, and it will be coming to and end soon, but Mama is having a hard time saying goodbye to this stage of life, and so - on we go....for a little while. <br />
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At bedtime, as one of us carries you up the stairs, you love to give big, slobbery, open mouthed kisses to everyone. Not always with your tongue out anymore, but sometimes still! :-) And you love to wave goodbye to everyone with your big dimpled grin. Papa likes to read you your storybook Bible and Good Night Moon. <br />
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Your little thumb continues to comfort you. Our attempt at putting a bandage over the sore, puffy skin didn't last long, but it hasn't cracked open yet. For your sake, I hope it doesn't. <br />
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What a joy you are, Gracie Noelle. Before you were born, we kept having the name Joy come to our mind.....but it didn't seem to sound just right with Grace. Perhaps it wasn't that your name was to be Joy, it was that God was describing you! And a true joy you are indeed, Gracie Noelle! We love you, Little One. Annhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11738177334283473835noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4272384053256548446.post-20695790805409040202013-04-03T00:42:00.002-07:002013-04-03T00:42:54.747-07:002012 in ReviewThe ending of an old year and the beginning of a new is somewhat like sitting at the very bottom of at the edge of an unknown. It's funny, because I sometimes wonder what we would do without a calendar system. Would we think in years at all? And, as a Mama of 4 little ones, even my attempts at wrapping up a year end post end in April not December! And no, this won't be well written or witty, though I may openly share it. It's simply me, as I think. It's a Mama trying her best to capture her life and memories in this stage, which is only this stage for now, and as I've learned, will too rapidly be behind me. So, in trying to find my place in the big role of life, I write.....for the memories....for the wisdom, and for perspective for myself, for others, and most importantly, for my children. <br />
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As I sit here well into 2013, desperately trying to finish gathering pictures and thoughts, for many of the things captured here are now long past, my mind reels back over the past year. What defined last year? What can I say that will forever remind us of our little family, and of each of our children? What mattered? What spoke to us or made an impact? Most importantly, what did we learn in this journey called life?<br />
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<i><b>Disneyland</b></i><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjra1ViplhK71NC0N2wEZWy7JDBelsunlr5KRx_EnNGH5C79MQ0b6gEvnhyphenhyphenIzD_i4p92l12yNwe7eLRGc6vl0sUUMu_HxlLA5XxCFpPc7vfVIBmZLiATGByQ-qxy5RFCm3IoN-6Jk_7NfI/s1600/170.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjra1ViplhK71NC0N2wEZWy7JDBelsunlr5KRx_EnNGH5C79MQ0b6gEvnhyphenhyphenIzD_i4p92l12yNwe7eLRGc6vl0sUUMu_HxlLA5XxCFpPc7vfVIBmZLiATGByQ-qxy5RFCm3IoN-6Jk_7NfI/s320/170.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-KIUXjvNCGfhZ8OX7apgUGuHFIslSHBqIeJZWbVTngBDW9A7WqXNo_w7NUKNdGA57fTuG4nDlboVM42bpYdA4lrbqLin9RqJU5fgidWu58XsaxQBG293zvPsbb0L-XhUqhaxazxQrthc/s1600/139.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-KIUXjvNCGfhZ8OX7apgUGuHFIslSHBqIeJZWbVTngBDW9A7WqXNo_w7NUKNdGA57fTuG4nDlboVM42bpYdA4lrbqLin9RqJU5fgidWu58XsaxQBG293zvPsbb0L-XhUqhaxazxQrthc/s320/139.JPG" width="320" /></a>Well, first off - our year started with a family trip to Disneyland with Grandpa and Grandma B. It was our first big vacation with the kids - anywhere other than visiting family. We had created a "Disneyland Savings Chart" and had told the children that while we had free hotel and airfare, we'd still need to come up with money for food, park tickets and expenses. We broke the chart into blocks of $1000, then into blocks of $100 and finally into $10. Each time we'd save $10, the children could fill in a block so that they could see the progress we were making towards our goal. While $1000 is more than a child's mind can practically comprehend, $10 is definitely something within their realm. And, before the children even knew we were close to our goal, they asked Santa for money to help the family go to Disneyland.....not spending money, mind you (they clarified this point)....just money to help pay for us to get there. I must say that was a proud Mama moment. One day, when doing the budget, I came across a bank account I had transferred $1700 to a few years back, then had literally forgotten about it. That was the exact amount that remained for us to be able to take the trip! I'll never forget the day the kids found out we were going. I had stayed up late the night before filling in the remaining blocks, and when the boys returned from a slumber party, Emet immediately ran to the fridge where we kept the chart and said...."The chart's all filled in!!! Do we get to go today?!" It was fantastic. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBm0nlTcVFPf64hQM08ANIi3KjOLzAX8m8sDvsgJbzp_tSPlLNxWEq-BPQ7nsJJhsbK4DsdM3mJx7YpkSdamWNlxN56WFQQ9rGgyOoMVu3_VPGRH1gk4IdtNn0YuWND5mxnDwwVe5izcY/s1600/195.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBm0nlTcVFPf64hQM08ANIi3KjOLzAX8m8sDvsgJbzp_tSPlLNxWEq-BPQ7nsJJhsbK4DsdM3mJx7YpkSdamWNlxN56WFQQ9rGgyOoMVu3_VPGRH1gk4IdtNn0YuWND5mxnDwwVe5izcY/s320/195.JPG" width="240" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0a1LjaDwNVwwgQfzg4uSxay-p4OssfSTJQOqJcj-9mVUQ_m8Rz8h4g2xmP-40Qh3pYxlNfMU1sbVJzZneZlHeTC66Yeg7oG2xhObfAv3xbGLEe8Vcpo-x9ziCmOF6o_cQZ87gGywXR40/s1600/363.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0a1LjaDwNVwwgQfzg4uSxay-p4OssfSTJQOqJcj-9mVUQ_m8Rz8h4g2xmP-40Qh3pYxlNfMU1sbVJzZneZlHeTC66Yeg7oG2xhObfAv3xbGLEe8Vcpo-x9ziCmOF6o_cQZ87gGywXR40/s320/363.JPG" width="240" /></a>And, if it weren't for Grandpa and Grandma B being there, well, we might not have had much fun at all.....alone with a newborn, and a 2, 4, and 6 year old. However, they <i>were </i>there and we all shared a wonderful time. We brought along our double stroller, <i>The Bob, </i>and Gracie would nap in the stroller several time a day. We'd leave the hotel at about 10am.....and get back at about 11pm - five nights in a row. Ru Bear would typically crash by the end of the day and spend the last hour or so sleeping in the stroller and grab a catnap or two during the day. The boys? Well, they might have been tired but they were in <i>Disneyland!!! </i>and didn't want to miss a moment of it! We'd take turns staying with Gracie and the stroller, and occasionally she'd come along in the baby carrier, <i>The Ergo. </i>Somehow, we managed to select the one off season week in February that was FULL of international travelers, so it was a rather busy time in Disneyland. But, we still had a magical time, all of us fully absorbing the magic that is Disney. And, it was magical indeed to see the genuine awe and delight on the children's faces....everywhere they looked, and especially at night seeing the parade. Another thing I don't think I'll ever forget is how the boys would hold hands, on their own. It was as if in the great crowds of people, they felt a bit insecure and stuck to each other like glue. <br />
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Now, if it weren't for free airline tickets from my years of travel for work, miles I had saved for just such a purpose, we likely would have flown Alaska Airlines and taken a non-stop flight. Instead we flew through Denver, changing planes with our 4 children and 6 carry-on bags. Not a good idea.....unless free....and even then, it comes into question. Without going into too much detail, I'm sure my memory will be triggered someday by recalling our return flight's first leg, going through a long security line with 4 grumpy, sleepy children (two crying and screaming), having to have all of our bags checked (due to the plastic salt and pepper shakers that apparently resemble weapons). By the end of the line, I was nearly crying....then was greeted by an unfriendly agent who scolded me for not having the right end of the ticket in my hand as I was attempting to hold children bags, purse, food AND the tickets.....and then being gently chided at the end of the two flight day that we should have asked the ticket agent to check our bags at the door.....for free. Ah.....despite missing the <i>Magic, </i>home was a welcome sight. <br />
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<i><b>Caleb Finished Kindergarten</b></i><br />
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There once was a sweet boy who loved his first teacher, "Mrs. Prince", very much. He had lots of friends, and girls who admired him. And his favorite subject was recess, most of which was spent playing chase and Star Wars pretend games with his good friend Wyatt. Come June, though excited for Summer at home, he was sad to say goodbye to his class and his teacher and certainly shed a few tears. A boy after his Mama's own heart, this one.<br />
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And for Mama, it was a bit rough. After all, Caleb was my first one to leave the nest, though he didn't flap his wings much, and made sure to come back and snuggle in his nest with Mama, Kindergarten marked the bridge. It was the bridge from the world of a Mama at home with all her babies, to a world of school, activities, sports, and increasing independence. We haven't dabbled much yet in the sports and activities. I have no desire to throw into chaos the one hour of sanity we have together at home during this stage of life. I need margin. Those things will come soon enough. <br />
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<i><b>Summer</b></i><br />
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Ah, and Summer. Though it may not be our last of such summers, it was definitely the first year the boys were old enough, together, to be allowed to play down by the shallow summer creek with their friends. <i><b> </b></i>The old fence separating our side of the yard from the creek has a secret passageway (hole) in it surrounded by briers and trees. Oh the fun that they had down by the "Secret Fortress".....crossing the "bridge", a low tree branch that spanned the narrow creek, jumping across (and sometimes in), sneaking around in the low hanging trees and bushes. Many a time, I would silently creep part way down from the house just to listen to the boys laughing, yelling, and making warrior sounds with their friends down at the Secret Fortress. I can almost still hear them as they run and play, foam swords (weapons) stuck down the back of their shirts and hung from belts and bead "neck-a-laces" they have slung crossways across their chests. Often, I'd hear the laundry room door open and hear the thud-thud of their feet as they ran up to their room to find "golden treasure" (gold colored plastic jewelry and plastic gems from Disneyland) to be buried outside in the yard. And, whenever we went any place where they saw a shiny gold object, whether plastic or not, but fake in all cases, it was a challenge to convince Caleb to not spend his every last Quarter cranking through the vending machine to collect "treasure". <br />
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A frequent request was to shoot arrows at the old hay bale next to the woodshed - something for which permission must be granted first by Papa or Mama. They also loved building forts in the bedroom with blankets, foam chairs and stuffed friends or playing indoor games. One of their favorite made up games is called "Carnival" in which they set up their room with little figurines and home made targets. They always come and get me and invite me to the carnival, complete with pretend tickets. I'm given a Nerf Gun and told to knock down the figurines. There are rules about how many tries I get (they are typically quite generous), and prizes to select from if I win. It's always fun to see how hospitable and welcoming they are when I come into their self constructed event......generous and encouraging. It makes me think, "Maybe they are learning something after all!"<br />
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Swim lessons showed a turning point as well. Caleb, who struggled with being fearful and timid in the water last year finally "clicked" and turned into quite the little fish. Emet never did share his brother's fear of the water, but is still working towards swimming with his legs back instead of straight down....which only allows him to "swim" a few feet before stopping. Emet may well be made of lead, as heavy as he is! He is our sturdy boy, that's for sure!<br />
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Night time routines included reading our Bible and Devotional and beginning the Swiss Family Robinson story, that is until the Advent Season when we temporarily switched to our much beloved and anticipated story tradition. This year it was Tabitha's Travels. Then, snuggles were to be had - oftentimes with three little ones and Papa in the bottom bunk, Emet's, listening to Papa's telling of "Hansel and Gretel, the Two Cows"....started one night after Mama told the real Hansel and Gretel story, which Papa didn't know. When Papa went to snuggle them the next night, they asked him to tell the story, but instead of doing so - he created his own rendition, which doesn't at all resemble the actual tale, but rather includes the characters of Caleb and Emet, Neighbor Ned, Farmer Bob, Mr. Frank (our actual neighbor), Fenster Needlehosen, Hansel and Gretel (the two cows!), and a few others, which neither Jason nor I can remember at present! The previous year, it would have been requests for scratch or draw (which they still request) or 100 questions by Caleb, but this year the big snuggle request is always for Annie's Adventures or Hansel and Gretel the Two Cows. Oh the adventures those kids have in these stories! Always to include character lessons and great excitement. Annie's Adventures is the story of me growing up, which I tell in third person.....they prefer it that way. I've asked. :-)<br />
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<b>Fall and Winter</b><br />
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Though she did spend time with them in the Summer, Anna Ruth really seemed to begin tagging along with the boys in the Fall. She is always trying to keep up with "bruders", and she is certainly no wimp! Well....that is until she needs something....then she's quick to whine or call out grievances. <br />
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Perhaps it was Caleb's heading off to 1st grade, <br />
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his first year of full time school, and at a new school - Firm Foundation Christian School. It's a school just 5 minutes down our own street.....a welcome change from the 20 minute cross county commute we were making twice daily.<br />
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Anna Ruth was naturally pushed to spend more time each day with Emet, as he and Caleb weren't off playing. And, overall, Emet truly stepped up to the plate of being the eldest at home. He is responsible and helpful and willing to play with Anna Ruth. However, over time, he grows more and more impatient of her three year old tantrums and behaviors and easily wears thin, calling her out....."Anna Ruth!!! Mama...!!!"<br />
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Emet, likewise, moved up in the world. Though he is not yet in traditional school, he had been with his Sunday School teachers for the past two years. "My Rossiters" he called them. We had long cherished the tradition he and Mr. Rossiter had together. Emet would stop about 50 feet from the door, and wait for Mr. Rossiter to come to the door and see him as he was greeting students. Emet would run across the room and throw himself down onto the floor of the classroom. Mr. Rossiter would do likewise. After observing this for nearly a year, I did finally get a video of the spectacle I hope to long remember. He sure had an attachment to these great people, and we'll miss having him in that class. But, being a big strong five year old now, he hardly belongs in a three year old class anymore. <br />
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The children and I also joined a home school co-op called "Friday School", that both Emet and Anna Ruth really enjoy. I'll never forget Anna Ruth asking each day if it is "Fwiday School" today. And Grace did just fine in the nursery, and seems to anywhere she goes. <br />
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Fall simply melted into winter for us, as it always does. School leading to the anticipation of our families birthday season....the children making their list of birthday and Christmas wishes for them and each other, planning their cakes and parties, deciding which birthday cereal they will choose for their special day and where we will go to dinner. It begins on October 25th with Emet, then November 2 is Caleb, November 7th is Anna Ruth, and in the middle of all of this is our annual Operation Christmas Child tradition. Following Thanksgiving and our final birthday celebration with Gracie on November 29, we get caught along with all the world in the joys of celebrating Christmas. Somehow we made it through all that and landed on the other side of last year, here in January! I haven't even yet sent out my 2012 Christmas Cards yet! (Though I plan to, even still!) <br />
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<i><b>Friendship</b></i><br />
<strong><em></em></strong>If there is any theme from the year that jumps out on me over and over, it is that of friendship. We live a life so abundantly blessed with friends and fellowship.....so much so that I believe we are probably rare in our connections with others, and I truly wouldn't trade it for the world. I love that our kids will have memories of friends, fellowship with other families, and great fun. And, to be sure, they will certainly have a jump start on relationship building and working things out! Any time you have 15+ kids of various ages combined is sure to be interesting! They do fairly well though, all things considered.<br />
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It's also a blessing that those of us with 4+ kids can experience date nights or go to Doctor's appointments and the like without having to sell our house to do so. We simply give and take in that department, and we all know each others kids well enough at this point to be able to fairly easily step into the supervision role for those children......and conversely as parents to be able to relax and have fun, knowing our kids are well loved and cared for.<br />
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We've been part of our Sunday School class for about five years and met with a Small Group Bible Study for nearly four, so these people have become some of our dearest friends. We get together any chance we can get, and laughter and great food abound. I know that for everything there is a season, and I can't imagine as children get older and schedules get more full with school and extracurricular activities that we will always have this luxury. However, if I'm learning anything over time, it is not to fear the loss of a season....but simply to rest in it, knowing that the next season of life will have it's share of beauty too. I remember 10 years ago when Jason and I were newly married how we thought we'd never have friends! We couldn't have imagined the wonderful friendships we share today, yet part of arriving to this time of life required the letting go of that season (home, friends, work) and moving to yet another unknown.<br />
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<i><b>Purpose</b></i><br />
<i><b></b></i><br />
On the order of purpose, I think I have come to terms with several things this year. <br />
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First of all, this has been the year of coming to a peace with my home. So much so, in fact, that we have stopped looking at houses altogether and actually want to stay here, until God clearly moves us in another direction. For years, I was stuck in a place of semi-discontent. While I tried to make the best of it, really, I couldn't wait to get out of our home and move to someplace bigger, newer, nicer. However, with much prayer and contemplation....it has become clear to me that there is great purpose in us staying here. The children absolutely love it - every aspect of the yard and the inside too! And, I have come to love the fact that the creaking floors and close confines let us experience fully these early childhood years.....allowing us to partake in the giggles and wrestling, the bumps and thuds that come from the rafters above. We also all remain together in our space, instead of spreading out to this room and that. And in this stage, I love this.....even if it occasionally means that I do appreciate a break! I have begun to get rid of home decor that I have hung onto for years, just waiting to be used when we, of course, moved! Now - we are clearing out those attic closets with hopes to create "secret rooms" for the children. What child wouldn't love that?!<br />
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Beyond the house, I a beginning to see some direction in my writing. I've known for years that there was writing in my future. I've felt that strongly in my heart, but haven't known the what or how of it all. Ever since I had that revelation, I've kept this blog....but it's truly only my life journal.....for us...for our children....and though I don't mind sharing it with others, that is certainly not it's primary purpose. Besides, everyone needs a place to put down their thoughts "edit free". As I'm still trying to work out the details with God, I guess I'll write more on that later. But the many thoughts coming to my mind all center around the things that are dearest to my heart and my general skills and abilities. I guess I shouldn't be surprised there, eh? This may come as a shock to me later as I read this, but over time, I haven't always followed my heart....I've spent a great deal of time trying to be good at the things I wasn't gifted in. And, of course, while I did glean some things here and there - I have found those pursuits to have been rather meaningless. <br />
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Most importantly, Caleb entering the first grade as been an enormous reminder of the passage of time. Huge. And, I'm gently prodded once again to be here. HERE - present both mentally and physically during these brief hours I have with my children at home with me. They seem endless, but they are oh so brief! I'm clinging to them....I love them....and yes, I need a break and a maid. Sometimes I get both (thanks Mom).....sometimes I get neither. But, I love my life regardless. <br />
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<b><i>What I hope to always remember.....the things I've loved</i></b><br />
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<b>Caleb:</b><br />
<b> - </b>Inquisitive, pondering look with one slightly raised eyebrow..."Hmm...."<br />
<b> - </b>If I look sad or disappointed, he'll often be extremely in tune with my feelings and ask "Why do you look sad, Mama?" <br />
- Tender spirit hiding beneath a tough exterior. I'll never forget the time he lost his brand new Pirate Mickey Mouse sweatshirt in Disneyland in the bathroom. As soon as Grandma asked where it was, he raced back in with Grandpa to find it missing. Grandma said he shrugged and offhandedly said "I don't care..", but later when I questioned him....he broke down into heart wrenching sobs....deeply sad over the loss of his new sweatshirt. When I had bought the boys the sweatshirts the first time as a surprise, he said "You're buying us these? Wow! Thanks, Mama!" He seemed truly grateful, knowing how much they cost. After he lost the sweatshirt, he went without the next day, shivering without a coat. Jason and I decided to purchase him another one, knowing how important it was to him. He was nearly moved to tears when I pulled his new sweatshirt out of the bag, having a true heart of thankfulness and quietly saying, "Thank you for getting me a new sweatshirt, Mama"...with a sweet, tearful face.<br />
- Fits of rage, throwing his head and arms back and stiffening his body when asked to do the simplest things...."OK!!!" He looks like he is about to blow a gasket or hyperventilate.<br />
- and following this, the looks of chagrin that pass over his face as he reads our night time devotional when it talks about controlling your anger and being nice. :-)<br />
- He recently lost all of his toys and things to his anger, to be earned back by twenty acts of showing kindess and love to his family. I must say that the family time we've had playing games together since then has made this a great benefit. Oh, and seeing the boys play with toys long laid aside, such as the Lincoln Logs - which now are built into houses built around catapult traps and lines of catapults (or what he calls catapults anyways) <br />
- the ever so slight little change I'm starting to notice in his voice here at years end...I'm getting a glimpse of that voice of the future that will no longer belong to a little boy<br />
- the fact that there is a couple of words he still says wrong, makes me happy - "Libary", "Extercise", "Ridiculus", "Conputer" for instance<br />
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<b>Emet:</b><br />
<b> - </b>Papa calls you his Mighty One<br />
- his graciousness "And by the way, thank you for getting x, y, z"<br />
<b> - </b>his "new recipes", wanting to make us coffee in the Keurig<br />
- his quick attitude towards service, "Emet, can you..." "Sure! Yes, Papa."<br />
- asking for something (like candy) he knows we'll probably say no to with a smile, and then an obedient, "Ok, Yes Mama" if we say no.<br />
- general exuberance...."Oh yeah, Baby"<br />
- love of "Brown" (ratty little brown puppy he's had since birth) and his other stuffed friends<br />
- Emet's servant's heart, always asking if he can help in the kitchen, wash dishes, help me make something, and last but not least - he loves to make you coffee in the Keurig<br />
- going to get wood, 5 and 6 loads even all alone, while brother is in school. They still do it together on weekends.....what a hard worker he is!<br />
- Emet's excitement about doing his chores to move over magnets on his new chore chart.<br />
- his elaborate stuffed animal displays he creates when making his bed, most notably "the singing Christmas tree"<br />
- and you will always, and forever be, unstoppable....it's your genuine, tender smile. It will always work in your favor<br />
- and then there's the "Smoulder", which you picked up from Disney's Tangled movie. :-) That's unstoppable too - though it elicits a bit more laughter. <br />
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<b>Anna Ruth:</b><br />
<br />
<b> - </b>our little dictator, the "Ru-tator" we have coined her...."I am NOT the Rutator", she tells us! :-)<br />
<b> - </b>most frequently has a slightly angry look on her face and is in the process of demanding something or telling on "bobos" (or bruders)<br />
- oh, but when she smiles...it is either a glorious laughter like little bells ringing.....or a sweet closed lip smile that pulls up her beautiful cheeks. It's as if she is in a state of complete contentment. <br />
- Not using "R" or "Th"....sometimes still "S" is missing "Nuggle me!", but as the year progressed, she has picked up her "S" more and more.<br />
- "Da Boys....", "Bruhdows", "Gwacie No-ay-al"..."Papa No-ay-al" :-) <br />
- "Bes Fwen" is "Kwistian"; Although no one can make her light up like Austin. They have been friends since before birth...and they get so excited when they see each other, it's contagious!<br />
- this little girl loves her dollies. Especially when she is away from home, she'll be seen in the nursury carrying around or rocking 3-5 dollies at once. She takes very good care of them....occasionally nurses them (when Mama is nursing...though she has done this less as the year has gone on), and as the year ends - likes to change their clothes alot (with assistance). <br />
- Delightful, melodic giggle<br />
- Pat-a-cake, Pat-a-cake, Make Oh's Man....Shut it in the oven fow Gwacie and me....Yay Gwacie! to which Gracie immediately glows happily and starts clapping. <br />
- "Ah-knee da Pooh"<br />
- Peanut butter an samwhich<br />
- Yow siwy!<br />
- I love the sweet little smile you have on your face <br />
- I luf you too, Mama<br />
- You look pwetty too, Mama (with the sweetest ever smile on her face)<br />
- Doe (though)<br />
- Ending sentences and thoughts with "So..." - I'm gonna mawry Kwistian, so....<br />
- her sleeping bag is her "Bean Bag", and she loved to participate in her first official "camp out" with the boys and Papa on the living room floor.<br />
- bwestkist (breakfast) <br />
<br />
- Ru Bear has created the habit of coming downstairs sometime in the
middle of the night and crawling into bed with Mama and Papa. (She
always goes to Papa's side). Neither of us are in a hurry to have her
stop though - her sweet, cuddly self....and we now know how quickly time
passes, and how this too will only be a short season. Eventually, it
will stop on it's own. <br />
<br />
<b>Grace</b>:<br />
- At years end is beginning to be a huge ham! She will squint her eyes closed then pop them open and look at you.<br />
- You're starting to indicate you understand us....almost always
responding to our question by gesturing, vocalizing something "Wah, Yah" and nodding yes stiffly. <br />
- She will shake her head yes with a stiff, forward shake of her head, and will also shake her head "No" from side to side.<br />
- She is taking a few tentative steps out into the room....I have seen up to 4....but typically, she will only venture from point A to point B.<br />
- Popping the worlds biggest dimples with the cutest, open mouthed smile you've ever seen.<br />
- A big smile with her tongue sticking out shows your happiness<br />
- A huge open mouthed smile with your whole tongue out - you are beyond excited and pleased with yourself! <br />
- Wah (sort of sounds like yeah) ....with a smile...of course! :-) <br />
- 1/2/13 You took several steps today....as if you almost preferred the idea of walking to crawling. Before today, you have gone several days without taking steps....then 4-5, skip a day, 4-5 more...but today - you have done 5 steps or so several times!<br />
- 1/6/13 - Today's the day!!! From this evening on, you will likely be walking more than crawling. Something clicked tonight, and over and over again you walked across the kitchen to to and fro. Tomorrow may be our last 1/2 and 1/2 crawling day...(sniff, sniff)....and onto the great adventure of life!<br />
- And here we are at the end of January, the time I've taken to put together my notes to capture in this blog, and you are pretty much a 95% walker now. Every now and then, we'll see you bear crawling under the table, or crawling from point A to point B, once you're already on the floor playing. However, when you fall over, you immediately get back up in that spot, and you are getting more steady and quick by the day. Every day for the past week, one of us at least has said, "She's a walker!" :-) <br />
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Little family, I love you so. I can't wait to see what God has for us together. He sure knew what he was doing when he put us together. I love you guys!Annhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11738177334283473835noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4272384053256548446.post-19035852894662018142013-04-02T23:43:00.003-07:002013-04-02T23:43:37.181-07:00"Mama, what does it mean to be mahweed?"<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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"Mama, what does it mean to be mahweed?" Anna Ruth asked me the other day. </div>
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"What do you think it means, Ru Bear?" I returned. </div>
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"It means to be mahweed and be a Papa and Mama together. And to love each other. And forgiveness. And being patient together" she answered. </div>
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There are many areas as a parent in which I feel I fail to be the best that I can be.....or even close sometimes. But, I will admit that this brief conversation was a moment of truth for me.......a glimpse into the larger picture of life and parenting. If this is the view my three and a half year old little girl has of marriage, then we must be doing something right. </div>
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Thank you, God, and Ru Bear, for allowing me a little glimpse into the big picture. I needed that. </div>
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<br />Annhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11738177334283473835noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4272384053256548446.post-23021964245457828642013-04-02T23:29:00.000-07:002013-04-02T23:49:07.311-07:00So he said with tears...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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"My little girl isn't coming down to snuggle every night anymore" he said with sadness. <br />
<br />
We knew it would happen. Not being new to parenting, we've seen seemingly endless stages fade away, and so we knew that our nightly visits from our little Ru Bear would end one day too. <br />
<br />
Each night, we would head to bed, and Jason would say, "Well, I had better get some sleep, Ru Bear will be headed down in about 5 minutes." Somewhere in the middle of the night, she would make the trek downstairs, head to Papa's side of the bed and crawl in. We made her a sticker chart for the refrigerator that read "Yay me! I stayed in my own bed all night long!".....and each time she did, she could select her own puffy princess sticker, which she did with much pride. But, we really never encouraged it all that much, because secretly, we both loved her tiny little warm body snuggled close. Our little Ru Bear. <br />
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One day in March, she didn't come down......which had happened on occasion before then. But then, the next night and the next, she didn't return. Papa finally said, "My little girl doesn't snuggle with me anymore." It's April now, and still no Ru Bear. <br />
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As he carried her upstairs tonight to her bed after she fell asleep watching a movie on the couch, he said it again, sadness in his voice and eyes. "My little girl doesn't come downstairs anymore to snuggle." <br />
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And so it is. I haven't even posted my 2012 review blog yet, in which she still does. But....sometimes we don't remember to recognize our "lasts"....so I had to write this one down. I'm sure she'll come down again from time to time, but the pattern has broken and is no more. Our little Ru Bear is growing up. Annhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11738177334283473835noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4272384053256548446.post-26061389646951624712013-03-18T13:32:00.003-07:002013-03-18T13:33:19.187-07:0015 Months: Keeping Mama Busy!!!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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By now, I'm noticing the trend that all of your updates might be a half a month late. So....15 1/2 month update - here we go! <br />
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You are busy. BUSY. There is not a place you go that you are not opening, unrolling, or carrying away something! ....Often times with a look of determination on your face, however, when you look at us, you break into a winning smile, then hold out your prize as if you were helping the whole time. Cupboards, toilet paper rolls, the pantry, the garbage, and most frequently, the baking drawer! You love to carry things around, and pull off lids.....and you are drawn to anything chocolate more than any other food. Though, to your credit, you're as happy with unsweetened cocoa as chocolate chips! Just this morning, I was picking up laundry and toys in your brothers' room, and saw that just as fervently, you were emptying all of their t-shirts, underwear and socks out of their baskets and carrying them to the little Thomas the Train chair that still adorns their room. <br />
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Your words are pouring forth like a flood. Most of them are still babbles, but you will repeat the same phrase over and over with pointing and animation. And we'll often hear you try to repeat something your sister or brothers have said. Little phrases like "Whas dat?" are coming more and more frequently. The other day, you started saying "Jesus", and I realized you wanted to sing <em>Jesus Loves Me </em>when we were rocking before nap time. <br />
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"I knee!" or "I knee you!!" you'll say as you reach up your arms to be picked up. This is something I hope I don't forget anytime soon. And presently, it's me you "knee" a lot. Of all the four children, you have been the one that clings to me the most, though you certainly have a soft spot for your Papa. You join the other children in waving to him as he drives by the sliding glass doors in the morning, and bang on the sliders happily yelling when he returns home in the evenings. <br />
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One of the sweetest memories I have of this stage is how you animatedly shake your head yes, which involves your whole head and neck and a serious expression on your face. But no one could mistake your meaning. If you don't want something, you will turn your head to the side and say "Hm Mm!" <br />
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Your walking is steady, with a few wobbles here and there if you are bumped into or trip. Every now and then, we'll see you crawl somewhere and it makes us smile. <br />
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Your little thumb is red and swollen from sucking it, even though you only suck your thumb at naps, at night or when extremely tired. We're just waiting for it to split open as it did for little Ru Bear, though hers wasn't until she was 2 years old. With her's, we just had to put on band-aid and tell her that she couldn't suck it anymore or she would keep getting an owie. That was the last time she sucked it. I guess we'll have to wait and see how it works with you. <br />
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You're still nursing when you wake and just before bed. Yes, you have nursed longer than any of your siblings, but you and I are having a hard time letting go of this precious last. The time will come soon enough, but for now, it's something we still share. <br />
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Another little tooth is poking through on the top just to the left of your front two teeth. Boy, and have you been fussy lately....avoiding naps, waking during the night, wanting to be held. Although, having been through this three times before, I know how quickly these stages pass, so I'm cherishing the cuddle time a little more than I perhaps have in the past. <br />
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You remain a blondie with your hair getting longer and longer, though it is still relatively short overall. A barrette is now a must to keep your bangs out of your eyes, though between you and your sister, it's pretty hard to keep it there! You are tall too, which becomes more evident as you walk around more steadily. Rocking you now involves pulling your legs up and in, or turning you to the side or to face forward. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcW5OTSqV-wBoiJvuTTUe7YKbsIc_DXia9z6gNpCVEQtDHjLXPywa68ssqR3EWRRfo8k-X9TVOaA7CabrzaJGvVbfxLpnko051oCNDFqPPXxO-8lU0anNkFsnxUU1k3NNuMZLA8CUY6XQ/s1600/DSC_0096_053.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="211" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcW5OTSqV-wBoiJvuTTUe7YKbsIc_DXia9z6gNpCVEQtDHjLXPywa68ssqR3EWRRfo8k-X9TVOaA7CabrzaJGvVbfxLpnko051oCNDFqPPXxO-8lU0anNkFsnxUU1k3NNuMZLA8CUY6XQ/s320/DSC_0096_053.JPG" width="320" /></a>I love how when we lay you in bed, you immediately plug your little left thumb into your mouth and grab for the corner of your blanket or stuffed animal with your other hand. It remains somewhat tucked under your arm. You haven't seemed to keep a strong preference for one blanket or animal, though the softer the better. Your two giraffes are the ones we put in with you the most, and a soft pink and brown satin trimmed blanket. Lately, you've had a newfound fascination with dollies as well, and I even saw you feeding one a bottle and putting one into the dolly stroller! <br />
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I think one of the best things about you is your determined little spirit. You will not be left behind! Nowadays, you get very upset when brothers and sister head outside to play without you, and you will stand at the door and cry. <br />
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Oh how we love you, little Gracie! Grow on, Little One. Grow in Grace. <br />
<br />Annhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11738177334283473835noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4272384053256548446.post-42996816176145379712013-02-11T23:12:00.002-08:002013-02-11T23:12:25.812-08:0014 Months: into EVERYTHING!!!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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You are up and running! Well, not running literally just yet, but you are walking around 90% of the time.....getting more and more steady by the day. If you wobble at all these days, you steady yourself, or tip and get right back up.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCbO2JDQiI34GfluebXwkdlBTfKaE0c6j6GwkeeLQfHYdhkuKUq1C17cujhQKU3OnULx1E-abeusl1L1Z4KMp4QrjoZsclddU9v7FFkWDKYJKn0fm8KSWJ7okqiZGR08YWuH8gbq1_84U/s1600/2013-02-02+062.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCbO2JDQiI34GfluebXwkdlBTfKaE0c6j6GwkeeLQfHYdhkuKUq1C17cujhQKU3OnULx1E-abeusl1L1Z4KMp4QrjoZsclddU9v7FFkWDKYJKn0fm8KSWJ7okqiZGR08YWuH8gbq1_84U/s320/2013-02-02+062.JPG" width="211" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6wXccLQxdeVePteWinxcA7O0MoSiRlM6ROMmoXwh-JqVUWMCQfTGQbuAkbXhK-iy1grrGrPboVSO_edGFGt3tMXlwqxDGnnPN49RwuTOQs9ZG1ZoOke38xJ_cGQbTw5McHJZuYSWh8ZQ/s1600/2013-02-02+200.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6wXccLQxdeVePteWinxcA7O0MoSiRlM6ROMmoXwh-JqVUWMCQfTGQbuAkbXhK-iy1grrGrPboVSO_edGFGt3tMXlwqxDGnnPN49RwuTOQs9ZG1ZoOke38xJ_cGQbTw5McHJZuYSWh8ZQ/s320/2013-02-02+200.JPG" width="211" /></a>If you were getting into cupboards and the like before, well now you have quadrupled your cupboard opening practices. Much of your day, when not sleeping, napping, or in your high chair is spent wandering around and getting into things! And, I think you might have a preference for baking, because you LOVE the baking cabinet.......especially the cinnamon sugar and coco shakers. (You'll remember that a few months back when you started this whole trend soon after pulling up, it was the baking drawer you were in getting into Mama's chocolate chips and cocoa powder....a girl after your Mama's own heart!)<br />
<br />
Your words are pouring forth. My personal all time favorite is watching you toddle over to me with your arms extended out and up saying...."Knee you Mama! Knee you Mama!" As I am beginning the process of weaning you, we've dropped two feedings in this past month. It was so hard to resist you, when you would cry and follow me around with big tears in your eyes saying, "Knee you Mama!" (I'll admit that a few times, I caved in....) You also have a phrase you say that sounds to all of us like "Ta-co!" So, we all laugh and say, "Taco! Taco!" Though we have no idea what you are saying, it does seem like you say it when you are trying to show us something you want to figure out. "Stah (Star)" is another of your words, as we rock each night under the starry night sky of your constellation lady bug. At nap time or night, you will wave your little hand back and forth and say "Bah"...and increasingly "Bye!" :-) Be still my heart! As we rock under the stars and sing, your little voice chimes in....singing along in your own tune and words, but singing nonetheless. <br />
<br />
When you want something, or are slightly frustrated, you spread your fingers and put your right hand over your mouth as if covering a cough. And, you're quick to throw back your head, squint your eyes, then open your eyes expecting to see us taking joy in you. Sometimes you shake your head "no" for "yes", but mostly "No" means "No" and "Yes" means "Yes!". This is the month, to be sure, that we are completely unable to all share snacks around you without you letting us know you are quite displeased! And, you will point and cry until we resolve the issue. <br />
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You are a fantastic eater, and if you want more of something we are feeding you....you'll let us know. The first time we noticed this, you were eating Rainbow Chard. You
would have thought it was ice cream! You could not get more fast
enough. It was a Mama's dream! If we are headed towards your mouth with some bites already, you open your mouth and stick out your tongue as far as you can. Which, by the way, is also how you give kisses! Ironically, your entire family - siblings and all - love to get your wet sloppy kisses!!! They are about as welcome as can be! <br />
<br />
When you cry in bed, waking after a naptime... the other kids all say, "Can we go talk to Gracie?" And up they run when given the ok. Emet will sit you on his lap and go down the stairs one by one.<br />
<br />
You seem to like choosing people to hold you, and odd as it may seem, you seem to choose people who need a little self esteem boost in the childcare department. This has happened several times in different groups. It's as if it is your own little gift! It will be fun to see if this continues with you over time. <br />
<br />
Ah, Grace. What more can I say? I know there are a hundred wonderful little things that you do....but truly this tired Mama has come to a close with her musings. Smile on, Little One. :-)<br />
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<br />
<br />Annhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11738177334283473835noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4272384053256548446.post-36424796035414143902013-01-18T22:50:00.001-08:002013-01-18T22:59:32.886-08:0013 Months: Ready, Set.....Go!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Ah Grace. I didn't know if I would continue this monthly journal past a year, as I had committed to that. However, seeing you grow and change so quickly, it's hard for me not to try to capture it all.<br />
<br />
You are amazing. Simply amazing.<br />
<br />
Such a little ham you are....shaking your head from side to side with your eyes squinted shut and your head thrown back....then, you peek to check - making sure we are delighting in you. We are. <br />
<br />
Your dimples pop out in your open mouthed grin. When you are happy and determined, you stick your tongue out. When you are thrilled beyond imagination, your whole mouth opens in an exuberant smile and your whole tongue sticks out....it is fantastic. I'm not sure anyone wouldn't be able to smile at the picture.<br />
<br />
Your little words are coming! Slowly....starting with the head nods, stiffly with your whole neck for yes, side to side for no. You say "Wah, or yah" for yes. And just two nights ago, as I rocked you in the old rocker upstairs before bed, you pointed to the stars on your ceiling - cast there from your ladybug constellation night light, and said "tar"....over and over you pointed and said "tar". And, every now and then, you will say a garbled phrase that sure sounds like a sentence that would make sense for the context. Or, a word will come out clear as a bell. Yes, you are definitely beginning that process of communicating with us in words and gestures, slipping further and further from being a baby and more towards your toddler years.<br />
<br />
Baby, toddler, preschooler, kindergartener, elementary, junior high, high school, college. It goes that fast. Eighteen years we have? I think not. We have one year, eighteen times, Lord willing, - which is broken up into bits and pieces by new developments each month, especially when you are this little. Time literally melts away. <br />
<br />
In the days I wrote this blog, though I have tarried long to finish and post it, you went from a few tentative steps into the room - perhaps 3 or 4, mostly going straight from point A to point B....to walking most of the time!<br />
<br />
I wrote: <br />
<br />
1/2/13: "You took several steps today....as if you almost preferred the
idea of walking to crawling. Before today, you have gone several days
without taking steps....then 4-5, skip a day, 4-5 more...but today - you
have done 5 steps or so several times!"<br />
<br />
1/6/13: "Today's the
day!!! From this evening on, you will likely be walking more than
crawling. Something clicked tonight, and over and over again you walked
across the kitchen to to and fro. Tomorrow may be our last 1/2 and 1/2
crawling day...(sniff, sniff)....and onto the great adventure of life!"<br />
<br />
And, here it is 1/18/13, Grandpa B's 76th birthday. You've been waddling around the house for almost two weeks now. Yes, you do drop down to crawl now and then, or we'll see you bear crawling on your feet and hands, perhaps with two cars in your hands (just like big brother Emet used to do!). But mostly, you're my little walker now. Still a little unstable, easily tipped, and best when holding onto your destination, but a walker you are.<br />
<br />
You have been sick these past two days, crying almost constantly and wanting to be held at all times. It makes me sad, for as I write this, I realize how unlike yourself you are when you feel so poorly. :-(<br />
<br />
We love you Grace Noelle! Annhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11738177334283473835noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4272384053256548446.post-34269311832192630422012-12-19T11:00:00.002-08:002012-12-19T11:03:21.381-08:00Ordway Family Christmas Letter 2012<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirMt_yBLGstqxSbYy7yhqoqnLbGrV4AhyphenhyphengB1xL1xrq6Fmf1PKz0POvmY2di_E_RXC5CC1gdYOXd9nfmv7KfsGz_YK06q5UL2shZqFUY6jSvIV8h8MrMspghPnlpp7zWBpmqv9bituUG4U/s1600/Ordway005.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirMt_yBLGstqxSbYy7yhqoqnLbGrV4AhyphenhyphengB1xL1xrq6Fmf1PKz0POvmY2di_E_RXC5CC1gdYOXd9nfmv7KfsGz_YK06q5UL2shZqFUY6jSvIV8h8MrMspghPnlpp7zWBpmqv9bituUG4U/s400/Ordway005.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif"; font-size: small; line-height: 115%;">Dearest Friends & Family, </span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif"; font-size: small; line-height: 115%;">As I sit here in front of our cozy wood stove fire,
my heart is full. The Christmas tree is aglow with twinkling white lights, ornaments
hung helter-skelter in odd clumps on the branches, and the plastic nativity set
is scattered around its base. Our
littlest beauty, Grace, is sound asleep in her crib while the eldest three have
made camp at the base of the boys’ bunk bed, surrounded by fortifications
constructed of foam chairs, pillows, blankets, and stuffed animals galore. A few creaking floorboards and three excited little
voices coming from two piles of blue, and one of pink can be heard in the
living room of our little farmhouse as they chatter and giggle about enemies
and spies. Yes, such is a picture of our life right now, and what a beautiful
life it is. If any sentiment resonates
with me this year, it is that of thankfulness. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif"; font-size: small; line-height: 115%;">“KB”, our Caleb (age 7), finished his first year
of school – Kindergarten, and embarked upon his second – First Grade. Though he changed schools between the two, he
has done well at both, in fact, having recently won the first grade spelling
bee! It has been fun watching him go
from forming words to fluency in reading over the past year and observing him
put together various pieces of logic and math from daily life. However, all of his stuffed animals are still
of utmost importance to him, and though he has begun to be a little more self-conscious
to his outward responses publicly, he still loves to watch Veggie Tales and the
like in the privacy of his own living room, laughing and giggling
throughout. Most importantly, he
desperately wants us to snuggle with him and tell stories each night…..something
neither Jason nor I are eager to give up anytime soon. He is our tenderhearted boy with a tough
outer shell and requires much patience from his parents! But strong is his heart, and if we all stay
the course, he will be a fine man someday. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif"; font-size: small; line-height: 115%;">“Emet, my Emet” (age 5), is a thoughtful and
helpful little soul. He continues to
grow in mind and stature and is frequently mistaken for Caleb’s twin….A large
boy he is! He has flourished in “Friday
School Kindergarten”, our home school Co-op.
He loves the classroom time, and a chance to pack his lunchbox and carry
a backpack. He is working hard on his
letters and numbers, putting together words and writing birthday letters to his
stuffed animals. There are a few words
he still mispronounces, and we might be a tad guilty of not correcting him, in
holding on to our little boy, but by and large, he is growing out of the
preschool years and preparing to move into the world of Kindergarten. Emet is also
our budding chef, and not only loves to help in the kitchen, but also loves
creating recipes of his own…and to his credit, he comes up with some pretty
incredible combinations! He has a true
talent! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif"; font-size: small; line-height: 115%;">“Ru Bear”, our Anna Ruth (age 3), is a passionate
and fiery one. She can be as sweet as
sugar, full of laughter and giggles, or as stormy as the deep blue sea. She definitely can hold her own against her
older brothers, who do give her quite the run for her money. She is the apple of her Papa’s eye and spends
most of the time he is home by his side or on his lap. Her vocabulary has increased from simple
sentences pieced together at the beginning of the year to a full vocabulary of
ramblings, missing “R” and “Th” and “V”s which are replaced by “W” and
“F”s. “Whew Awe We Gowing?”….”NO
NOT!”….and “I Luf you” are things we hear frequently from our little Ru Bear,
in addition to her sing song little voice chatting away to her dollies and
friends. She can frequently be seen
toting around two or more dollies and loves to rock them and put them to
bed. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif"; font-size: small; line-height: 115%;">Our Gracie, (age 1), is a true joy. Our entire family is delighted daily by her
winning smile, adorable dimples, twinkling, bright eyes and happy
countenance. She holds her own to be
sure, not allowing herself to be left behind in any situation. But, for the
most part, she is full of laughter, and increasingly, silly antics. Knowing she is our last, it has been both a
joy and a sadness to see these stages pass for the last time in our
family. However, we are looking forward
with great anticipation at the new adventures we have before us. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif"; font-size: small; line-height: 115%;">As for Jason and I, life remains full. Jason spends many hours at Columbia West
Engineering, his workplace of nearly 10 years, and we took the big step of
becoming partners this year. I have been
working hard at being Mama to my four little ones, and in my spare time, (which
is very spare indeed!), I have been trying to write more in my blog and have
started a kitchen blog and Facebook page, <i>Mama
Ann’s Kitchen</i>, to capture some of the fun my kiddos and I have in the
kitchen and demo the Demarle Flexipan product I have long used and now distribute
(our Disneyland fund</span><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif"; font-size: small; line-height: 115%;">). :-)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif"; font-size: small; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif"; font-size: small; line-height: 115%;">We are blessed beyond measure by a large group of
dear friends and family to share our lives with. I can’t even count the number of times a need
has been met, or babysitting provided for an appointment or a much needed date
night. However, more often that not, we
all find ourselves gathered together as families spending time together…..which
may include 15-20 children and 12 or so adults.
The memories we are making are full of laughter, noise, and a good share
of small arguments over various “mishaps”.
Negotiation and teamwork skills are already in full swing. Because of both our life stage with little
ones and a life of friends and fellowship, our house isn’t always as tidy or
spotless as I would hope…..nor is the car vacuumed or the laundry
complete. But life is full, and life is
good. I truly wouldn’t change a
thing. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif"; font-size: small; line-height: 115%;">Friends, if you’re reading this letter, you have
been a part of my life in some capacity over time. Times change, and things rearrange, but a
friend will never lose their spot in my heart.
May God bless each of you in this rich season of the celebration of His
Son’s birth. May you enjoy and treasure
each moment spent with family and friends, storing the memories away in your
heart for a rainy day and preparing the way for new and lasting
traditions. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif"; font-size: small; line-height: 115%;">Many Blessings,</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif"; font-size: small; line-height: 115%;">Ann, for the family</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif"; font-size: small; line-height: 115%;">Jason: (360) 909 0892, </span><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="mailto:Jason@columbiawestengineering.com"><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif"; line-height: 115%;">Jason@columbiawestengineering.com</span></a><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif"; line-height: 115%;">; </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif"; font-size: small; line-height: 115%;">Ann: (206) 290 7359, </span><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="mailto:jaordway@hotmail.com"><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif"; line-height: 115%;">jaordway@hotmail.com</span></a><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif"; line-height: 115%;">,
GourmetToGerber.Blogspot.com, MamaAnnsKitchen.Blogspot.com </span></span></div>
Annhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11738177334283473835noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4272384053256548446.post-43398358536381679702012-12-18T00:32:00.002-08:002012-12-18T00:34:05.626-08:00One Year Old: Twinkle Twinkle Little Star<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqAyJXgd79EreDq-F4AnnmhPTGdp5DPt1_bs-x8H4ToZxlk1bGxWoegzqh3TLCt6B-ArZGtJs96fwSppfYhWdFHNUQlvS8mXjpwkDt64xi011RcEaHUEoz7LjZe89ovzmYdiUDNEqxpH0/s1600/2012-12-08+106.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqAyJXgd79EreDq-F4AnnmhPTGdp5DPt1_bs-x8H4ToZxlk1bGxWoegzqh3TLCt6B-ArZGtJs96fwSppfYhWdFHNUQlvS8mXjpwkDt64xi011RcEaHUEoz7LjZe89ovzmYdiUDNEqxpH0/s320/2012-12-08+106.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
Ah, my dear sweet Grace. As I sit here nursing you, I know our time together in such a bond is coming to a close. I'd like to think it will go on forever, but as the seasons of life change from one to another, such things do pass. But not just yet. Not yet. This Mama and her baby girl are not quite ready. I know we'll have many beautiful times together from here forward. I'm simply clinging to the now and the recent past. It is a habit of mine, you know, one I'm working on. <br />
<br />
It is now two weeks past your birthday. I think I've had a hard time sitting down to write this blog....this final month of the first year. It is hard to finish something sometimes when it means closing a door. Yet...isn't that what life is all about? Walking forward....being where you are at while you are there, then looking ahead and taking each day as it comes.....celebrating and learning from the changes we encounter. Growth.<br />
<br />
And you are growing faster than I can imagine! Tall and big. You're easily fitting in 18 month clothing and some 2T shirts and dresses! Was it only a year ago you were in newborn clothes?<br />
<br />
In your third month, I wrote:<br />
<br />
<i><span style="text-align: -webkit-center;">"I am reminded of the description of St. Nicholas in Twas the Night Before Christmas....</span><span style="text-align: -webkit-center;">.fitting for our Grace Noelle: </span><span style="text-align: -webkit-center;">'Your eyes - how they twinkle - your dimples so merry, </span><span style="text-align: -webkit-center;">Your cheeks so like roses, </span><br />
</i><span style="text-align: -webkit-center;"><i>your nose like a cherry.' "</i></span><br />
<span style="text-align: -webkit-center;"><i><br /></i></span>
<span style="text-align: -webkit-center;">Oh
how true this remains of you! You are a bright star! When you smile,
the world seems to light up, and then on seeing our reaction to you, yet
another level of brightness shines forth. Unbelievable you
are......dimples so cute, countenance so bright, eyes so sparkly. <i>
Twinkle Twinkle Little Star</i> indeed.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="text-align: -webkit-center;"></span><br />
<span style="text-align: -webkit-center;">You are standing alone now, without the support of furniture or cabinetry. In fact, </span><span style="text-align: -webkit-center;">the day before your first birthday, you took your first steps, alone, in the center of our kitchen. From squatting you rose up. Caleb and I saw you, and then, with a gleam in your eyes and a brilliant smile on your face, you stepped forward again....then again. We were beyond excited, and the more excited we got, the happier you became. Emet came running down from upstairs, and Sissy started crying in the living room because she had missed it. And you did it again, for each of them as they entered, and again for Papa that night when he came home. Now, having more than two weeks passed, and seeing the infrequency with which you do this, I know you did it for us....for each of us. As crawling is much more expedient, your few steps are typically followed by lowering down to a rapid crawl across the floor, though you will grasp even one finger and walk, quite surely, beside us. But the minute we let go, down you go. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="text-align: -webkit-center;">I simply cannot adequately express the radiance in the countenance of babies and their families when such milestones occur. There, in those moments, is no shame or fear of public display.....no timidity, simply an excitement proclaiming - "Look at me! I'm doing it!", or, "I can't believe I'm here to see this!" And, this simply begins the childhood quest for praise and attention. It has, of course, been occurring since your wee months, but as you begin to speak - you will ask for it....seek it.....and as your Mama, I will do my very best to quench your every need to have your little tank filled with love and praise. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="text-align: -webkit-center;">To be truthful, I might have confused you a bit, for I had left my
planner at Grandpa and Grandma B's house at Thanksgiving and went a few
days without it (NOT a good plan for your Mama.) So, the day prior to
your birthday, the kids and I sang happy birthday to you, put on the
birthday hat at breakfast, your first birthday shirt, and we headed out
the door to Caleb's school honors assembly. After sitting down and sharing your first
birthday news with those sitting around me, Papa soon arrived to point
out that that day was not, in fact, November 29, and therefore NOT your
birthday! I quickly took the onesie off to save any further embarrassment. So, perhaps you had been holding out to take your first
solo steps until your birthday and I confused you. Or, maybe you just
wanted to be the first in the family to walk. Either way, you were our
youngest "first stepper!" </span><br />
<span style="text-align: -webkit-center;"><br /></span>
<span style="text-align: -webkit-center;">You are certainly one to hold your own. You will not let us leave you alone without voicing your opinion, and loudly at that! When you are finished, you will cross your arms back and forth across your body, and when you want something - anything - you clap your hands, then extend out your arms in front of you, bending almost backwards at the elbows and clasping your hand as in the "milk" sign. Lately, you have been shaking your head from side to side and have begun making silly faces - just to be silly.....squinting your eyes closed, then opening them again to see us, of course, staring at you and smiling! You are quite a ham. </span><br />
<span style="text-align: -webkit-center;"><br /></span>
<span style="text-align: -webkit-center;">I look down at you in your crib, Grace Noelle, and I am amazed. I see a baby that stretches, barely fitting your crib from side to side.....when just a year ago, you were so tiny and small when we first laid you there. I see your growing, shiny locks of blonde hair - still short, but so much more than the downy fuzz that covered your head a year ago. </span><br />
<span style="text-align: -webkit-center;"><br /></span>
<span style="text-align: -webkit-center;">But more than all of this, I see a future....I see you in a year, and then two, three, four, five and six from now, in the same way I have seen your brothers and sister grow before my very eyes. All of the stages and joys that lie before us. I see the ending of the season of childbearing for me....and while that creates a sad feeling in my heart, a reminiscent one....it also creates a hope and anticipation for the joys of moving forward as a little family - growing and learning together, planting our roots like mighty oak trees, growing deep in the nourishing soil....learning as a family to love, give, and serve; creating traditions and beautiful memories that will last our whole lives long, and will become, for you, the foundation of your lives....becoming together a mighty lighthouse in a dark world. </span><br />
<span style="text-align: -webkit-center;"><br /></span>
<span style="text-align: -webkit-center;">But Grace, you are so much more than simply the fourth child, the last to pass through the growing years in our home. You are a miracle in your own right. Beautiful, charming, and full of life. You are cherished by your family and all who encounter you. You have a winning way about you that makes you unforgettable. </span><br />
<span style="text-align: -webkit-center;"><br /></span>
<span style="text-align: -webkit-center;">May you grow in Grace, sweet little one. Grow in the beauty and Grace for which you were created. You are amazing, cherished, and above all, are a precious child of God. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="text-align: -webkit-center;">Grow on, little Grace. Grow on!</span>Annhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11738177334283473835noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4272384053256548446.post-43669161401987498392012-12-09T02:01:00.001-08:002012-12-09T02:01:15.502-08:00The best Christmas tree ever...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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There would have been a time in my life when I never, EVER, would have looked at our Christmas tree this year as worthy of praise. A somewhat misshapen tree, far shorter than I would have liked due to our short farmhouse ceilings. Ornaments crammed far too close together and in no good pattern or order. Plastic, shatterproof balls hung in heavy balance on the bottom branches. A hastily scribbled paper angel, made from a paper plate, topping the tree. No, our Christmas tree would never grace the pages of Martha Stewart Living magazine. <br />
<br />
Yet, as I sit here alone in our living room....lights off and enjoying the glow of the twinkling white lights, I can't help but think back on the events of today.<br />
...Of tromping in the rain through the mud, searching for just the right $10 tree.<br />
...Of watching the boys with their Papa, sawing away with pride at the trunk that was soon to fall.<br />
...Of hearing the repeated question over and over...."Is it time to start decorating the tree yet?"<br />
...Of seeing the expressions of delight as they reached into the ornament bin to evoke memories of Christmases past.<br />
...Of remembering that everything with their names or marks makes a place for them in the family.<br />
...Of keeping in mind that each poorly glued, hastily cut paper ornament is a source of their pride. <br />
...Of watching Anna Ruth pick out all of the Thomas Kincaid houses, for which she clearly demonstrated awe and delight, and gently carrying them to the tree, where she would hang the heavy ornaments ever so precariously on the end of the small branches.<br />
...Of hearing the crack of ornaments, once considered precious, treasured objects.....collected over time from various jaunts and travels....as they bounced to the ground, breaking off this piece and that.<br />
...Of seeing the big, sad, frightened eyes as they realized they had broken something considered special....though they had tried their best....the ceramic bagpipes from Scotland, the little Thomas Kincaid cottage....the bell with the Christmas scene.<br />
...Of realizing these little people were experiencing great joy and wonder from holding these tiny treasures in their hands, and felt a deeper disappointment than I when the object slipped from their hands.<br />
...Of bending down, tipping up chins, wiping off tears and reassuring their precious little spirits, and mine, that everything would be ok...and that those ornaments were just things. Just stuff.<br />
...Of giving hugs, restoring spirits, and walking them back to the ornament bin to try once again, with a good chance of further mishaps.<br />
<br />
Yes, there would have been a time when this tree would have been an eyesore to me. But no longer. It has become more beautiful to me than diamonds....more precious than gold. There will come a day, when I won't have these little hands helping me or tears to wipe away....when no one will consider placing five ornaments on a single branch. I'll be able to have crystal icicles and glass balls to my heart's desire. And yet....I'm not sure I'll want to. It may just be that I always hang a paper ornament or two and Emet's little angel on the top of our tree....or at least his child's. <br />
<br />
What I have in my family now is a time of tradition, of wonder, of memories and joy, or stories and "remember whens"......all surrounding the mutual gathering and decoration of our little tree. And when those precious memories drop to the floor in a pile of rubble? Well, I then have a chance to touch and mend, to speak directly to the core of a wounded heart, assuring that little heart that it will always have a home and a safe place in our family.....to remind that little spirit what is important in life, and it's certainly not a fragile piece of painted ceramic.<br />
<br />
And that life treasure....I wouldn't give up for anything. In fact, this might be the best Christmas tree ever.....Well, at least so far. :-)<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Annhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11738177334283473835noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4272384053256548446.post-71618284305476073902012-10-30T23:49:00.000-07:002012-10-30T23:52:53.216-07:0011 Months: Into everything!!!<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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Ah, how the Autumn of your first year is upon us, Little
One.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Too soon, you will be a year
old!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As a Mama, I’m trying to overcome
the melancholy of leaving this stage of parenting behind with the joys set
before us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Viewing each day not as a
last but as a new beginning.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Yet….yet….with each little outfit and blanket I tuck away…..with each
little shoe that no longer fits, I find a moment of pause in reflecting on what
that little object has meant, on who has worn it, and it sends me back through
Memory Lane.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
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I have been struck, as of late, with how quickly the passage
of time occurs.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s not in the days,
but in the months and years that it passes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Days seem to be about routine occurrences, then before you know it, a
month has passed, and<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>twelve into a
year.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> I guess part of our job as parents is to find the joy in the daily routines, because that's the stuff life is made of. </span></div>
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As for you, Gracie Noelle, you are a gem!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What a sparkler you are!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So full of life and exuberance.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Not one to be left behind, you will voice
your objection loudly when we leave the room, or call down to us when you are
ready to be out of your bed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> We no longer can share snacks or Costco samples without giving them to you as well, or that voice of yours will be heard loud and clear!</span></div>
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Rare is the time when you look at us without your large,
dimpled smile immediately following often accompanied by that ever so slight
upward twitch of your brows.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You are so
hard to resist!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I seem to have a special
trigger with you, for if you are at all hungry or tired, seeing me makes your
happy countenance turn to a look of angst and panic as you immediately crawl
towards me or bounce in your little chair. I think you and I will both have a
hard time when it is time to stop nursing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> (Which we have always referred to in our family as "Nursy Nurse"....and you seem to call "Na na".)</span></div>
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<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">You are feeding yourself, grasping your food in between your thumb and forefinger. If you have control of your bowl and spoon, each of those items goes into your mouth and sometimes some of the food too. Watching you eat can be comical!</span></div>
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<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">If we come next to you during your food time, you almost always offer us some of what you have, appearing so delighted with yourself. Sometimes though you will take it back at the last minute and eat it yourself. :-) </span></div>
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<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">I had guessed you'd be walking by 11 months. Well, I was wrong, but you do pull up and stand every chance you get: the dishwasher, bread basket, bed, coffee table, couch. And once up, you'll walk along things and even sometimes transfer from one to the other. </span></div>
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<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">In the meantime, I am simply relishing your crawling stage. I love seeing your little ruffled bottom swing from side to side as your hands and knees slap-slap across the floor. Now typically, you will be crawling to somewhere you are not supposed to be. You have a particular affinity for getting into garbage cans and playing in the toilet. :-/ And, as the wood stove is now a daily part of our home life, we are working to keep you away from the bricks. Again and again, you will head over towards the wood stove. Again and again we say "No". Typically, you will immediately turn and look at us, then swing your arms side to side in your "all finished" sign, sometimes shaking your head no. Then....you will do it again. Yikes. So, looking forward....perhaps respectful, but stubborn? :-)</span></div>
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<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">Everything within your grasp goes into your mouth, and you have eaten wood chips and little bits a plenty. Pulling up on the bread basket yields a bunch of bananas, and you have also recently discovered the pantry and emptying cans of baking cocoa and bags of chocolate chips. Ah yes, a little girl after her Mama's own heart! </span></div>
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<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">I don't think fear will be what holds you back in life.....you plow forward without fear of consequence. (But, when you do have a fall or bump, the pathetic little face you make as you cry and look for Mama melts my heart.) Determined is the word that describes you best. </span></div>
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<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">I commented just tonight at dinner how you now feel so much a part of our family. As we sit and eat, you interact with us - watching your brothers and sisters, flapping your arms, drinking from your sippy cup, and otherwise enjoying your dinner. </span></div>
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<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">Playing Pat-a-cake is probably your
favorite game to play. When we start it up, your face instantly lights
up and you clap along. Your siblings love to play with you then
excitedly announce that you are clapping along, asking us to watch. And, in the past few days, Peek-A-Boo has become not only a game you smile and laugh along with, but you have begun hiding behind things and popping out as well. </span></span></div>
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<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">When you are happy and feeling silly, you will shake your head from side to side with a big, huge grin on your face. Then, you stop, and look - waiting for all of us to cheer and laugh. Hmmm...might you be our family clown? </span></span></div>
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<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">You love to sing. Oh what sweet memories we'll have of you singing along with the family or during night time lullaby's. Your precious little voice joins in, even if words are not being sung. Ya ya, Yie Yie, Ahhhh a Nah nah nah nah. </span></div>
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<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">Though the days of you snuggling on my chest for hours are long gone, when sleepy, and especially when rocking, you will lay your little head on my chest and rest. Ah, even a moment of this is like food for my very soul. </span></div>
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<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">Of all the things that describe you right now, Gracie, probably the biggest and best description of you is "Loved". You are loved, cherished and adored by your family and most of all by the very God who made you....just the way you are. And what a beautiful creation that is! </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><br /></span></div>
Annhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11738177334283473835noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4272384053256548446.post-47942472570665113112012-10-10T00:25:00.000-07:002012-10-30T23:50:44.065-07:00Life Lessons from a Blackberry BushThe entry into this season of Fall has been an intricate dance between the warmth of late Summer and the chill of early Fall. The further into the season we have traveled, the more we've had the characteristic chilly mornings, but by noon time, the days are warm and sunny August like days.<br />
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Yesterday, while on a walk, Emet and Anna Ruth wanted to stop by the "Snake Tree" to search for snakes. While they did so, I walked over to a blackberry bush and found, to my delight, a juicy ripe berry just waiting to be picked! How odd, to be picking a blackberry in October, I thought.<br />
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My mind went back a few short weeks to the last time I was picking blackberries, out in our yard with Anna Ruth, Emet, and Grandma Marion.....<br />
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It was a glorious Summer day, and all of us were thoroughly enjoying the day. The boys were, if not great contributors to the winter stores, were certainly filling their bellies full in between runs to their secret fortress down by the creek.<br />
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Gracie varied between being in the Ergo carrier on my back, and napping in her room. Sissy mostly stuck by our side, also filling her belly and decorating her face. <br />
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It struck me, at one point how blessed we were to be filling up buckets of berries for free from our own yard. People actually pay for blackberries, and here we had a treasure trove at our disposal. <br />
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The longer we picked, the more I recognized the principal of "the Grass is Greener", for <i>just </i>out of reach were the largest, juiciest looking berries of the whole field. Always <i>just </i>out of reach! <br />
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At one point, I heard a shriek of panic. I looked down at my side to see Anna Ruth, having continued to move towards the blackberry patch <i>just </i>out of reach, was surrounded by snarly blackberry vines and was seemingly trapped in this new jail of her own making. "Mama!! Help me! I'm stuck!" she cried out, tears streaming down her little cheeks.<br />
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Within the moment of a glance, I perceived that she was not trapped at all. Rather, though big, thorny branches surrounded her front and sides, the path behind her was free and clear. The only action she would have to take to escape would be to walk backwards.<br />
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In a moment of clarity, I saw such a picture of humanity. How often we walk forward, focused on something out of our reach, something, perhaps, that is not even intended to be ours. To the detriment of our own well being we plow forward until one day, we look around to find ourselves surrounded by the thorns of this circumstance of our own design and we feel trapped. But yet, there is freedom.....freedom that we can't even see or perceive because of our focus on the tangled mess that surrounds us. Sometimes its as simple as taking a few steps back....just stepping away from the situation to assess.<br />
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As I looked down at my little girl, I was inspired by her childlike trust and innocence. She instinctively knew that I was on her side, and that I would help her. Thankfully, in this case, it was just reminding her of a simple path backwards. However, it reminded me that my own Heavenly Father is also on my side, and when the brambles seem as if they will overtake me, He will be there to help me step through the mess, if only I call out. <br />
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<br />Annhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11738177334283473835noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4272384053256548446.post-6729669187859922252012-10-05T01:42:00.000-07:002012-10-05T01:42:01.899-07:0010 Months: A picture of determination<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Determined. That's the word that describes you this month, Gracie. Constantly moving forward....advancing to the next thing. Everything before you seems to be your next challenge, and if you see it, you go after it. <br />
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We took at family trip to Cannon Beach on your 10 month birthday. I had wanted you to wear this little beach outfit in the sand, and while I had envisioned you sitting in one spot flapping your arms and grinning....instead, you seemed to have the sensory experience of a lifetime. I couldn't get you to look up and smile once! You flung, dug, and crawled the entire time....and loved every minute of it!<br />
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You're not walking alone yet, but if we hold your hands, you will walk along underneath us, and you do love to walk along the coffee table. In fact, I'd say that is your favorite place to be, as typically it is full of "treasures" left behind by your siblings, Mama, or Papa for you to spill, fling, or eat. <br />
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As Fall chills are just around the corner, we're gearing up for wood stove season around here, and thus training you to stay away from the bricks.....a lesson that <i>must </i>be learned in this old farmhouse. <br />
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If there was some type of built in volume control on your voice-box before now, it has broken. Your voice now pierces the air with yells, screeches, and Aaahhhhs. Voicing your displeasure with your lack of food or patience with staying in your high chair seem to be your most frequent dialogues with the family. It probably doesn't help that your big brothers play a game with you where they walk away from you until you scream, then they come running back. Parenting a fourth child does have it's challenges, for sometimes it seems like I'm working backwards! However, I wouldn't trade a minute of these precious sibling interactions for anything. You're well loved if nothing else. Ru Bear loves to sit right next to you, "sharing" your cheerios and blueberries in the morning. And all of your siblings want to hold you and carry you around, each minute of the day! <br />
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Speaking of your voice, you love to sing. We'll be singing in the car, and you'll join in with "Ahhh ahhh ahhh ahh...". It always seems to coincide with the music, and it does occasionally make it rough to have a conversation in the car, as you are almost always "singing"!<br />
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Your actions are beginning to be much more like a little person, and less like a small baby....less flapping and more clasping and clapping of your hands. You shake your head from side to side and roll around your eye balls....then stop to see if we are watching you.....and of course we are. Then, you give us your big dimpled grin and do it all over again. <br />
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You love to share cheerios with us, sometimes offering....then quickly sticking it in your own mouth with a playful twitch of your eyebrow and a quick smile. Peek-a-boo remains a favorite as well. <br />
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You can hardly be laid in your crib without immediately rolling over and pulling right up on the side. At nap time, you'll instantly cry the moment your little back hits the mattress, but in more determined times, you simply pop right back up. You pretty much have to sit yourself down, then eventually tip over with tiredness....alone in your crib. But, in the meantime, you have your stuffed friends to entertain you, as you examine each part of them. (Unless, that is, you have pitched them out of your crib.) <br />
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I can hardly fathom the amount of food you eat, and you're basically eating everything now. By the time I walk away to begin fixing the other children their meals, you have finished what I originally gave you....cheerios, oatmeal, yogurt, cheese, egg yolks, avocados, steamed carrots, frozen blueberries, bananas, and little bits of bread and meat comprise most of your meals. And, you have recently added Annie's "Bunny Snackoos" (as your sister calls them) to your list of snacks for a treat during morning walks. It no longer works for us to not feed you when we eat. The minute you see food, you start to whine, and a high pitched squeal is to soon follow!<br />
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Your thickening hair is a shiny blonde that shimmers in the sun, and now that we're walking most mornings, I have seen the back of your shiny head a lot in the beautiful early Fall weather. I love to look down and see your shiny head and your little hands clasping the bar in front of you, toes curled...possibly all together. No, we really haven't moved into sock season yet, and on only one outing have we put you in shoes. I'm eating up all of the baby stage I can in the few short days left of this glorious weather. By the time we emerge into next Summer, you'll be walking and shoes for an outing will be the norm. <br />
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With the closing of Summer comes the closing of the baby season of this Mama's life. Yet I know that what lies before us is a great adventure that will be filled with many new and unexpected joys. I'm trying to have open hands in the process, not clenching hard to what's in my grasp now....but opening my palm for new blessings to be placed there as the old ones pass on. So for now, this Mama is enjoying those little baby toes spreading and scrunching in the sun, each day more that I can see them!<br />
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I love to kiss your puffy cheeks and see your face instantly light up all over, dimples popping in your big, open mouth grin. Your two front bottom teeth are the only ones to make a showing thus far....so the days of teething are yet ahead.<br />
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One of my favorite things is to watch you crawl, your little bottom wagging back and forth as you head with focus and determination to a specified location. A present favorite for you in the kitchen is the bottom of the stairs. You've successfully made it up one stair a couple of times, but have fallen both....and while you continue to reach and contemplate, you don't seem eager to repeat the same fall. <br />
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We've started to change you out of your 12 month clothes and into 18. I realize now, as I put away your big sister's clothes that you will likely be in some of them next year. And then, it will seem but a moment ago that you were in the baby clothes. And so it goes. <br />
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The start of the Fall season is upon us.....my favorite season of all, for it begins with the anticipation of all of my babies birthdays, bringing us into the season of Thanksgiving and then celebrating the birth of our savior, whose birth your name celebrates: Grace Noelle, meaning "Grace. Born on Christmas Day." I look forward to the next months as we enter the crisp air and the fall baking, with you crawling by my feet and pulling up at my leg as I move about the kitchen. <br />
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I love you, Little Grace. Grow on, Baby Girl! Annhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11738177334283473835noreply@blogger.com0