Blog Challenge #5 - Five Places I Want To Visit

This was a fun post to think about, and I promise to keep it short.

BTW, these places are not in any particular order of importance. 

Wait, number one is the most important - but only if my two sisters can come with me.

1a. Need I say more? 

If only it were real. 

1b. Alaska. I'd love to meet the Kilcher family and see their homestead in person.

 Then, I'd like to travel and see some city life and country living there. 

This might be impossible in my lifetime though, I will NOT fly in small planes. . .

2. Yep! DISNEYLAND.

I have not been in over 20 years, 

and my daughter is the perfect age to experience it for the first time. 

The hubbs isn't so keen on this one . . . 

if we end up moving to the East Coast, maybe Disneyworld will be our option. 

3. The Caribbean. I had no idea how to spell that. 

Thank goodness for Google! I would have put two "r's" but that's just me. 

Anywho - someday babeyyy!

4. Guess Where? 

NYC!! I have never been to the city. 

 I know I flew into it when I was catching a connecting flight on my way to France 

but I didn't step out of the hotel. 

5. Seriously! I have some questions for God and I want to see my grandparents and my pets again, 

and to meet the brother or sister I never met, Erin. 

I can't ignore just a few more places I'd like to visit . . . 

the inside of a fancy shmancy hotel room for an entire week

inside my hubbs head sometimes

my daughters preschool classroom during class time

first class seating on a plane

Yellowstone

a small town fourth of July celebration

the Tonight Show show with Jimmy Fallon

the Dancing with the Stars show

Sweet dreams!

Blog Challenge #4 - The Meaning Behind My Blog Name

Do you love the meaning of things as much as I do?
Well, my twitter handle is @overfourtytwo. Yes, I have reached the "over the hill" status. I had another blog going a while back but I lost direction quickly and my life was a bit too full, rather I didn't realize my need for writing at that point. I realize it now and not just for the silly number of words that I as a woman need to express on a daily basis. More so, because I am finally acknowledging the creative parts of myself in my gardening, my work as a hairdresser and in writing.

I felt the nudge for this writing project a while back, but it took me some time to get it up and running and to design the main image. The title came to me in prayer one day, because as I work my twelve step program for having been affected by someone else's drinking, I often look back at my progress with a large amount of gratitude. The same has been true since I turned the big 4-0. Around the time of turning fourty, I realized many monumental things for me, here are just a few:

I no longer felt the pain of NEEDING to be a one digit size in my clothing

The journey isn't so much about striving to be what I see in others, but rather to find out who I am

Embracing my introvert-ness is very freeing - gone are the days of feeling like a social failure

Doing something that I don't love for a short while will not kill me, it may even help me grow

It's ok to grieve the dreams of what I thought I'd have & want but don't

The God of my understanding may not be the God who is, was and ever shall be

It's great to look in the past to learn and to acknowledge the growth, but it is becoming exciting for me to look beyond the hilltop to what may lie ahead.
Peace be with you.

Blog Challenge #3 - My Day in Great Detail

Welcome to a day in the life of me. 

Let me start out by saying that I truly ADORE my automatic coffee maker. I am so grateful that it provides me with hot coffee right away. I have not been overly impressed with the other machines out there, you know the trendy one cup at a time coffee makers. This homegirl likes her coffee already brewed so there is the least amount of wait time available. 

So, at 6:23 a.m. when my sweet but wide-awake daughter woke me up, I was happy to know what was waiting for me in the kitchen. I dressed my coffee and got her a drink and we snuggled on the couch watching tv. I love this time. I love that the house is quiet on a Saturday morning, and that we can just enjoy snuggles. 

Breakfast was cereal for the hubbs and my kiddo. I decided to try a new juice recipe. One red beet, one carrot (was rebellious and added 2 carrots), half a lemon and one apple. It was rather tasty, and I really wasn't hungry until lunchtime. Yeehaw!

Today was a work day for me - it's Saturday and a great day for people to get their hair done. I share a chair with another stylist so I only had scheduled clients for the morning. My kiddo went to the babysitter since hubbs had overtime at work today also. I don't like this about Saturdays . . .I miss having a Saturday to do normal family stuff. However, I am grateful for my job and I adore my clients and I am super happy to not be a full time teacher anymore!! 

At work today, my first client is a friend of a friend who is becoming a very precious gift in my life. Years ago after I delivered my baby girl, this person made a meal for my family and I, and she went to great lengths to make sure if was gluten free - super important for me. She does have a very generous spirit, and a great sense of humor, both of which have been like water for a thirsty soul to me. Years ago, she went through something that I am currently going through and she has been sharing that journey with me. Our main conversation today was about personality temperaments. I am definitely choleric/melancholic. I have studied them a little before but her explanations and experiences helped me understand that I was created this way, I certainly wouldn't have chosen to be these temperaments. I have often noted certain characteristics of my personality and have seen how they are not so positive or how I just don't mix well with other people on certain things, or even how other people expect things of me that are just impossible for me (in relation to personality). A light clicked on for me today as I was listening to my friend, and my heart felt a bit lighter. I am humbled and grateful 

Another client today was a young lady that I used to teach. She is in middle school now. Our time in the salon together is never without laughter and her directions. Seriously, she is pretty particular on how and even where she wants a hair cut. Today, it was to even out the back but not to cut the sides because she is growing out the "v" shape in the back. I am told that she only trusts me with her hair because I do what she asks. For me, it's more about her happiness than it is to have to cut off more than she wants just to cut every hair on her head. I have some adults that try to do this too, but I explain why I won't do it for them in most cases. Her momma texted just now that S is soooo happy with her haircut. Success!!

I picked up my girl from the babysitter and got to love on a sweet dog named Bam Bam, an English Bulldog. We don't have a dog right now but my heart aches for one. Maybe soon.

After a quick stop at the grocery store we came home to have lunch and now are relaxing before church tonight, and then a picnic and fireworks to follow. This church is new for me. It's not in the same religion that I was raised, and I am super excited about that. In my seeking and praying, this is where I am led to today. It feels like a blessed day to me - a day where I can almost feel God - a day where His presence is nearer than it has been for a long while - a day where nature is encouraging me. It is cloudy with sunshine, a moderate breeze and temps under 80 degrees. Ahhhhhhh. The firework show is perfect timing for this weather tonight! It sure beats the 112+ temps on the fourth of July. 

Other things I did that fit in my day somehow. . .

waxed my own eyebrows

cleaned a few mounds of dishes from hosting breakfast yesterday for some out of town friends

dried and folded towels and capes for work

called one of my sisters

prayed

talked with the hubbs about details for the possible upcoming move

listened to my girl read me part of Chicka Chicka Boom Boom

daydreamed about the beach

told the hubbs how much I want to take our girl to Disneyland this summer

called the folks

blinked a few times which is all the nap time I will have today.

Farewell until next time.

Blog Challenge #2 - Basically Me.

Does it really matter that I mixed up the topics for day one and two?

 On the scale of things happening in my life, I sure hope not. 

I wonder what types of thing other busy moms mix up - 

perhaps lime, tequila and margarita mix? 

Just kidding. Or am I?

 I do love a good frozen margarita. 

So, this post challenge is to share some basic things about myself. 

For the LOVE, I need a bit more direction than that. 

I could share basic things about foods I like, toenail polish colors I like, things that drive me crazy, parenting stuff, adult child watching parents aging stuff, believe me there are a lot of topics. 

Wait. 

You know that, I am sure you could share a host of things on these and many more topics too. 

I'll find your blogs and will read your delightful words. 

Basically Me. 

I am the youngest of four kids, born in New England and raised in the desert. 

No, not the Middle East. I mean Arizona. 

I have never loved the desert landscape, 

I long for wooded areas, grass, more precipitation and gentle breezes (I could never live in Chicago!). Looking backward to below the hilltop, 

I wish I could have been a stronger and more brave person who would have moved away to gain experiences, life wisdom and just to LIVE. 

Instead, I had a lot of fear and anxiety about people and being away from the family system I knew. 

I often joke that my family was like the mafia. 

Not because of their lifestyle or culture, but more because I felt I couldn't let go or separate from it. 

And yes, when I say "the family" in my head, I say it with Al Pacino's voice. 

I am a wife and mother, 

two things I have wanted since I was a young child 

- minus about 10 years when I was teaching

 that I didn't want my own kids 

because I was so tired of other people's kids

 (not all of them, just a select few). 

My own daughter is five years old this year and 

we are quickly approaching KiNdErGaRtEn next year. 

God has given me a great kid, 

I am humbled a lot by her love for me 

and the simple joy I learn from her.

 Lately, she has been devouring bible stories and prayer during our nighttime routine. PTL!! 

Last year I was part of a MOPS group. 

I highly recommend them. It taught me a lot, and filled my inner cup. 

This was the theme last year but it has been continually coming up for me these days. 

It is a quest of "who am I?". 

Currently, I am questing (even a word?) 

into my faith of God, 

what my needs and wants are, 

what type of friends I want in my life,

 and how does my 12 step program fit in my life 

(I choose recovery from having been affected by someone's drinking).

 There are probably a few more but this tired momma brain isn't coming up with them.

I mentioned teaching, that is in my past though I will always be a teacher at heart,

 and I will ALWAYS 

have a deep love for office supplies and back to school sales! 

To end, I'll leave you with a few of my favorite things these days. . .

coffee

sunrises and sunsets

good photography

when my husband does the dishes

pedicures

while walking, my daughter reaches to hold my hand

Stella Rosa red sparkling wine

sleepytime tea

bikeriding

gardening

crockpots

swimsuit coverups

my chirporactor

my counselor

my sisters

.

Blog Challenge #1 ... Like vs. Dislike

Do you love a good challenge? I do. Especially when it comes to air hockey. I think I may have even scared the hubbs when we were dating because I am wildly competitive with it. We haven't played it since, maybe it will be in our next date night.

Do you also love Pinterest? I do, for some things. I have my list of Pinterest fails like most other people, but I'll keep those to myself at this point. Although, my favorite fail was a roll recipe for Easter last year. I was hosting in our new home and thought I'd make these adorable rolls that looked like little bunnies. Well, let's just say that mine looked like demons instead. I tossed them along with the expectation that a good number of things from Pinterest WILL in fact turn out. I'm over it.

I was on Pinterest the other day looking for ways to jazz up this here blog . . . and I came upon this site with a super cool blogger challenge. A little direction can be good, so's I don't bore you.

Challenge #1 is to share about TEN likes and dislikes. Here goes.

Likes
1. Laughter, pure and joyous laughter. Not the laugh one might make at an off color or offensive joke so as not to feel awkward. I absolutely LOVE the belly laugh that my daughter gets lost in when her daddy tickles her or when she is telling silly jokes with her friends. Laughter is healing and refreshing to me, I don't do it enough.
2. Gardening. I am a beginner gardener with only one current garden and two others behind me. In our current home I have raised planters and a much smaller area. I am always amazed that what I plant, grows. When I am watering these creations, I am filled with peace in the fresh air, feeling the sunshine on my skin and the cool water spraying my feet. I really enjoy seeing the colors of the leaves and the flowers, along with the food! Currently, I have lettuce, onions, carrots, cucumbers and tomatoes growing. I completely forgot to plant spinach. Whoops.

3. Salt. My entire family has a love affair with salt. Maybe because we are French Canadian? I think for me it is because my adrenals are out of wack. Another story, another time. But I do love salt!
4. Coffee. This is really a love, not a like as much. I do enjoy the boost from caffeine, but I truly love the flavor. Even coffee ice cream!
5. My Clients. Getting to do hair is fun but I so enjoy the relationships I have with my clients (well most of them anyway, wink wink). I feel very blessed to be in this career. I cannot imagine how stressed out and busy I would be if I were teaching school full time still.
6. Getting out of town. I enjoy road trips, though since having my daughter I can't handle driving on super windy and high roads with only a short guard rail fence separating me and a long fall. I enjoy seeing different sights, different landscapes and feeling away from my "normal" routine.
7. Potatoes. Cheesy, baked, hashbrowned, mashed, home-fried, french fried, chips. I love them all. Crunchy, salty and oh so good!
8. Reading. My scope of books has changed, but I will always be a sucker for a heartwarming story with a little bit of transformation, romance and a happy ending!
9. Hobby Lobby. I love the merchandise. I love the coupons. I love the music playing as I shop.
10. Heart to hearts. Speaking of, I just had one with one of my sisters and my cup feels a bit more full. Both of us shared from our depths, we laughed, we shared frustration and we agreed to pray for each other. Love it!

Dislikes
1. MLM Companies. I have been part of a small handful of them and I keep telling myself that I won't do it again. I guess I'm sort of a follower of what promises to be the next best thing or trendy item. The buck stops here! I am getting out of the latest one this weekend. Now, I do support stay at home moms and the fact that this may be a great way to make income for them. I'm not saying the multi-level-marketing companies are wrong or bad in and of themselves, they are just not a fit for me. I am giving up feeling like a failure because I don't like direct sales or pressuring people to spend money because I make them think I know what is good for them. I am giving up being on the other side of those too. Praise the Lord!!
2. Bullying. For kids, or even for adults. I don't like someone pushing and pushing or poking at people until they cave or break down. I know that a bully is just a broken person themselves . . .but I really, really don't like what it does to all involved.
3. Long flights over large bodies of water. Just don't like them. I went to France years ago for a mission trip and it was rough. I loved being there, I just didn't like traveling there and back.
4. Cola. Unless in the form of a slurpee. I was struck with the flu after drinking a cola years and years ago. The taste of it brings back all the time I spent kneeling in front of porcelain.
5. Toys strewn about the house. It feels chaotic to me - this has gotten worse over the years too, my tolerance gets smaller. Some toys around I am okay with but I tried to go up the stairs in our home one day and I saw that my daughter and her friend brought out every stuffed animal we own and had them sitting on the stairs, like it was a movie theater. I had an internal panic attack for a moment. Then I got over it and was able to let them enjoy it!
6. Really hot weather. I'm really over this climate. I have served my time and feel d.o.n.e. I am grateful for air conditioning and low humidity but I still don't like really hot weather. Maybe if I was on a beautiful island I would feel differently.
7. That it's hard for me to relax. I often feel guilty for taking time to relax, though I know it is important for my own health as well as being a good example to my daughter. I don't want to turn her off from wanting to me a mommy someday because all she sees me do is work work work.
8. Certain foods. Cooked spinach, mushrooms, raw onions (unless super chopped in foods), green chiles, mayonnaise. Just to name a few.
9. Putting away laundry. I don't mind washing it and even folding it (Shhhhh. I love to fold towels), but putting it away is just taking all of the fun out of it.
10. Struggling. Life is not without this. For me, there are different degrees of struggling. For example, struggling what size of popcorn to get at the movies isn't quite the same weight as struggling with my faith and church life. Currently I struggle with both. I LOVE popcorn but it doesn't love me back. I shouldn't eat it at all but c'mon. On the other note, I have been the same religion all.my.life. and this struggle is very real, very hard and very deep.

Boy, this was a lot to read.
Go take a nap.
See you next time.

My reality

Yoga pants.
They are really comfortable. I have read many an argument on fb about why women should not wear them out in public. I get it, well part of it. I get that they show every nook and cranny on a woman's lower half, or lack there of for some lucky gals. I wear them. I wear them proudly, even with my panty lines showing. I'm sorry if this is offensive. Clearly, I am not the only one though. I see many others in "my club". It's ok. On the scale of life, it's not horrible and I'd rather be ok with accepting myself as I am, than feel like I am not perfect enough or I am too much of something else.

Marriage is.               
I left a lot of room after that one on purpose. On a daily basis, I could find so many words could fill in that blank.

Silence really is golden.
I have learned over the years what being an introvert means, and that I am one. I have learned that I get over stimulated sometimes rather quickly. In my younger days, I could sure handle a lot more. I could lead groups, meetings, retreats and have a lot going on around me. Then I had a beautiful and miraculous baby girl. When people tell you, "everything changes after the baby comes", they are freakin right! For me, the hardest change beside lack of sleep has been the physiological changes. Specifically thyroid and hormonal issues for this momma. It has really changed me as a person and what I can handle. For example, I was completely anxious watching a recent movie about some HUGE dinosaurs. I know intellectually that it was computer generated and that dinosaurs aren't real anymore, but this movie stirred me beyond uncomfortable. My poor husband's hand was my grip to reality in a very real way as I didn't let go until the end. I think I have always been an introvert, I just didn't realize it was okay to be. Today I can honor that part of me by seeking silence, seeking alone time that truly fills me up. I am headed to a women's retreat in the near future . . . first time away from hubbs and my kiddo. OMGod in Heaven, thank you for providing it and I'm sorry I took so long to commit!

#roughmommymoment
Yes. I had a grand one today. My brave girl asked the cashier at a local grocery store for a balloon. She was given a beautiful red helium balloon which she so carefully carried to the car. We jetted across the parking lot to another store and left said balloon in the car. Upon returning and getting into the car, the balloon fiercely flew out of the open door. Whaling, stomping and screaming ensued. There was no way to comfort my kiddo, her heart was broken. No problem I thought, we'll just go the the dollar store in the plaza and buy a shiny foil balloon. It was a crown and said "PRINCESS" on it, shiny with pink letters. Happiness was restored and she again carried it so carefully to the car. As I went to take the balloon from her while she climbed up into the car . . . IT POPPED. I have no idea why, except that forces greater than us did not want her to have a balloon today. If you can only image this second heart brake and the sounds and sobbs it brought out. I remember thinking as time stopped for a brief moment - I could go in and buy another one. I could just do it. Somehow, my hard day got very real and I decided not to do it. I'll skip my reasons why and just leave it that we drove home with the popped balloon. Many "good" mothers out there probably would have just gone to get another one to satisfy the poor kid who lost two balloons in less than an hour. I didn't and I am okay with that choice - apparently so is she! Is being a good mom always making sure your kid is happy? (a rhetorical question).

Dinner every day?
I should be finishing tax stuff  but I'd rather be getting out what is in my thoughts. Except dinner. That is always in my thoughts. I am tired and uninspired about dinner(s) these days. I'll spare the boring reasons that lead me to this but anyone who has a five year old probably gets part of those reasons. chicken nuggets, hot dogs, peanut butter & jelly   Tonight I will grill some steak - of which neither my hubbs or kiddo will partake because of their dislike - green beans and baked potatoes. Since I just did groceries, there is plenty of "other" food they can have as I savor my medium rare steak! Bon Appetit!

Remote Control Toilets and God

Being a momma to my daughter is like a Mad-Lib page some days. Situations may be the same, just change a few of the details or throw in some different adjectives or silent explatives. Basically it is about me giving up my will or guiding her to it. My "beyond the hilltop"-ism for this is that I am glad to be where I am in life for most of the giving up of my will moments. Had these happened to me in my twenties, I'll bet I would have fought harder and forced my will a lot more. I think it takes a certain level of maturity to know when to stop fighting, forcing, or just plain willing something. "How important is it" plays through my mind a lot some days. How important is it that she is wearing flowered shorts with a patterned top - the colors match alright. How important is it that she has shorts on with knee high socks and black dress shoes- she picked them out herself and she is amazingly proud. How important is it that she has every stuffed animal she owns on the couch tucked into bed - they will get put away at some point. It is important for me that she knows it's okay to express herself in different ways. It is important that she know that I love her beyond words even when I am frustrated or grumpy. It is important that she know that MY way is not the only way, she has ways too.

I'm just gonna throw this out there . . . it is also important that my kiddo get over her fear of automatic flushing toilets (a.k.a. remote control toilets in kid language). The scare her. They really scare her. I think one time when my parents took her to the store without me and she had to go potty. M,y mom cheerfully sat her on the seat, she did her business, and the flush happened while she was relatively still close to the seat. It appears she will be forever scarred and scared. Believe me, I have tried everything I know to do to try to relieve this fear of hers. N.o.t.h.i.n.g. has done the trick. I may have even told her this week that soon, all toilets will be that way so she will have to get over it at some point. Great mom moment!

I have learned so much of my mommy-ness from so many amazing women. I have been part of a few different groups for moms and while I am not currently part of one, I am close friends with a few women I met there. I am most grateful for the realism that I have found. Women with cracked heels, un-manicured hands, ponytails, cars full of kid stuff, texts unanswered for a few hours or days. This reality may not happen every day for these women I hold dear, I think some days we may get some good self care done but not every day. I used to think how fun it would be to have kids, to look great and feel great and just be great. My definition of "great" as evolved. I no longer think it as being dressed to the nines, hair done, makeup on, nails done, kids who are clean, neat looking and quiet and all my ducks in a row so to speak. Great, today, is more about being happy, joyful and simple. May I repeat, how important is it?

God. May different images come to mind at that name. There is freedom for me at this age to look at something, really look at something. Understand it, know it, and cherish it. I believe God is, always has been and forever will be. I am trying to understand Him, to know Him and to cherish Him. There is movement happening with the God I have always known and it is darn uncomfortable. It is also timely and right. Uncomfortable because it's change. Timely because I am trying to teach my daughter about our Creator but I don't want to pass on to her my understanding of Him. So, I am seeking. Big Time. I am learning, struggling, letting go and becoming open. I feel the change, and have had some great moments sharing Him with my daughter. Her faith is so pure and loving at this young age, I am learning from her as well.

I will continue to pray that we can find non remote control toilets when we are away from home. I will continue to pray in thanksgiving for all of my momma-friends who help me daily without knowing it.

I just want to talk to a real person!

At this moment, I have 3 kiddos ages 5 and under playing in my living room, my phone is on speaker while dealing with an automated phone service and I am thinking to myself, "I cannot be the only human mother who is stressed out in this situation!" I also wanted to yell this, and may or may not have literally yelled this into the phone while dealing with an automated service before, "I JUST WANT TO TALK TO A REAL PERSON!". I am a business person, a small business owner. I am sure these big businesses see valid reasons to have said automated phone services, and I am even sure that at times it has made my life a teensy bit easier to just use them. However, I cannot help but imagine older folks who may not have all their wits about them, or may need more assistance and having to deal with these automated systems. It's frustrating enough for me - a middle aged momma with most of her smarts left after birthing a baby who has to multi task to get anything done with tiny kids around. Perhaps there could be an option for those who love to use these systems to press 1, and those who want to speak to a human person, press 2. Brilliant! I think so. But wait, it probably costs huge amounts of money to actually employ humans verses a computer.

Most of the time I love to talk to real people, most of the time. Not necessarily when I have to call a government agency or a state office. God bless those workers, that's all I'll say. I love calling the company who hosts my website. I almost want to call them now just to have some type of phone conversation redemption to my previous experience with the automated woman who didn't ask about my day, didn't seem friendly, and certainly didn't thank me for my business. I personally enjoy connecting with others, even if it's just for a moment on the phone - it helps me remember that on the grand scale of life, we are all working in some fashion, we are all human beings who put our pants on one leg at a time, and who need each other. 

In closing, I will say that I am grateful that my morning phone call was fruitful - even though while the kids were playing loudly in the background, and I was distracted and perhaps a little anxious about this call, that instead of pushing the # key after entering information, I hit the END CALL button. I have no idea why, except that I'll plead momentary insanity. Moms get it. 

Now, I'll go change a diaper, guide the kids to getting dressed and regain some sanity as I pray for grace to complete the tasks of this day with gratitude and joy. 

Peace out.

Life Lenses

I have worn glasses since I was 13. That was monumental for me, and I thought my life was over. I can still hear my older sister repeating a mantra from when she had to get the dreaded glasses also, "guys never make passes at girls who wear glasses". Well, there you go. Back then, the litmus test for being worth something was whether or not a guy found you (us) attractive, and that was dependent on whether or not you (we) wore glasses. Geez! Trust me, there is plenty more on that topic in post yet to be written.

Moving on. I'm not sure if my mom experienced any sort of emotion around me getting glasses. Mom was emotional about a lot but I have a feeling the glasses didn't rank high on that scale, other than money was tight and it was an expense. They are still an expense today, even for a 5 year old's need to have them. I give thanks to the God of my understanding that we have pretty good insurance that helped ease that burden. Truth be told, I had a great deal of emotion around my own daughter getting her first pair of glasses. I had lots of thoughts too - It must be some weird veggie that I didn't eat when I was pregnant that she must have needed for perfect eyesight - She will most likely need these for the rest.of.her.life - Another thing I have to/get to keep track of - The many future fingerprints on the lenses are going to drive me bonkers - I hope with all my heart that she never gets teased or ridiculed for wearing them - I'm super glad I talked her out of the red frames she wanted, she wears a lot of pink clothes. As for the emotion, it was mostly about this monumental change in both of our lives. MY baby is less of a baby today, and SHE has greater needs to be able to see so much more in life to do what God has planned for her. Her first comment to me while wearing them was "wow momma, the trees are so much bigger". I think she meant clearer but from a five year old's perspective, I think she was spot on.

Something else I noticed today, through the lens of mommahood with a five year old, is that her cute, adorable and sometimes hard to understand language is evolving. She said a word today that I barely recognized because her "r" sound was perfect. No more "w" sound. My heart cried a tear. How in the world? Well, it's no wonder, she talks all the time and you know what they say about practice. Really though, this kid has never stopped amazing me. I sound just like every other gushy momma out there and I'm proud of it. Her skills have grown so much in preschool this year and I couldn't be more grateful. Even though part of me (a large part) is sad by how quickly things are/she is changing, I am humbled, thankful and amazed. It is God's plan for her, and it is all good. The size of this girl's feet alone tell me that she is a big little girl and remind me of how tiny she once was. 

My heart sings with love for her. 

Even in those moments when the calm me disappears and the frantic clean up momma comes.

Even when I want her to just.get.in.the.bathtub. but she wants to streak around the house while singing.

Even through the exhaustion of my day when she snuggles up to me for prayers, stories, and giggles.

All the time. 

TYG (Thank you God)