Lucy Goose

This little girl turned two this past week. Even though we celebrated on Sunday with family I couldn't just ignore her REAL birthday (even if she is two and would have no clue). So we packed the girls up and headed to Chuck-e-Cheese for the first time ever. It honestly was not the nightmare I had been envisioning it to be, it was actually a lot of fun. Both girls got to run around being crazy with Sean and loved every minute of it, especially crashing some little girls b-day party to meet Chuck E. After we were all Chuck-E'd out we headed home for birthday cake, as you can see she loved it! It ended up being a really great evening and a lot of fun for everyone.

I wrote the following in her journal the night of her birthday:

You are such a joy to our family. I would not trade you for anything in this world- although trouble and messes and danger follow you everywhere you go, joy, adventure, enthusiasm, curiosity, kindness, sensitivity, laughter, smiles, and sweetness follow along too. You simply have a personality that does not fit into your little body.

For all the gray hairs this girl will most certainly give me I truly would not trade her for a more "manageable" child in a million years. I love her so much.

Busy Weekend

This weekend was a busy one for us! On Saturday Izzy danced in her Spring recital, she did so great and was so cute! She was mostly just excited to get the flowers that she has come to expect at the end.
She also had her preschool graduation. The program was so cute and she was so excited to get to show us what she has been learning the last few weeks. I am so sad that this was her last year of preschool, she is going to miss Miss Alison like crazy when she finds out that she isn't coming to Kindergarten with her!
We ended the weekend with Olive's baby blessing, which aside from a few of Lucy's "helpful" antics and the guys almost dropping Olive during the blessing, it went off without a hitch. While I was getting Olive dressed at the last moment I got to kind of slow down and think about the day, it was the only non frantic moment of the morning and I just got to take my time for a minute and be soft and gentle and not rush while I slipped her white dress on. I'm thankful for her and her presence in our family. I'm thankful that I've been sent these beautiful little girls, that I've been entrusted with teaching, guiding, and helping them to learn what happiness is. My heart was just so full of gratitude today for all I have: motherhood, an amazing partner and friend, a supportive family, a comfortable life, and a loving Heavenly Father who sees fit to bless me with all of it.

We also had a little early birthday celebration for Lucy while everyone was over. She didn't quite understand what was going on but I think she had fun. We don't have any actual pictures of her opening gifts, just a super long video, so I'll have to take some of her having fun with her gifts and post those later.

Soccer Star

It's soccer time again! Izzy is doing so well this season. She is a good little player and has come along way since last season in regards to good sportsmanship and being a team player. She may have come too far even, after every goal, her team or the other team, she has to go and give that player a high five. She even joined in a few of the opposing teams celebratory huddles to let them know what a good job they were doing. Super sweet. I'm excited to say that she shows real promise as a soccer player so I don't feel as much like I'm forcing her to play just because I love soccer. It's not living vicariously if they have genuine talent and interest, right? Way to go sweets!

Mommy Day

Love these cute girls and love being their Mom.

To the woman who taught me all I know about being a mom- I love you. Thank you for being the woman that you are, for being able to make all the sacrifices that motherhood often requires. I hope to be able to give as much to my little family.

Ouch. That Stung.

While trying to put together a lasagna "real quick" (because when is lasagna ever quick) Izzy started in with her regular pre-dinner whining, "I'm hungry", dinner will be ready soon, "I'm bored", go play, "When is Dad coming home?", he'll be here soon, "I wish Dad didn't ever have to work", he has to work so we will have money, "I wish you went to work and Dad got to stay home". Ouch. That hurt. Bad. I wish I could say that I let it slide off my back, that I'm an adult and she is a four year old that doesn't understand how that could hurt her Mom, but I can't. It kind of bummed me out. Granted, I was already done for the day, I was at my wits end with a baby that would not let me put her down, an aching back, a two year old (who needs no explanation), a horrendously messy house, etc, etc, the list could go on. I just can't wait to be fun again. Some days I feel like I'm barely keeping up. I wish I could say that as I reflect on the day I'm fine and I can laugh it off and come away with some sort of wise mommy perspective, but I'm not there yet. So far, the only lesson learned today is that I better get thicker skin because if I'm letting myself get hurt feeling over something my four year old said then I'm in trouble when she's fifteen and I am lame, don't understand her, and trying to ruin her life.