Take that Time Magazine.
Showing posts with label Mommy to 4 Princesses. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Mommy to 4 Princesses. Show all posts
Monday, September 24, 2012
Thursday, September 6, 2012
Ugly White Plastic Stool
Today I'm thinking about this ugly white plastic stool we own.
Random, right? I know, hang with me.
I do not remember how we acquired this stool. It's one of those things that I can't imagine seeing in the store and saying to myself, "yes! I MUST have this ugly white plastic stool for my home!". And yet, somehow, at some point, this ugly white plastic stool still made it into my shopping cart and into my home.
We've had it since I can remember which probably means I bought it not long after we got married. Almost 13 years ago.
This stool has been everywhere with us. 3 states, 6 homes, 13 years. No matter how many miles across the country we moved, we drug that ugly white plastic stool with us.
I was staring at this stool today as it stood in it's place under the sink in my girls' bathroom. I was musing over how insignificant it is, how unassuming, and yet how indispensable it's become in our home. My girls use it to reach the sink to brush their teeth and wash their hands. I use it to reach things that are up high. Hubs uses it to change lightbulbs. We would really be lost without that ugly white plastic stool. Without even meaning to, that stool has become an important part of our household.
And it occurred to me how easy it is to allow other things, like that ugly white plastic stool to enter into our homes and become fixtures without meaning for them to. Sometimes (many times) it's not actual things, but more attitudes, environments, values and philosophies.
We usually don't seek them out. Very rarely do we think, "yes! This is an attitude I MUST have present in my home!". No, more often than not they somehow end up in our "shopping cart" and well established in our day in day out living before we recognize that they are even present.
It's a tough job being a parent. Even moreso now in our ever present connected culture. There are so many outside forces vying for our children's attention. We are constantly bombarded with what others deem "appropriate" and I know that it is just flat out tiring to always be on guard, filtering what "harmlessly" lands in our shopping carts.
And yet we must press on. Oh please do not grow weary parents! Just like that ugly white plastic stool that once meant very little but now has become so important that we have moved it across the country 3 times without even consciously meaning to, so easily do influences impact our children before we know it.
Today my fourth grader came home with work that she completed the first week of school. Among the many papers was an interview she did with a fellow classmate:
Someone, somewhere has allowed an ugly white plastic stool in the form of a TV show to jump into their cart and establish itself in their home. And now there is a little girl no more than 10 who, during a sensitive time in her life, is filling her mind with all sorts of confusing messages and forming her belief system around what she sees on a TV show.
I feel like it's so easy to check out as parents, once our children move out of the dependent infant phase and even the growing independent toddler phase. Physically they can do so much on their own. And let's face it, after the toddler years, most parents are tired! I know how nice it is to not have to wipe bums 20 times a day or brush teeny tiny teeth. Believe me, I get it!
But as parents we cannot let go of the reigns. Please do not let go! As they are learning to communicate and interact in the world, our children are exploring their set of beliefs and forming what will be the basis for their moral foundation. They need to learn to filter and self-regulate, but they need to do it within the confines of a safe environment. And environment governed by you.
No one else is going to do it for you. No one is going to look at your shopping cart and pull that ugly white plastic stool out before you can get it home. That is your job. Don't buy it. Don't move it across the country. Don't let it become such a fixture in your home that you don't even recognize that it's there, influencing your children and becoming so important that you can't live without it. Guard your children's heart and mind fiercely, no one else will like you.
My friends, I have to be honest, I think you might hear alot about this from me. As my girls grow older, I'm finding myself dwelling on this topic frequently. I spend alot of mental time evaluating and analyzing the influences we allow into our home. I know some may consider us over-protective, but I think the ever increasing rate of teenage pregnancies (we live in a state with one of the highest rates - #5 in the nation in 2010!) is enough of a reason to stay plugged in. And that's not even the only reason! My heart is burdened by the things I know my girls will be exposed to in the coming years, and I am determined to be by their side, monitoring and guiding every step of the way. I am not checking out, and I hope that as you approach these years you won't either.
Random, right? I know, hang with me.
I do not remember how we acquired this stool. It's one of those things that I can't imagine seeing in the store and saying to myself, "yes! I MUST have this ugly white plastic stool for my home!". And yet, somehow, at some point, this ugly white plastic stool still made it into my shopping cart and into my home.
We've had it since I can remember which probably means I bought it not long after we got married. Almost 13 years ago.
This stool has been everywhere with us. 3 states, 6 homes, 13 years. No matter how many miles across the country we moved, we drug that ugly white plastic stool with us.
I was staring at this stool today as it stood in it's place under the sink in my girls' bathroom. I was musing over how insignificant it is, how unassuming, and yet how indispensable it's become in our home. My girls use it to reach the sink to brush their teeth and wash their hands. I use it to reach things that are up high. Hubs uses it to change lightbulbs. We would really be lost without that ugly white plastic stool. Without even meaning to, that stool has become an important part of our household.
And it occurred to me how easy it is to allow other things, like that ugly white plastic stool to enter into our homes and become fixtures without meaning for them to. Sometimes (many times) it's not actual things, but more attitudes, environments, values and philosophies.
We usually don't seek them out. Very rarely do we think, "yes! This is an attitude I MUST have present in my home!". No, more often than not they somehow end up in our "shopping cart" and well established in our day in day out living before we recognize that they are even present.
It's a tough job being a parent. Even moreso now in our ever present connected culture. There are so many outside forces vying for our children's attention. We are constantly bombarded with what others deem "appropriate" and I know that it is just flat out tiring to always be on guard, filtering what "harmlessly" lands in our shopping carts.
And yet we must press on. Oh please do not grow weary parents! Just like that ugly white plastic stool that once meant very little but now has become so important that we have moved it across the country 3 times without even consciously meaning to, so easily do influences impact our children before we know it.
Today my fourth grader came home with work that she completed the first week of school. Among the many papers was an interview she did with a fellow classmate:
Someone, somewhere has allowed an ugly white plastic stool in the form of a TV show to jump into their cart and establish itself in their home. And now there is a little girl no more than 10 who, during a sensitive time in her life, is filling her mind with all sorts of confusing messages and forming her belief system around what she sees on a TV show.
I feel like it's so easy to check out as parents, once our children move out of the dependent infant phase and even the growing independent toddler phase. Physically they can do so much on their own. And let's face it, after the toddler years, most parents are tired! I know how nice it is to not have to wipe bums 20 times a day or brush teeny tiny teeth. Believe me, I get it!
But as parents we cannot let go of the reigns. Please do not let go! As they are learning to communicate and interact in the world, our children are exploring their set of beliefs and forming what will be the basis for their moral foundation. They need to learn to filter and self-regulate, but they need to do it within the confines of a safe environment. And environment governed by you.
No one else is going to do it for you. No one is going to look at your shopping cart and pull that ugly white plastic stool out before you can get it home. That is your job. Don't buy it. Don't move it across the country. Don't let it become such a fixture in your home that you don't even recognize that it's there, influencing your children and becoming so important that you can't live without it. Guard your children's heart and mind fiercely, no one else will like you.
My friends, I have to be honest, I think you might hear alot about this from me. As my girls grow older, I'm finding myself dwelling on this topic frequently. I spend alot of mental time evaluating and analyzing the influences we allow into our home. I know some may consider us over-protective, but I think the ever increasing rate of teenage pregnancies (we live in a state with one of the highest rates - #5 in the nation in 2010!) is enough of a reason to stay plugged in. And that's not even the only reason! My heart is burdened by the things I know my girls will be exposed to in the coming years, and I am determined to be by their side, monitoring and guiding every step of the way. I am not checking out, and I hope that as you approach these years you won't either.
Tuesday, September 4, 2012
On Growing Up A Mother
I've been thinking a lot about becoming a mother lately.
For the longest time, I thought that becoming a mother happened when that squirmy, red, wrinkled baby was placed in my arms for the first time. Like an instantaneous flash that took me from being a child to raising a child. In a single moment, the transformation was complete.
And in alot of ways, it was. As any mother can attest to, the second your flesh and blood begins breathing and thriving, your life is not your own. Lived out in acts of selflessness that is sometimes hard to comprehend until faced with such a moment, motherhood does fully encompass you in ways you never dreamed possible from that very first second.
Yet I'm seeing now that motherhood, much like childhood, is not a static moment, forever frozen in time, measured by the date on the calendar or the time on the clock. Rather, motherhood is a journey, a process, an ever changing rhythm of life that ebbs and flows and bends and stretches.
And I feel like I'm just beginning.
This one turned 10 a few days ago.
I have been wrestling with this for months. Not that she could possibly be 10, because she absolutely can. She is beautiful and precious, smart and witty. Funny and fun and everything 10 promises to be. No, I am not surprised that she is 10.
What surprises me is that I've been a mother for that long.
It's prompted me to think back over my life for the last decade. It's begged me to reflect on my growth, as a mother, as a person. It's shown me how the first decade was only the beginning, the groundwork laying phase for the real work ahead.
What a beautiful gift I've been given, to grow up a child from that squirmy, red, wrinkled infant to a beautiful, confident young lady who loves Jesus and is embracing her place in this world. And what an honor to grow up myself, on this journey called motherhood. For I am not the same person I was when that infant was placed in my arms. I may not have yet arrived, or figured it all out, but I am confident on my journey, always seeking God's wisdom and grace for the days that lie ahead.
Thank you, my precious, for growing me into the mother God intended for me to be. I am not perfect (although you already know that). I promise I am going to make mistakes along the way. I promise that in the days, months and years ahead there will be many times you will not agree with me, appreciate me, or even like me very much. I promise that you will do things that will drive me crazy, or drive me to my knees. But I also promise that through it all my love for you will never ever falter. I promise that I will always be your confidante, your biggest supporter, your best friend. As you walk through the years called childhood, I walk through the years called motherhood. And I cannot think of any other person I would rather experience this journey with, my dear first born.
For the longest time, I thought that becoming a mother happened when that squirmy, red, wrinkled baby was placed in my arms for the first time. Like an instantaneous flash that took me from being a child to raising a child. In a single moment, the transformation was complete.
And in alot of ways, it was. As any mother can attest to, the second your flesh and blood begins breathing and thriving, your life is not your own. Lived out in acts of selflessness that is sometimes hard to comprehend until faced with such a moment, motherhood does fully encompass you in ways you never dreamed possible from that very first second.
Yet I'm seeing now that motherhood, much like childhood, is not a static moment, forever frozen in time, measured by the date on the calendar or the time on the clock. Rather, motherhood is a journey, a process, an ever changing rhythm of life that ebbs and flows and bends and stretches.
And I feel like I'm just beginning.
This one turned 10 a few days ago.
I have been wrestling with this for months. Not that she could possibly be 10, because she absolutely can. She is beautiful and precious, smart and witty. Funny and fun and everything 10 promises to be. No, I am not surprised that she is 10.
What surprises me is that I've been a mother for that long.
It's prompted me to think back over my life for the last decade. It's begged me to reflect on my growth, as a mother, as a person. It's shown me how the first decade was only the beginning, the groundwork laying phase for the real work ahead.
What a beautiful gift I've been given, to grow up a child from that squirmy, red, wrinkled infant to a beautiful, confident young lady who loves Jesus and is embracing her place in this world. And what an honor to grow up myself, on this journey called motherhood. For I am not the same person I was when that infant was placed in my arms. I may not have yet arrived, or figured it all out, but I am confident on my journey, always seeking God's wisdom and grace for the days that lie ahead.
Thank you, my precious, for growing me into the mother God intended for me to be. I am not perfect (although you already know that). I promise I am going to make mistakes along the way. I promise that in the days, months and years ahead there will be many times you will not agree with me, appreciate me, or even like me very much. I promise that you will do things that will drive me crazy, or drive me to my knees. But I also promise that through it all my love for you will never ever falter. I promise that I will always be your confidante, your biggest supporter, your best friend. As you walk through the years called childhood, I walk through the years called motherhood. And I cannot think of any other person I would rather experience this journey with, my dear first born.
Thursday, May 17, 2012
Hide And Seek
Did you know that trash that has been sitting in a bag, in a garbage can, in the hot hot sun for 2 days is really, really nasty?
All I have to say is that we drink a butt load of coffee judging by the coffee grounds that were all over everything.
And why do I know all this you may ask?
Well, if one's hubs were to wait until he needed to leave for work to start looking for his car keys, and said keys weren't in the usual places, so he had to drive the van to work, leaving one searching frantically all over the house for the stupid keys, fueled by the knowledge that they are stuck at home with 4 kids until said stupid keys are found, and aggravation that they were the last ones to drive the car and are thus responsible for losing said stupid keys - AND that one started to worry that maybe they had accidentally thrown them away in the kitchen trash the night before while unloading groceries... well, that one might be compelled to go through the nasty trash.
One should have waited until a certain 5 year old came home from school.
All I have to say is that we drink a butt load of coffee judging by the coffee grounds that were all over everything.
And why do I know all this you may ask?
Well, if one's hubs were to wait until he needed to leave for work to start looking for his car keys, and said keys weren't in the usual places, so he had to drive the van to work, leaving one searching frantically all over the house for the stupid keys, fueled by the knowledge that they are stuck at home with 4 kids until said stupid keys are found, and aggravation that they were the last ones to drive the car and are thus responsible for losing said stupid keys - AND that one started to worry that maybe they had accidentally thrown them away in the kitchen trash the night before while unloading groceries... well, that one might be compelled to go through the nasty trash.
One should have waited until a certain 5 year old came home from school.
Wednesday, February 15, 2012
The Day Love Was Born
While the rest of the world celebrated with their true loves,
I held my true love.
Happy birthday Princess #4.
My world is a brighter place with you in it.
Wednesday, February 8, 2012
Mama Got Schooled
It occurs to me that I might be enjoying my newfound freedom that comes with having older children who are able to get up and fend for themselves for awhile before feeling the need to wake me a *little* too much:
When after I've hastened my oldest out the door, chiding her to not be late to school and she looks at me with a mix of chagrin and 9 year old honesty and says, "well, why don't you get up sooner so you can help us get ready on time?"
Um.
Either I've just been called on the carpet or someone's getting too big for their own britches. Or maybe both...
When after I've hastened my oldest out the door, chiding her to not be late to school and she looks at me with a mix of chagrin and 9 year old honesty and says, "well, why don't you get up sooner so you can help us get ready on time?"
Um.
Either I've just been called on the carpet or someone's getting too big for their own britches. Or maybe both...
Tuesday, February 7, 2012
How Do You Know When It's Time?
Today my oldest, along with the entire 3rd, 4th and 5th grade from her school, are going to the high school performing arts center to participate in an assembly called Rachel's Challenge. It is a presentation put on by the high school students, honoring Rachel Scott, the 17 year old girl who was killed by fellow students at Columbine High school nearly 13 years ago.
My understanding is the entire program is based on this quote, found in Rachel's journal after her death:
As a parent, my heart wrenches with the memory of that day. I remember it with perfect clarity. I was only 3 years out of high school myself and I watched the horror unfold in complete shock. I think it's a wonderful thing that's being done in Rachel's honor. High school students are trained, and then have the opportunity to spread the message of kindness and gentleness to younger students. I believe that's a good thing.
So here's my dilemma. I realized as I was sending Princess #1 off to school, that we have not talked at all about what happened on that fateful day in Colorado. She has no idea not only that such a nightmare took place, but that it's possible for a nightmare like that to even come true. I do not know how much background will be given to the students today, but I expect that the basic story will be shared.
Like any parent, I want to protect my children from the not so nice parts of this world. I want them to live in blissful naivety for awhile. Because I know once it's gone, it's gone for good.
But how do you know when it's time?
My understanding is the entire program is based on this quote, found in Rachel's journal after her death:
"I have this theory that if one person can go out of their way to show compassion then it will start a chain reaction of the same."
As a parent, my heart wrenches with the memory of that day. I remember it with perfect clarity. I was only 3 years out of high school myself and I watched the horror unfold in complete shock. I think it's a wonderful thing that's being done in Rachel's honor. High school students are trained, and then have the opportunity to spread the message of kindness and gentleness to younger students. I believe that's a good thing.
So here's my dilemma. I realized as I was sending Princess #1 off to school, that we have not talked at all about what happened on that fateful day in Colorado. She has no idea not only that such a nightmare took place, but that it's possible for a nightmare like that to even come true. I do not know how much background will be given to the students today, but I expect that the basic story will be shared.
Like any parent, I want to protect my children from the not so nice parts of this world. I want them to live in blissful naivety for awhile. Because I know once it's gone, it's gone for good.
But how do you know when it's time?
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| Princess #1 and sweet friends on her birthday |
How do you know when it's time to trust them with more? To burden them with more reality? To open up their safe havens just a little bit to the reality that's outside?
I feel a bit foolish because for Princess #1 and today, it's too late. Rather than preparing her, my only option now is to wait and see what she learns and then talk about it later. But that's not really how I want to approach things in the future.
So how do you know? I do not want her to live in fear. But I also do not want her to be unprepared.
My friends, these are such big decisions parents have to make. We unfortunately live in a world with great heartache. Do you have experience with guiding your children through these waters? Or were your parents particularly good with guiding you? I would love advice!
Saturday, January 21, 2012
Comparisons: Four, Five, Six Months
It's been awhile since I pulled out my sister comparison collages, so I thought I'd share a few more, just for fun.
I compared newborn photos up through 3 months of age earlier this past year, if you want to check those out. And as always, if you do a comparison post, I'd love to see! Link back to this post and let me know!
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| I think it's funnier to compare my hairstyles here. These pictures were taken at each of the girls' dedication services. 3 states, 4 cities, 4 churches, 4 pastors. We've been blessed with such wonderful church families, and I'm grateful that we had the opportunity to dedicate each daughter to the Lord. |
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| 4 months old - in the neglect-a-saucer. Loved that thing. So much we had to replace it by the time #3 came around. |
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| 5 months - ah the age of drool, and spit bubbles. |
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| 6 months - aaaaaand... we're sitting up! I love this tripod baby stage. And what's with all the serious looks? Must be tough work. |
I compared newborn photos up through 3 months of age earlier this past year, if you want to check those out. And as always, if you do a comparison post, I'd love to see! Link back to this post and let me know!
Wednesday, January 18, 2012
Your Patience Has Paid Off
If you're new to following The Planet Pink, then you are lucky. Because the poor souls that have been reading my blog for awhile have been kept waiting 7 long months for this day. Now I'm not so bold as to think it's been on their minds every day for the last 7 months, but then again I am pretty awesome, so what do I know?
OK, so without further ado, here are the much anticipated AFTER pictures of our Great Room Switch 2011. We decided to switch rooms with our princesses, and here is the result (bear with me, there are scads of photos):
(oh. And also. I am not a photographer. So if the pics are over exposed, blurry, blinding, or any other sort of wrong, you have my apologies. One of these days I should learn how to use my camera. But it seems like that's what everyone's doing. I want to be different. So bad pics it is. Haha.)
OK, so without further ado, here are the much anticipated AFTER pictures of our Great Room Switch 2011. We decided to switch rooms with our princesses, and here is the result (bear with me, there are scads of photos):
(oh. And also. I am not a photographer. So if the pics are over exposed, blurry, blinding, or any other sort of wrong, you have my apologies. One of these days I should learn how to use my camera. But it seems like that's what everyone's doing. I want to be different. So bad pics it is. Haha.)
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| I love this quote and it seemed so appropriate for a "book wall". The decal was purchased from Amazon.com and was super easy to apply. |
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| If there ever was a question of whether or not Pinterest is worth the time, this wall should put that doubt to rest. This wall makes me want to cry every time I walk by I love it so much. Seriously. Is that weird? These are the famed IKEA spice racks. $3.99 each. We bought and painted 13. The nine you see here and 4 that we have on the wall by the girls' bunk beds. |
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| *swoon* |
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| Where the sleeping happens. Or the giggling. I use that term sleeping loosely. If you remember the before pictures, these bunk beds were white. I knew I wanted them to be a fun color, but wow was painting them a pain! I never want to paint furniture again. Princess #3 and Princess #4 sleep on those mattresses under the bunk. We just pull them out at night. It's not a long term solution, but at least for the short term everyone has a place to sleep and we didn't have to spend any money, since we already had the bunks and the mattresses. |
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| The lone bare wall. What to do? What to do? |
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| Just had to look at the book wall again. Hobby Lobby was my go to place for finding decorations on the cheap. I love that they run 50% off sales constantly. |
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| This dresser is so yummy in this color and I adore the lanterns - again, Hobby Lobby 50% off. |
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| I'm telling you, I love it. |
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| Don't ask how long it took for us to hang these suckers. |
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| Another Pinterest win: the built-ins with the color. I should just say, this room brought to you by Pinterest.
So there you have it. In the end I am super pleased. I have not yet regretted moving into the smaller bedroom so that our girls can have room to play. And surprisingly, having all 4 in one room hasn't been a nightmare (yet). I know that we won't be able to have the girls in one room forever, but for right now it works.
I'm happy that instead of being dissatisfied with the size of our house and foolishly rushing out to buy a bigger one, we're being good stewards and maximizing the space we do have. In doing this switch we essentially added an extra room, which now has become our office. We were able to do the switch on the cheap, and have come out ahead in space. I'd say that's a win! |
Monday, January 16, 2012
Say Cheese!
So. When your two year old knows how to unlock your phone, go to the camera app, flip it around so that the lens is facing her and take pictures... is that a bad thing? Does this mean the years of the pucker lips/duckface self portraits are not far behind??
Lord help us.
Lord help us.
Saturday, January 14, 2012
Fun Or Excellence: Walking The Tightrope Of Kids Activities
Way back, when princess #1 was only 3 years old, we did what every family in America with a little girl does: enroll her in ballet.
Who can resist teeny tiny ballet slippers and tutu's and dreams of toe shoes and applause?
I sure can't.
I always, always wanted to take ballet as a child. I was never able to, so for me it was a no-brainer which activity to begin with my oldest.
Fortunately for us, almost 7 years later, she's quite good at it.
I'm finding we're coming up to a cross roads, however, and it's giving me much to think about. I would love some feedback on my dilemma:
When first choosing a dance school, our main priority for our 3 year old was that it be fun, age appropriate and not at all hardcore. We certainly weren't looking for a stony faced Madame who beat the harlequin dance floor with a staff in time to the music while barking out "Plié! Relevé! Rond de jambe!" to a group of cowering, pink cheeked 3 year olds.
That expectation of "fun" has served us well the last few years. Princess #1 has come to love ballet, and enjoys expressing herself through dance. There comes a point though, where "fun" just doesn't cut it anymore. I mean, I suppose if you want to continue to pour money into an activity without any expectation of progress or perfection, then that's one thing. But we don't have the money to do that. In other words, I want something to show for it. Does that make sense?
I am NOT a pushy stage mom, and I actually have no dreams of stardom or Hollywood when I think about my princesses. In fact, I don't want fame for them at all. But I do want progress. I do hope that the time and dedication put into this opens doors in the future. I do desire for my girls to learn what hard work, discipline and devotion to an activity means, and how that can influence their approach to life in general.
Because of those things, I find myself wondering at what point do you stop looking for an activity to be fun, and start looking for it to push a little harder, demand a little more effort and require a little more dedication? At what age are those things appropriate?
I think these questions apply to more than just dance, but any activity that a child/family chooses to pursue. And I think that every family at some point has to ask themselves, "What are we wanting out of this? Where do we want this to go?" The dilemma, for myself anyway, I think lies in deciding when these questions become important. We live in an era where child prodigies are created and groomed from an early age. Where fame, a la Dance Moms, is easily within the grasp of anyone who is willing to pay the price. I wonder, is there room for those of us who perhaps do not desire that sort of life, and yet still wish to pursue excellence with our children?
I feel like I'm all over the place with this, and I have more questions to ask about families who choose to pursue that excellence, but I'll save that for another post at another time.
My friends, I'd love to hear your thoughts on this. Walking the activities tightrope with your children can be a tricky journey.
PS. just as I hit publish on this post, I received an incredibly well thought out note on this very subject from a friend who is a collegiate theater teacher, who knows a thing or two about demanding excellence and at what point should that begin. I hope to share her thoughts about this with you soon!
Who can resist teeny tiny ballet slippers and tutu's and dreams of toe shoes and applause?
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| Princess #1, age 3 in her first ballet class |
I always, always wanted to take ballet as a child. I was never able to, so for me it was a no-brainer which activity to begin with my oldest.
Fortunately for us, almost 7 years later, she's quite good at it.
I'm finding we're coming up to a cross roads, however, and it's giving me much to think about. I would love some feedback on my dilemma:
When first choosing a dance school, our main priority for our 3 year old was that it be fun, age appropriate and not at all hardcore. We certainly weren't looking for a stony faced Madame who beat the harlequin dance floor with a staff in time to the music while barking out "Plié! Relevé! Rond de jambe!" to a group of cowering, pink cheeked 3 year olds.
That expectation of "fun" has served us well the last few years. Princess #1 has come to love ballet, and enjoys expressing herself through dance. There comes a point though, where "fun" just doesn't cut it anymore. I mean, I suppose if you want to continue to pour money into an activity without any expectation of progress or perfection, then that's one thing. But we don't have the money to do that. In other words, I want something to show for it. Does that make sense?
I am NOT a pushy stage mom, and I actually have no dreams of stardom or Hollywood when I think about my princesses. In fact, I don't want fame for them at all. But I do want progress. I do hope that the time and dedication put into this opens doors in the future. I do desire for my girls to learn what hard work, discipline and devotion to an activity means, and how that can influence their approach to life in general.
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| Princess #2, age 3 in her first ballet class |
I think these questions apply to more than just dance, but any activity that a child/family chooses to pursue. And I think that every family at some point has to ask themselves, "What are we wanting out of this? Where do we want this to go?" The dilemma, for myself anyway, I think lies in deciding when these questions become important. We live in an era where child prodigies are created and groomed from an early age. Where fame, a la Dance Moms, is easily within the grasp of anyone who is willing to pay the price. I wonder, is there room for those of us who perhaps do not desire that sort of life, and yet still wish to pursue excellence with our children?
I feel like I'm all over the place with this, and I have more questions to ask about families who choose to pursue that excellence, but I'll save that for another post at another time.
My friends, I'd love to hear your thoughts on this. Walking the activities tightrope with your children can be a tricky journey.
PS. just as I hit publish on this post, I received an incredibly well thought out note on this very subject from a friend who is a collegiate theater teacher, who knows a thing or two about demanding excellence and at what point should that begin. I hope to share her thoughts about this with you soon!
Sunday, January 1, 2012
Abiding Mom for 2012
Happy New Year!
I hope this finds you and yours happy, healthy and full of hope for the new year.
As is custom with the turn of the calendar page, I've been reflecting on the past year and looking to the future, considering what I hope it brings. I'm not a huge resolution maker, because I always fail. But I ran across this beautiful printable on Pinterest a few weeks ago, and I knew that I had found what I want for 2012:
To be an Abiding Mom.
Special thanks to Erica at Confessions of a Homeschooler and Renee at Abiding Mom for putting into words and art what my heart needed to hear for this coming year.
My friends, I hope you rang the new year in with the ones you love, and are looking with sweet anticipation towards what 2012 holds for you. No matter what you aspire to accomplish, achieve or be this year, I pray you find yourself fulfilled, loved and whole.
I hope this finds you and yours happy, healthy and full of hope for the new year.
As is custom with the turn of the calendar page, I've been reflecting on the past year and looking to the future, considering what I hope it brings. I'm not a huge resolution maker, because I always fail. But I ran across this beautiful printable on Pinterest a few weeks ago, and I knew that I had found what I want for 2012:
To be an Abiding Mom.
Special thanks to Erica at Confessions of a Homeschooler and Renee at Abiding Mom for putting into words and art what my heart needed to hear for this coming year.
My friends, I hope you rang the new year in with the ones you love, and are looking with sweet anticipation towards what 2012 holds for you. No matter what you aspire to accomplish, achieve or be this year, I pray you find yourself fulfilled, loved and whole.
Saturday, November 19, 2011
Parenting Peril #1
That moment when you discover a long lost sippy cup and realize that what is inside might have once been something similar to orange juice, but you can't tell for sure because the odor emanating from the greenish sludge has you dropping it in the nearest trash can and running outdoors for fresh air, lest you see your breakfast again.
Thursday, October 13, 2011
Conversation Over Dinner
So last night the whole family trekked out to Schlotzsky's for dinner, and while on the way, Princess #2 got my attention:
Princess #2: Mommy, today a girl in my class said that the Devil is God's son.
Uhhhh.....
Me: That's a good conversation to bring up with your daddy.
(Way to pass the buck. Good save mom)
Fastforward to our meal, after Hubs successfully navigated the whole devil/God's son issue (is he, isn't he? Does anyone really know? Does it really matter?), and I sighed in relief at not having to answer that questions myself, we naturally launched into a very nice spiritual conversation with our girls, asking them questions about what they learn in children's church, what's the big deal about Jesus and God, etc.
***just a side note, I make fun of myself for shying away from answering hard questions, but I truly believe it is essential for parents to seize those natural opportunities to discuss this sort of thing with your kids. Hopefully it occurs easily (like in our situation, with a honest question) and doesn't feel forced. But please, don't leave these conversations for someone else. Because your kids will have them (regardless of your spiritual stance) with someone. It should be with you, their parents. Ok, that's all. Side note over.***
So the real high moment of our conversation was when Hubs was in the middle of an illustration trying to describe the massive sacrifice that Jesus made for us on the cross. He used an example that went something like this:
Hubs (to Princess #2): So, suppose that you broke a lamp. And we told you that you had to get a spanking as your punishment. But before we could spank you, Princess #3 stepped in and said, "No, don't spank her. I'll take her spanking in her place."
I was all caught up in what I thought was a very applicable illustration, when Princess #1 broke through my reverie with a very dry, sarcastic "Yeah, like that will ever happen."
Ah. Sometimes timing is just everything.
My friends, I love moments with my family where I learn that not only are my kids listening and learning, but also that they are stinkin' funny. Embrace those teaching moments, and don't forget to laugh and have fun.
***Completely unrelated, if you have kids, run yourself over to your nearest Starbucks and grab their free download card of the week. It is for an interactive iBook version of The Monster At The End Of This Book. One of my childhood favorites. You don't want to miss it!
Princess #2: Mommy, today a girl in my class said that the Devil is God's son.
Uhhhh.....
Me: That's a good conversation to bring up with your daddy.
(Way to pass the buck. Good save mom)
Fastforward to our meal, after Hubs successfully navigated the whole devil/God's son issue (is he, isn't he? Does anyone really know? Does it really matter?), and I sighed in relief at not having to answer that questions myself, we naturally launched into a very nice spiritual conversation with our girls, asking them questions about what they learn in children's church, what's the big deal about Jesus and God, etc.
***just a side note, I make fun of myself for shying away from answering hard questions, but I truly believe it is essential for parents to seize those natural opportunities to discuss this sort of thing with your kids. Hopefully it occurs easily (like in our situation, with a honest question) and doesn't feel forced. But please, don't leave these conversations for someone else. Because your kids will have them (regardless of your spiritual stance) with someone. It should be with you, their parents. Ok, that's all. Side note over.***
So the real high moment of our conversation was when Hubs was in the middle of an illustration trying to describe the massive sacrifice that Jesus made for us on the cross. He used an example that went something like this:
Hubs (to Princess #2): So, suppose that you broke a lamp. And we told you that you had to get a spanking as your punishment. But before we could spank you, Princess #3 stepped in and said, "No, don't spank her. I'll take her spanking in her place."
I was all caught up in what I thought was a very applicable illustration, when Princess #1 broke through my reverie with a very dry, sarcastic "Yeah, like that will ever happen."
Ah. Sometimes timing is just everything.
My friends, I love moments with my family where I learn that not only are my kids listening and learning, but also that they are stinkin' funny. Embrace those teaching moments, and don't forget to laugh and have fun.
***Completely unrelated, if you have kids, run yourself over to your nearest Starbucks and grab their free download card of the week. It is for an interactive iBook version of The Monster At The End Of This Book. One of my childhood favorites. You don't want to miss it!
Tuesday, September 13, 2011
Two and a Half
Hold her a little longer
Rock her a little more
Tell her another story
(you've only told her four)
Let her sleep on your shoulder
Rejoice in her happy smile
She is only two and a half
for such a little while!
-Author Unknown
(adapted for my girl)
Tuesday, September 6, 2011
So Long Crib
Do you know what this is a picture of?
This, my friends, this mess of hair and pillow pet, is a picture of my baby (my baby!), sleeping in her Big Girl Bed (aka, mattress on the floor in big sisters' room).
I almost woke her up with the dumb flash while trying to get this picture.
That's how dedicated I am to documenting my life for you people.
I almost don't dare to tell you how easy this transition has been.
{Easy}
Granted, it's only night 2. And last night she willingly fell asleep after falling victim to a fever virus that's going through our house.
But still.
Tonight, she laid down without a complaint, right next to Princess #3 (who still crawls in bed with me in the middle of the night, ahem). No wiggling. No fussing. No getting out of bed to play with rogue toys that weren't put away.
Is it possible that we might actually have a child that enjoys staying in bed?
Dare I hope?
Check back with me in a few nights and I'll let you know.
My friends, I feel like in some ways I should be a bit more nostalgic about this momentous occasion. After NINE years, our crib will no longer be in use. That's pretty amazing. Just another reminder that my childbearing days are over. No longer in the season have HAVING babies, I'm in the season of GROWING UP babies. But that's another post for another time. Until then, enjoy this little video I shot of Princess #4 on her last night in the crib.
So Long Crib from planet pink on Vimeo.
This, my friends, this mess of hair and pillow pet, is a picture of my baby (my baby!), sleeping in her Big Girl Bed (aka, mattress on the floor in big sisters' room).
I almost woke her up with the dumb flash while trying to get this picture.
That's how dedicated I am to documenting my life for you people.
I almost don't dare to tell you how easy this transition has been.
{Easy}
Granted, it's only night 2. And last night she willingly fell asleep after falling victim to a fever virus that's going through our house.
But still.
Tonight, she laid down without a complaint, right next to Princess #3 (who still crawls in bed with me in the middle of the night, ahem). No wiggling. No fussing. No getting out of bed to play with rogue toys that weren't put away.
Is it possible that we might actually have a child that enjoys staying in bed?
Dare I hope?
Check back with me in a few nights and I'll let you know.
My friends, I feel like in some ways I should be a bit more nostalgic about this momentous occasion. After NINE years, our crib will no longer be in use. That's pretty amazing. Just another reminder that my childbearing days are over. No longer in the season have HAVING babies, I'm in the season of GROWING UP babies. But that's another post for another time. Until then, enjoy this little video I shot of Princess #4 on her last night in the crib.
So Long Crib from planet pink on Vimeo.
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