New Skirts

 

I noticed last Sunday that almost all of Maryn and Brynna's Sunday dresses were getting just a little bit too short. These girls just keep on growing! So yesterday when I was at Target, Maryn and I picked out some new skirts for them. It was fun picking out something that was kind of a miniature version of something I would wear myself, rather than something more juvenile. As I was getting them ready and doing their hair this morning I just kept thinking about how grown up they are getting. It weirds me out a little, but at the same time I really love this age they are at. They aren't so old that they don't want to hear anything I have to say, but old enough to share my accessories with, talk about lip gloss and nail polish and still think their momma is okay. I kind of wish I could freeze them actually.

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Maryn & Brynna playing at the park together this afternoon.

When I was a girl, I wanted a sister so badly. Seeing my girls being each others best friend feels like a piece of that dream realized and makes my heart so full.

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View from our walk tonight! Beautiful!

I got my first regular babysitting job when I was ten. I think it was a good opportunity to start learning independence and responsibility. One of the best parts of Maryn being ten years old now is that Justin and I can leave her in charge of her sisters while we sneak out for an evening walk around the neighborhood. She does such a great job and we are so grateful to her for it!

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I have to say that one of the best things about Sundays, besides worship and all that, is being able to take a guilt free nap!!

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Since Maryn didn't want a haircut last night I decided to give her a little back-to-school manicure instead. Nothing makes me feel better and more recharged than a little pampering every once in awhile. So it was fun having that one-on-one time with her doing just that!

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Maryn and Brynna have been begging over the last couple of days to update their blogs. When they finally were given their turn on the laptop, it did my heart good to look over and see Maryn intently typing away, loving having her own project!

Project 365 {2013} - Day 211

Yesterday my friend, Kathleen, took the girls shopping to get them out of the house while her daughter, Shea, was watching them. One of the stops, just for fun, was to PetSmart to check out all the animals. When I came home from work Maryn came flying down the stairs and could not wait to tell me all about this mouse she had seen and how much she wished she could have him and how she wished she could name him Horatio. (Don't ask, I have no idea where she came up with that one!)

 

When I thought of pets I may own someday, rodents were never anywhere on the list. People pay to have those little fellas, ahem, how shall we say... "taken care of". However, in my mind I wasn't the biggest obstacle. Justin is not a pet guy or an animal lover. He has never had a pet in his life. To him it is a complete mystery why people would pay money to have animals living in their house. As a result, in our married life, the biggest foray we have ever taken into the world of pet ownership has been goldfish. (Which the girls have informed me are the most boring pets ever.) So when Maryn was telling me how it would be a good opportunity to show her Daddy and I she was responsible and how she had enough money to pay for him and all the accessories herself, all I could say was "You need to talk to your Dad about this."

 

I wasn't thrilled about the idea of a mouse. But besides Justin's distaste for animals, dog ownership didn't seem realistic or kind since we are never home and it would have to be kenneled all day. Maryn is allergic to cats. It seems really mean to lock a bird with wings in a cage. And reptiles...no way, no how! Maryn said "Mom, I am tired of being the only kid I know with no pets." She had a point, especially considering she has wanted to be a Veterinarian since she was three-years-old. What kind of parents are we if we never let her have a pet? I felt my heart kind of soften on the whole mouse thing...maybe it could be cute?

 

 I decided that the best way for her to plead her case was by arming herself with information. So I loaded all the girls back in the van and headed back to PetSmart. I wanted Maryn to price out everything she would need to actually make this dream a reality. She dutifully went about the critter aisle writing down descriptions and prices of habitats, bedding, food, toys, etc... When we came home she worked all the information and numbers out on a sheet of paper. Showing how much money she had and how much she would need to earn for monthly maintenance. She even drew a picture of Horatio the Mouse.

 

I told her she did a good job. But not to get her hopes up.

 

When Justin came home, Maryn cornered him and laid it all out. About how badly she wanted him and how she could take care of him and pay for him. Justin barely fought it at all. His response was "Maryn, I think you are very responsible and would do a good job at taking care of a pet. Let's you and I go back to PetSmart after dinner and we can look at him together and make sure all your estimates are correct and then we will talk about making a decision."

 

Long story short, one ecstatic little girl came home last night. Justin had given her the okay to come back today to get her first pet of her very own. He even said he would buy her a hamster ball for him if she took good care of him the first week.

 

If fatherhood hasn't softened Justin Dee Young then I don't know what has! I was shocked! He totally went outside his wants to make his girl happy. It made another soft spot in my heart for him and made me love him all the more. And well, Horatio is kind of cute...in a rodent kind of way!

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Maryn has been working on building a roller coaster out of her K'Nex in my office. I love her brain.

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Maryn was helping Devy out with her yoga poses! I love it when my girls are sweet to each other!

Project 365 {2013) - Day 190

 

I have been in the process of transferring over my Project 365 from Facebook to the blog, which had sat untouched for an embarrassing amount of time. As I looked back on old posts and videos from when the girls were smaller though, my commitment to start anew with this old blog really cemented in my heart. How much time have I spent over the years, since I stopped blogging regularly, digesting stupid crap on Facebook that I don't even really care about? Too much. On Facebook I can't look back and take in memories and stories the same way I can looking back on this old blog. One that has seen our family multiply and travel across the country and back. I want my memories here. I want my family's stories and moments here. In a place free of other distractions or opinions. A place where the focus is my heart, my family.

Maryn, seeing me dust off my blog, wanted to do the same and reconnect with her blog that she hadn't touched since we lived in Oregon. Then Brynna, seeing Maryn have her own space for thoughts, started begging for her own blog. So today when I got home from work, Brynna and I hijacked Justin's laptop and worked, putting one together for her that was tailored just to her personality.

I am excited for them to have that outlet to capture life's little moments from their perspective. It takes each of them a really long time just to type out a paragraph. But I love that they are excited to put that effort into it and have something that is their very own. I hope as they do it more, it will become easier and they will be able to capture a love of writing. Justin has even said he wants to get on here and contribute. It just makes me so happy to see steps being regained towards documenting our life and journey in a better way.

If you want to check out their new projects, here are the links to Maryn's and Brynna's blogs!

Project 365 {2013} - Day 186

Ten years ago today I started a journey and new role that will be part of my identity for the rest of my life. Ten years ago today this Little Woman came into my world and made me a mother for the first time. I remember being so scared that I didn't know what I was doing. But then I looked at her tiny face and knew that despite my fear at my own inexperience, love would see us through. I did decide though long ago that oldest children should get a blue ribbon or something for being the one who has to go through every phase of life with a parent who doesn't know what they are doing for where they are at. I think Heavenly Father knew what He was doing when He sent me Maryn. She is kind-hearted and affectionate, forgiving and helpful. Her presence in our home has blessed our family in so many ways and I am so very grateful to have her as my daughter! Happy Birthday Peanut!!

Thrown Under the Bus

Last night at dinner I told Maryn and Brynna I needed to talk to them about something. During the car ride to school, one of their friends was telling a story. He described how he walked into a room at a recreational facility once and it was "full of nothing but fat nerds." I didn't feel it was my place to censor him, but I made a mental note to talk to the girls later about it. My exact words later that night were "Please do not say anything to your friend about this. I know his heart is good, it was a mistake and it is not your place to tell your friend what to say anyways. But I hope both of you know that I never want you labeling people like that or describing them in such a mean way." I asked them how they would feel if someone took one look at them and labeled them in such a negative way.

I thought it was a good teaching moment...fast forward to this morning. Justin got home from doing the carpool run this morning and said "Maryn threw you under a VERY heavy bus this morning!" I wondered what she could have said about me? Apparently as soon as she had her friend's attention this morning she said "My mom doesn't like the things you say!" Nice. Maybe she forgot the first request before the conversation was not to say anything to her friend. Turkey. Now I look like the bad guy!

Different In All The Right Ways

My daughters' education is really important to me. I have tried to do what I can as a parent to facilitate the importance of learning being imprinted in their young minds. I am no rocket scientist. But over the years I have learned that I am a whole lot smarter, stronger and tenacious than I ever gave myself credit for growing up. I wonder what could have been if I would have believed in myself? What potential I could have tapped? (With that said, I firmly believe it's never too late to turn a new leaf. I don't live in the past.) So when what is coming home from my daughter's school is invitations to test for the gifted program or straight A report cards, I find myself proud of them. Proud of them for taking the wonder of learning seriously. For caring to give their full potential a chance at coming to fruition.

But then I have those moments where my pride is magnified even further, when I realize that my girls are growing not only into good students, but good people. They are not perfect by any stretch of the imagination. None of us are. But their cores contain amazing goodness. In them I see people who aren't afraid to march to the beat of their own drum, regardless of what the crowd is doing. I see people who are willing to do the right thing. People who have their priorities, even at this young age, straight.

One night as Justin and I were sitting on the couch, after the girls had gone to bed, we talked about all the ways they were different than other kids their age. Like how Maryn isn't concerned with being popular, she is concerned with being herself and seeking to be a friend to the friendless. She had a tough time last year navigating the social world of school. This year she made the decision all on her own, to go into this year with her head held high. Confident in who she is. It doesn't bother her if girls are dramatic or if her best friends at school are guys. She is comfortable with who she is and what she does.

Brynna wondered out loud one day "Why do people make a big deal out of what you wear? You go to school to learn. It's not a fashion show!" This is the child that fought me on uniforms last year and now loves them. I have had people tell me years ago "Oh wait until they get to those years where all they want is Abercrombie and Justice!" I got sucked into the labels when I was younger and the labels never brought me happiness. I am glad that Brynna is learning that what is important is not what is superficially projected from the outside, but what we are nurturing on the inside. One of her goals this year is to be a STRIVE student. STRIVE is a program at the kids' school that seeks to teach and develop positive character traits. STRIVE students are those chosen out of the student body that exemplify the purpose of the program. I'm glad Brynna knows that it's important to take care of our bodies and our appearance. But what we look like doesn't make us a better person.

One day the girls and I were watching videos about an outreach in India that supports leper colonies in bettering their lives. (Rising Star Outreach) When Maryn was a baby I sponsored one of those sweet kids and yearned to be able to go to India and volunteer. As our family grew and my focus turned to them, that dream grew distant in my mind. So it was really cool, all these years later, sitting there with my daughters watching these videos and seeing the same spark ignited in them. Maryn said it would be good to sponsor one of those kids for Christmas instead of getting a bunch of presents. We talked about how we could develop our talents to help bless the lives of others. We daydreamed of all of us going together someday. That moment made my heart full.

And grateful.

That in a world that tries to pigeon-hole you, define you and tell you who you are supposed to be, I have daughters who are learning to be themselves. To be different in all the right ways.

Bath Buddies

 Lauryn and Devyn being bath buddies!

Monday, Mondays....I started working one or two days a week back at Dr. Taylor's office about a month ago. I started with Dr. Taylor, who is a pediatric dentist who also does orthodontics, when Justin and I first moved to Georgia back in 2000. When Maryn was born in 2003, as much as I loved everyone there, I quit to stay at home with her. Now nine years and three more babies later I am back! It's been a nice, little outlet for me and keeps my brain cells firing. But waking up at 5:00 a.m. and not getting home until about 6:45 p.m. on Mondays makes for a long day.

So I was grateful to be able to come home and give my Littles their bath before bed tonight and watch them play. It's so strange, it doesn't seem like that long ago that it was Maryn and Brynna singing and playing in the tub. Now they can run their long-legged selves to the shower and do their own thing. But my Littles, they still love a good hair-washing from Momma and relished giggling as they saw how ticked off they could get me with their splashing. I am ready to freeze these two. Because if the passage of time with their sisters has taught me anything, it's that these little, squeezable years fly by way too quickly.

Maryn's Awards Ceremony

Me and my Peanut

Yesterday morning I had the chance to attend Maryn's end of year awards ceremony. I was grateful for the opportunity to be able to be there for her and just her. So often when there is a bazillion schedules and many people to coordinate, one on one time can become few and far between with the kids...which is hard for me because I wish there was more of me to give. So chances like this were priceless to me.

Maryn and her teacher, Mrs. Hughes

This year has been full of highs and lows for Maryn. New school, new people, new experiences. It was a lot to navigate at times in her little third grade world. But through it all Maryn was able to find opportunities to let her talents shine. In addition to being recognized for her attendance, she was one of the two kids in her class who maintained straight A's the whole year through.

Accepting her award from the Principal, Ms. Suarez

Maryn was nervous about getting up on the stage in front of everyone to accept her award. As she tippy-toed across the stage to shake the Principal's hand my heart just swelled with pride for her. After she came down off the stage she ran to me with a grin and threw her arms around me and squeezed and squeezed before going back to sit with her class. I loved that she hasn't outgrown me. When other kids seemed embarrassed by their parents, Maryn sought me out...and it made me grateful.

I looked down the row at her and couldn't help but think, here was this amazing kid who shyly had no idea how dang awesome she is. A girl who has struggled with other people's perceptions of her at times, but has remained true to who she is at the core in spite of it. Smart, lovable, funny, introspective and imaginative. I hope this next year she is able to see herself for the true gem that she is. Truly, 100% one in a million.

 Maryn with Sister Johnston, or Mrs. Johnston as she is called at school. Judy Johnston used to watch Maryn and Brynna for me when they were little and I had to go to work. Now she is a teacher at Cherokee Charter Academy and I am SO GRATEFUL that the girls get to see her face and feel her loving hugs each day at school. I simply love this woman and am so grateful for her influence in my children's lives!!!

Pump That Tiger Spirit Up!

Let me just preface this post by saying, I never, ever thought in a million years I would have a daughter in cheerleading. But alas, a few months ago Maryn came to me and asked if she could do it. It is not competitive cheer, so there is no make-up and glitter and all that. Just little girls learning some cute, age-appropriate cheers. So I put my preconceived notions aside and consented. Maryn has had a lot of fun with it and now even Brynna wants to sign up for it next semester.

After several weeks of practice and learning the ropes, Maryn cheered at her first basketball game on Saturday. It was pretty dang cute seeing her out there all silly and having fun! You could tell which cheers were her favorites, because I had heard her around the house every now and again cheering under her breath. Through it all she had a grin on her face the whole time and almost a Mary Catherine Gallagher type enthusiasm! Justin and I loved seeing her so happy and just kept stealing glances and smiling at each other.

Justin (who spent many years covering college level basketball recruiting) texted his brother, Kevin, at one point (who is a D-League basketball coach) and said "I am at my first basketball game where I am not here for the ball, but for the cheering." It was kind of funny how these little girls have softened my big manly man! ;)

Another funny part was before the game, while the girls were out in the hall warming up, some of the 3rd Grade basketball players were standing behind me and I heard them saying things like "Hey man, we have our own cheerleaders!" To which another boy said "No way!" "Yeah we do man, go look!" They all scooted over to the door and looked out in the hall and giggled and said "Aw man, we DO have our own cheerleaders!" It was pretty cute that it made them feel so special. In fact they smeared the opposing team, so I would like to think it was all that support that helped fuel the win! ;)

I also heard a boy saying to his friends when he saw Brynna, sitting with Lauryn and Devyn, "Hey that's Maryn's sister! They have FOUR girls in their family!!" Nice to know we are a memorable group! I also overheard a boy behind me pointing Maryn out to his Dad telling him "Hey, I know that girl! She is a friend in my class!" Despite being raised in a house full of girls Maryn gets exhausted with the ins and outs of 3rd Grade girl drama and has told me that she has a lot of "guy friends" since the girls are a headache sometimes. So it was cute to see some of those "guy friends" excited to see her too!

Overall, I am glad that Maryn went out on a limb and is trying something new that she enjoys and that she is broadening her ol' Momma and Dad's horizons!

Pearl the Unicorn

Maryn has endless stories floating around in her head. Her ability to conjure up a work of fiction with really very little prompting and really develop characters and feel exactly how their personalities are amaze me! Tonight she worked on an assignment to create, out of household objects, a figure using at least five geometric shapes.

Pearl's Geometric Shapes
1. Eyes - Cubes made out of clay
2. Legs, feet and neck - Cylinders made out of wood and cardboard rolls
3. Head - Sphere made out of a foam ball
4. Body - Rectangular Prism made out of a milk jug
5. Horn - Cone made from and ice cream cone
Maryn also used the bottom of a drink carrier for her nose, yarn for hair, floral wire for eyelashes and of course some paint to bring her to life!

She was then to bring this creature to life through an accompanying story. This is what she came up with...I wish I didn't have to cut her off prematurely. She was having so much fun writing and giggling as she told us about each character and twist and turn! I had to tell her to end the story because she needed to get to work on finishing her character's figure! I hope someday she continues the adventures of Pearl the Unicorn though! (I tried to keep the spelling and punctuation exactly as she had it in her handwritten version.)

PEARL THE UNICORN
By Maryn Young

Once upon a time, there was a unicorn named Pearl. Pearl was beautiful! She lived in a land in the middle of the Atantic Ocean shaped like a rhombus. Her best friend was a dragon made out of paralellagrams. His name was Emroled. ("I just kind of wanted it to be like Harold, Dad!") Pearl had a lucky neclace that kept her safe from Wizzer the Wicked Wizzard. He and his scalene triangle three-headed dogs wanted to capture Pearl. But Pearl NEVER got caught.

One day when Pearl was picking smectric flowers, she saw one of Wizzer's three-headed dog spying on her. So she ran like the wind to tell Emroled. Emroled was angry to hear this. So he stormed out of his hexogon house and scared the three-headed dog away......

Back at Wizzer's pollygon castle, Wizzer was makeing a potion made of line segments. Then he said "Pearl's necklace must go away," His scalene three-headed dogs' heads nodded in agreement Now there's a funny thing about when they nod. You see, Wizzer has 27 dogs times threee heads equals 50 heads altoghether. (I need to have her check her math...She was in 'creative juices flowing' mode...) So all 50 nodded in agreement. "So we must get rid of it in some way." Wizzer finally said. "So I am going to think this in pe...CLUNK!" Wizzer had triped over his magic ball. "Who put that there? Was it you Bob?"
"No" Bob the three-headed dog barked
"Was it you Will?"
"No"
"Was it you George?"
"Not"
"Then who was it?!" Wizzer yelled. "It doesn't matter," he said while picking the ball up......

Back in Emrold's house, Pearl was playing point chess. "Wow Pearl, you're good," Emrold said as Pearl won for the fifth time in a row. "Thanks Emroled," Pearl said "Got to go home. Bye!" As Pearl walked out the door, a three-headed dog tore Pearl's lucky necklace and clumped a right triangle burlap bag on Pearl's body "MMffeelffs!" Pearl yelled. But Emroled coulden't hear her! "Think, think, " Pearl thought. "Ahh, I can use my magic horn!" Then Pearl said this: "Cone horn, cone horn, on my head, turn that dog into a ruby so red!" POOF! The horn's magic worked! Pearl scrambled out and picked up the dog ruby. "Ha! Got one for the first time!" Pearl exlamed! So now Pearl never is bothered by Wizzer or the three-headed dogs.

And she lived happily ever after.

The End

Flashback

Maryn went to a birthday party for her friend, Jennsen, this afternoon at a roller skating rink down in Woodstock. I had total flashbacks walking in of me and my friend, Tina, at Sparkles Roller Rink when we were Maryn's same age. Roller rinks don't change much through the generations. Music blaring, loud carpet, sweaty kids whizzing by left and right, the concessions chocked full of sugary, nutritionally-devoid treats which are a complete must-have to participate in an authentic roller rink experience. There was even the prerequisite adult male there by himself skating alone. (My mom said there was always "that guy" even when she was a kid.) It made me laugh. Maryn had a great time and told me to calm down after I gave her the buddy-system, what's-the-secret-password, don't-talk-to-strangers talk before going out to the car to read while she had fun with her friends. I know it will be a blink of an eye before Maryn makes the trek to the roller rink with her own kidlets and will remember days like today fondly. I know I sure do!