I A So Grateful to be a MOMMY!

So ... it's no secret that I think our kids are just the Bee's Knees. Every once in awhile, they simply prove it to me!

Since this is voluntary reading for you ... don't read this if you don't want to hear me brag. Because I'm on a roll!!

If you want to share in my pure joy and gratitude for these fabulous little souls who share our life - READ ON!

I'll start with my oldest, Abby. Abby is talented with all things logical. She can argue her way out of a paper bag and twist most any statement to it's most literal meaning. This is a very math minded girl, which one wouldn't think of as creative, but believe me ... it's creativity at it's most insane (in a good way). Anything Literary is pretty difficult for her. It's not that she can't understand deeper meaning or innuendo, it's that ... when your life is Unicorns and glitter covered rainbows, why think of rain? She has applied herself exponentially this year in Language Arts. We have been very impressed with her hard work and determination. With all this being said, imagine my surprise when she presented me with a poem for Mother's Day! Here is it:

Where I Come From

I come from a mom who is always there for me
When I am sick and when I am scared
I can always count on her

I come from activities everyday
But a mom who NEVER forgets to say
"I love you!" No matter how busy we are

I come from support in everything
Helping in school
While really helping brighten my day

I come from home cooked meals almost every night
With random family discussions about our day
About things we wish to do

I come from good grades that are expected
Always support in school and
An expectancy to go to college

I come from a love of art
A mom who appreciates all art
With art supplies everywhere

I come from game night
When the whole family gets together
To play Clue and Risk, or any game

I come from pink night-night and Tiger cuddled on the couch
The whole family watching, "Mr. Bean's Holiday"
Laughing crazy loud

I come from barking dogs
When we left, Dad locked up Winston in a chain link fence
And he chewed through it and ran away

I come from "girl's night"
When the boys go camping and
Mom and I get to do our nails and watch a movie

I come from long discussions with Mom
About Harry Potter and Narnia, with magic in our eyes
With ideas of our own we decide to compromise

I come from a Mom who says, "Do your homework!"
And "Go play outside!" but mostly "I love you!"
Which is what I like most

I come from love in my house
Support everywhere and in everything
With hope by the bucketfuls

Happy Mother's Day Mom! I love you!

The last stanza is my favorite with the last line melting my heart. She gets it! She gets what we, as parents, are trying to do for her ... and she LOVES it! Oh!!! I'm so proud!! Abby is an amazing young woman!

Now for Noah, my middle boy. It's no secret that Noah is fairly conservative with his words. He is a great kid who brings us so much joy, but talking about how cool he is ... he's not really into that. It came as a surprise when he announced to me that he was running for Mayor of 3rd Grade. Really?! He had to choose advisors, prepare a speech, and create posters. Last Friday he presented his speech in person as well as on camera. Ok, this is HUGE for Noah. On Wednesday he broke down crying and told us how nervous her was. It only took a few words of encouragement to ease his troubled mind. He delivered both speeches like a pro & WON! I couldn't believe it! His speech was fantastic. Noah had help from his top Aide, Joel, who I believe needs to pursue this line of work as an adult. They did a fantastic job at creating a concise, effective speech that spoke of Noah's virtues and asked for a vote (that was Tracy's idea). I am incredibly proud of Noah for looking a challenge in the face and pounding it! His persistence really paid off. Most importantly, he is learning to overcome fear instead of allowing it to limit him. I am amazed!! This week, his grade is taking a field trip to city hall. Noah gets to stand before everyone and make a statement as Mayor of 3rd Grade. I can't wait to see him!!! Maybe we'll see him run for office some day ... after is professional sports career, of course! ;)

Now we're down to Lily. Oh, little Lillian Jane! She is finally WALKING!!!!! It's wonderful; however, don't dare put her down in public because she goes, goes, goes! Friday night Abby, Lily, and I were out to dinner. While I was paying, I set her down. Zoom! Off she goes. Back to the table to tell the girl who was waiting on us, "Bye! Bye!" Before I know it, she's headed back toward me, one arm held high, waving behind her as she sweetly hollered, "Bye! Bye!" to the entire restaurant. When I scooped her up to go out to the car, she resisted by arching her back and yelling, "Nummy! Nummy! Nummy!", which is what she says when she wants to eat. I guess Lily enjoys a little Chinese buffet! She's a hoot! Lily is NOT shy. She is silly. The baby loves to eat, take a bath, and take "walks" around our house, calling out to the kitties as she toddles down the sidewalk. She's so adorable, it hurts!!

Bragging over! Don't worry, I have plenty more bragging stories to share!