Livin' the Dream

Tuesday, October 28, 2008

Kid Update

So I realize that I have been posting a lot lately, but a few days ago I had this deep sense of urgency to document the things that are happening in my children's lives. They grow so fast and change so much. And with 3 children so close together I do not want to find myself in the future mixing up what each child was like or what events happened to who. So, a kid update.

Little Ainsley loves to look at books, but just recently she has started making up her own stories based upon what is happening in the pictures. It is so cute! She even does different voices and different tones, everything.

And Brinnley is really into "Where's Waldo" type of books. We got her one called "1001 Things to See in Fairy Land." She sits on her own for a long time and stays there till she finds all the pictures. She has a great eye and is very patient when she cannot find something.

And Porter. . . I think he is teething. Actually I am pretty sure because I can feel the tooth almost coming through. He's been a little grumpy lately. Poor little man!

Are you really only 3?

So this morning the kids and I were standing on the porch looking at the tree in our yard. I said I love the beautiful fall colors. Then Brinnley said, "Winter is next and animals hibernate in the winter. That means they sleep the whole winter." I couldn't believe what I was hearing. Seriously? A three year old knows what hibernation is? Thanks Rabbit and Pooh Bear!

Monday, October 27, 2008

"OH, Monkey!"

That's the phrase Ainsley belts out anytime Monkey has been left at home when we go out. Leaving Monkey at home is always accidental because I would never intentionally put myself through hearing that phrase repeated over and over until it is screamed with a touch of panic in her voice and then it escalates until a major, traumatic meltdown occurs. However, I have been hearing that phrase a lot less lately. While we were on our trip, we of course had Monkey with us, but sometimes we made Ainsley leave him in the car. He was not with us when we walked on the Beach in New Jersey.

Since we have been home I have noticed that she has been bringing other toys instead of Monkey when we go out. The Big Shocker occurred yesterday when we went to Church and Monkey stayed home. She didn't even ask to bring him or go looking for him when we left. I did not realize he wasn't with us until we pulled into the church parking lot. So I crossed my fingers and prayed there would be no meltdowns when she realized he was at home. But she never even asked about him. Yeah! It was amazing to go 3 hours and not even have a little whimper because she was missing her best friend.

However I find myself having mixing feelings about the separation that is occurring. Monkey is a part of our family. He goes everywhere with us and he has been through a lot. I often wonder if his little arms and legs are going to withstand all the loving that he gets. For his welfare, I am glad that he is getting some downtime. Maybe he will last a little longer. But I find myself feeling a little sad. This means my baby girl is growing up. I know Monkey will always be important, especially at nighttime, just like Moo is to Brinnley. But it is hard for me to watch my baby get so big. It was equally as hard to see Moo being left behind more and more until now he is just for cuddling on the couch and a nighttime friend. But this means my girls are growing up to be confident and secure and they no longer need their security blankets. They are beautiful, happy children and I am so blessed to be there mother. I feel amazing gratitude that I am the one who gets to see them grow from tiny little babies to the beautiful women they will become. But they will always be my little girls, no matter how old they are!

Young Women's!?!

So yesterday I got a new calling. I am the Mia Maid Advisor (teacher). When the counselor in the Bishopric called to ask if he could meet with me about a calling, I knew it was Young Women's. At first I was a little intimidated by the idea, but after going to class with them yesterday, I think it will be good. I didn't think I knew very many of the Young Women, but I was surprised to see how many of them I actually did know. They seem like great girls and I am excited to work with them. It was just a little different going from Primary to hearing lessons about choosing a husband. But I am excited! Hopefully I will be able to teach them something and I know I have much to learn from them.