Sweet Memories

Sometimes you may never know what comes out of a 4 year old's lips. I just have to share a few funny moments.



In my efforts to try to find some time to exercise within our chaotic life, I recently purchased an exercise DVD. Greta Banks was patiently waiting and I think entertained by my attempt to complete the workout. She then exclaimed, "You've got good moves mom!" Hey, I've still got it...those dance classes did pay off! :-)


This past weekend, we were headed to the park for play time and an evening picnic. Greta Banks had said she was interested in fishing with Daddy. Daddy was preparing for the trip when Greta Banks exclaimed, "Daddy, I don't want to go but did you find any "wishing" worms?"

Just tonight I was asking Greta Banks how did she get so big so quickly. "It's the hiccups mom. They make me grow!"

Gotta love her! I know I do!

What I've Learned

The beginning of this year has been a struggle for me for many different accounts. As many of you know, my mother is fighting Alzheimer's Disease and the bitter effects it has on her state of well being and changes that constantly occur. I worry that my own girls won't ever really know who my mom truly is. They know what she looks like, know the sound of her voice, and know where she lives. But there are things they won't know about my mom. They won't know how crafty my mom was. She could crochet, paint, make jewelry, cross stitch, sew...just to name a few. She always had some type of project going on. My mom is/ was great with kids. She worked for many years with high school students in a job she loved. She was a second mom to many teenagers and a listening ear when needed. She is a great woman of faith. I have fond memories of getting ready for school in the morning or waking up on Saturday morning to see mom reading her daily devotional.

As much as I have struggled with accepting her disease and her prognosis, I have also come to learn how much my girls and I are learning from her. Greta Banks has developed a greater compassion and understanding for people with disabilities. She helps grandmama up the stairs, turns on the light switch, and even tries to help mom unbutton her pants when she can't do it alone. I've seen my daughter react with such empathy that not many adults can display. She is always asking if grandmama is okay and does she need help. Mom may not be able to do the things she once could but she can still teach us alot about life...even at an early age!

I Survived...

February has been a busy month. LOTS of sickness (horrible coughs, bronchitis, ear infection, and strep throat...that's just from the girls) and of course 2 adorable birthday parties! Who knew having 2 girls born 3 years and 12 days apart creates birthday mania within such a short time period.

Even with the girls' birthdays so close together, we chose to keep their parties separate. It would be much more cost effective to combine the two. However, we just felt the need for each girl to have her own day! Much to my dismay, my camera was in the shop for most of the month but sweet friends were there to help me capture those Kodak moments. I'll have to post some pictures of each girls special day when I get the images!

Greta Banks had chosen her party supplies (paper products) a couple of weeks before the party. We had already decided that Dora was the chosen character this year! However, on a recent trip to Wal-Mart before her birthday, it was decided that all plans should change to accommodate the need for Strawberry Shortcake. Unfortunately, or fortunately for me, Dora was already purchased! No going back now! The forever changing mind of a woman begins at early age! :-)

Greta Banks' party theme this year, besides Dora, was to have cooking party with her friends. All the kids decorated chef hats, made pizzas, fruit loop necklaces, decorated their own cupcakes, and played pin the pizza on the chef. It was ALOT of prep work but I must say our garage was transformed into a wonderful "kitchen" for our little chefs! They had a great time and the birthday girl handled the party like a true princess! Happy Birthday sweet baby! I love you more than apple pie!