VBS Pictures!

Day 2: Still loving VBS! Obviously this event was created by God. . .It's brilliant! Each day she is growing and becoming more and more comfortable with out momma. I was "busted" taking pictures this morning. She charged over to see me, but was totally fine returning to her class. On the way home I asked what her favorite part of today was and she said "When Miss Cindy said it was time for my sack lunch" ~ I may have to start serving food at home in a little white bag! When I put her down for a nap she sang the VBS songs for atleast 30 minutes to her animals. It was so sweet. I love to listen to her when she is playing alone. . .I will probably use the baby monitor until she leaves home ~ sorry, pumpkin:)

First day of VBS. . .

We having been waiting for this day with much anticipation. It was the first day of VBS! Technically, Gracie is not in VBS; she is in the workers' childcare, but who cares ~ there was still the large group singing and dancing, crafts, snacks, bible stories, playtime AND her first sack lunch! This morning I asked her if she remembered what today was and her face lit up:) She said "Today I get to go on a vacation in the bible and momma is gonna pack me a lunch!" She was so tickled because I wrote her name and drew a smiley face on the sack. She had a ball ~ I know because I peeked in several times to check on her. I must have had a crazy, goofy smile on my face when I was watching her in the main room dancing, clapping and singing with all of the big kids. It was soooo sweet. I will try to get a picture tomorrow and add to the post. As for now, I am going to join my Amazing Grace in the land of nod. . .those kids can wear you down!

It's raining, it's pouring. . .

What fun we had tonight with Aunt Lara and Cousin Nikki! Gracie had a ball playing in the new sprinkler, "Mr. Giant" (don't ask me where she comes up with these names), with Nikki and one of her friends. She loves to be one of the girls and they were so sweet to include her in all of their fun. Of course, Gracie was a little gun shy when Poppy turned on the water. She said "Nikki, you go first", but once she got warmed up, it was all over. At one point she was standing in the middle of the spray singing "it's raining, it's pouring, the old man is snoring". By the end, she really had the hang of it. . . just ask Nikki (the sprinkler photo is not staged). I included the other picture because it brings back so many memories from my visits to Grandpa and Gramma's house. I would always wear one of my Grandpa's white tee shirts to bed. When Gracie put on an old shirt of my mom's to warm up, we both had 'that' look on our face. How precious to re-live some of my sweetest memories by looking at my Amazing Gracie! Oh yeah, thanks for dinner and good company Mom, Jim and Nana!

Calgon, take me away!

Let's recreate 3:30 p.m. ~ I am sitting in my chair returning an e-mail and talking to Aunt Heidi on the phone. Gracie comes in to the living room with a bag of goldfish. I didn't really even notice. More chatting, more snack food. Now it is a bag of Chex Mix. I think "Hmmm?" but do not question. She is playing so nicely, which means momma can actually hold intelligent (sort of) conversation. Then comes in a box of Ritz Crackers. Now I know something is wrong. There is no way she could squeeze that little arm through the child locks to the very back of a deep cabinet. . . So, today is one small step towards independence, one giant leap towards total chaos! By the time the call ended I was looking at six snacks, 50 plus grocery sacks (why do I keep them?) and a variety of craft projects. Obviously, Gracie has learned how to manipulate the child proof door locks. Really, "child proof"? She is two years old. Maybe they should think about re-naming those little thingamajigs. The only people that have trouble unlatching them are the adults. If this was not enough to escalate my blood pressure, the dogs were barking at the door because the plumber had arrived, Gracie was smearing cheese on the coffee table, the doors kept slamming shut because the wind had picked up and the 13 year old "plumber son" was standing there looking at me with a smirk on his face that said "you are crazy, lady"! CALGON, TAKE ME AWAY!!! Oh yeah, I can't even retreat to a peaceful, relaxing bath because the plumber is not installing the tub until tomorrow! I know I sound ungrateful; truly, I am not. However, it is important to document the events that surround FINDING YOUR FIRST GREY HAIR! What a day. . .

Happy Father's Day!

From the moment she entered this world, she was Daddy's Girl! She runs to him when she is hurt, because daddy will kiss it. She runs to him when she is scared, because daddy will keep her safe. She runs to him when she sees a spider, because daddy will "take care of it!" She runs to him when she is happy, because she wants daddy to share in her excitement. But mostly, she runs to him because she loves him (and so do I)! You are a wonderful husband and father and I thank God for you every day.

Missing Child Alert. . .

I am sad to report that Gracie has run off and joined the Carnival . . . of course, I'm kidding, but, boy oh boy, did we have a GREAT time today at the Parker Country Festival. From the moment we got out of the car she was thrilled. If I heard "I want to ride the "Ferris Weeder" once, I heard it a million times (except when she forgot what it was called and called it the Ferris we-frigerator)! She started out on the Carousel, which is one of her favorite things in the world. We moved to the flying whales and then the roller coaster! I could not believe she did not flinch one time. She did not even complain about being a "dirt ball" from head to toe. She had ball! Unfortunately, we were just a hair short to actually ride the Ferris Wheel ~ I guess it will be something to look forward to next year! Just wanted to share some of the photos.

I am leaving more often! Last night I had a VBS meeting, so Brey came home early from work to keep Gracie. She was so excited! She kept saying "Daddy's going to play with me!" They watered the "begtables", visited the horse next door and built sandcastles (in the horseshoe pit). When I arrived home they were at the top of the driveway. She saw me and started waving and jumping up and down:) She had to show me all the of things she did with Daddy. We came inside to eat dinner and as I was prepping, she wrapped herself around my leg and repeated "I love you sooooo much, Mommy. I missed you!" That put enough "gas in my mommy tank" to last a long time (not to mention, it did not cost an arm and a leg!).

I want to remember this forever ~ not because it is funny or unusual, but because it is just a normal moment in an ordinary day. I love how Gracie looks in pigtails! When she runs or jumps they bounce right along. The ends curl under -o.k., STOP, switch gears - Gracie just walked by, saw the picture and said "I'm so precious!" Well, I guess that just about sums it up!

Chicken Little

Chicken Little has come out of her shell! Today we met Lisa and Benjamin at "PARTY ON, PARKER" for a bit of bouncing. I was unsure how Gracie would do considering last week she would barely go in to the entrance cave at McDonald's Playland. I must tell you, I did not even recognize this child by the end of our visit. She was climbing up the Giant Fire Truck slide by herself and running around the entire place with out any hesitation. She even made friends with a group of older girls, which made her feel really special. All the way home she kept talking about her "new friends". I posted several pictures because I was sure you would not believe it without seeing for yourself. . .

Today was one of those days you wanted to last forever (yes, I am the mother of a two year old)! Regardless of what the calender says, it was the first day of summer. The weather was absolutely perfect, Gracie got to experience the "pink pool" and we had an awesome family dinner on the back porch which concluded with Gracie's first taste of watermelon. To say the least we went straight to the bath tub! She LOVES her pool. It has a small slide that I thought she would be afraid to use, but before I could put the camera down to assist her she was soaking wet and laughing in water up to her chest. It is so wonderful to watch a child "at work". She loves to play with the rocks in the backyard ~ sometimes they are just "rockies", sometimes they are lined up in a row, but more often than not they are "berry pie". Today the "rockies" had fun. . .they too, went down the slide. Then they were washed, put in her sand pail and finally carried away to "Dopey's house". I am really feeling the guilt of not having more playmates for Gracie, but hey, look at what it is doing for her imagination!


With the joy this day brought for my family, my heart is so heavy for one of my dear "forever friends". In my world, issues are solved with time out or hugs and kisses. How do you help someone that you care so deeply for when they are so far away and there aren't even any words to help ease their pain? It is so unbelievably difficult to watch and not interfere. I am so thankful I know that God is Jehovah-jireh and Elohim. The only thing I can do is pray ~ pray for her, her kids, her peace, her future. If you read this, will you please pray for my friend. God will know what she needs.

I always knew having Daddy work from home was a real blessing, but unfortunately one with an endpoint. I was very concerned how Gracie would handle the adjustment. I have been relatively surprised ~ no meltdowns, whining and crying, or sulking around the house. However, I realized last night just how difficult it is for her to not have Daddy at her beck and call. After a week of long hours, Daddy arrived just before bedtime. She took him up to her room and they sat on the floor and played, talked, giggled and snuggled. It was so precious to "listen in" over the monitor. They have such a wonderful "love affair". She is his little princess and he is exactly the Daddy she needs. I am the one that cooks, cleans, wipes, washes and "no no's" all day long. He is the hero. He is the one that "takes care of it, daddy!" He is the one she runs to with pure joy and excitement. . . and I would not have it any other way!

A Lesson Learned. . .

Well, today marks a very important day in a little girls' life ~ Gracie got her first pair of "big girl panties" (princess, of course)! We are not really even trying to "achieve the goal" but she saw the "Sherella" (Cinderella) panties and had to have them. I explained to her what they were and when she would be able to wear them and she seemed to understand. On the trip home she removed the wrapping and repackaged them in the special bag from the sales clerk. She ran in the house and immediately began undressing. She knew she would have to go on the potty first, so she did (not a first). Then she put on the first pair. Boy was that exciting! She pulled up her shirt, sucked in her tummy to see Sleeping Beauty and started a "pantie dance"! After she realized how great one pair felt she had to put on pair #2 AND pair #3 ~ all at the same time! Over the next few hours I must have reminded her 50 times to not to go in the panties. We were having a great time playing, eating lunch and prepping for nap until. . . "MOMMA, I SOAKING, I SORRY!" I am sure this is the first of many accidents, but hard to explain to that sweet little face why her princess panties were being taken away. I never dreamed the hardest part of potty training would be learning to deal with "failure". It's funny, I always thought I would be frustrated cleaning up the messes, not near tears because she was heartbroken. I guess this was a real lesson for both of us today.

Where has the sleep gone?

I thought I had made it; the multiple feedings during the first few months, teething, moving in to a new house. My child is champion sleeper. Down at 7:30 p.m., up at 7 a.m.. She has kept the same schedule for almost 2 years. Several weeks ago (yes, I have been in denial) she woke up at 6:30 a.m., then 6:20, 6:15 and finally 6:00 a.m.. I was doing o.k. with the 6 a.m. wake up call when she was still going to bed at 7:30. However, my champion sleeper has graduated in to a champion "excuse maker"! We started off being scared ~ scared of noises (like the woodpecker), scared of Chucky Cheese (very long story), scared of almost any thing she could say. It would buy her an extra 15 minutes of cuddling and discussion. I, being a first time mom, did not realize this was phase one of a very elaborate plan. After a few weeks the "scared" thing began to wear off so she moved to phase two ~ Trick Sleeping! We would read, drink milk, pray and sing "our" song and then she would quietly go to bed. After 30 minutes we would hear the "MOMMA!". I would try everything to get her to go to sleep, but finally would have to call in reinforcements (Daddy). The first few nights he was successful (singing / back patting), so I got comfortable in using this line of defense and she got busy planning phase three. Same routine but this time she convinced Daddy to get her out of the bed! So, for the last two weeks we have had several nights of that little "smirk" coming out of her room in Daddy's arms saying "I not tired, I can't sleep." So as the days get longer and the nights get shorter, I sit here asking myself "Is this how it is going to be?" That is when I remember that she WANTS to spend every waking minute with me and I am so grateful to have the opportunity to be there for all of the little milestones, LIKE THE GIANT NEW MOLAR IN THE BACK OF HER MOUTH!!!! She is so proud of her new tooth. She has been singing "Happy Birthday to my new tooth", as well as talking about my "Old Teeth" since the discovery. YEAH ~ a reason! In my crazy mind, everything is made o.k. with a reason. Now I can have hope that my champion sleeper will return. One down, three to go! Now that is a milestone I am looking forward to reaching! Hang in there sweet baby girl, I know we will make it!

Think Arnold Schwarzenegger:)

We had a great time this weekend at the cabin ~ Daddy did a lot of fishing and Gracie and I had a lot of "popper time" (see previous blog for explanation). Gracie loves to play with whatever Daddy is using ~ fishing poles, duck calls, dog tags, etc., but one of her favorite things is the calculator (cal-ca-later). The cabin has several pairs of binoculars for viewing wildlife. . . to say the least, they are now her favorite toy. The only problem is 'binocular' is not a common word (which makes it difficult to remember). So below is a photo from this morning (now back home) with Gracie and her "BINOCULATORS"! I am not sure if that makes them capable of adding and subtracting or if they are actually 'Terminator Super Strength'!