Motherhood and Birthdays
This is a wonderful season of life. I've had countless grandmas approach me in the grocery store, usually when one of my children is crying mind you, and say, "Just cherish this time of life." or "Those were my best years." I admit there have been a handful of times that I've wanted to roll my eyes and tell her, "Great! Well why don't you get these two grumpy bugs down for naps this afternoon while I go watch The Golden Girls at your house then." But most of the time I realize those cute little grandmas are right. These ARE the best years of my life! True, some days are really really exhausting and frustrating, but most days are really really sweet.
I can't remember if I wrote about it here or in another journal, but a while ago I received an answer to prayer through reading my scriptures. I wanted to know how I could help Maddy have better behavior and how I could better express my love for her. I turned to the scriptures and read the account of Jesus in the New Testament blessing the little children. He was obviously exhausted after a long day of travel and teaching - so much so that his disciples rejected the women and children when they approached him. But Jesus kindly rebuked them and took the time to play with, talk, and bless those little children. The impression came to me that Jesus loves little children and he knows that they FEEL loved when we make TIME for them.
So I've been diligently trying to follow that impression. Some days are better than others I admit. But I've seen Maddy's behavior improve and our relationship has been strengthened as I put away other unnecessary tasks and make time to sit and play with her. It brings me such joy and makes my day so much better - even when I'm unshowered, in my sweats, and totally neglecting other things. The Spirit whispers to my heart in those moments that I'm making time for the most important thing - showing my child I love her.
Maddy just celebrated her fourth birthday! How in the world did four years go by?!! It feels like we've been celebrating her birthday for weeks now. We had a fun princess party with her friends complete with pizza, cake, princess bingo, pin the kiss on the frog, princess "duck duck goose", tiaras, wands, and candy. She had such a fun time playing with her cute little friends and running around and dancing in their princess dresses. On her actual birthday, I got to take donuts to her preschool and stay with her the entire time. It was so fun seeing her interact with her teachers and friends. The entire day of preschool from what letter they learned to what songs they sang revolved around Maddy's birthday. Miss Debbie is such a fantastic teacher and makes every child feel so loved and special. It was the perfect way to celebrate her birthday! That night Maddy requested Panera for dinner (of course!) She opened her new dollhouse, books, and Guess Who game.
I just love this age with Maddy. Her vocabulary is astounding. It seems like I hear her say a new word every day. The recent new words are enormous, available, annoying, and fantastic. She has such a fun imagination and can entertain herself for hours just making up stories about dragons, princesses, trolls, and more. She loves to cook with me. She's getting pretty good at cracking eggs and measuring things. She makes her bed in the morning and cleans her room by herself. Loves to play with her little brother and takes such good care of him, keeping him safe from light sockets and choking hazards.
Every night before bed we say prayers, read scriptures, read other books, turn out the lights, and then watch a bible video from the Gospel Library app. She loves watching the stories of Jesus and it's such a sweet way to end the day. I love snuggling her to sleep and it makes me cry hearing her sweet little voice as I close the door, "Goodnight mommy. I love you."
She loves her mama, but I think she's still a daddy's girl at heart. We count down the hours until daddy gets home every day. The first thing she wants to do when he arrives is have him "jump" her on the counch - him basically throwing her up in the air over and over again. There's a reason this guy has such great arm muscles ;) When she gets hurt, he's the only person she wants. It's really sweet and I hope she'll always be close to her daddy. My greatest hope is that when she marries someday, she'll pick a guy as sweet, kind, and hard working as her dad.
Happy Birthday, Maddy! We love you so so much!
I can't remember if I wrote about it here or in another journal, but a while ago I received an answer to prayer through reading my scriptures. I wanted to know how I could help Maddy have better behavior and how I could better express my love for her. I turned to the scriptures and read the account of Jesus in the New Testament blessing the little children. He was obviously exhausted after a long day of travel and teaching - so much so that his disciples rejected the women and children when they approached him. But Jesus kindly rebuked them and took the time to play with, talk, and bless those little children. The impression came to me that Jesus loves little children and he knows that they FEEL loved when we make TIME for them.
So I've been diligently trying to follow that impression. Some days are better than others I admit. But I've seen Maddy's behavior improve and our relationship has been strengthened as I put away other unnecessary tasks and make time to sit and play with her. It brings me such joy and makes my day so much better - even when I'm unshowered, in my sweats, and totally neglecting other things. The Spirit whispers to my heart in those moments that I'm making time for the most important thing - showing my child I love her.
Maddy just celebrated her fourth birthday! How in the world did four years go by?!! It feels like we've been celebrating her birthday for weeks now. We had a fun princess party with her friends complete with pizza, cake, princess bingo, pin the kiss on the frog, princess "duck duck goose", tiaras, wands, and candy. She had such a fun time playing with her cute little friends and running around and dancing in their princess dresses. On her actual birthday, I got to take donuts to her preschool and stay with her the entire time. It was so fun seeing her interact with her teachers and friends. The entire day of preschool from what letter they learned to what songs they sang revolved around Maddy's birthday. Miss Debbie is such a fantastic teacher and makes every child feel so loved and special. It was the perfect way to celebrate her birthday! That night Maddy requested Panera for dinner (of course!) She opened her new dollhouse, books, and Guess Who game.
I just love this age with Maddy. Her vocabulary is astounding. It seems like I hear her say a new word every day. The recent new words are enormous, available, annoying, and fantastic. She has such a fun imagination and can entertain herself for hours just making up stories about dragons, princesses, trolls, and more. She loves to cook with me. She's getting pretty good at cracking eggs and measuring things. She makes her bed in the morning and cleans her room by herself. Loves to play with her little brother and takes such good care of him, keeping him safe from light sockets and choking hazards.
Every night before bed we say prayers, read scriptures, read other books, turn out the lights, and then watch a bible video from the Gospel Library app. She loves watching the stories of Jesus and it's such a sweet way to end the day. I love snuggling her to sleep and it makes me cry hearing her sweet little voice as I close the door, "Goodnight mommy. I love you."
She loves her mama, but I think she's still a daddy's girl at heart. We count down the hours until daddy gets home every day. The first thing she wants to do when he arrives is have him "jump" her on the counch - him basically throwing her up in the air over and over again. There's a reason this guy has such great arm muscles ;) When she gets hurt, he's the only person she wants. It's really sweet and I hope she'll always be close to her daddy. My greatest hope is that when she marries someday, she'll pick a guy as sweet, kind, and hard working as her dad.
Happy Birthday, Maddy! We love you so so much!
Comments