I AM Watching. . .

So my kids have taken to demanding "Mommy watch" several times a day. Sometimes I hope they can't tell that I am really watching them with the eyes in the back of my head and not the front! Most times they can tell when I am just appeasing them with a mechanical response like that. But I am watching! I love witnessing Alaina's gentle touch with Matthew. I don't have many pictures of that, they are such covert and fleeting moments. I do see Matt's squint eyed, crinkle nosed, cheesie grins. I get lost in wonder and amazement so often when I watch Alaina 'read' a book after only hearing it one time, and getting it almost word perfect. And even Matt's mischevious endeavors, although often deserving of a wack on the bum, don't escape my humored attention.
I am watching their awareness of the world around them grow, and mature, and deepen. I am watching the tender, selfless side of Matthew blossom. And I am watching freckles pop up almost over night across the bridges of both of their noses. I see Alaina learning how sing the primary songs. . . delighting in the joy it brings her when she can get Matt to sing along, and on rare occasions she can even get Daddy to join in!

I am watching my life grow up right in front of me. Older, wiser, more beautiful and more stunning every second of the day. So while they can't always accuse me of not watching, the misdemeanor I am more guilty of is not reveling in these kind of moments more often. I thank God every day for the joy and the light and complete satisfaction I find in these two!

Belated Happy Birthday

Most things seem to be of the 'belated' sort lately, and while we didn't actually celebrate her birthday late, I am tardy in sharing the festivities. So here goes.

I must admit I have taken to cake making. I know that the day should be all about her, but I use it as an excuse to do something I like too. . . I stole this idea from familyfun.com and it turned out so cute, even though I can't claim any creative genius. Alaina orginally wanted a butterfly cake, but changed her mind to princess one. I inserted her a bit lopsided, but it was effective nonetheless!

Alaina enjoyed aunts and uncles, grandma's and grandpa's and even a little brother at her party. She got all the things she wanted and even a few surprises! This year seemed to be the year of the pj's though. But she loves to wear a different pair ever night! Seems her fashion sense does not sleep as she is very particular about what she wears to bed even.

I can't believe that she is already four. This fall she will be heading to preschool, both an anticipated event for me (what with an ever increasing work load, and another baby on the way), and a sad one as well. I sometimes worry, and especially lately, that I haven't been available enough for her. Even though I am at home. I can't count how many times I have replied with a "Not right now", or "In a mintute", or "When Matthew is taking a nap" to her requests for a story, or a puzzle, or a manicure.

She is so much the light of my life. I hope that in spite of the time I have to spend at my desk or in front of the computer, that she knows she is everything to me. And on this her 4th birthday, the hug and kiss I got from her appeased that longing for me. And she was surrounded by people who love her most, and know her best. She was happy, and excited and that is what a birthday is all about - the magic of it all, the feeling that you really are the most important person in the world. I hope that wonder and magic was something she experienced.

I love my Mom

Just came across this picture I took of Alaina and my Mom (Nanna). I love it. And I love my mom. She doesn't know how much, I am sure of it. But she is a wonderful lady, so much love, so much to give. I thank the Lord each day that she is mine!

I Am So Excited

So I bought one of these:

And I can't wait to get it! I think I have discovered why so many people are addicted to Ebay! Got an awesome deal and an awesome rush as I watched the minutes, then seconds quickly tick away - - then quickly jab in my bid and cross my fingers that I hadn't waited to long and the bidding had closed or I had bid too soon and someone out bid me. But now I can almost hear the quiet "chirping" of my very own Cricut as it makes it's way to my little home!