All The Small Things...

It finally happened (I knew it would someday but I was hoping to put it off as long as possible) a friend called and invited Miss H on a playdate, but not Cubby. (Now for all of those who are judging this friend I will explain that this friend did not have enough seats in her car for both Cubby and Miss H, and happens to have a daughter.) Not only was it a trip to see a newborn baby (you know how we love those) but also a trip to the science museum. Needless to say Miss H accepted without delay, and Cubby promptly went into a disappointed tear filled tantrum. Graciously, he excused his teary self to his room (perhaps less than graciously) where the moaning reverberated down the hall. Miss H and I made a list of all the things that needed to be done so she would be ready on time. Locate jacket, brush hair, choose hairclips, retrieve shoes, find matching socks. about halfway through this process she lost focus, and I realized it was taking an inordinate amount of time for the hairbrush to be presented. I went into her room, honestly prepared for a battle, and found her vigorously shaking Mrs. Potts (her piggy bank). What are you doing? I asked not even remotely betraying my growing frustration; "Cubby is so sad Mommy, I thought maybe I could get him a little something when I went." Well talk about melting a mother's heart. I forked over my last five dollars, (you know the one I save to bribe the kids with a trip to the Number One Dollar Store when I am ready to tear my hair out).

Miss H did indeed go to the museum, and at the end of trip she selected from the gift shop a dinosaur stamp for each of her brothers. Thinking of course in her super thoughtful way of something each of them would like. Saying, "I will get this for Cubby and this for Little Daddy, and maybe next time I can get something for myself." There was enough money for her to have gotten something for herself, but she didn't, knowing that the money was given to her to spend on her brother. How blessed we are to have such a great reminder of generosity and thoughtfulness. I love knowing that just as I hope to grow these little people, so also will they teach me to grow myself.

More Small things...

There have been a myriad of moments these weeks that have made me grateful for the opportunity to be a mother (probably brought on by the realization that Sleeping Beauty is our last lil bit). We had corn on the cob the other night and I got a glimpse Little Daddy's pure enjoyment. I tried to recapture that look, but this is the best I could do.

Speaking of being Little Daddy, The Mr. Captured this "Kodak Moment" in which Little Daddy, replicates The Mr.'s favorite posture.

Finally, the squirrels were right!! Because for the first time in a very long time (perhaps since the twins were born) we had snow before Thanksgiving. Here the Cubby makes an angel on the deck. Now there is nothing in my mind that compares to the gift of a few extra hours with your husband and children, and while the snow had completely disappeared by lunchtime (prompting a series of pleas and protests from Cubby) the blissful two hour delay was yet another reminder of the small graces our Father in Heaven sends our way.

So many things to be thankful for this year. And for those of you wondering where the pics of Sleeping Beauty are.. well the girl has got to be awake so we can get her picture, but here is a little video of her smiling, because as it turns out.. that really was a smile. And, we have been seeing it everytime she opens her eyes.