Slurpy!

funny

Avery's just so funny. My new favorite phrase is: "ooooh, SLURpy!" which means: Slippery. She says it with such expression as if to say, 'you better be careful- it's slippery!'

Next favorite phrase: "Oh, man!" She says it just like Swiper does on Dora. Hilarious!

I'm amazed with that girl. She catches on to things that I never even try to teach her. Today she:

• Put away the stroller to it's rightful spot in the garage.
• Randomly takes off Aspen's hat when we're inside and takes it to her room.
• Washes her hands in the church bathroom while effectively dispensing the soap and turning on the water which is mostly out of her reach- all while I'm detained.
• She tears off a tissue (TP) when she needs to wipe her nose or clean something.
• She identifies trash, shows me, then throws it away immediately while finding the nearest receptacle.
• Yesterday, I decided to see just how much she could help around the house by picking up. She obediently put away everything I asked- and she knew exactly where they went. I've decided I can hold her more responsible for this chore from now on!
• When Aspen cries in the car, she requests a binki or toy for the baby and will try to calm her.

This girl is a jewel.

strangers

My other girl is a darling too. I think I'm spoiled! Plus, I'll admit I like the attention from strangers who can't help but stop and sweet talk to my little baby. I always like greeting strangers and this makes it easier; the most common greeting I get is "wow, you've got your hands full..." Ha, yes. Though I only have two (and relatively angels at that), I still consider taking a toddler and infant to the grocery store to be a feat... so thanks for noticing or at least finding a way to greet me.

motherhood

Motherhood is truly a feat. It's like climbing a long upward hill. It takes constant endurance and can get exhausting at times, but the key is to look around you as often as possible to soak in the view because there's joy in this journey. Your 'pay off' is not just in the end- it's all along the way. I'll be first to admit that I see the glamorous and care-free things that others get to do without kids and get down or impatient. Being a mom means I need to take ownership of my role and remember why it is that I chose to be a mother. There's no more glorious a calling. Other things can wait. I chose this road because of what it would do for my character- so obviously there will be a struggle. However, my pay-off is the greatest of all. Not to mention, I will have a beautiful posterity. I love my children like crazy. I can't believe they're my own. I'm glad I have a family. I'm glad this is the plan.