Sick Baby Girl...

Yesterday was Ella Claire's 1 year well check. She ended up not being able to have her immunizations due to a nagging cough and bronchitis...ugh! Greta Banks tagged along for the appointment and received the sweetest compliment in the waiting room. She was helping take off Ella Claire's jacket ever so gently and kindly. She saying to her sister, "come here sweetie!" Other moms there oohed and ahhed over her nice demeanor...only wish she was that kind all the time!

It's just plain hard trying to raise kids...the little things no one ever tells you! How do encourage your child to speak to other adults when they ask a question but then to remind them never to speak to strangers? How do you teach them to be thankful for what they have but then never accept candy from strangers? How do you discipline them for having such a strong attitude about not wanting to obey but then encourage them to say to no to others if it's not a good choice? How do you encourage Independence (dressing self, brushing teeth, etc) but then not step in when it takes them so loooong to complete the task?

Ugggggh....I only think it's going to get worse!

Fun Weekend...Changing Times

What a weekend we've had. Ella Claire celebrated her first birthday Friday night. It was wonderfully shared with family and close friends. She had a great time, the weather cooperated, and not nearly as hectic as Greta Banks's first birthday...some things are better off the second time around!

Today we celebrated my grandmother's 90th birthday! What a godly women she is! My grandmama is now living in an assisted living facility but her ability to continue her "matriarch" duties is in full force. She's able to gather us all to honor her and the legacy she continues to imprint in each of our lives. I can only hope I'm as sassy as her at 90!

This past week, a young mom in our community lost a valiant fight against breast cancer. I can't help think of her and my own children. Taking time to treasure the days, taking time to play with our kids and off the computer, taking time to say the "I love yous." Life's too precious to take it all for granted, even amongst the sassy tantrums an almost 4 year old can perform. Again, we get too caught up in the tasks to enjoy the little moments. A friend told me once that life with young children that the days are long but the years are short...how true it is!!