A Full Heart

Raising preschoolers is no easy task. There's not a lot of concrete evidence that my children are learning the things that I feel are valuable and important. In a typical career there are performance reviews, evaluations, and other assessment tools that let you know that you are reaching goals and doing your job well. It's not the same with parenting. The jury is still out on what these kids are absorbing on a daily basis and we mostly just try to survive around here. In fact, when Matt asks what we have done that day, I often reply "I'm just trying to keep people alive, okay?"

Clearly, I'm not defensive about this at all.

But, really. There just aren't many days as a parent when you can be sure that you are on the right track. There aren't immediate rewards. And, most of my time is spent in those daily tasks that feel so unimportant and that never change, but they are necessary nonetheless. There are things that I hope they are learning from me and, unfortunately, there are those days when I lose my temper and I hope that those are the things they will forget.

How can it be measured? How do I know what is being stored away in their little hearts and minds? I know these early years are critical as their personalities are forming, but what will be the end result?

Then, as if God knows I need some reassurance, I get a clear glimpse into the heart of my sweet Drew. He has such a tender heart. He shows love to others so easily. He forgives my mistakes so completely. And he takes care of his little sister with a protective spirit.

A few weeks ago, I went to visit my grandfather for the day. I was home in time to put the kids to bed. Drew and I snuggled in bed as we do each night. And, as usual, I asked him what his favorite part of the day was. He hesitated, so I tried to prompt him..."was it going to the park or playing video games..." He put his arm around my neck and said "No, no, mama. My favorite part was when you came back."

I love this age where he expresses his love so easily. For so long you ask them to say "I love you" or ask them to give you a kiss or hug. Drew has reached the age where he does it all on his own. And, let me tell you, it makes it THAT MUCH BETTER when your child gives you a kiss or hug unprompted. In fact, just this week we were at a doctor's appointment and the doctor and I were talking for a long time. Drew was being such a good boy considering the circumstances. Then, he crawled into my lap and snuggled up against me as I talked with the doctor. Every minute or two he would sit up and kiss me on the cheek and then snuggle back into my shoulder. When we were leaving I was sure to praise Drew for his excellent behavior and he replied, "Well that's ok mama. I just love you!"

And, the time a few months ago that I'll never ever forget. My mom was over visiting with the kids and I got a telephone call with some bad news. Since my mom was there, I had the luxury of going by myself to my room so I could just cry without worrying the kids. But, it didn't work out that way. Drew parked himself outside my bedroom door and kept calling for me. My mom tried to distract him, but he persisted. I could tell he was looking under my bedroom door as he said, "Mama, I can't see you. Mama, I need you. Mama, let me in." Frustrated that I couldn't even have a few moments alone, I went to open the door. I asked him, "Drew, what is it?" He ran in and said, "Mama, you need me. Can I snuggle you?" My heart melted at his empathy for me even in the face of my selfishness. And we did snuggle. And I felt infinitely better than if I had been alone. And my four year old knew it before I did.

So, I have to accept the fact that parenting offers no guarantees. And there may not be much evidence along the way that things are going to turn out all right.

But, I have to tell you, I'm getting less worried each day as I watch my precious son grow up before my very eyes.

I guess I don't need a performance review after all. I just need to know where to look.

His heart.

In Related News, Disney Stock Continues To Rise.

Disney princesses. Best marketing scheme ever? I think so.

We are immersed in the world of Disney princesses over here and I will admit that it is mostly my fault. But, remember people, you can lead a horse to water but you can't make it drink. Or something like that.

Anyway.

It's dress-up time all the time as far as Abby is concerned, and she recently took it to a whole new level. We had the clothes and the dancing down to a science. However, we had a playdate last week with a little girl who taught Abby all kinds of mannerisms and things to say if you are to be a proper princess.

Sherilyn, you rock my world.

So, now Abby twirls endlessly, she curtsies, and she clasps her hands daintily under her chin and says things like "I hope I meet the prince of my dreams" and "If you believe, then your dreams will come true."

Awesome.

We went to Disney on Saturday - along with the rest of the free world. It was so crowded that we took the kids on often-ignored rides like the Carousel of Progress (which they actually ended up liking), the Country Bear Jamboree, and that people mover thing that circles above Tomorrowland. It was on the people mover that I took these pictures of my princess with her first true love.









Though she was wearing her Snow White dress, she chose to re-enact Sleeping Beauty. It's exhausting when you have to spend the day being greeted and complimented by strangers who think you are the cutest thing they have ever seen!

Abby woke up in time for the parade though. It was a good thing too. This was when our frustrating, crowded day took a big turn for the better. We got a front row seat for the parade and I sat Abby up on top of the stroller so she would have a great view. And, everyone in the parade had a great view of her. She attracted lots of attention in her princess dress.

Snow White's float came by and Snow White saw Abby. She waved and blew lots of kisses at Abby and then pointed her out to Dopey who came right over to kiss Abby's hand. It doesn't sound like much, but it was terribly exciting what with all the Disney magic surrounding us. And, if Matt ever tells you that I had tears in my eyes from all the happiness then he is totally lying.

Next came Mary Poppins followed by the chimney sweeps. One of them saw Abby and came over to warn her that the Snow Queen was right behind them and was looking for her! The float with all the villains WAS next and the Snow Queen spotted Abby right away. She was making all kinds of evil faces, but she pointed to Abby and waved to her several times.

After the parade, I took Abby to meet the princesses while Matt and Drew went on a ride. We got in the 45 minute line, a little disappointed because Snow White wasn't there. It was finally our turn in the little room and Abby totally backed out. She got really shy and said she didn't want to meet the princesses. We let people go in front of us until finally we were the last ones of our group in line. I told Cinderella that Abby was feeling shy so she came over to the line to give Abby a big hug. That's all it took. Abby asked Cinderella to watch her twirl and then Cinderella twirled with her - it was so much fun!

Next, Abby met Belle. They talked about the Snow White ride (which was scary to Abby that day) and they talked about which dwarf was Abby's favorite (Dopey).







Abby ran over to Sleeping Beauty next and gave her a huge hug. The shyness was all gone now as Abby wanted to show her how she could curtsy just like a princess. It was precious and everyone in the room was appropriately impressed. Sleeping Beauty taught her how to hold her dress like a princess for the picture.







Fantastic.


We were thrilled.


Met princesses, took pictures, gave hugs - mission accomplished.


Then I heard the man who manages the line in the room say, "Excuse me? Snow White? Could you please come over here for a moment?"


We turned around to see all three princesses standing together. The man asks, "Snow White, would you do us the honor of taking a picture with all the princesses? We need a Snow White to complete the picture."


Ummmm, would we mind???


Abby ran over at lightning speed and grabbed Cinderella's hand. She held up her dress just like Sleeping Beauty had taught her and smiled her biggest smiles.

Even Austin, aka, guy who knows everything about Disney characters said that a group shot like this rarely ever happens.

And, friends, the moment was not lost on me.

Oh no, it was not.







Abby waved goodbye to her new friends and we were finally on our way to tell Daddy and Drew all about our experience.

Matt smiled at me as I gushed with excitement - he knew I had as much fun as Abby did. Or maybe even a little more.

As I said...best marketing scheme ever.

If You Own Stock in Disney, Your Welcome.

Or, I could title this post, "Blog O' Pictures." Because there are just that many pictures. And, I tried to narrow them down. I really did. But, it's my blog and I make the rules so I will tell the story of our Christmas with pictures rather than words. And, I better get on with it because it's already New Year's Day!



Here's my sweet firstborn wearing a shirt he made for me at school. It's his handprints! Placed strategically to form a Christmas tree! I shall forever treasure it.



And, here's my sweet baby all ready for her first Christmas recital. Let me tell you, this girl rocks her little ballet class - she is awesome. But, stage fright pays no attention to level of talent.

Believe you me.





And, look! Well, you can't really see what is so I'll tell you. Drew made a snowglobe for me with his school picture in it. Doesn't he look so proud??




Abby made so many crafts this holiday season that we ran out of places to hang them around the house. She said this one was her favorite because "I get to use glue, mama!"

On to Christmas day. This is a picture of Abby at dark-thirty in the morning. She is ready to go as the rest of the world sleeps.

Drew joined us a few hours later.

Everyone is beginning to arrive. Would they hurry up already?!

We had an aunt...

And an uncle...

And, another uncle...

And, a Grams...

Oh, and parents too!!

Let the present-opening begin!

And, here's where you'll begin to be glad that you never sold that stock in Disney. It's been "Disney mania" at our house for a few months now, and Christmas certainly reflected our new interests.

We got the kids season passes to Disney World for Christmas and Grams supplied them with everything else Disney they could ever want or need.

Including these princess dresses - she was beyond excited!

She tried on each dress with the matching pair of shoes. I don't know if she had more fun or if I did.

Drew's big gift from Grams was the monorail and castle set from Disney World. He first played with this at a friend's house about a month ago.

I told Grams it was a must-have after he spent the entire two hours of the playdate enthralled with this set.

His reaction did not disappoint.

Drew's favorite ride at Magic Kingdom is the Buzz Lightyear ride. And, we are huge fans of the Toy Story movies. He loved this costume even more than I thought he would!

I love that he's totally checking himself out in the mirror!

This is their new thing. The dancing. Abby dresses up as a princess and asks Drew to be her prince. They dance, he twirls her, and then he yells "It's midnight!" Abby runs away and kicks off one of her shoes. Drew picks it up and runs after her. She sits down and he places the shoe on her foot and declares it a perfect fit. They live happily ever after.

They love to re-enact all the Disney movies. I woke up this morning to Matt and the kids acting out almost every scene from Aladdin.

Have I ever mentioned that Matt is much more fun than I am?

And, here is some video of them singing Happy Birthday to Jesus.

Sigh...

A Perfect Example of The Greatest Generation

It is a sad time for our family. After 83 wonderful years, Joseph McGuinness passed away yesterday. He was loved by everyone who knew him. He had a joyous spirit and a zest for life that was evident to anyone in his presence. Known to me always as "Grandpa", he was a loving and devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. He grew up with virtually nothing (not even a bed to sleep on) and created a life for himself and his family that must have been far beyond his wildest dreams. Here is a picture of him from his surprise 80th birthday party as he was greeted by his adoring family.





And here he is surrounded by 11 of his 12 grandchildren.

Grandpa left a legacy of family. He had four daughters - each of their families strong and intact (although we miss Uncle Bill greatly). Family celebrations are such fun with lots of food, lots of dancing, and lots of laughs. Grandpa and Grandma (who I never had the pleasure to meet) raised their daughters to understand that happiness can be as simple as being together with the ones you love and just enjoying each other. It's as simple as that.





Here's an example of the dancing. It seems every time we all get together there is lots of music and dancing. This picture is of Matt's mother and Grandpa dancing at his 80th birthday party. She was with him yesterday when he passed away. It comforts us to know that he wasn't alone.

These are Grandpa's four daughters and I know they will miss their father very much. They have taken such good care of him over the past few years and I know his memory will always live on in the values they have instilled in each of their children.

Family comes first.

Always.

Here, in this picture, they had all traveled to be at my baby shower when I was pregnant with Drew. It was a wonderful surprise and it meant so much to me that they were all there.

These last few photos are of Grandpa at a recent family wedding. Always the center of attention - he wasn't going to let a wheelchair slow him down. He truly lived a full and happy life.

Grandpa, you will be missed more than you will ever know.

Thank you for giving us a wonderful example to follow in living the best life possible.

In Which There Is Much Harmony

For all the harmony, scroll down to the video of my sweet children singing their favorite Christmas carols. In the meantime, here are some pictures of our Christmas celebration with Grandaddy, Nessa, and assorted Aunts and Uncles.

Are there even words to describe the joy in my heart when I look at this picture? I think not...

As most of you know, it wasn't long ago that Grandaddy won his battle over cancer. He's healthy and happy and in love with his grandchildren.

I had to post these pictures because Grandaddy added my website to his IPhone today and I know he'll be checking for pictures ALL THE TIME!! Welcome to the century of the technology, dear Grandaddy!

There has been a development in the competition for "favorite uncle." Uncle Adam introduced us all to the newest member of the family today, little puppy Cara. (or is it Kara? these are facts I should be checking before posting on the internet). Anyway, the kids were ecstatic and they both told me that their favorite part of the day today was playing with the new puppy (despite much present opening). Uncle Austin continually reminded them that he takes them to Disney World, but the sweetness of their little furry friend won out today.

Here's Uncle Adam with the adorable puppy who had been worn out by my extremely playful and affectionate kids!

And now, finally, the Christmas carols!!

Joy to the world, my friends. Joy to the world.

Dear Santa,

We went to visit Santa today. The kids were excited. They were dressed. They were brainstorming the best gifts to ask for from the jolly man himself. They practiced their "ho, ho, ho's" and we read 26 different Christmas books before we left the house. We looked at pictures from last year and talked about sitting on Santa's lap. I didn't want anyone to be afraid. They didn't seem scared. They were ready.

We got to the mall and Drew insisted he would rather play at the playground than see Santa. He told me "Mama, I think it's just going to be too crowded today. " Abby wanted to see Santa though so I bribed Drew with a snack and we got in line. Fifteen minutes later we were at the front of the line and Drew made a beeline for Santa. He jumped in his lap and was all smiles and already listing all the things he wants for Christmas. Abby, however, froze. Her face crumpled, tears sprung into her eyes, and she clung onto me for dear life.

Did she miss the part with all the preparation?

We are not scared of this man with the beard, little girl. We are not scared.

Except we were. But, then the photographer pulled out a spinning toy with lights and Abby was hooked. He told her she could play with it if she sat on Santa's knee. Well, clearly the child doesn't have any toys with lights on them at home because she jumped up next to her brother with lightning speed and pulled herself together quite nicely.

Drew had so much fun. He talked and talked about the things he would like Santa to bring him. He asked about Santa's beard and if it was "scratchy." He gave him lots of hugs and told him "Don't forget to make a birthday cake for Jesus...after you finish flying with all of your presents."

And then Santa asked Abby what she wanted for Christmas. "A telescope" she told him. He said, "Oh, do you want to look at the stars in the sky?" "No", she said, "I want to look for animals just like Diego does."

Maybe I should consider cutting down the amount of TV we watch.

You think?

Merry Christmas to you and yours!

Lost In Translation

My children love to talk, love to hear themselves talk, love to repeat things over and over, and, have I mentioned they LOVE to talk?? Seriously, they do. But, only on their terms and apparently, unless you are me, it is not always easy to understand what they are saying. Sometimes daddy even needs to ask me to translate for them, and, when I'm having trouble understanding one of them, the other one can almost always tell me what their sibling is trying to say.

Impressive.

So, imagine my surprise when I picked Drew up from school a week ago and he told me he read a book called, "The mother eats the baby animals." Appalled, I asked if he was sure that was really the name of the book, and, he insisted "Yes, mama. The mother eats the baby animals." I'm ashamed to admit that it took me more than a few minutes to realize that he most assuredly meant that he heard a book about a mother FEEDING baby animals - that's a pretty significant difference.

Especially if you are a baby animal mentioned in the above referenced children's book.

Anyway, it's things like this that just make me laugh as they try to figure out exactly how to express the thoughts that are constantly filling their little heads. From the minute she could talk, Abby has wanted us to repeat everything she says. Word for word. It's her way of making sure that we really understand what she is telling us - even two year olds need to be validated, people. Whenever I can't understand her I just try to nod and say ok or some other acknowledgement, but she will repeat herself over and over with increasing intensity until one of us finally figures out WHAT SHE IS TRYING TO SAY ALREADY!

It's charming, indeed.

Oh, but their little voices. I love the sound of their little toddler voices. Still baby-like, but often they say such big words or have such important thoughts and it just sounds so precious coming from those sweet mouths. They learn quickly, these kids, so they are always picking up new words or phrases or stories even after only hearing them once. Drew learned the story of the three little pigs at preschool and could re-tell it with amazing accuracy even though he could have only heard it just a few times. Of course, Abby also jumps right in on the story-telling fun!

That's not just me, right? Could they be any cuter?

And, notice they both said that the three little pigs built a "house of straws." There is no doubt in my mind that when they imagine that part of the story they are seeing a house built of drinking straws rather than the actual straw the pigs used to build their houses.

A mother just knows these things...

Every night I tell Drew, "I love you with my whole heart." Last week, as I was leaving his room he grabbed my hand and told me, "Mama, I love you with YOUR whole heart!"

And then my heart melted, because though his translation was a little off...I totally understood what he was saying.

A mama just knows these things...