IS THE SUMMER GOING??? This seems the be the theme of the conversations I'm having with everyone lately. Heck, we're finally having a cookout WITH OUR NEIGHBORS tomorrow for the first time since the kids got out of school.
I didn't think I planned very much for the summer - as you recall, I wanted to keep the summer simple and open for daily adventure. NOT!!
With the three girls it's been more than what we expected - they each had a couple of weeks of swimming lessons, our oldest daughter is wrapping up softball and we were all at vacation bible school this past week (tons of fun and very moving - I'll share next week for sure). All of a sudden, BAM, 6 weeks of summer are gone and we have only 6 more to go.
I couldn't even manage to get a Funny Friday posted yesterday. I'm trying to keep my blog posts authentic, so I don't write in advance. I could, but I think that would take away from reflecting what really goes on in our family and the things that challenge and excite me as a mother. I do, though, have a bit of an editorial calendar of topics I'd like to share or open up for your input.
Most of you probably know that several weeks ago I applied to become a "mommy blogger" and host a weekly call-in show focused on motherhood for a great radio station in town. I have a radio show on my dream list for inspiringmotherhood.com, but this popped into my life unexpectedly. I've been following up with the radio station for about a month now and have the sinking feeling that I will not be chosen. Although I'm totally bummed that I will most likely not become a member of this team, it DID wake up a part of me that got more excited than I expected. A sort of wake-up call to make this a reality sooner rather than later. Consider this goal posted in my kitchen for me to see EVERY DAY, reminding me of my dreams!!
Now, if I could only get time to slow down a bit...
Saturday, July 17, 2010
Friday, July 9, 2010
Funny Friday
We seem to be having a lot of "to have a pet or not to have a pet" discussions lately. Cats are out of the question because I am terribly allergic to them and having a dog is still a theory.
The other day Ava sat down next to me at the kitchen table and said, "Hey, mom, I really want a kitty. But if I get a kitty then I'll need to get a new mommy. And I don't want a new mommy. You're MY mommy and you're just perfect for me."
It was a neat feeling...I was smiling ear to ear, chuckling at the thought process I just witnessed, and at the same time my heart was just melting!!
Come on, let's here one of your funny stories...post one today!!
The other day Ava sat down next to me at the kitchen table and said, "Hey, mom, I really want a kitty. But if I get a kitty then I'll need to get a new mommy. And I don't want a new mommy. You're MY mommy and you're just perfect for me."
It was a neat feeling...I was smiling ear to ear, chuckling at the thought process I just witnessed, and at the same time my heart was just melting!!
Come on, let's here one of your funny stories...post one today!!
Friday, July 2, 2010
Funny Friday!
Our sweet and mild mannered third daughter, Calley, turned 3 last February. Her personality keeps eeking out and this story happened a month or so after her birthday:
All three girls were in the car with me, lined up across the back seat in their various car seat contraptions. Calley had decided to take both her shoes off on the ride home. I was able to pick the shoes up while stopped at a red light and handed them to our oldest, Sydney, and asked her to help Calley put her shoes back on before we got home.
I heard bits and pieces of the conversation and physical tug of war that took place for a long two or three minutes. This was not going well. Finally Sydney asserts, "Calley, put your foot up here and let me put this shoe on!" Calley responds, with her teeth gritted tightly and each word spoken (not yelled) sternly and slowly,
"YOU - ARE - NOT - IN - CHARGE."
After about 5 seconds of silence we all busted out laughing. The little tag-a-long sister drew her line in the sand and let us know that she was NOT to be messed with! She ended up putting the shoes on all by herself. ;)
Have a safe and fun-filled Fourth of July. Amidst all of the picnics, swimming and games, let's not forget to spend some time sharing the meaning of this holiday with our children...and help them become more aware of the sacrifices many men and women in our armed forces have and continue to make to protect our freedoms.
All three girls were in the car with me, lined up across the back seat in their various car seat contraptions. Calley had decided to take both her shoes off on the ride home. I was able to pick the shoes up while stopped at a red light and handed them to our oldest, Sydney, and asked her to help Calley put her shoes back on before we got home.
I heard bits and pieces of the conversation and physical tug of war that took place for a long two or three minutes. This was not going well. Finally Sydney asserts, "Calley, put your foot up here and let me put this shoe on!" Calley responds, with her teeth gritted tightly and each word spoken (not yelled) sternly and slowly,
"YOU - ARE - NOT - IN - CHARGE."
After about 5 seconds of silence we all busted out laughing. The little tag-a-long sister drew her line in the sand and let us know that she was NOT to be messed with! She ended up putting the shoes on all by herself. ;)
Have a safe and fun-filled Fourth of July. Amidst all of the picnics, swimming and games, let's not forget to spend some time sharing the meaning of this holiday with our children...and help them become more aware of the sacrifices many men and women in our armed forces have and continue to make to protect our freedoms.
Monday, June 28, 2010
Helping our kids become resilient
I've had some great conversations with moms and dads about helping our kids develop a profound characteristic - resilience. Each of our young daughter's personalities and "hard-wiring" is pretty different, making this tough.
How is it that kids react so differently to similar situations? How does one daughter not seem to give a hoot about what other people think about what she wears, compared to another who her wants to know what the other sister is wearing to church before choosing her outfit?
One sister doesn't seem to pay attention to who sits next to her at the picnic, and another gets upset when a friend chooses to sit with another friend?
Or how about how our children react when another child says mean things to him or her? Some are able to brush it off and walk away, and some run away with tears streaming down their faces...along with a broken heart.
Teaching our children to be resilient will take many approaches and unique opportunities. It certainly starts in our own home. Coaching our children when they are relating to one another is a prime opportunity. Consider it on-the-job training - it was always my best form of learning.
It gets tougher when you are coaching just one side of the team. This becomes more difficult for many reasons - obviously, we are not around to observe all of the situations going on outside our home. We rely on an established foundation of open communication with our kids to even become aware of what they are dealing with at school or the park. We also don't always have a team approach with another parent - which can be very disappointing.
Resilience training is an ongoing process, and I believe it is a life-long trait that pays dividends throughout a person's entire life. Some of us are naturally better at this than others, but make no mistake...it can be learned! Our time with our children is precious and limited - making the most of our teaching moments can feel overwhelming at times. Yet knowing what's at stake keeps us focused.
I can't think of many situations in our lives that don't require resilience. And even though helping our kids develop this strength can be difficult, you know that you are preparing them for whatever comes their way. That no matter what, they will stand tall, strong and courageous. Because above all, they know who they are, what they stand for and that this is NOT changing!
How is it that kids react so differently to similar situations? How does one daughter not seem to give a hoot about what other people think about what she wears, compared to another who her wants to know what the other sister is wearing to church before choosing her outfit?
One sister doesn't seem to pay attention to who sits next to her at the picnic, and another gets upset when a friend chooses to sit with another friend?
Or how about how our children react when another child says mean things to him or her? Some are able to brush it off and walk away, and some run away with tears streaming down their faces...along with a broken heart.
Teaching our children to be resilient will take many approaches and unique opportunities. It certainly starts in our own home. Coaching our children when they are relating to one another is a prime opportunity. Consider it on-the-job training - it was always my best form of learning.
It gets tougher when you are coaching just one side of the team. This becomes more difficult for many reasons - obviously, we are not around to observe all of the situations going on outside our home. We rely on an established foundation of open communication with our kids to even become aware of what they are dealing with at school or the park. We also don't always have a team approach with another parent - which can be very disappointing.
Resilience training is an ongoing process, and I believe it is a life-long trait that pays dividends throughout a person's entire life. Some of us are naturally better at this than others, but make no mistake...it can be learned! Our time with our children is precious and limited - making the most of our teaching moments can feel overwhelming at times. Yet knowing what's at stake keeps us focused.
I can't think of many situations in our lives that don't require resilience. And even though helping our kids develop this strength can be difficult, you know that you are preparing them for whatever comes their way. That no matter what, they will stand tall, strong and courageous. Because above all, they know who they are, what they stand for and that this is NOT changing!
Thursday, June 24, 2010
Funny Fridays
I've gotten some great ideas from my fellow mothers...and this one is a goodie. Every Friday will be dedicated to a funny story or quote about the family or my own mommy blunders...welcome to Funny Fridays!
I realize that it is a day early - I just have to share this one:
One evening last summer, we all went on a walk in the neighborhood. I pulled our two youngest (ages 2 & 4) in a wagon, and Bryce rode his bike alongside our 7 year old. There was a thunderstorm on the way, but we thought we could sneak in a quick walk before heading in for bedtime.
We made it up the block and around the corner when pretty large raindrops started to fall and thunder began rumbling. We darted up the driveway of a friend's home, jumped off of bikes, out of the wagon, and ran up to the covered front porch.
We knocked on the front door and soon discovered that no one was home. Uh-oh! The storm was really starting to brew, the thunder was getting louder and the lightening was getting brighter. Bryce told us to stay put and that he'd dart back to the house, pick up our truck and bring us home. The storm was definitely gonna be here for a while.
As soon as Bryce raced off on his bike, a HUGE lightening strike followed by a HUMONGOUS clap of thunder overwhelmed us on the porch. The girls swarmed to my legs and screamed at the top of their lungs in fear. It was crazy! I kept thinking of my husband on his bike, surely struck by lightening by now. NOT a good idea - chivalrous, yes, but not the smartest choice I've seen him make.
As my head filled with worry and the girls grip on my legs tightened, Ava (4) shares this thought:
"WHOA, that angel must have used a HUGE bowling ball, mamma!"
We all started laughing hysterically - even at a young age she has never really been at a loss for words, and this observation was hilarious. At that moment, Bryce drove up to pile us into the truck - all soaking wet from head to toe from the driving rain. We shared Ava's observation with Daddy and he definitely lost a few calories from the big laugh we all shared.
We've told this story to many friends and family and it's just a keeper! This one hit the family journal without much delay.
I know you have a funny story or quote to share...let's hear it. POST A COMMENT! Happy Friday, everyone!
I realize that it is a day early - I just have to share this one:
One evening last summer, we all went on a walk in the neighborhood. I pulled our two youngest (ages 2 & 4) in a wagon, and Bryce rode his bike alongside our 7 year old. There was a thunderstorm on the way, but we thought we could sneak in a quick walk before heading in for bedtime.
We made it up the block and around the corner when pretty large raindrops started to fall and thunder began rumbling. We darted up the driveway of a friend's home, jumped off of bikes, out of the wagon, and ran up to the covered front porch.
We knocked on the front door and soon discovered that no one was home. Uh-oh! The storm was really starting to brew, the thunder was getting louder and the lightening was getting brighter. Bryce told us to stay put and that he'd dart back to the house, pick up our truck and bring us home. The storm was definitely gonna be here for a while.
As soon as Bryce raced off on his bike, a HUGE lightening strike followed by a HUMONGOUS clap of thunder overwhelmed us on the porch. The girls swarmed to my legs and screamed at the top of their lungs in fear. It was crazy! I kept thinking of my husband on his bike, surely struck by lightening by now. NOT a good idea - chivalrous, yes, but not the smartest choice I've seen him make.
As my head filled with worry and the girls grip on my legs tightened, Ava (4) shares this thought:
"WHOA, that angel must have used a HUGE bowling ball, mamma!"
We all started laughing hysterically - even at a young age she has never really been at a loss for words, and this observation was hilarious. At that moment, Bryce drove up to pile us into the truck - all soaking wet from head to toe from the driving rain. We shared Ava's observation with Daddy and he definitely lost a few calories from the big laugh we all shared.
We've told this story to many friends and family and it's just a keeper! This one hit the family journal without much delay.
I know you have a funny story or quote to share...let's hear it. POST A COMMENT! Happy Friday, everyone!
Monday, June 21, 2010
The father of my girls...
Well, I certainly can't let the week go by without sharing a little bit of insight about my husband. He is truly a gift in my life...and I am thankful every day for the fact that I will be navigating the rest of my life with him by my side.
Even though he's a hopeless romantic, always seems to find me attractive at my grubbiest moments, and acts like a smitten teenager when we're on a date, it's who he is a father that makes me fall in love with him over and over again. After all, he is in a bit of a unique situation.
Raising three girls gives me the chance to watch him mold young hearts, big dreams and foundations of self-confidence. I realize that we are raising our children together and that we each have unique roles to play in their lives - and that they will change over time. Growing up, my relationship with my own father was very strong. Yet for some reason I underestimated how grateful I'd be watching a loving father raise a new generation of girls.
This is not exactly something most of us think about when we get married. I did have the advantage of observing my husband's relationship with his own mother. Wow..I can definitely tell you that I didn't realize how lucky I was going to get! They have a beautiful bond and it only seems to get stronger with time.
After the birth or our third daughter we pretty much realized that we were called to be specialists. The girl-raising type! Instead of developing generalist skills appropriate for both genders, we get to build skills for one. My husband is well suited for this - even on our roughest days. He doesn't treat them like "girls" so to speak. He is making sure that they learn how to do a wide variety of life skills that might otherwise be targeted to just boys.
He also makes it a priority to spend quality time with each girl. Walks to the river, building projects together, camping, bike rides around the neighborhood, or swim time together gives them time to enjoy each other's company. The conversation during these activities may seem simple and entertaining today; a great way to prepare for an uncertain future that will include not only joy and achievement, but disappointment, heartache and sadness.
My confidence in who my life is shared with is sometimes overwhelming. We all know how challenging and unpredictable this journey can be and I couldn't design a better father or husband for this family.
Note to self, you don't have to wait until holidays to show your love and affection to those who deserve a little extra love and attention!
Even though he's a hopeless romantic, always seems to find me attractive at my grubbiest moments, and acts like a smitten teenager when we're on a date, it's who he is a father that makes me fall in love with him over and over again. After all, he is in a bit of a unique situation.
Raising three girls gives me the chance to watch him mold young hearts, big dreams and foundations of self-confidence. I realize that we are raising our children together and that we each have unique roles to play in their lives - and that they will change over time. Growing up, my relationship with my own father was very strong. Yet for some reason I underestimated how grateful I'd be watching a loving father raise a new generation of girls.
This is not exactly something most of us think about when we get married. I did have the advantage of observing my husband's relationship with his own mother. Wow..I can definitely tell you that I didn't realize how lucky I was going to get! They have a beautiful bond and it only seems to get stronger with time.
After the birth or our third daughter we pretty much realized that we were called to be specialists. The girl-raising type! Instead of developing generalist skills appropriate for both genders, we get to build skills for one. My husband is well suited for this - even on our roughest days. He doesn't treat them like "girls" so to speak. He is making sure that they learn how to do a wide variety of life skills that might otherwise be targeted to just boys.
He also makes it a priority to spend quality time with each girl. Walks to the river, building projects together, camping, bike rides around the neighborhood, or swim time together gives them time to enjoy each other's company. The conversation during these activities may seem simple and entertaining today; a great way to prepare for an uncertain future that will include not only joy and achievement, but disappointment, heartache and sadness.
My confidence in who my life is shared with is sometimes overwhelming. We all know how challenging and unpredictable this journey can be and I couldn't design a better father or husband for this family.
Note to self, you don't have to wait until holidays to show your love and affection to those who deserve a little extra love and attention!
Tuesday, June 15, 2010
Last week was a big week!
I just couldn't seem to get ahead of last week! We had too many things going on, my thoughts were so random that I thought you wouldn't miss 'em...
Sydney had her last day of second grade - filled with field games, parties, classroom cleanup and stuff that will be more meaningful to her later in life as memories than what she appreciated in the moment. Ahh, the ignorance of our youth!! I'm sure I was much more fun back in those days!!
Don't you feel like you get to a grown up point in life that you almost know too much to cut loose, lay back and just have some fun? Well, I do - and my husband tells me so (in not those exact words!). Too many things to worry about, plan for, schedule, take action on...the list grows.
I've decided that this part of me, hidden back in my second grade self, needs to get out more. The kids need to see me having more fun, and I need to have some more for my sake!!
Summer is a great time to set this kind of goal. The morning's are bright and cheerful to rise with...much more motivating than our gray winters. I don't know what excuse I'd use if I lived in say, California or Florida! And I just feel more ready and willing to try new things or at least finish something that has taken way too long to cross off my to-accomplish list.
Happy summer, moms!! Let's make some fun memories to talk about once fall hits the scene!!
Sydney had her last day of second grade - filled with field games, parties, classroom cleanup and stuff that will be more meaningful to her later in life as memories than what she appreciated in the moment. Ahh, the ignorance of our youth!! I'm sure I was much more fun back in those days!!
Don't you feel like you get to a grown up point in life that you almost know too much to cut loose, lay back and just have some fun? Well, I do - and my husband tells me so (in not those exact words!). Too many things to worry about, plan for, schedule, take action on...the list grows.
I've decided that this part of me, hidden back in my second grade self, needs to get out more. The kids need to see me having more fun, and I need to have some more for my sake!!
Summer is a great time to set this kind of goal. The morning's are bright and cheerful to rise with...much more motivating than our gray winters. I don't know what excuse I'd use if I lived in say, California or Florida! And I just feel more ready and willing to try new things or at least finish something that has taken way too long to cross off my to-accomplish list.
Happy summer, moms!! Let's make some fun memories to talk about once fall hits the scene!!
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