Life Lessons

I learned yesterday that I can teach my kids lessons they will use for the rest of their lives anywhere. Andrew somehow convinced me to take him to Wal-mart after school yesterday. He really wanted to use his hard earned money to buy a new Lego set. Ally was at dance so we decided to take advantage of this time to get her a few birthday presents too. While doing our shopping we could hear a little baby crying and crying. We passed him and his mom trying to hurry and get the few things you could tell she really needed. When we were in another section we passed her again, baby still crying. Vanessa noticed him so I pointed the baby out to her and commented on how sad he was. The mom apologetically explained how he hates his car seat. I sympathized with her and we went to get our last things on our list. We got in line to check out and guess who was in front of us, the mom with her baby. he was no longer crying because he was no longer in his car seat. His poor mom was trying to hold him while unloading her cart. I asked Andrew if he would help her unload her groceries. He gave me his shy, 'are you serious Mom' look but reluctantly went to her cart and started helping her. The mom looked up a little shocked so I explained he wanted to help her. I could see the wave of relief wash over her. She thanked me and then talked to Andrew as they unloaded her cart. As soon as they were finished she quietly asked me what his favorite candy bar is so she could buy him one to thank him. I told her no and that he needs to learn to do things for others just to help, not because he will get something in return. After she paid for her items she thanked Andrew again and told him she hopes her boys grow up to be as nice as he is. He looked at me with a HUGE smile on his face. I thought to myself that he got it. I just didn't realize how much. We got home and he quickly got out of the car with his Legos. I figured that was the last I'd seen of him 'til his new set was complete. He quickly returned and started unloading the groceries from the car. Andrew really is a great helper but I figured he'd be so excited to build his new Legos he'd forget about helping me but he didn't. Not only did he help unload the car but he also help put things away once in the house. I am so grateful for these times and for the fact that my kids pick up on the lessons being taught. Now if I can just figure out a way to teach them to get along with each other.

From the Mouths of Babes

It's amazing to me how an adult can point out one of my weaknesses or tell me something I am doing wrong and my first response is to get defensive and ornery. I quickly argue and start to point out things they do wrong, just ask poor Jim. But, if one of my kids points something out it just melts my heart and makes me want to quickly change. Last night when we were coming home from Ally's cheer performance she told me I needed to get more sleep. I laughingly asked her why knowing that my lack of sleep is caused by her sister, Vanessa. She then said, "because you are so ornery." It broke my heart. I knew I'd been short and ornery with the kids but I didn't realize how much it was affecting them. My new goal, no matter how tired I am, I can't let it affect my relationship with my kids. I don't want my kids' memories of me being that I was always tired and ornery. If I could get Vanessa to sleep through the night it would be easier to not be so ornery but since right now that's not an option I just have to work on me and my lack of patience. Wish me luck!

Ally's Cheer Camp Performance

My friend Tara and I signed the girls up for a mini cheer camp this week. After the first day I realized I made a mistake. Ally LOVES cheerleading. All she talks about is 'when I am a cheerleader.' All right, so it wasn't a mistake. I am so glad she loved it and had so much fun! She really was super cute doing it too. Last night they did a performance for the parents. They had the girls broken down into age groups and each group performed their own individual dance and cheers. The high school cheer leaders then showed off their skills and then all the girls performed one last dance together. It was fun to see all they learned and how much they enjoyed performing. Ally especially, she is such a performer and I can tell she loves every minute of it. I got some cute video of them performing but for some reason I can't get it to upload to the blog so you'll have to settle for pictures only.

Ponytail

Vanessa's hair is actually long enough for a ponytail now. Crazy! She's only 19 months. The front isn't quite long enough to go all the way back in the ponytail holder so I just put a small pony in front and the rest of her hair back in a ponytail.

Super cute huh? The bad thing is her hair is still really fine so after 20 minutes in the car seat the rubberband was slipping out. I love that her hair is getting to the point I can start ding different styles with it. Now if I can just get her to sit long enough to get her hair done.

Attack of the Pillow Pet

I like to check on my sleeping kids before I go to bed. Ally is always in new and different sleeping positions whenever I go in there so I really wasn't surprised by what I saw the other night. It was just too funny to pass up a picture.

Her pillow pet flopped itself over on her while she was sleeping. It made me extremely claustrophobic but it didn't seem to bother her any. She must have heard me snapping the picture 'cause she moved right after I took the picture.

Yep, she's laying sideways hanging off her bed. Doesn't look comfortable does it? Like I said, always interesting.

Vanessa Has Competition

For her chair that is. Ally helped get Vanessa ready for bed by placing a blanket and her pillow pet on her chair. Of course Vanessa wanted nothing to do with it so as I was holding her giving her a bottle no, my plan is not working yet, Rocky curled up in the chair. He stayed there for quite a while.

The good news for Vanessa (and the cat) is that he doesn't want in the chair unless the blanket is there.

Who Needs a Spoon

Vanessa loves yogurt, pudding, apple sauce, anything and everything she can eat with a spoon. The only problem is, she has found it is much quicker and easier to not eat these things with a spoon.

Yep, quicker and easier makes her happy!