One Out Of Two Ain't Bad

Since Christmas is coming, it's time for programs, programs, programs!  There is nothing Zoe likes more than standing on a stage entertaining the masses.  Give that girl a microphone and she will provide you with hours of entertainment. 

If Daddy is home, that also means there will be a music video.  He gets the video camera, she gets all primped and ready, he says "action" and her made-up song is recorded for play back immediately!  Even now when she watches them, Zoe will say, "I loved that song.  It was one of my favorites that I made up.  I'll have to perform it for my talent show."  Apparently she's rounding up kids for her talent show in the summer.  One of her friends mentioned he can pick up his baby sister all by himself and Zoe invited him to the talent show, because that is awesome and amazing!

You can imagine our excitement for Christmas program time because 1) she's a performer and 2) you never know exactly what you're going to get from Zoe.  We found out the she got to be Mary in her Pre-K program.  It was the coveted spot because 1) it put her in the front row and 2) she's Baby Jesus's mommy...there's only one of those!  Her Pre-K class has 26 children.  There are 4 teachers and they do an amazing job with these kids.  We were curious to see how they would do the Christmas story with so many children.  It was adorable.

They had three kids be camels, 6 angels, three wise men, three shepherds, 4 sheep, 4 birthday kids, 1 star, Joseph and Mary.  They sang a song about Mary holding Jesus and Zoe had to pick up the baby doll, cradle him and rock him.  In very-un-Zoe-like fashion, she never cracked a smile.  Apparently she was in character.  Once the Mary headpiece came off, she was all smiles. 

Afterward, we had birthday cake for Jesus.  Zoe took her cake, sat next to her friend Michael and said, "so how's your day?"  Michael just looked at her like, "we're having the same day, it's good."  She makes me proud.

Sunday was the Sunday School program at church.  We've been practicing "Come On Ring Those Bells" and "Joy to the World" for a few weeks.  She was very excited to be front row again, but with jingle bells this time!  N and I were sitting in the foyer watching them practice when her teacher brought her out.  For the first time in years, she looked scary.  She had no color at all.  Her lips were the same ashen color as her cheeks.  As soon as I held her, she turned into a ragdoll.  Talk about freaking mommy out.

I know that look.  We made it to the bathroom just in time.  She just wanted to go home.  We did, she slept and woke up as a new woman.  We missed singing in the Sunday School program, but I don't think she minded it.  She was ready to play some Wii as soon as she woke up, so I think our girl is back.

I'm positive that since she missed her chance to sing in church, we'll be making some music videos of her new tracks tonight.

Christmas Came Early

Yesterday was a day that we've been waiting for.  It marked many milestones:  health, arrival and 10 pounds, 6 ounces of more to love.

Our sister Amanda gave birth to twins yesterday.  Aren't they all precious?

Zoe and I have had a countdown to mark December 14th for awhile.  We've had updates and much prayer.  These babies are so loved.  Zoe and I are ready to hop on a plane to Texas to shower these bundles with love.  Zoe is quite certain that she'll play with H-J and help feed the twins because Aunt Mandy only has two hands and she's going to need some help!

I'm sure that Aunt Mandy and Uncle Brian would like us to visit in about 6 weeks, after mom leaves and the routine starts.  Not to mention, after cold and flu season has passed our house!  That's when we'll get the most holding and smooching time!

Mandy and Brian,

Congratulations on your newest girls.  Having three girls is the most rewarding thing you will ever experience.  We have loved all your girls from the moment we found out about them.  We thank God that He brought all three of you through this pregnancy and that you're all healthy and perfect. 

We are counting down the days until we can come there, shower you all with love and spoil all your girls rotten.  We love them as our own and thank God for you both.  You are amazing parents and I know God has His perfect plan for your family.  We are excited to walk this journey with you.  Give all your girls kisses and hugs for us. 

Love all 5 of you to pieces.

N and Kelly

Sometimes She Makes Me Laugh Until I Snort

The age 4 is one of my all-time favorite ages.  It just so happens that's Zoe's age.  I'm not sure if her humor is growing at the same pace as her legs, but it sure seems to.  For the last week, she's done something that makes me laugh until I snort.  Here are a few excerpts:

While cutting her bangs:

M:  Please sit still.  If you keep moving while I'm cutting I'll take a big chunk of hair out. 
Z:  *wiggles and itches*
M: Here's the deal, if you have to move or itch or whatever, let me know and I'll stop cutting.
Z:  (in all seriousness) Mommy, can I still toot?

Commenting on her new underwear

Grandma:  What kind do you want to wear today, Hello Kitty or Tinkerbell?
Z:  Hello Kitty please!
Grandma:  *pulls out the new underwear*
Z:  Really?  Those are huge!

Eating dinner at a restaurant

Z:  *whining* I just want my ice cream, RIGHT NOW!
M:  Zoe, that's not how we talk.  If you can't be nice and patient, we can leave before your ice cream comes.
Z:  Yes, sir!  *puts her hand up to her forehead and salutes me*
M:  Zoe, we don't talk like that.
Z:  Yes, sir! *put her hand up to her forehead and salutes me totally oblivious to the fact that little action is what I'm referencing*

The Story of Mary

On Monday Zoe came out of school and told Grandma that she was going to be Mary in the Christmas program, we needed to make a costume and work on her lines.

In the next breath she said that another girl in class was going to be Mary and that Zoe had to be an angel instead and she didn't want to be an angel!  She wasn't going to do the play unless she could be Mary.  Imagine her folding her arms across her chest and crying with anger. 

As you can tell, we're a little confused.  That's quite a bit to absorb with just two breahs.  First because nothing came home about costumes or lines or even a skit for the program.  The teachers this year are very organized.  If there were costumes and lines, we'd have been sent home something by now.  Second none of the story Zoe spun involved the teacher.

When questioned about who the director was, she named another student.  Ever since VBS, Zoe has become a director.  She wants to host a talent show for all the kids in her class and she's even recruited them.  A few have asked when it will be.  Bless their hearts, they think it's real.  Probably because the first month of school was all talk about a talent show Zoe was hosting.  Additionally, we also have to reinact all the skits from VBS on a weekly basis.  We watch them all the time.  It's a little unnerving to be doing laundry and to hear your voice coming from the television. 

We get the impression that the skit is the creation of Zoe and her friend, they had a little disagreement and Mary was the coveted role.  This other little girl is quite a bit like Zoe, so I can only imagine how heated this disagreement was between them.

By the end of Monday, we had Zoe convinced that whatever part you get in a play is important and you need to be the best at whatever you are chosen for.  She was ready to be an angel and was going to apologize to the other girl for yelling at her.  I'm so proud of her, the apology portion was completely her thinking.  I'm also a little shocked that a fake play can induce a yelling match in Pre-K.

Since it's highly likely neither girl is going to be Mary because we think this play is pretend, we decided to create a role for our Mary.  Grandma and I are responsible for the 10 minute, pre-funk at AWANA on Wednesday.  We usually sing, play some games and sing more songs.  This week we starting doing Christmas songs since it's after Thanksgiving.  One of the easiest ones for kids to learn is Away In A Manger.  Of course, you need a Mary:

Zoe spent most of the day jumping around, talking in a high-pitched squeal of a voice and telling everyone that today was her day to be Mary...with neon green nail polish.  I'm positive if the authors of the Bible would've been able to tear their eyes away from the baby Jesus, they would've seen that Mary indeed wore neon, green nail polish to celebrate the birth of the Savior of the world.  In all honesty, nothing says Christ-child like neon green.

At one point, Zoe dropped Jesus.  She proclaimed, "he didn't even cry, just like the song says!"  She's a character actress.

Mananana, Doo Doo Da DooDoo

We are back in the full swing of things after stuffing ourselves with turkey. We had a very blessed Thanksgiving. Usually we have about 20 people over, stuff ourselves, play games, laugh and then eat some more. We love that.

This year we kept it low key. As in just 4 of us at home for the meal. We didn't have to clean, we didn't have to change out of our sweats and we even went to the movies. Zoe REALLY wanted to see The Muppets. I have a feeling it's because she thinks Miss Piggy is hilarious and because a certain daddy also thinks The Muppets are awesome.

It was a cute movie and a great way to digest. Then we went home, had pie and played some games as a family. While we love the big Thanksgivings with all our people, the little Thanksgiving was exactly what we needed this year.

We were blessed with 4 days together. I even convinced N to go Black Friday shopping with me. He said it was his first experience and his last. He did try and get everyone to sing along to The Muppets song while in line. I'm pleased to report that our shopping for our girls is done. Can I get an amen?

The tree is up, the presents are hidden and we are ready for another 4 days together, celebrating all that we have to be thankful for.  We pray your Thanksgiving was full of turducken, laughter and love.

A Letter To Our Daughters

We have officially entered the teenage years.  Not necessarily with age, but in life stages.  As I talk to our teenager, I see so much of myself in her.  As her step-mom, I worry for her in ways I couldn't predict.  In ways that take me back to junior high and all my insecurities.  If I'm being honest, insecurities that I still struggle with at times.  That has created an intense need on my heart to impart, to all our girls, how important their hearts are.  This letter can easily be addressed to each one of them individually. 

_________________________________________________
Dear beautiful daughter,

I am so honored that God has given you to me.  I am so honored that I get to be part of your life.  As I watch you grow, my heart continues to swell with pride for you.  Each time I see your face I fall more in love with you.  It's an unconditional love.  Nothing you do, no choice you make will ever stop the love I have for you.  Because of you, I now understand the unconditional love that God has for each of us.  I love you with that same intensity. 

Just like you, I make mistakes.  I make poor choices.  As your mom, I will fail you.  However, just like you, I have a Father who accepts me despite my failings.  He will always welcome me with open arms, no matter how many times I turn from Him.  Just like God accepts us, nothing, absolutely nothing, can make me disappointed in you.  I want you to re-read that.  No choice you make, no eye roll at what I say, nothing will make me disappointed in you.

You were created in His image.  He made you perfect and I couldn't agree more with that statement.  He gave you your heart, your personality and your physical appearance.  After He created you, He said, "it is good."  Everything about you, your nose, your eyes, your body, your heart.  "It is good."  It is God's handiwork.  God doesn't make mistakes. 

I know that sometimes that's hard to believe.  I was once a young lady who felt completely inadequate.  I would look in the mirror and see all the things that didn't measure up to the girl on the magazine or the most popular girl at school.  I would cry myself to sleep some nights because I felt so ugly, so inadequate, so different.  I would crush on a cute boy, write my name with his, and will him to like me back.  When he didn't, I would cry myself to sleep and believe the lie that I was unlovable.  I would believe the lie that if I wore a size 2, had the best clothes, wore the right make-up and had the cutest hair, then he would notice me and love me.

I gave my heart to boys who didn't even know it was theirs.  I had my heart broken.  I cried more tears than any of them deserved.

Each of those times I was trying to settle.  God doesn't want me to look like the magazine because that's not how He created me.  God created you with a purpose and God wants our hearts.  He sees what we are on the inside.  Whatever your heart desires will show on your outside. 

Being a size 2 doesn't make you nice, only your heart does that.

Having a boyfriend doesn't make you loved, you were loved by me and God before we even knew you.

Being class president doesn't make you popular, loving people as God loves you will do that.

Crying your eyes out because that cute boy in your second period doesn't notice you, is giving that cute boy more than he deserves of you.

There is absolutely nothing about you that you need to change to be loved.  You are already loved wholly and unconditionally.  Be who you are.  Be who God made you to be.  Value yourself and all that you can offer.  Live the life God has created for you, in this moment, in this second.  Don't worry about your future, it's already written.  If you focus on the future, you'll miss all that God has for you today. 

I can assure you, God has a plan for you.  That plan will include a man.  A good man.  A Godly man.  You will be the girl who holds his heart in your hand. 

He will be attracted to you because of how you value yourself. 

This man will see your heart first and your smile second.

He will laugh with you and wipe away your tears. 

He will protect you. 

He won't be afraid to sing songs in church or in the car with you. 

He'll be equally comfortable at the girly movie you want to see as he is at a superhero movie.

He will love all the quirks you dislike in yourself. 

He will never ask you to change because he loves you just as you are.

This is the man who is worthy of your heart. 

Don't give your heart away for anything less.  Don't settle.  You are worth all of this and so much more.  You are worthy of every blessing God has for you.  You are worthy of being loved for your heart.

This is my prayer for you.  To know your worth, to know you're loved unconditionally, to know that you are created in His image.  This is how I see you.  This is how I will always see you. 

I love you completely.

Tournament Time

Apparently when you're 4, being sick and wanting to lay in bed all day don't mix.  When we watch Caillou, all he wants to do is lay in bed!  Instead of pretending to be Caillou, like I had suggested, Zoe had been planning a tournament.

A baseball tournament.

She's pretty sure that once she's done with soccer (which we're signing up for in the spring), she'll play baseball.  Since soccer will keep her from practicing baseball, she's going to need to get some time in now.  She was 100% certain I was going to grab my mitt, put on some gloves and scarves and go outside to play some baseball.

She was very disappointed in the cold temps and the dark skies. They are really thwarting her baseball career.  Which is a feat in itself since we don't particularly watch baseball nor do we practice baseball often.  In fact I have a mitt from my younger days when I thought softball sounded like fun.  I'm pretty sure that lasted exactly 2.2 seconds.  I'm not entirely sure where this desire to play is coming from, but when it calls, Zoe must answer.

Because my softball career ended when I was 12, I offered to play in a Wii baseball tournament.  Fortunately Zoe thought that idea was "perfect."  We had to find some baseball hats.  Of course she has a Dora one and I found daddy's. 

We snapped some team pictures and were ready to play.

I'm actually better at Wii baseball than I am at real-life softball.  I think I should be making the major Wii league next season.  I won 1-0.  Mainly because Zoe only likes to pitch and I get to do all the batting.  I got one homerun and it was unfortunately for my team.

Because baseball is really hard, Zoe decided to have a Tri-Tourney.  We did some boxing and some tennis.  She totally knocked me out and then jumped around me during the boxing match.  Her level of excitement for knocking me out is a little scary.  I kept waiting for her to yell "take that mamma!" or "in your face mamma," but fortunately that didn't come.  It was close.

During tennis I'm not entirely sure how she moves the remote to serve the ball, but it comes at lightening speed.  I wasn't even trying to lose, but I did.

For the rest of the night, the girl with the cold, jumped around talking about her BIG win at the tournament today. 

All I have to say is she better watch out.  When she goes to bed at night, I'm practicing tennis to see how she moves her remote to serve like that.  Then it's time to challenge N to some tennis.