A story to tell...

Once upon a time there were three little girls....

Who LOVED to play dress up!!

For the past several weeks, Sweet K has been walking around declaring I DA KING!! 
She often has a blanket tied around her little shoulders :).

The oldest gal was looking forward to taking dancing lessons with her pretty new dancing dress.

The middle gal wanted one too .... only it took her mama a long long while to find out what her precious little heart desired.

Many different articles of clothing were offered, but none of them were perfect --- what she wanted in her heart of hearts was a dancing dress of her very OWN.

The first day of ballet class arrived. The oldest gal got all dolled up.

Finally FINALLY it dawned on mama to pull out a smaller costume, smaller slippers --- and there was instant bliss.

And suddenly, TWO ballerinas!!

Now, only the oldest daughter is ready for formal lessons, but the middle daughter watches in awe --- yes, still wearing her adorable costume, SHOES AND ALL --- (running back to mama every so often for hugs and gentle reassurances) and maybe some day will be ready for her own turn.

Until then, we'll all work on those lady-like skills ;).

Oh yes. This story had THREE girls.

Here is the third sweetness herself.

Never to be outdone.

She could run circles around us all!!!

PS - we got quite a few smiles as I took my ballerinas to Bigway to buy milk after dance class!!

Through the eyes of a child...

Yesterday morning me and my gals were getting ready to do a grocery and dollarstore run.

The excitement was almost palpable!

I had suggested the night before (after checking the temperamental weather to see if there was, in fact, sun forecasted for the next day) that instead of racing home after our shopping expedition was complete, we should pack a picnic and head to a park to burn off some steam first. (Not that I would have steam to burn off, more or less longing for a nap under a shady tree, but after being cooped up in a cart all morning, and getting along reasonably well, my girls would love to run free for a little while!)

Little M was still groggy from the night's sleep - and among her first words to me was this little revelation:

"Mommy, I've really seen some vans DO this. They really really do!! They drive into a McDonald's parking lot, and drive up to a little window. That little window OPENS UP and they pass McDonald's food INTO that van!! I think our van should try that. Yep. I really really do. I've really really seen that mommy." All the while she's super-animated, nodding and motioning with her hands about vans driving and stopping at a window and grabbing a bag for the road :).

I burst out laughing. Oh the magic of drive thru. I guess we've not really done that before - but somehow she's picked up on this possibility. I explained that yes, that there was, in fact, something called drive thru, and that though I already had our picnic packed for the day, we could try it sometime. Get McDonald's and THEN head to a park.

We went on to have a delightful morning and afternoon. And we (finally, around 1:30, which is pretty late with little ones and a baby who wasn't able to have her bottle because her mother forgot it at home!) managed to find a fun park to play at. But I can assure you, the PAQ at the end of the day was divine!!

Why, Hello There!

Hello Mr. Tooth.

We're pleased to finally make your acquaintance.

I have suspected your arrival for some time now. I was not sure if it was you - or the nasty cold we've been fighting for several weeks - that was the cause of some minor upheaval around here.

Regardless. You have arrived. The cold is gone. Life is back to "normal."

I've tried multiple times to get a picture of you. You are Wee One's OFFICIAL FIRST TOOTH.

This is a photo-moment if there ever was one.

A tiny little pearly white.

Have I mentioned I'm a wee bit thankful now to be using the bottle ;)?

She's a bit of a wiggly little one though, and so it's pretty tough!

Ahem, Mr. Tooth, between you and me, I have mixed feelings about your arrival. Don't get me wrong - you are simply adorable and if my heart didn't melt before at the sight of that gummy little grin, well it's even sweeter now.

However.

You are yet another sign that my sweet little babe is getting older. Maturing. Moving through these milestones with lightening speed.

And that's good and all....

But I'm in no hurry for her to grow up. I love this snuggly little bundle, and just like her two sisters, I try to get all the squeezes and LOVE YOU's and cheek pinches that I can. I certainly don't mind if she dozes off in my arms, or requires a little cuddle after a nap wake-up, or cries ferociously if any one else tries to say hi :).

Because, all too quickly, we'll be counting the teeth that are awaiting the arrival of the infamous tooth fairy and watching as little ones become not-so-little ones and well, it goes fast is all I'm sayin'.

So. If you have a little partner all ready and waiting to show up, can you tell him to hang on just a little :)? I'm in no rush at all.... and I'd like to get a little more sleep before we have to deal with that again!

Love, Wee One's Mama

Just in case this never happens again!

Just for the record, this morning we made it to school in record-for-Leah time!

Somehow, even with a shower, getting three kiddos ready, two off to school, and dressing up a bit myself, we actually made it to school with time to spare.

Like sit-in-the-van-for-FIVE-MINUTES time to spare.

I tell ya, this rarely never happens!! We are usually the ones running down the street with the double stroller, laughing our heads off because we must look like QUITE the sight :). Three babes on a stroller built for two, back packs flapping in the breeze, hats bobbin' and scarves wavin' as this mama keeps repeating -- well THIS is my workout for the day. (Those strollers get HEAVY particularly if there is a nasty windchill ;P.)  Keeps the neighbors entertained, anyway!


And now I'm enjoying some lovely quiet time to myself.
A cup of coffee,
a bit of country music
and some blessed PAQ.
Life is good :).

At least I know she's listening :)

Sweet babe had spent an hour wailing away.
Missed her nap time by a country mile and now it was melt-down city!
In the midst of this, Little M and Sweet K have YET ANOTHER kurfuffle...
and suddenly my left eye starts twitching again...
and I can feel my temper rising (which had remained surprisingly calm all day long ;P)...
and BO-ING! Uh oh. Here comes mama bear and she is GROWLY!!

"GIRLS. STOP THAT RIGHT NOW. IT'S HARD ENOUGH LISTENING TO YOUR SISTER WAILING AWAY WITHOUT HAVING TO HEAR YOU TWO SQUABBLING AT THE SAME TIME. SO JUST Q.U.I.T. I.T. ALREADY!!!!"

Silence. Blink. Blink. Blink.
Okay then. I'll just go sit back down and keep rocking the still-wailing baby.

Once Babe had settled and calm reigned again, I knew I needed to apologize.

Me: "Sorry honey, for yelling. That was not kind, and I am sorry."

Little M: "Thank you. Yelling is just not appropriate."

Sometimes you wonder if they actually hear the things you say, but apparently she is listening!! :)

Love Tickets

One of the "games" Little M has been into these days is "Speeding Tickets."
Mainly -- she speeds, and someone -- mostly an adult who can print ;) -- writes up a "speeding ticket" for her.
Fun fun. I am always sure to note that the fine, which is $100, goes STRAIGHT to her mother ;).

I'm not sure where she got this idea. Thankfully, it wasn't because I got a speeding ticket to set the example. ;)

Yesterday morning, however, I was the recipient of ticket. It actually could've been a "speeding ticket" considering the swift way I was headed toward the shower!!
Hey, when you only have a 5-minute window opportunity, rest assured one can move very quickly!!

"WHOA MOM, WAIT!!"
Sigh. That quiet-window is rapidly closing. One more interruption to field before ...
"DID YOU NOTICE YOUR TICKET!?"
No. No I had not. Apparently I had missed the lucky piece of paper on the stairs.
"HERE'S YOUR TICKET MOM!"
"Is it for speeding?" I ask with a grin.
"NO, it's your LOVE TICKET."

Oh my. My very own love ticket. Oh how I love her little-girl heart, and how much I have to learn from her, and how she stops me in my mothering-tracks and how much I will miss her when in a few short weeks she will head off to kindergarten and I will cry my eyes out!!! I have it taped to my kitchen cabinet where I can see it all the time. A reminder for me to stop, invest in those I love, and shower them with time and affection.

I'd write more, but I think it's time I go out and hand out a few "love tickets" of my own ;).

LOL!!!

Every so often I get a baaaaad case of the giggles.
Sometimes the timing is ... appropriate.
Other times, not so much ;). AwkWARD!

Last night was one of those times.
All of us were tucked under the covers.
The house was quiet.
The babes were sleeping soundly (PTL!!!).
Jon was almost asleep himself.
And I started to snicker. And chuckle. I tried stuffing it, I really did, but that wasn't working so well. And finally I burst out laughing right out loud :)!!!

I couldn't help but envision the lunch time scenario around here. It's not .... uncommon, but certainly not an every day occurrence either :).
We were home late from church. I was in a hurry to put lunch together. I had cranked the element all the way to toast those hash browns as fast as possible, baby!!!
They were toasty and crispy, but not burnt --- though, as I pulled them off the element, I noticed a certain ... haze in the house. No sooner had I thought it and ..... BEEP BEEP BEEP BEEP BEEP. The fire alarm goes off. [Again.]

The funny part was Jon's reaction. He emerged from the washroom, towel in hand, waved away the wafting smoke, looked at me, and disappeared again.

I recall, with great fondness, my dad's speech at our wedding...
"Jon," he says, "you strike me as the kind of guy who likes to have all his papers in nice neat stacks, all organized, just so."
Tis true.
Everyone laughed.
He continued. "Well, every so often something comes along and messes up those piles a bit.... and I have a feeling you just married her!!"

Oh yes, yes he did :).

Blessed...

I've been looking forward to yesterday for quite a while :).
Back in March, I was listening to the radio (a rare occasion, considering there is plenty of activity around here without it on!!) and I heard an announcement for an upcoming concert in Winnipeg.
I knew I wanted to go.
Very uncharacteristic of me, I emailed Jon to let him know that I would like tickets for my birthday.

I had to chuckle. Although I do enjoy Christian music, I do not consider myself a huge Michael W. Smith fan. Somehow, I can't get past the 80s feeling :). I much prefer his new worship-style music. But he was coming to Winnipeg, along with Down Here, and I knew that I really wanted to go.

So we went last night, and I'm so glad we did :).

I would not say "concert stage performer" is Smith's exactly forte, but he is very, very gifted at leading worship. I loved it when he simply stood with his guitar or keyboard and sang!! I marveled as an auditorium full of people gathered to sing and praise; each with their own experience of God and encounters with His marvelous grace. My soul was fed.

He, unfortunately did not sing my favorite of his songs... A New Hallelujah. So, I'll be playing it a lot today ;).

I also very much enjoyed the band that was touring with Smith, Down Here. Many years ago, lyrics from two of their songs spoke very deeply to me, totally impacted my heart and I went out and bought one of their albums. Back when I was dealing with an abundance of panic attacks, the song, Calmer of the Storm was very powerful. As well, when I was working through some intensely painful situations that made no sense at the time, the praise song, Great Are You, drew me near to the heart of God.

Unfortunately, they did not song those particular songs, but I discovered some new favorites :).
How Many Kings?
My Last Amen

It was a great evening!

 - I ran into a friend I hadn't seen in years, and gave her two hugs in a row just because I could!!

 - On our way to the concert, Jon asked if I wanted to stop for coffee at Tim Hortens!!!!! (He's not a coffee drinker AT ALL, it's a relational cross we bear and I love him anyways :P!!!!!!!!, but apparently he was desperate for caffeine!).

Plus, I just had to laugh. Every time I go to a concert I run into the same realization... small confession - I've always wanted to become a bass guitar player :)!! They always have their own funky groove AND they always wear the coolest sneakers EVER!!!

Bed Bugs :)

This weekend marked a milestone around here.


Jon set up the bunk bed :).

The girls were giddy with excitement (understatement of the year!!), feeling all grown up. Many times throughout the day I find Sweet K just sitting on her bed, hanging out. In fact, she totally surprised me by climbing allllll the way up the ladder, dangling precariously at the top and scooting onto Little M's bed before I had a chance to stop her.
I thought we had a little bit before she figured that trick out :). We now remove the ladder for the day!

Normally I love love LOVE the novelty of something new. When I buy a new shirt, I will wear it around the house the next day just for fun :). Ya just never know when you need to look a little more dressed up :).

And, with all the price shopping and internet searching for just the RIGHT BUNK BED, I was just as excited as the girls were. Yet with mixed feelings. In fact, if we didn't have another wee one due to arrive soon, I think I would've been down right depressed!

They are growing. up. Fast.

Feels like just yesterday I tucked first Little M, then eventually her sweet little sister, into that crib. And now they are both little girls. The past few weeks have been tough slugging in the parenting department around here. I love learning about each one, the nuances that enhance their individuality, how their personality is shaping their character. It's a fascinating journey that has me on my knees often. Yet some days it is h.a.r.d. work. Not so much because their phase is particularly difficult, but because of the things I need to learn, the ways in which I am being refined (which are many!), and the control I need to learn to release.

It means saying "yes" more than "no," or saying "no" for the right reasons, rather than avoiding an inconvenience.
It means embracing an interruption rather than resisting it.
It means letting Little M color on my coloring page, even after I've colored it "just so"
or letting Sweet K get her clothes all wet from playing in the sink while we "work" together at the counter.
It means praying on the run, sometimes, because quiet time is scarce.
It means taking time for myself, even when it is not convenient OR it requires a lot of organizing!
It means loving and allowing myself to be loved in our cozy little corner of this crazy world.

It is where I'm meant to be, and it is good.

 

 

Surprisingly, the transition to the "big kid bed" has gone remarkably well. This morning we had a hoot sticking wall stickers all around the room. It's surprising how far the 300 sticker bonus pack will go!!!!! That's a llllllloooooooooooot of stickers :P. And as Little M flitzed past me today, she exclaimed, "our room is soooooo pretty!" I'm glad they like it, because a cozy little bedroom corner has always been important to me. Glad they can enjoy theirs too.

Insurmountable...

This is the delightful snow hill that is piling up outside our front window. As you can see, there is a well-worn path leading from the bottom to the top. For Little M, at the oh-so-old age of four (sometimes it feels like fourteen!!), this is actually the first winter that she's enjoyed being outside. She has discovered the joy of hill-climbing and could do it for long periods of time (if her mama had the patience to stay out in the cold ;)...).

What was more surprising to me, however, was that Sweet K wanted to trek up there after her sister!! Normally she assesses challenges and finds many too overwhelming to tackle. However, this time, I could sense that with a little prompting from mama, she'd follow in Big Sister's footsteps. I was thrilled and up we went :).

It was a bit of a process, but with a little encouragement and support, her confidence grew with every step. And before we knew it, we were queens at the top of our castle :). And what a view ;). Hey, on these flat prairie-lands, even a mole-hill offers quite the panorama :).

As I watched my girlies play, it reminded me that there is nothing that is truly insurmountable when you have someone who believes in you, who'll walk with you that extra mile, who'll greet you with arms wide open, and with faith in the One who has already carved out the path.

You have made known to me the path of life; 

 you will fill me with joy in your presence,
 with eternal pleasures at your right hand.

Psalm 16:11

Everybody needs a hero....

This morning started out like most others.
Dear Jon, glancing at the clock, grabbing his jacket, announcing, "I'm gonna be late!"

There are a few conversations under our roof that take place sooooo often, that you know what's comin' before it's said! These parting words are often part of our farewells ;).

"Daddy, make sure you bonk the horn..." Little M calls out behind him.
"I will." And, if it's true-to-Jon form, when he agrees to something, consider it done!!

However, this morning, with the hustle and bustle, Jon forgot to "bonk" the horn before leaving for the day! Tragedy of tragedies! Suddenly I clue in that there are TEARS somewhere, and Little M is sobbing. Sob.bing. "Daddy forgot. to. bonk. the. horn!!"

"Bonking" the horn typically consists of two "toots" in the garage, followed by two more "toots" and a wild wave from the road. I'm sure our neighbors LOVE us!!!


With a flash of sudden inspiration, I decide to call Jon on the cell. "Uh, hon. We have a girlie in tears over here. You forgot to bonk the horn."

"Put her on the phone, I'll be right there."

No. Kidding. The dear man is running late, but meeting the needs of his daughter takes precedence over meeting the expectations of colleagues! 

Not only did he drive by and honk, but he pulled INTO the garage, came INSIDE, apologized!!!, gave Little M one more last hug and kiss, bonked the horn appropriately and was off for the day.

Every one needs a hero like this!!!!

In addition to his sensitivity towards his children, working with teenagers has made Jon very aware of the importance of parenting and the indescribable role of fathers. It's a job he takes very seriously. And does very very well.

There's something like a line of gold thread running through a man's words when he talks to his daughter, and gradually over the years it gets to be long enough for you to pick up in your hands and weave into a cloth that feels like love itself.  ~John Gregory Brown

I'm wonderin' the same thing :)....

Yesterday morning Little M wanders sleepily into the living room, where I am enjoying a few quiet moments before dawn. It had been a rough night {again!!!} and we were all trying to shake a few cobwebs out before embracing the start of a brand new day.

Mommy, last night Sweet K kept me awake with all her crying.


Me: Me too, little bug. Me too.


We both sigh.
It is quiet for a couple of seconds (which is rare around here!!!).
You can just hear the thinking!!!

But mom, when the new baby comes, if Sweet K is up at night and the new baby is up at night, when are YOU going to sleep?


Me: Oh little one. I've been wondering the exact same thing!!!

I guess we'll just have to wait and see!!!

Gratitude - Beauty

I've been longing to do a gratitudes post for a while. These holiday weeks, not only have we functioned on far less sleep and a far fuller calendar, but I'VE HAD TO SHARE MY COMPUTER TIME TOO!!! Sheesh! What next :)? With J around, needing the computer every quiet moment we've had around here, my access to the world wide web has been very .... limited :P. But gratitudes have been stirring in my heart none the less. Today I am thankful for a few of the things that I find beautiful. They leave me speechless, transfixed, nurtured and healed in some way.

1. Laugh lines crinkles :).  Especially ones that are featured on the face of someone who is laughing hysterically along with me. Someone who knows me as well, or even better, than I know myself because they have stayed the journey with me. Someone who can laugh and cry with me at the same time - and eat a lot of popcorn with me too :P.

2. The joy of music. I have always loved music. Music with words that say what I'm feeling far better than I ever could. Tunes that tell a story. Songs that convey emotion without uttering a single syllable. These days, I have a few songs on "repeat." They connect me with a deeper sense of abundant life.

As I'm Waiting...http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u3b2jw1rjBc

Only Grace...http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O9ArVuqm324

You just can't listen to this one quietly at all!!! - I've Got A Feelin...http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1aSbKvm_mKA&feature=fvw

3. Snow. It is miserably cold. It takes FOR-EV-ER to bundle up the babes, load up the van, fasten the safety belts, just to drive a few blocks to avoid the -40 wind chill. Even my pooch hates going out in weather like this. But it sparkles. And it is soft. And cozy. And when it snows those big fat flakes, I'm stuck in a snow globe all my own. And I love it. To me (from the security of my cozy home :P) it is magic!

4. Home-grown moments. To start our Monday off just right, I played this video for the girls because it is fun and because it brings tears to my eyes every time ;). Love is worth celebrating, right :)? Little M is completely enthralled by all things "marriage" related right now. As we showed J when he got home from work, jumping up and down, she squealed with delight - "Look daddy!! He's marrying her RIGHT NOW!!! He's MARRYING HER. He's M.A.R.R.Y.I.N.G. HER!!" She is so excited to see the bride dancing down the aisle. At J's suggestion, we got out MY wedding dress and showed the girls. It was such a special moment. Especially when each girl got a chance to wear my veil and prance around the house like a princess. It was breath-taking. And I wanted to stop the clock. Because, I'll close my eyes (and after nights like we've had, it wouldn't surprise me if I actually slept years and years and years :P...) and wake up, and it'll be their turn, and time will have gone far too fast.

5. Solitude. There is nothing simpler, grounding, clarifying than sitting quietly, alone. This morning I had a whole glorious hour (the last one by the light of my christmas tree, which was taken down today - BOO!) to ponder faith and life and love. It was spectacular! Also, as is usual, it ends with Little M wandering out of her room, all sleepy eyed and adorable, looking for a warm place to snuggle and wake up to the world. It is good.

And there is more. Usually I am for 10. But I'm tired and don't want to be legalistic about it ;).
I am thankful for beauty and that's that :P!!

How can it be that another year has passed!!

This morning, as I sat in my chair, basking in the silence and the cozy warm glow of the Christmas tree, I pencilled into my journal...
Monday, December 21, 2009 - Mikayla's 4th Birthday!!
"Four years ago today we met Mikayla face-to-face for the first time @ 3:39 a.m. What a great way to start the day!! Today, 4 years later, I smile. It is 7:30 a.m., the house is still quiet (except for Sweet K's occasional  squeak :)...) and here I sit, absorbing the moment. Another great way to start the day!"


In the respite of solitude I found my grounding for the day. Life has been full. Which is fine. It's the wonky nights that throw me for a loop!! And, of course, we've had both at the same time. And I wanted to be able to embrace and enjoy this day. Little M's 4th birthday party. What fun!!

With a shudder, I recalled the chaos of last year!! Once again, I discovered the joy of perspective :). This year, I LEARNED A LESSON. Or two. Or three.
1. Pick an easier "theme" to find "goody bag items" for!!!
2. Head out a little earlier in the day. This prevents sob-filled break-downs in the Dollarama parking lot :). Even shopping with kids in tow is better than not getting in a visit to the bargain bins!!!
3. Make it simple.

It helped that J was home on holidays this morning. He was able to get the girls fed and dressed for the day so that I could enjoy setting the last few things up. It helped that I did things in bits and pieces this week (pregnancy drains whatever energy you haven't used up throughout the day!!). And it helped that I  started my day off right. Quietly :).

We had so much fun!!

Here is the cake I made to help celebrate the day.

Notice the time on the clock when I actually BEGAN this project!!

My friends, that is not a.m., but p.m.

Two round little cakes awaiting icing.

Please take note of the nicely arranged spice cupboard.

It doesn't always look like that :P.

One hour later....

Little Tink, sittin' pretty!!

After a few short hours of sleep, it was time for the Big Day :). With a little "decorating" done the night before, this is what Little M woke up to on her special day :)...

The bargain store had little confetti in the shapes of Tinkerbells

that are actually STICKERS! Bonus :). This year we saved all those

"confettis"to be used on various craft projects :).

The few days before her birthday, Little M assured me in ALL seriousness that you simply

CANNOT

have

a

Birthday party

without

balloons.

Of course, the one thing I HADN'T bought!!

Good thing we were planning to go shopping one more time :P.

These have to be my favorite finds!! Little Tinkerbell wings and wands!

These were part of the "goody bag" however, we also used them for a game --

The Dance of the Fairies!

Strap on the wings, crank up the worship music and let 'em fly!!!

My two little sweet peas :).

All in all it was a fun day. There were lots of giggles from every one :). What a great way to kick off the holidays!!!