In My Daughter's Eyes

In my daughter's eyes, I am a hero
I am strong and wise, and I know no fear
But the truth is plain to see
She was sent to rescue me
I see who I want to be

In my daughter's eyes (Martina McBride)

Grace turned 9 yesterday and always on her birthday I think a lot about the gift she has been to me. God sent her at just the right time and I am so thankful that He sent her to us. Grace still loves art and is so creative. She is very passionate, which means good days are really good and hard days are really hard. She did great in 3rd grade- loving almost all of the subjects- except Science. She loves Zhu-Zhu pets, which are better for her mother than the tiny Polly Pockets from a couple of years ago. Her great wish in life is her own cell phone, which we aren't ready to give her yet. She loves having her nails done and is learning to put on make-up, which drives her Daddy crazy- especially because she is too pretty to need any make-up. Some of the pictures I am including are of her being enrolled as a Junior Soldier by Commissioner Swyers at our Rocky Mountain Congress last week. We are so proud of her and so privileged that she is part of her family. I pray every day that God protects her and that He helps me to be a good mother to her.

We Have These Moments

I was listening to "We Have These Moments" the other day in the car, and was finally inspired to get back to blogging. The repeated threats from Christie and Jen have also both been inspiration to get back at it.

I am amazed at how fast the moments fly by. Within the week, Grace will be finished with 3rd grade and Faith will be finished with Kindegarten. Andrew is well on his way to his 2nd birthday, Despite all of my attempts, these kids just keep getting bigger. This leaves me wishing I can find a way to slow things down just a little bit. I read somewhere recently that when you are talking about raising children "the days drag but the years fly by". This is true...somedays seem really long when we are starting with kids not wanting to get out of bed, a fickle 8 year old who thinks I don't know anything about hair or clothes, and finish the day with several choruses of "she hit me first, I don't like that dinner and I am not tired". But, on the other hand, I can remember vividly the first time I got to hold Grace, the first night of speed-rocking Baby Faith all night, and watching Andrew's sisters kiss him in the hospital.

So, we are working on holding these kids close, close, close while we have the chance, getting them ready for when we do have to let go and hoping (in the meantime) that we can find a way to slow the "Growing Up Clock" down just a little bit. Because I am afraid the moments we have really are slipping through my fingers like sand.