It's all in the Accessories...

Last night was the annual "Hanging of the Greens" at our church. The kids' choirs start the evening by leading us in a worship service, then there are fun arts and crafts, cookies, and even a live nativity or "n-activity" scene as whitt likes to call it. With these joyous festivities also came time for Mae's second choir performance. (For those of you new to our family blog, you can go back and read "Espionage" from April to get a little background on our sweet Mae's fear of stage performances.) Well, we came to the family decision that it was time to conquer this fear head-on and not let it dictate who was and wasn't able to come. A few weeks ago, we told Mae that all of us were coming to watch her, that it was going to be a full family event just like her soccer games, and more importantly a time of family worship where she was going to be leading the way for us. We prayed about it; we made "tickets" (complete with pink glitter hearts) that she then presented to each of us; and we made little smiley faces to hold up from the audience in case the doubt started to creep up again. All of that was fun and she seemed really excited, but I still had the sense that we weren't truly getting to the heart of the matter. Parenthood can be like going fishing sometimes; you keep throwing out different lines over and over and just sometimes with a little grace and patience, you are able to catch them. So over Thanksgiving holiday in Virginia, I must have read The Magic Locket by Elizabeth Koda-Callan to Mae at least ten times. We both just kept going back to it when it came time for stories. It is about a little girl who learns to believe in herself after her favorite aunt gives her a magic locket. She discovers that the magic in the locket is really her when she opens it and sees her reflection in the tiny mirror inside. (All my friends with girls, do yourself a favor and go buy Callan's series of books for your daughters-they are amazing, great Christmas gift!) Finally, on saturday it occured to me that my very fashion savy four year old who just loves to accessorize would delight in her very own locket. We got the locket and placed a tiny photo of Mae inside. She loved it and I could see in her face that we had finally broken through. Last night, she marched (and, I say march because she was definitely on a mission)down the very LONG aisle at our church, got on stage (front row/center), and sang her little heart out praising our God and knowing that she was leading her family in a precious time of worship. I, of course, delighted in the performance-lump in my throat, holding back the tears kind of delighting, but what was even more powerful to me was the look on her face when she joined us in the congregation right afterwards. Her eyes glistened with confidence and belief in herself; the inner beauty that comes when you challenge yourself and you rise to the occassion. So here's to my little stargazer-Way to go baby girl!

The Blessing of the Pick-me ups...

I am not a morning person, self-proclaimed. It is not that I like to sleep in; it is more that my brain/ communication skills don't want to kick-in until I have had a bit of coffee. I am definitely not perky in the morning; I prefer to quietly move through the motions and tasks at hand. On the other hand, my man (who I really, really love) is an irritatingly PERKY morning person. He can talk incessantly, loudly, and be oh-so chipper in the morning which has made this flaw of mine all the more apparent to me. So, I was a little concerned this year when school started on just how I (again, not a morning person) was going to get a four year old, three year old, and one year old dressed, fed, teeth-brushed, hair-brushed (including bow in proper place for Miss Mae), bags packed, and off to school by 8:00 (all the while trying to have a moment of connection with them before they start their school day). But, ever since that first day of school in August, God has sent me just what I need every single morning, the perfect pick-me up. Each morning right as the cars are loading for carpool, Mae runs to Whitt and gives him a giant hug and says, "I love you!" Whitt responds in fits of giggles with "I love you, more!" as he just about squeezes the life out of sweet Mae hugging her back. Often Mae looks at me and says, "Whitty is the best brother, ever," and Whitt will yell back to Mae, "Have a great day!" And, every single morning when it happens, I feel my heart get so full that it physically hurts and it feels like it might explode and yes, sometimes I feel the tears start to sting my eyes. So, on this thanksgiving day, I am thankful for all the personal love notes like this that God sends me throughout the day. I pray he opens my eyes and heart more each day so that I see and feel His love more clearly and deeply, and I don't let these personal moments He creates pass me by in the business of life (or in the business of a morning). I am thankful for all the times I see Him looking at me through the eyes of a husband, daughter and sons, parents and in-laws, sisters and brothers, loving friends, teachers, volunteers, and the occasional stranger who crosses my path at just the right moment.

PS-Sweet Bruce does get a quick hug from Mae and Whitt each morning as well. It's just that his early morning communication skills are about what mine are at this point-one word phrases.

Seven Year Itch...

*After a couple of years just the two of us, miracle #1, a move to Chicago, bedrest round 1, miracle #2, a move back from Chicago, toddler chaos x 2, bedrest round 2, miracle #3, countless highs coupled with a few lows and hard decisions, I am still itching for you more than ever. *Although I don't tell you why I love you enough and I never seem to fill in the "gaps" for you as seemlessly as you do for me, just remember your rearview shot looks like this. *Some of my happiest moments are the ones quietly spent in your shadow. Happy Anniversary!!!

Happy, Happy, Joy, Joy....

And, then there is the stink-eye...

Another season over, and a new one begins...

Mae had her last soccer game tonight. I have loved watching the growth in her over the past six months from one soccer season to the next. Last spring, she would be so excited to get to the game, but then as we reached the top of the hill that overlooked the field, she would get a little nervous and would want to stay with me. After a few minutes of coaxing and a prayer, she would hesistantly run down and join the team. This season, she would barrel out of the car, rushing out on the field, never looking back. Our girl has most certainly entered a new season in her life. She has really come into her own, leaving all signs of baby behind and embracing the adventurous spirit of a little girl. She delights us with girlie giggles, lots of twirling of herself as well as her hair, and constant requests of "Watch me, Watch me!!" Around every corner is something new she wants to try, and she can hang with the best of the boys. You can see the constant wonder glimmering in her eyes. But more than that, I am watching her innate nurturing spirit blossom into a true consideration of others. Whitt loves "hard" with an enthusiastic intensity; Mae loves tenderly. She is perceptively sensitive to others, really loving them well in her own confident and peaceful way. At four and half, she already seems to know when words are needed and when they are not-when a friend or brother just needs you to "be" with them. Mae is a challenge for me to raise. Not because she is strong-willed (although there is an assertiveness to her that I just love), but because God has placed such a deep and beautiful heart in her. She already teaches me so much, and I am challenged by her spirit to be more, to be a better version of myself so that I can be the mom she needs and deserves. God has made me feel so special and loved by His trusting me to be this girl's mom.

Hunka Burning Love...

Yet another reason you gotta love Memphis. It is completely normal to dress your 15 month old as Elvis for Halloween... What can I say he is a total stud! He totally rocks the costume, doesn't he?! And, a little Halloween bonus from Dorothy of the Wizard of "Paws" (as she called herself) and Superman.