Hale Happenings

I've been tucking away little tidbits to write about. A day at the beach with friends I haven't seen in much too long - Renee enjoyed sitting in a beach chair just her size and Lydia loved the oreo cookies...Renee's exploration into art - using her face as the canvas and white out as her medium...Lydia pushing her walking toy across the living room like its no big deal...Renee's adenoid removal and ear tube insertion - she's a brave girl and made her mommy and daddy proud but then again we are always proud of our girls.

I really don't need to go back into the archives of my memory to be entertained by my children. Tonight provided enough interest all by itself. Jeff made supper, such a treat, when he cooks the food just tastes better! I asked Renee if Daddy should cook every night, she said "yes!" Jeff asked her if mommy should do the dishes, she said "no!" That's my girl! I went to the kitchen to check the damage - Jeff is a good cook but the collateral damage is extensive. Renee volunteered to help, dragging a chair behind her. I got her situated with some running water and went to check on Lydia. Then I made the mistake of sitting down. When I made it back to the kitchen Renee had worked her way through half a bottle of dish soap and scrubbed a bell pepper clean. The jalapeno that had been on the counter was missing.  By the way, both peppers were grocery cart additions that Jeff and I both assumed the other had picked up...Renee must have thought we needed them. So I cleaned up Renee, did dishes, recovered the jalapeno and was quite happy to discover there weren't any tooth marks in it - although I think we all would have heard about it if Renee had taken a bite! While I washed she came back to help again and climbed up on the counter to help herself to a banana. She picked it up saying, "I got you banana, I got you." I couldn't tell if it was a proclamation of victory or an attempt to reassure the banana. She continued to tell the banana "I got you" as she peeled it and discarded it. She ended the night by climbing out of bed saying "potty". That's one request I'm not inclined to deny. She hasn't had a success yet and we haven't yet officially started potty training but she has been initiating and wants to sit on the big potty and then the little potty. I'm sure there will be more to come on potty training!

And now a few pictures...

Thoughts on Mothering

My Mother's Day gift to myself is grace. Grace to be the best mother I can without the guilt of not mothering the same way you do or the same way my neighbor does or the same way my mom did. My mom is the ultimate Mom. She might tell you she made mistakes and needs grace too but I don't remember them. In my mind she was perfect, she was the mother I needed and still is. If my children remember me meeting their needs, if they grow up knowing I'll be there for them and I have and will always love them I will be a success too. There is a wall hanging on the wall in my children's bedroom. It says:

"Cleaning and scrubbing can wait till tomorrow for babies grow up we've learned to our sorrow. So quiet down cobwebs, dust go to sleep. I'm rocking my babies and babies don't keep."

It was embroidered by my mom and hung in my sister's room or maybe mine, I'm not sure. But it comforts me that my mom identified with the thought that time spent with children is time well spent. My house isn't as clean as I would like, I don't cook dinner at home as often as I would like, the laundry piles up more than I want it to but the free moments that I spend with my children are worth more than a dust free house and a homemade meal. At least that is what I think. 

So Happy Mother's Day Mom, you're the best! and Happy Mother's Day to me, I'll keep on doing my best.

P.S.

Lydia stood up this morning without anything to hang onto!

Happy Birthday, Renee!

Happy Birthday to my darling Renee girl! She is joy and giggles, smiles and fun. She is smart, funny, and adorable. She is determined, creative, and strong. She has her Daddy wrapped around her finger and carries her Mommy's heart. Her little sister adores her. 

She is also a bit mischevious!

We started her birthday celebration at home yesterday with presents from Mommy and Daddy and then had a party in Grandma and Grandad Sheats' backyard. The kids enjoyed the pizza and had fun playing in the "park" but the wind forced us to move inside for presents and cake. 

A friend helped me make this cake. She did a great job re-creating the picture on Renee's party invitations.

 Renee was looking forward to seeing Anna all day! These two cousins are the best of friends.

 I love the smile on Renee's face. It makes my heart happy. :)

 The day ended with a walk in the garden...and a bath.

 And one of Lydia, who could resist this little face?

This is today. Renee had some cake and ice cream for a snack, today IS her birthday after all. I turned my back for a moment and Renee decided to share her cake with Lydia.

As I was writing, Renee already tucked in bed, she comes walking out with a blanket draped over her head like a ghost. She was picking her way around the toys toward the couch. Did she really think I wouldn't notice? She's back in bed.