Breaking Fresh Ground

Overflowing...

 

Photo courtesy of Jenna Buonacorsi

Have you ever felt like your heart is melting?  You know, when something happens that warms your heart with so much joy that you feel all warm and fuzzy... goosebumps, tears, etc.?  Lately I have had the pleasure of hearing both of my girls singing in the house, car, etc. as they become more comfortable sharing their voices without being shy or embarrassed.  This past weekend, Leanna played her guitar and sang for jr. high worship services, and Livvie has been practicing a song that she will be leading in the next few weeks.  As I hear both of them (especially Liv) I am blown away, and it just melts my heart.  In those moments, I'm overflowing with thankfulness, joy, and praise.  There's nothing quite like hearing your child sing beautifully in the voice that you have witnessed evolving over the years, and know that they are doing it all for Jesus.  So proud of them.

What a sweetheart...

So... last week my family and I were all watching the special edition of American Idol called "Idol Gives Back."  It was at the part where Simon goes to visit a family in NYC  living in poverty, and experiencing several major health issues.  It was tugging at my heart, and apparently at my 11 year old daughter's heart too as she asked.."Mommy, maybe we could send them my guitar money?'

My heart just melted right then and there.  Yep, I was a total ball of goo.  You see, she has been saving money for quite a few months to go toward a brand new 3/4 size Taylor guitar, and was willing to give all $90 to this family. Definitely one of those moments that makes me so very proud to be a mom.

Growing up..

My daughter would probably keel over if she knew that I was sharing this, but I'm going to share anyway..  My almost 13yr old daughter is officially a "woman"!!!  I feel so old!! : )

Wow, Whatta Day!!

Since it was a holiday from school today ( President's Day), I decided to take my girls up the hill to Heavenly to go skiing.  This was my 9yr old's first time up since she broke her wrist snowboarding.  She decided to try skiing instead this time, and did an amazing job.  Her instructor made me promise to keep her on skis.  She was amazed at how coordinated she seemed to be, and how quickly she picked it up.  After a private lesson, she was taking those slopes like a pro.  My 12yr old is doing the "snowboard thing" which I think looks a lot harder than skiing.  She also did a great job.  I hadn't been since about 1988  so I was a little rusty, but it came back to me really quick and we had a total blast.  My husband had to work today, but we are totally taking him up with us next time.  There were folks up there from literally all over the world, which made me feel so fortunate to have someplace as breathtaking as Lake Tahoe only a few miles away.  It was an awesome day and I hope to do it again soon!

Fashion Emergency!!

So,  I just got both my girls all signed up for the ski/snowboard program in our area which starts the day after tomorrow.   My nine year old can't wait to get up there so she can show her "mad skills" (even thought she's never snowboarded), and my 12 year old is CRYING because she's learned that we're making her wear a helmet, and that simply will not work for her and the hairstyle she's planning on wearing that day.  It took us an hour to find snow pants that were even remotely suitable for her to be seen in, and now this!!!  If this is a test of my patience I think I'm about to fail....

A Very Merry Christmas..

So, I snapped a picture of each of my girls on Christmas morning with their favorite gift.  A cell phone for the chatty drama queen..and a dirt bike for the "no frills" tomboy.  It was a really fun Christmas morning.  I tried a few new recipes for Christmas breakfast, and we had my inlaws over later in the day.  Good times....

I Will NEVER Do That to My Kids..

Never say "never".  There was never a time when I did more writing than when I was a teenager.  I wrote notes, stories, poems, letters to the editor, etc.  One of the things that totally frustrated me as a teen is the fact that my mom "snooped".   She would say that she couldn't help it, that my writings were just laying around to be seen. I tried to keep them tucked away, but after all, she came into my room quite a bit (mostly to get her clothes back, and to get the dirty dishes that had been in there for weeks).  Anyway, I vowed that I would NEVER look at my kids' personal stuff without permission. 

Well, I came to the conclusion the other day that I am my mother..I AM A SNOOPER!  It started innocently a few years back when my oldest started a diary.  I just had to take a peek to see what was going on in that little head of hers.  Her writings were pretty impressive for an 8 yr. old.   I would've gotten away with it except that she could hardly miss that fact that I had gone through and fixed all of the spelling errors. ( I know, I have SERIOUS isssues)!!  My daughter is like me in that she likes to write also.  She is actually far better at it than I ever was, and her notes are quite compelling.  Yes, I have read her notes too!  I have been pleasantly surprised at the content of her writings.  Sure, theres a little "Can you believe that she wore that?" and a few quips about her "lame teachers" or "cute boys", but all in all she seems to be conducting herself (on paper anyway) as a happy, well adjusted pre-teen who most of all loves Jesus!  Is she "planting" these notes for me, and hiding the shady ones away?  I hope not.

Boy, does your perspective change when you become a parent.  I am not ashamed that I read her things. I wouldn't intentionally dig them up, but if they are out there, I will look at them.  What if there was an issue that she was afraid to tell me about?  What if she was in danger?  Maybe a friend of hers was going through something and needed some help?  I think it's important to respect your child's privacy to a point, but they are still children.  We are to look out for them. It's our job.  What do you think?  Is it totally unforgivable to peek at your kids' private stuff?