Snow Days

The end of February brought 4 snow days for our school district.  That is unheard of!  The first two days were pretty good, but what do you do when you run out of snow tricks?

These were the snowmen that Will made with the girls on the first day.  It snowed overnight on top of them, that's why they really just look like piles of snow.

Day number two, Taylor (really me) made another one.

I gave the girls some bottle of colored water and they made all sort of desserts.

Winnie loved the snow.  She even ate snowballs right out of our hands.

Okay, now on the last day I wanted to take the girls sledding, but we didn't have a sled.  I put out a facebook request for sled alternatives.  Here are a few ideas that were given.  Car hood (I didn't have one of those).  Car mat, trash bag, laundry basket, trash can lids, and cookie sheets.  I think the cookie sheet would have worked, but we didn't have one big enough.

I packed the girls into the van along with our assortment of sled items.  The hill we chose was full of kids on sleds.  Emma said, "what if everyone looks at us because we don't have a sled?"  Taylor, the eternal optimist, pointed out the two other people there who didn't have sleds and assured her (and me) that we would be fine.  

 

We tried all the items that we took.  Nothing worked.  The girls were real troopers - I was really proud of them, because honestly, I was self-conscious about it. The trash bags worked the best.  Not great, but the best.  After a while, someone gave us an extra boogie board that the girls took turns on.  It worked great.  When it was time for the other family to leave, they gave us another one and told the girls they could keep them.  Their kindness was very touching.  

Democracy

I ordered a mail-in ballot, but after a few days of consideration, I decided not to use it.  I wanted to take the girls.

While talking about it with the girls, I explained that in America, we have a democracy.  Knowing that they would not know that big word, I explained that in this particular election, we were voting for a new president.  One from each party.  I told them it wasn't really a party. 

Emma said, "its like a meeting". 
"Yes, kind of.  They have different ideas."
Taylor said, "its a boring meeting."

I know people get riled up about politics, but it feels so much worse this year.  I'm sure its just because I have a facebook account.  I'll be honest.  I did unfriend a few people.  These people weren't just expressing opinions.  They were making general statements that attacked the character of entire political parties.  That's what I can't handle.

I don't talk politics.  I don't tell people my affiliated party.  I don't tell people who I voted for.  I know some of you think you know.  I'm still not going to tell.  Even if I did, I'll admit, I don't always vote for my party.  I said it.  Its true.

It makes me sad that people get so hateful.  I know these are emotionally charged issues.  But I want my kids to learn about it in a respectful, God honoring way. 

Okay, anyway.  The girls didn't want to go with me at first to vote.  Once we were there though, they enjoyed it.  They whispered, "who are you voting for?"  the whole time and Taylor worked very hard to make sure the dividers were protecting my privacy.  She kept checking to make sure no one was looking at my votes.  Emma, on the other hand, tried to read the other people's answers.

It was a good lesson in democracy.

Leader of the Pride

This is a multifaceted post about lessons learned by three people - Emma, Taylor, and myself.

I will first explain that the mascot for the girls' school is a lion.  A group of lions that work and play together is called a pride.  Because they are all lions, they call themselves a pride.  Each week they have a pride assembly and each teacher chooses a "Leader of the Pride" from their class.

They get a certificate at the assembly and on Friday of that week they get to have lunch with the principal.  On Friday afternoon of the same week they also get to ring the school bell.  This is not the modern electronic school bell.  Its the old, up on the roof, have to pull a rope school bell.  Its pretty cool.

Well, Taylor was the first person to be chosen from her class.  Her teacher said she was everything a kindergarten teacher could ask for.  This mamma's heart swelled.  Her certificate said that "Taylor shows "outstanding" leadership in room 1.  Taylor can be counted on to follow directions, make smart choices, and be kind be a kind friend to others."

Seriously?  How could I not be proud?

I know its healthy to be proud of your children and I hope that every parent is proud of their child, but I felt my pride changing to sin.  It was more than gratitude that my child made good choices in school.  It was growing into an ugly monster that was feeding my ego and telling me that her success was really just because we were such great parents.  Blech.  I was becoming the Leader of the "Pride".

So, I asked for forgiveness and pushed the reset button.  I was back to just healthy admiration of my child and thankfulness of God's hand on her heart.

Taylor got her certificate and was excited even though the principal called her Tyler.  She enjoyed lunch with the principal but was glad that there was another kindergartner there.  I think she was overwhelmed by all the "big" kids that were there.  The thing she loved most though, was the ringing of the bell.  She said it was heavy and had to have help.

 

Now, on to Emma.  I made Taylor promise that she wouldn't talk to Emma about it until after I talked to her about it.  I knew there was a good chance Emma was going to be upset because she wasn't chosen to be the leader from her class.  I told Emma that only one could be chosen each week, even though there were lots of kids who deserved it.  I know that she will eventually get picked, because every student does, but I didn't tell her that.  I wanted her to just learn how to celebrate other people's success.

I encouraged her to keep doing her best, because I am really proud of how she's doing.  She's making good choices and maybe someday she'll be chosen.  She decided that she didn't want to talk about it with Taylor until she wasn't sad anymore.  I thought that was very mature of her.  She know she wouldn't say nice things.  She had a few moments during the week where she had to adjust her attitude, but in the end, she handled the situation well.

Taylor felt celebrated, but worked really hard at not being boastful or braggy.  This was a lesson for both of us.  I waited to write this post because a mom from Taylor's class might read it.  I didn't want to brag, but now her daughter has gotten it, too!  Way to go, Hannah!

Way to go, Taylor!
And, way to go, Emma!

I'm proud of both of you!

Worms

This week is Spring Break.  It has rained everyday so far.  Now, yes, my kids only go to school three mornings a week, but I will still hoping for a little more "outside" time.  I finally let them play outside in the rain yesterday.

We took a walk with umbrellas up and down our street.  We did some guessing and experimenting with things that sink and float and watched things "float down the river".  The best part, though, was the number of worms that had made their way into the street gutter.  There were TONS of them!

I don't really mind bugs (except when a large spider surprises me in an unexpected place).  The girls LOVE bugs.  They would search and catch bugs all day long.  Yesterday there was one particularly huge worm.  Really long, fat, and squishy.  Almost reptilian.  My stomach turned a little bit just looking at it.  Taylor picked it up.  Emma then tried to pick up a smaller.

Emma:  I can't pick it up.  He's too slimy.  Can you do it for me?
Taylor:  You can do it.  Just use your finger nails.

My stomach turned a little bit again.  About a month ago, our pastor talked about a book in his sermon,

That's Disgusting Unraveling the Mysteries of Repulsion by Rachel Herz.  It explains that many of the things we believe to be disgusting are learned.  We are taught that certain things are disgusting, even if it is based solely on opinion.  I have thought about this a lot since then.  I don't want to pass on my irrational fears to my kids.  

So.....I didn't say anything about the worm.  About how incredibly disgusting it was that she was digging her fingernails into that juicy grossness.  I just made them wash their hands really well when we got in the house.

Emma was cold by the time I brought out the camera and just wanted to go in.  I did get a few shots of Taylor, though.

Big Girl Room

Emma has been in a toddler bed since she turned two.  A few months ago she finally started asking when she would get a big bed.  I've been excitedly planning their new big girl room ever since.  I have to admit, I was sad to take down the "nursery" decorations.

We took the girls to my parents' house for the weekend so we could just get it all done and bring the girls home to a nice new room.

We got them both new mattresses, Emma, a new bed ($7.50 at an estate sale!) , painted the room, and redecorated.  We worked hard all weekend.  I'm really not sure I've worked that hard in a long time.  I was so excited, though, about the way it turned out.  I just knew the girls were going to love it.

Emma and Taylor love princesses and fairies, so I was super excited when I found these vintage placemats at an estate sale for $2.50 and the vintage Cinderella coloring book for a quarter!  The curtain rod is for them to showcase some of their favorite pieces of art.

Do you remember that I said we took the girls to my parents' house for the weekend?  That means they had not taken a nap in three days.  That is important to the rest of this story. 

We pulled into our driveway and Taylor saw her old mattress sitting by the curb.  This was a very old blue floral mattress that was beginning to get holes in the side.  Taylor asked what it was.  We told her it was her old mattress because we got her a new one.  She began to cry.  A lot.  She said she loved that mattress and didn't want any other mattress.  The crying continued as she walked in to see her new room.  I'm not sure she even noticed anything else.

Emma had the reaction we were looking for.  She was so excited saying, "It's beautiful!"  "I love my new bed!"  She then hopped onto her bed, with her shoes on.  She moved and saw this.

She immediately started sobbing, saying "I'm so sorry.  I didn't mean to." 
I don't know what it is, but it seems to be oil based and so far, isn't coming out.  She finally stopped crying.

They are both finally asleep and they both expressed gratitude as we tucked them into bed.  I guess Taylor decided her new mattress wasn't too bad after all. 

Will said, "I had grand visions of their reactions and thought we should get out the video camera."

I did too, but boy am I glad we didn't.

Sharing the Love

I've thought a lot about how I want Valentine's Day to look in our house.  Will and I go out on dates regularly and although I love a nice bouquet of flowers, I love them even more when the price isn't jacked up for Valentine's Day. So....we don't celebrate the day as a big love fest for our spouse.  I did get him a card, but only because it was free.  Who can pass up free?

Its easy to become cynical, bitter, sad, etc on holidays.  Its easy to compare.  Its easy to become selfish.  I want to teach my kids to take the spotlight off themselves and look for ways to bless others.  Since Valentine's Day is a day of love, we found ways to show love to others.  I read this a few months back and couldn't wait to do it with our girls.

We started by making muffins for our mail carrier.  She came early and we missed her, so we hunted her down in the neighborhood.  We left them on her car and spotted her later down the street.  We told her they were from us so she wouldn't be afraid to eat them.

Next, we took the remaining muffins to the librarians, before checking out a pile of Fancy Nancy books.

Some local firefighters were the recipients of our box of cookies.  The firemen were so kind and we got a tour of the firestation.  I was disappointed to see no fire pole.  I didn't say that out loud, though.

Aldi was our next stop.  We filled several carts with quarters.  In case you don't know, at Aldi, you have to pay a quarter to take a shopping cart and you get it back when you're done.  I am always THRILLED when I get to keep my quarter!

The girls each picked a car to leave a flower on.  We included a valentine that explained it was just an act of kindness.  Will didn't want people to think they had a secret admirer. 

As we were leaving, one of the cars was driving away and turned around and came back.  A man got out of the car and asked if we were the ones who were doing kind things.  We told him yes.  He gave us all hugs and told the girls how special it was.  He really went on, and on about how happy it made him.  He said he was going to take it home and give it to his wife - it would make her happy, too!  Now, I wasn't looking for praise for my children, but this really worked out perfectly.  Because this happened early on, it was easy for them to imagine how others might feel when they find their surprises!

Next we hit Walmart.  They picked four more cars to place flowers on and then we headed inside.  Now, I don't know about your kids, but every time they see a gumball machine, they ask if they can have one.  First of all, I never have quarters, and second of all, I'd say no anyway.  So, we taped quarters to gumball machines at both ends of the building.  My act of kindness was actually letting each of them get a gumball, too.

We headed home and had a fancy dinner of soup and lunchables.  They got lunchables  because I actually made the soup way too spicy for them to eat.  They did drink out of fancy cups in candlelight.

I think this will be our new Valentine's Day tradition.  The kindness, not the Lunchables.

Don't Wait

A year ago, today, my grandpa passed away.  He was in a nursing home, and had been sick, but not that sick.  There was no warning.  I didn't expect it.  I would've gone to visit one more time.

I found out this morning my neighbor Brenda, passed away.  She too, had been sick, uterine cancer.  I hadn't talked to her in a month and had no idea she had taken a turn for the worse.  The thought had crossed my mind several times to visit, bake her some bread, or give her a call.  I didn't though.  I was too busy, too tired, too lazy.  Brenda was a believer and she is now pain free, celebrating with the Lord, but I'll miss her.

What hurts the most though, is that I didn't know.  It didn't have to be a surprise.  I have been planning in my mind to invite all my neighbors over for pie for three months now.  I haven't done it.  Brenda was the only original neighbor left from when we moved in almost 8 years ago.  I loved knowing her.  She loved us.  That connection with people is so important.  You just don't know how quickly things will change.

I think I'll schedule that pie party now.

Rejuvenation for the Soul

We've had a few bad sleeping nights and this morning when I woke up I was really feeling the effects.  Not only did they sleep bad, but it was 6:30 in the morning and they were already awake.  How is that possible?!?  I was grumpy and anyone who crossed my path would have noticed it.

I knew immediately that I needed to spend some alone time in the Word to rejuvenate my soul.  Alone time. HA! 

I told the girls that I needed to read my Bible and pray before breakfast and they needed to play for awhile.  Emma, instead, said that she too, wanted to read her Bible!  "What a blessing", I thought to myself, "God, you know just what I need".  Taylor then sat down beside us and began hitting Emma because she wanted that Bible!  So much for rejuvenation for the soul.

I was finally able to sit quietly and pray.  I've been reading Jesus: 90 Days With the One and Only by Beth Moore.  Today's reading was about confession of our sins and repentance.  She discussed the importance of naming the sin and talking to God about why it doesn't agree with God's Word (pg. 63).  She goes on to say that "daily confession is like refreshment to our souls".  That is exactly what I was needing!

I sat down looking for God to give me something or do something for me.  Instead, it was I, that had some work to do.  Isaiah 44:22 says, "Therefore, make us quick to return to You, for you have redeemed us.  Make us eager to wear Your righteousness and holiness as You are to wear our sins."

I asked for forgiveness for my bad attitude and prayed that I would instead be filled with joy, patience, kindness, and gentleness. 

Yes, God did indeed, know just what I needed.

Teach Your Children Well

The girls were playing house this morning when I overheard this exchange.

Emma:  What's this?
Taylor:  A wipe with poop on it.
Emma:  Ewww.
Taylor:  I'm letting it dry so I can use it again.

I think they understand how important it is to recycle and save money.

A Penny Saved

Any time we go to Walmart the girls ask if they can look in the princess aisle.  We always peruse and they are happy with just looking and pushing all the buttons.  A couple months ago Taylor found a new Tangled Rapunzel doll.  It sang and had glowing hair.  She declared that she wanted it.  It was $21.00.  I told her she could save up her money to buy it.  She said okay and we went on our way.

The next time we returned she asked why I wasn't getting it for her.  I reminded her that she didn't have enough money saved yet.  This made her very sad, but gave her a new motivation to save her money. 

A couple people asked for birthday gift ideas and I told them about Rapunzel.  I didn't want anyone to buy it for her, I wanted her to save and buy it - I wanted to her to learn from it.  She was given $9.00 in birthday money to add to her Rapunzel fund.  (Emma, of course, received the same amount.)

We counted the money in her piggy bank and added her new money and she was $3.00 short of what she needed.  Amazingly, Emma had the same amount.  I later found out Will had been adding equal amounts of coins to the banks when no one was looking.  The girls each earned $3.00 by helping me clean out the van.

We first took a trip to the bank to change their coins into bills.  I wish that I'd had my camera.  They were so proud carrying their little banks in.

Then, it was on to Walmart.  Taylor immediately went to the doll.  I showed her other options, but she never wavered.  Emma used her money to buy two things.  I was afraid Taylor would be sad when she got home and only had one thing, but she wasn't.  She loves that singing Rapunzel and we are all singing her song in our heads.