Conversations with a 4 year old

I don't think anyone could ever imagine a conversation with Avery unless you actually have had one before. 

Here are some funny things she's conversed with us about lately: 

Me: If you don't do what I asked on the 2nd time, you'll go back to "time out." 

Avery: That's ok! I like time-out! 

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Avery: Bubba (Jace) is growing. 

Me: Yes, he is. 

Avery: Let me see your belly button. (I do)

Avery: Mamacita! Your belly button looks crazy! 

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Me: "Maddie! The game is on!" 

Avery: Maddie isn't coming like she said she would. 

Me: It's ok, she doesn't really like sports anyway.

Avery: She is NOT minding. 

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Me: Avery, you really should do your Valentine cards for preschool. Do you want to do that tonight?

Avery: No. 

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Avery: Papi, no matter what you think I'm still a girl. 

Jason: You act like a boy. 

Avery: No, I'm a woman. 

Jason: Stop crying like a little girl, then. 

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Scene: Evil black cat creeping around the corner. 

Avery pulls out her Webkinz kitty. She pokes it out and says "Meow." Evil black cat runs away. 

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Avery: Papi! Papi! Lift me up and exercise. (Jason bench presses her)

Avery: Do it again! Do it again!

Avery: I'm gonna wrestle you for a week. 

Jason: No, fool. We need to take a break. 
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Waitress: How's the food?
Me: Great! 
Avery: This macaroni and cheese tastes weird. I don't like it. 
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After burning her mouth from hot chocolate delivered by a new waiter instead of our regular waitress, she cried. 
Me: Calm down. I put ice in your cup to cool it off. 
Avery: I am NEVER come back to this place again. 

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Avery: I smell something. 

Jason: It's your upper lip. 

Avery: No, it's YOUR upper lip. 

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Avery: Is today-tomorrow preschool? 

Me: Tomorrow you go to preschool, yes. 

Avery: Today-tomorrow? 

Me: Yes, tomorrow.

Avery: Today-tomorrow when I wake up. 

Me: YES. 

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These conversations are non-stop all day everyday.........Needless to say it's an adventure with her no matter what we are doing and she can always find something silly to laugh about, which is a daily reminder for us to not take life so seriously! 

What We Need When We Need It

I often write about how God usually sends us what we need at the exact time we need it. 
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Friday was a very emotional day. Not only was I worried about Madison, so sleep deprived, and missing Avery, but a friend of mine lost her husband after being ill with the flu and developing other complications. I worked with this friend back while I was in college, when their oldest child was just a baby. Although, I never got to spend a lot of one on one time with them, I so enjoyed working with her. She had a great attitude, bright smile and positive outlook on life. 


So many from my hometown had gathered either physically or wirelessly to join in prayer for their entire family. I worried for them, but prayed more. My previous post has a bit to do with what I was thinking last week while checking Facebook often to see if prayers had been answered. Unfortunately, Friday afternoon I got word that things had gone from bad to worse. 


I hid my emotions from Madison, but around 4 pm, Jason came to the hospital to relieve me. I got in the car, turned on my iPod, and cried during the 40 minute drive home for a shower. I so remember that raw emotion of those first few days. I've written many times about my experience, but have saved most of my writing for the in-progress book that I'm hoping to have published someday. 


The next day we got the good news that Maddie could go home. So, with Jason working and Avery not home, Madison and I sat down to watch a movie called Faith Like Potatoes. I've heard good things about it and was excited to just chill, relax, and enjoy time resting. 


I did good until about 3/4 of the way through the movie. Not so good. Why did that scene have to be in that movie at the exact time that I just wanted to forget the week? That scene gave me horrible flashbacks to the very day we lost my brother. 


Needless to say, I was in tears and not hiding it from Maddie anymore. Just in typical Maddie fashion, she creeped over toward me, started rubbing my hair, and said "It's ok momma." She knew I was sad about friend, she knew why I reacted as I did to the movie, and she knew the lack of sleep we have all been dealing with for 2 weeks. We ended up finishing the movie, and although it's really a great movie, I doubt I will be watching it again "for fun." 
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This morning I was having to motivate myself to get up and get ready for work. But we all made it out the door on time! 


I had a long day of training ahead of me and was just glad I didn't have to teach! 


As I rounded the corner to the computer lab, I caught a glimpse of one of my favorite people ever. I've written about this family before after losing their daughter. I had the oldest son during my very first year of teaching and now, ironically enough, I work with him. I have always loved his family, but after their ordeal, I grew to admire them more than they even know. So, this mom has subbed as a nurse before and the last time I ran into her, was a time when I really needed to see her. 


Today was no different. I shared with her my weeks events and how I just wanted to relax on Saturday. She shared with me that the same thing happened with her when she tried to watch the movie Fireproof and one of the first scenes from that movie. Boy, did I ever understand that. 


She is such a strong, Christian woman who has shown the greatest of strength at the most difficult of times. Her presence alone just makes you feel all warm inside. And every time I see and talk to her, I remember my own strength and what an abundant life I have. I truly can only hope that I can bless someone's life the way that she has done for so many. 


And yet again God sent me exactly what I needed at the exact time I needed it. 

I Hope You Dance.....

I hope you never lose your sense of wonder
You get your fill to eat
But always keep that hunger
May you never take one single breath for granted
God forbid love ever leave you empty handed
I hope you still feel small
When you stand by the ocean
Whenever one door closes, I hope one more opens
Promise me you'll give faith a fighting chance 


This has been my song to Maddie since she was a baby. I use to dance with her everyday to this song. 


She is my "old soul" daughter. Most times when we meet people, like today at the hospital, everyone comments on how mature she is for her age. She is mature. She is so perceptive and knowledgeable. She listens to everything and already teaches me so much. 


I've always believed that God puts people in your life purposefully. I think our children are no exception. Even though we are their parents, they are given to us as a gift. I try to remember this even when life can get busy and chaotic. If we take the time to look closely, we can see God through their words, actions, and love. 


Madison dreams big dreams and even copies my practice in creating a dream board (aka vision board).
I started this practice when she was about 3 or 4 and she sat down right along with me and created her own board. When we look back many of our dreams or hopes have actually happened: me meeting Harry Connick, Jr, her having a High School Musical Party, even down to the exact dining room table I have. At times I forget the power of our thoughts, words, and visions. 


Madison doesn't. She says that she will be an artist. She has said this for years. I even wrote a while back about the piece she wrote about "God given talent." She loves creating, drawing, coloring and teaching. She attended an art camp this summer and thrived. However, when I ask if she'd like to take an art class after school, her response was "No, mom. I don't want other people to tell me what to draw or how to draw." 


No argument from me. :) I don't want people to tell me what to dream or how to dream either. 


We discuss all the possibilities of her love for art: making and decorating cakes, being an architect, designing clothes, .......


I have an admiration for her that she may never know. I admire her love for everyone. I admire her giving nature. I admire her sense of humor. I admire her strength. I admire her artistic abilities. I admire her love for God and the ongoing conversations she tells me about having with Him. 


I adore her laugh, her smile, her hugs, and her ability to carry on a conversation with most adults. 


I hope that she is reminded of God's greatness. I hope that she continues to dream and keep them in sight. I hope that she will always remember that when doors close, many others open. I hope I have given her enough love, wisdom, and insightfulness that she will always choose to dance. 




Here's her art from this past week - she decided what and how.....