This post is dedicated to my dear Jenny for encouraging me daily to keep blogging.It's 8:30am. Tyler just took off on his bike for school, Katy is still curled up in bed and Shawn is in a continuous morning giggle with Bret in my bed. Jenny quietly, and very sneaky-like, closes the door to my room so I can sneek out the front door. We're headed to the Orthodontist for a new retainer that was lost in the waves at Laguna Beach.
As the front door closes behind us, Jenny says, "Mom, you forgot your shoes!" I'm holding them along with my sweatshirt because I had to get out quick before Shawn would see ( the unbelievable love of a 2-year-old for his mom. . . ).
We climb in the frost covered car. Jenny's sitting next to me and she grins as she comments that she's got seat warmers under her bum. She has recently come to think that she is old enough to sit in the front seat with me. I reluctantly don't refuse because I secretly love having her by my side. I start up the car and then finish getting ready with my shoes and sweatshirt.
That's when I turn to Jenny and plead, "Come on! Just stay home with me . . . let's do home school. Then we can play every day." She smiles like she always does when I say this and playing along says, "That would be fun, Mom".
At this moment, my heart swells with love for my Jenny. And I see how the magic of time has changed Jenny to not only being my little buddy but also my friend.
When I reflect on my life and how quickly time goes by, I see how important it is to "find joy in the journey—now" (President Monson). My kids are growing up so fast that it almost breaks my heart. Each moment counts for so much.
As we pulled into the school parking lot, I was sad as I watched Jenny gather her things and flip her backpack onto her back. I really could have gone for a sluff day. But it makes me smile to see that I found joy in something so simple. And I pray that these moments will come again and again.
I love you Jen! :)
8 comments:
so glad you back on ive been waiting!!! can i tell you i love jenny too. she is such a sweet girl after having her at my house and watching her i love her that much more, where dose she get her grown up sweetness? she is so patient and kind. you've done good with that one. i could go for one of her for myself mabey she could whip my boys into shape.
Nic... No way I am sitting here crying as I read that post. Maizie is curled up next to me saying what is so sad? Only a Mother understands! I second every word you said. I could go for homeschool or sluff days. But we better stick to sluff days at our house unless Heath plans on teaching. I hate sending the kids off each day to have them come home, play with friends and attack homework then off to bed to start again. I Love Jenny too. I love her sweet and simple love for life. She is happy with everything. My girls adore her!
I am happy you are back and blogging. I have missed you! Love the Pumpkins! Thanks for sharing your day, it makes me want to love my kids and Heath all the more!
After I typed that message I left the house running around doing the things us mothers do I thought... I didn't mention how DARLING the photo of Jenny was. You look sooo grown up! So Cute! Ok... I'm all better now that I passed that along!
You seriously made me cry, not only for my love for Chloe, but for my love for you and Jenny too. You are awesome, thank you for helping me with my perspective today. Love you!
Holy WOW! Talk about take the wind out of my sail! I am sitting here fumming and releasing steam from a day of argueing girls and dishes piled to the sky and did I mention FIGHTING GIRLS??? Thanks for the reality check. Some how I am now finding great appreciation for my fighting girls and dishes. I just keep repeting to myself... I am glad for my piles of dishes for it means my famliy is near. Nicole I nearly tackled Ty on the playground today. He is so sweet! He plays with my girls everyday! Even my Kassie. I guess she and him have a "pointing" thing. Love that boy! I love Jenny too I love when she rides her bike up my street I love you yell at her (YEAH I know... totally redneckish) I just love your kids! Thank you a million times for the reality check!
And I am glad to see you blogging again!
Nicle, that was better than a wonderful message on my answering machine, because of the pictures and the tender music to go along. I think being a grandma is sometimes harder than being a mom because I so long to be with my grandkids one on one. When every one drives away on Sunday night my heart is in my throat because I just want to crawl in the car with you. I seem to only be getting glimps of these treasures growing so fast. Thank heavens for blogging what a gift for a Grandma. Jenny I adore you and I can just imagine you off on that snazzy blue bike. Love you Mom and then love her some more. Nicole I am so proud of you teaching the Gospel Doctrine Class! It was just a minute ago I was sitting in that same classroom with my scriptures trying to learn all I could, and now my cute daughter-inlaw is the teacher. . wow! I would like to study your lessons right along with you, would you let me know which lessons you are doing? Those retainers your kids are sporting show real "parental"? love! Their smiles will thank you all of their life. I love you Nic and Jenny always and forever!
What a great way to start out my day. I am ready to be a better mom right now. Our kids are growing up lightening speed! I can't believe Jen is 11. What a darling girl she is! I love that I get to give her a hug every so often as I am coming and going from dance. Being with Jenny at dance is Emilee's highlight of the week. I am so glad they have each other. You are an amazing mom and teach me so much every time I am around you. Where did you get all of your patience? Your kids all such great kids and it comes from all of the love and kindness you give them everyday. Thanks for sharing!
You just brought tears to the surface of my tired eyes. I love that Jenny as well. I saw her in the hall yesterday, and she gave me one of her big, beautiful smiles. Carrie Rawlins just taught Sunday the "finding joy in the journey" lesson. Such great reminders for me. Thanks and I miss you!
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