Independant

Oh, how I embrace and loath this ever increasing independance.  Making cookies, not such a big deal.  Things that do bother me include pouring the milk, dressing themselves when we are pressed for time, and the ever constant screaming, "NO MOM, I CAN DO IT!!!"

 Even James is joining the crusades to do things by himself. Eating at the table, army crawling, and sitting up alone are just a few of his new tricks.  I'm learning the ever important parental role to teach my children how do to it on their own, hope they succeed,  reassure them that all is well when things go wrong, and help then clean up the mess when they fail to perform to their own expectations.  There is also the learning to let go of my own expectations and be happy with their efforts. 

Tonight for dinner the garlic toast had about 3 TBS of butter unevenly spread on every serving, the water was spilled, Grace dropped the noodles on the kitchen floor before putting them in the pot, (yes, I cooked them even though my floor is desprately in need of cleaning), and Grace dropped her entire plate on the floor while she was busy cutting her meat by herself.   Dinner was a little sloppy, but we enjoyed being together and the food was delicious.

Life is messy so we learn how to clean it up as we go.  However, I'm still learning that one too.

This is a great time in life and we are a happy family.

Little Ladies

At a recent party, the girls were given mermaid outfits and had their faces painted like butterflies.  Anne didn't want to give up her pioneer dress so she is a pioneer mermaid.

Reigning Reins

Anne loves to pull on my drawstings whether on my hoodies or on my scrubs.  Any dangling string on mom and I'm instantly turned into the horse.  Grace took the photo with Anne in charge, and Anne was the photographer for Grace's picture.  They are getting to be good little photographers. 

Yes, my house is generally this cluttered and disorderly.  We ALL enjoy playing more than working and we seldom put things away before the next activity.  Although I have the upper hand in most decisions, the children rule the day.

Snuggles

We had a baby sitting adventure with two little boys.  Tyler is Anne's age (not pictured) and Jackson (James' age).  It made for a full house and I am very grateful not to have multiple newborns.  I love how the girls want to hold ALL the babies and my unfinished sewing project is just hanging out in the background.  Ah, such is life with children...unfinished dishes, unfinished journal entries, unfinished projects.  But I'm glad to know we have full happy lives and a home filled with friends, snuggles, songs, stories, laughter, chocolate milk and love.