Tuesday, July 31, 2012

The Three Wise Men...According to Addison

It is very infrequent that I now will only have just one of my girls in the car with me for any extended period of time.  So, I was thrilled to have time with Addison as we drove from Texas to Florida.  


 Our first day driving together she enjoyed the quiet, as much as I did, and mostly entertained herself.  Little did I know she was just saving up for our second day together.

Out of the blue (meaning there was dead silence between the two of us for many miles) she starts to ask me about things that make Jesus happy and sad.  We have this conversation occasionally, usually with Olivia, who is doing the asking.  So, I thought this might be interesting to hear it from Addison's perspective.  And.it.was.

She was asking me stuff like, "Mommy, is Jesus happy when Olivia is mean to me?"  And it went on from there, with mostly questions about Olivia.  So, I decided to test her a little and see just what she has learned at church.  Or should I say, remembered?  A teachable moment, right?  So, I think she should know who Jesus' parents were.  She did get Mary right.  Then I asked her about his birth.  I said, "Addison, in what type of place was he born?"  Silence.  So I gave her the answer.  Then I said, "Addison, what did they put him in?"  She described it but didn't know the name.  Then I said, "Addison, did you know that three wise men came to see the baby?"  She says, "No."  I tell her, "Yes, and they brought him gifts.  Gold, frankincense, and myrrh."  No pause at all...and she says with excitement, "And a baby bottle too!"  The lesson was over at.that.very.moment....and the laughter began!

Monday, July 30, 2012

Allye's 9th Month

It does not escape me that I seem to be a couple of weeks behind each month posting about my sweet Allye.  However, I do believe I have a full proof excuse this month.  I moved two adults and three kids across country...after I packed every square inch of my home and the 26' Penske that, by the way, did not hold all of our stuff.  Anyway...that is a whole 'nother post.

Believe it or not Allye is surviving this crazy whirlwind of a lifestyle that we lead in the summers.  She spent her entire ninth month in North Carolina as we visited family.  She started the month with her first (of many) trips to Great Wolf Lodge.  This is how this worked.  Many months ago my step-mom (which I despise that term because I think of the evilness of Cinderella's step-mom every time I say it and she is not evil in any.way.at.all) called me and said that Emerson (our 4 year old cousin) told her that when we came this summer we were all going to the Great Wolf Lodge for an overnight visit.  Key word...overnight.  Main thought...no sleep.  But actually...it was great... and there was sleep.  **Stay tuned for a post about the whole weekend.**


Then we headed (about 5 minutes after this picture and 24 hours after non-stop swim fun) to their lake house.  Another first for Allye.  She got to spend time down by the lake/beach area.


Catching some zzzzzz's.


Crawling through the sand...


And yes, taking several tastes.  I really don't understand this.  That can't feel good in your mouth.  I can't believe it would have any real taste.  Then I think about motherly things like what has stepped on the sand...then I have to turn away and not watch.  But I still love you anyway...just not the whole eating sand thing.

A few days later we took you to the big park in Salisbury.  I think you liked the big girl swing!


When you found something to climb on...your day was made.


Here is just a really cute picture of you.  I am your momma.  I can put pictures for no reason.  :)


Next we took you with your sisters and cousins to the Discovery Center near their home.  You and Kennedy had a blast playing in the water...



and getting WET!

We celebrated July 4th at Meme and Popi's before heading back to Texas.  You loved every minute of the party but refused to stay up for the fireworks.  


Beware...Daddy captured a moment and this mommy has to put it here...


After another driving adventure across country, we captured your nine month photos outside of our church.



My sweet Allye.  You have brought another month of joy to our home.  You are growing faster then we can stand and accomplishing so much each day.  When I wasn't looking Meme taught you your first word this month..."Papa"...she is simply preparing you for "Popi".  And then, she and Popi taught you "Dada."  I am not sure about all of this and why you love to say them both.  You love to laugh when I say, "Mama."  You look at me and very seriously say, "Dada."  You practiced walking a LOT and took your very first unassisted steps at 9 months and 2 days.  More on that in the tenth month update.  You are a whopping 28.5" long and 20 pounds light!  We love you more then words can say. 

Thursday, July 26, 2012

A Little Ocean Fun

A strange thing happens when you live in the desert.  You never see the ocean.  Well, unless you are willing to drive at least 10 hours...one way.  So, sometimes people look at us funny when we get to the beach and we run straight to the ocean.


Nope...we don't make them change into their swimsuits.  We are cool like that...sort of.


And then they run like they have never seen a wave.


And when you are six, you are really smart.  You tuck your dress into your monkey bar pants.


This makes your mama proud...and thankful she remembered the pants.


And then you dance like no one is watching.  I love this about you.


The littlest sister seems a little concerned about all of this.


Check that...a LOT concerned.  Like, "Meme, am I related to her?"
 
Then I keep clicking and then I come home and then I look at all of the photos and then all I can think is, "I wish I were this carefree, confident, energetic, and full of life."







And then I see this. I love how their sweet personalities are so reflected in this photo.


But then this appears...


And I realize that my three girls are the luckiest girls alive. 

Friday, July 13, 2012

For the Love of Popi

From day one they have been "tight".  Olivia and Popi that is.  Over the years they have experienced lots of "firsts" together.  I will tell you that I have had the best seat in the house to watch this love grow.  I have watched Olivia grow from acceptance to trust, trust to love, and love to admiration.  Just the normal stages of growth I guess you could say.  And while I could ramble on about all of the times I have seen that look in her eyes I think I will let two pictures do the talking for me. 

Olivia got to attend her first wedding when she was 3, just about to turn 4.  I took this picture as a side thought.  Just a quick snap.  But, it quickly turned into a favorite of Popi's.  We were definitely to love here.


Fast forward three years.  Olivia is now 6, just about to be 7.  With my bestie getting married we were all dressed up once again.  However, it was very intentional this time to take a picture of these two.  And, I must say...anytime I need Olivia to give me a good picture I will say, "Show me the smile Popi likes."  And I think this will show you why.  


That is her....full of love and admiration.  She loves her Popi.  And while their relationship is ever-changing, their love is not.  She adores him and that smile sums it all up.  For me, well I don't think there is anything that makes a momma happier then to see her children love and be loved.  
"Grandparents and grandchildren are God's gift to each other." - Author: Unknown

P.S.  Just for Olivia..."Raise your hand if you love Popi!"

Related Posts Plugin for WordPress, Blogger...