Seeds of vision

(picture taken April 2009)

The other morning during our worship time, Charis said, "Mommy...last night I was thinking about me being in Africa. I went to the leader of Africa and asked if the people (christian) could worship their God there....and he said Yes!"

Me: Did you dream that or were you just thinking about it?

"I was thinking about it; I think God gave me that thought." She pauses before looking up at me, with a huge smile of satisfaction on her face, and said, "It's pretty hard to stand up to him (African leader), huh?"

I believe that God speaks to our children. and I'm certain that He plants visions of purpose in their hearts long before they are old enough to carry them out.

I'm excited to see where this one leads...

Disclipine 101

Yep. Start talking about discipline and inevitably the chance to administer it effectively and lovingly will conveniently present itself.

Like today.

Work. It's the four-letter word of childhood. Especially when that powerful little word is preceeded by another one: School.

SCHOOL WORK.

Usually Charis is really good about diving into her school work with a good attitude. She loves learning and reading and creating.

But here recently, as I've started to challenge her mind with more creative writing, she has started to challenge my patience by balking at assignments.

Outright saying "No." when I ask her to do something.

Um, excuse me?! But I wasn't aware that this whole school thing came with an Optional Button. Pardon me while I dismantle that switch encourage you to rethink your answer.

Only she didn't, continuing to refuse to do what small thing I was asking of her.

For the record, it was write ONE paragraph about the movie Bambi. I've been really exhausted recently. So after finishing up Math for the morning, I let them watch that movie while the little girls napped and I did...nothing. Well, outside of growing a baby in my belly.

Her response? saying she didn't know enough about Bambi...didn't know what to write...had NOT *tearing up* watched it *voice breaking* a dozen times before. *crying*

This is where you insert crocodile tears and a sketchy attitude . And me inwardly counting to ten.

So I sent her to her room for a while, until she was ready to come down and do what was asked of her. and to allow me some space before I acted in a way I might regret.

Ironically, I had secretly made brownies while they were watching the movie (before the Paragraph Drama ensued).

Around the same time Selah discovered their chocolatey presence cooking in the oven, Charis had come down proclaiming herself ready to work. Both girls were cheering over the fact that they were getting such the fun, sweet surprise.

I hadn't planned to do this.... In fact, I don't think, given time to really process, that I would have chosen this route. But out of my mouth came,

"Charis, I'm glad you're ready to do your school. You will still have to do the work, but you won't be getting any dessert tonight. Bad choices come with hard consequences. So your consequence for refusing to work will be not having dessert with the rest of us. I'm sorry."

Oh, the sobs. and the excuses. and the sobs.

And I hated e.v.e.r.y minute of following through. I made those brownies FOR HER and her sisters. I WANTED to let her have some. But I knew she had to learn an important lesson...

one that wasn't going to be gotten from just excusing herself to her room until SHE deemed herself ready to do what she was told.

But as hard as it was (for me), I think I've found a really effective method of punishment for the older girls, as I'm always having to evolve my methods to match their age. From now on, I think the taking away of privileges for Selah (5) and Charis (almost 7) will be top on my list.

And whatdaya know? since the brownie incident they've both have amazzzzing attitudes when it comes to work. Shocking.

Now, to figure out something other than brownies. I don't think their constant presence in my house would benefit MY discipline ...or lack thereof, when it comes to eating chocolate. ;)

Just pursue me already, won't ya?

Having all daughters...and being a woman myself...I'm seeing more and more how we, as women, are relational to the core. from birth.

Or at least toddlerhood.

Raegan (28 months), Selah (5), Charis (6)...Alana wanted nothing to do with posing for the camera.

As women we'd like to know that people realize the depths of our interesting personality...and want to seek out its depths. Don't we?

Though by the time we've reached maturity, we know "better" than to blatantly advertise this innate desire.

Though on a personal level I can say that Jet stole my heart when he said, "I know it'll take a lifetime to get to know you."

Ah. The memories. In moments where I'm feeling totally neglected, I like to remind him of this sentiment. ;)

Well, my girls are already showing signs of this inborn womanly trait of wanting to be truly KNOWN:

Jet, in response to something that Charis had said: "I know you do, Sweetheart. I know you pretty well."

Charis: "...but you don't know EVERYTHING there is to know about me."

"No. You're right, I don't."

Charis, in a sweet, inviting voice, "Well, I can tell you some things... IF you want."

Doesn't that just melt your heart. AND describe the very feelings that we all have as women? ;)

Dare I call it insight?

The following quote was a lovely little sentiment I heard from Charis (6.5 years old), as she and Selah were playing a Story.

Definition of "story": what they call their make-believe games. Play times that come ready-made... with a bona fide script. *Not kidding* If you play along, you will be told what to say. and when. and how.

Charis, who is playing the husband of the story: "Honey, are you trying to eat more than me because you want to have another baby?"

Uh-huh.

Should this make me happy that Charis is yet to figure out the ins and out of how Baby got in my belly? (Though she's gotten close! I'm such the procrastinator pro at redirecting.)

OR should I be completely embarrassed? that she, by her keen observational skills, has deduced that Mommy, in order to create and maintain a "baby belly", must out-eat every person she's come in contact with. Ever.

Lions and tigers and BEARs. Dear God.

Standing in the doorway of the family room, I heard her mumble something. quietly.

Upon further eavesdropping investigation, it became obvious that she was speaking for the Barbie dolls. puppeteering a conversation that immediately sent my head reeling.

I had to ask her twice...as nonchalantly as I could feign...to make sure I was hearing her correctly.

Ken: "And how many will you bear me?"

He asked this question casually as he paraded down a long line of Ladies in Waiting. Each one answering in turn the number they would "bear" him.

Take note of the pile of ladies in the above picture. I can only assume they were disqualified early on because of the too-low number they volunteered.

And I present to you the winner...uh, Bride.
Clearly, she promised him more children than the other women. Eight, to be exact.

It's days later, and I'm still in shock being that the only time we use the word "bear" is when referring to something furry. with large teeth. that needs to be avoided.

I promise we have neither cable nor Harlequin romance novels lying around. *Scout's honor*

You know, if I were a scout and all.

WHERE does she come up with this stuff? Do I even want to know? Should I chalk it up to a homeschooling vocab lesson? or a head's up from the Lord to start intercessing now? ...concerning her view of how to secure a husband.

Mr Sandman

Charis took this picture of herself. :)


"Mommy? Don't you think that very very soon, I'm going to be a woman?"

At 6 years old, she discusses marriage, wonders what her husband will look like, dreams about having her own children, and plans for how she'll get to spend the day with me when I'm a grandma.

I know those days will be amazing. But for now, I'm so trying to convince her that to be young is a special gift from God. designed with things for her to accomplish as a single.

to which she, all starry-eyed, replies: "But He has things for me to when I'm married too."

Oh to be able to leash Time and hold it back. At least in the mind of my "almost grown up" little girl.

Monkey Business. continued.

Update on the previous post (due to questions I've received).

Yes, that's exactly what was meant in the Little House episode. Charles was away on business. Another man was at their house building on an addition. Mrs. Olson was referring to that scenerio ... Thus, "Monkey Business" introduced to my little ones grid of "understanding".

Believe me, it took me off guard. I tried to distract them. talk loud over the TV conversation playing out on the screen before me. fast forward it a bit. anything to take their attention from the 5 seconds I would have rathered they not see.

But nope. the damage had been done. the seeds of curiousity planted. courtesy of Harriet and Nellie Olson.

AND

Since that last post, I've had a few readers email me. telling me about "God's design for Sex" series.

Bam. Bam. One email right after the other. Thanks guys! I will definitely be looking into that one!

For now, I must go get ready. For a playdate that I think I'd rather avoid if it wasn't for the mom. I LOVE her.

Oh Okay, so her children are amazing as well. Too amazing! For her oldest boy is the one that awakened all this "lovey dovey" stuff in the heart of my daughter.

She even made an "I love you" card. Pop Up style. I kid you not.

I tried to tell her as gently as possible that you don't just go around giving people those kinds of cards. because she doesn't even know him yet.

To which she promptly replied. "Well, I'll ask him all about himself today. and tell him all about myself. And then, I'll give him the card."

Well then. What's left to say? Let the playdate begin...

Stu.t.t.t.errr.ing my way through

Yep. Here we are again. Reporting to you from The Family Dinner Table. where all the action happens these days.

Charis: Mommy? What's "Monkey Business"?

Mommy: *Complete and Shocked Silence*

(Pull it together, girl. You can do this. Don't look too shocked. Kids can smell fear. ...Quick say something. Only don't make a big deal out of it. Breathe. In. Out. Good. Now open your mouth. Speak. Anything!)

I start to say something. I steady my voice. I feign confident and in-charge. and fail.

I stumble. I stuttered. I stop mid-sentence.

Jet, from across the table, put me out of my misery and finally speaks up: Well... you know Curious George?

Charis and Selah switch their gaze from me to him. and smile. Now Curious George, they get.

Jet: He's a monkey, right?

Charis and Selah: Yeah!!

Jet: And he's always getting into trouble. Right?

More emphatic nodding of the heads.

Jet: Well...that's what "monkey business" is. When people do things that get them into trouble.

Yeah. Right. Why didn't I think of that? When in doubt...revert to cartoon characters.

And for the record? Worked like a charm.

Now to rack my brain for any and all cartoon characters that could help me in the inevitable S*ex talk that is bound to happen any. day. now.

For those of you that are following this, can you even believe how fast this is snowballing?! Thank you, Jolanthe, for dropping off the inhaler. I just had my lung spasms under control. When this hit.

Got any Percocet?

*And no, we have not been hanging around the local bar. Cross my heart. That lovely little statement was heard on Little house on the Prairie. And yes, it was referring to 'messing around'. Is nothing safe to watch these days?!* :)

Uh, why do you ask?

*picture of Charis when she was around 2 years old.

I'm becoming more and more acutely aware of how fast my little girls are growing up. There are days where I'm positive that they've matured more than their allotted daily amount.

Take, for instance, the other day. Selah wanted to play "stories". This is a game that they've played for a while now. a game where they make up a story and play-act it out.

But Charis made sure to make one thing clear: "I don't play stories anymore."

Me: How come?
Charis: Because I don't. People change when they get older. And I. have. changed.

Well La Ti.

Of course, this new-found rule is null and void if the story has anything to do with marriage...

Charis: I don't know who the Lord has for me as a husband. but I told him that I want him to be handsome and kind. Like Daddy. ...and strong.

So precious. Though I have to wonder...does the little "strong" addendum mean that she thinks being strong is UNlike Daddy?

Time to hit the gym, Jet. *laughing*

But even though she talks of marriage often, I have to wonder how she interprets it, you know? What exactly does she think it means?

Though she's starting to give me small glimpses as to her thoughts on the subject...

Charis: "Do you hug Daddy?"
Me: Yes
Charis: Every night?
Me: Uh-huh.

Selah (interjecting from her side of the room): They do! I know...I've seen them!

Charis (after pausing and staring off into the distance asks): Well, do you kiss him?
Me (wondering where this was actually headed): Yes.
Charis: Every night?
Me: Uh...yeah.
Charis: Well, will you do it tonight?!
Me (smiling the biggest smile, trying not to laugh outright): "Um. Probably?"

I'm not sure how the conversation ended. though I think it pretty much stopped there. ThanktheLord.

She's 6! She seems so little to me. But then again, I think back to my 6 year old status, and I remember feeling So big.

I remember feeling like I knew "so much" about things I'm not ready to discuss with her yet.

Is it just me or has Charis grown up on me?!! All in the span of a week and a half.

Be forewarned. One of my next post may very well include The Big Question Exchange. the one where she asks "Exactly how babies get in a mommy's belly".

Starting. to. hyperventilate. Must. go. lay. down.

Preparing to... downsize?

Picture it.

The dinner table....peacefully eating a casserole when all of the sudden Mommy asks the kids a question.

"So guys, what would you think if we adopted someone one day?"

Blank stares. No reply. In fact, no response of any kind. though an eye might have twitched, but I can't be too sure.

Okay. let's try a different approach, shall we?.... "Do you remember what adoption is?"

Selah, with her elbow on the table, hand cupping her chin, didn't hesitate, as she nonchalantly answered.

"That's where you and Daddy give one of us away to another family."

Uh. *mind reeling for something intelligent to say* NO!!

This leaves Charis in tears, as she declares she doesn't want to be the one we give away. She doesn't want have another mommy. She wants to stay...*sob*....right....*sob*....here.

*insert her running to my lap and throwing herself in my arms*

Yup. We have dinner conversations like that. Openly asking our children how they'd feel if we suddenly up and gave them away.

Bless their sweet little hearts.

And for the record, we did, in fact, clarify the heart of our adoption question. Though I'm quite sure we'd done that before.

Note to self: Proceed carefully when use the "A" word.

Ground Hogs day

A day around here typically looks like this.
Each girl clad in something other than the "normal" school attire. This day it happened to be leotards. Other days it's ballerinas, princesses, clowns...

Maybe being incognito helps them to learn?

Well, today we talked about Ground Hogs Day. And though there wasn't much to say, I did think I nailed the "Six Weeks of More Winter" concept.

Until dinnertime.

Charis was explaining it to Daddy, when he asked her what it meant that Punxsutawney Phil saw his shadow. to which she, without skipping a beat, shouted

"Six more weeks of Christmas!"

Yeah. maybe not so "nailed" as I thought.

Sounds heard around my house this evening....

**Don't forget to go to the previous blog and leave your blog site (or email it to me) since my computer has rebelled, committing electronic mutany... effectively erasing your blog sites from my Favorite File.


Joe Cool here (21 months) likes to do things her way. Enough like our way, so she feels like a good girl...just her version of it.

Like meal-time prayer, for instance.

The three oldest girls were sitting at the table. I was just walking into the dining room when Raegan busts out, "Food. Body. Amen."

And then she proceeds to devour...

I foresee Inner City Ministry in her future. Not a lot of fluff. just straight to the point. :)

...
And then there's my oldest girl. Charis (6)...

The ever sweet-spirited little lady. always wanting to see the bright side of things. always wanting to encourage.

Jet was holding Lani, and trying to manuever a knife at the same time. I offered to help. To which Charis yells out,

"Mommy is so very awesome!! She can cut food with a fork!"

Just reading that, it may sound sarcastic. But sadly it was beyond sincere. Apparently I'm not very impressive...if my ability to cut meat stands out and dubs me awesome.

Eh. Who am I kidding? I'll take whatever "awesome" accolades I can get!! ;) Even though it always appears to be the small things that leave a lasting impression on the girls' awe of me.

.....

And then there's my little Selah-bug (4 1/2 yrs).

She walked up to me today, crying "I miss my Daddy!"

After having him home (and all to themselves) for five days straight, his going to work this morning came as a bit of a shock.

Me: Do you want to call him?

Selah: No. (Imagine those big eyes puddled with tears. saying no only because she knew he was busy at work. but wanting to talk to him all the same)

Me: Maybe he'll call you? Because I know he misses you, too!

Selah: It's okay if he doesn't call me. She sighs and walks away. (insert me frantically emailing Jet that he had better call. Seconds later, the phone rings.)

Selah answers the phone: It's DADDY!! She cries all over again as says that she misses him.

I don't know if, outside of this blog, that she'll remember this little interchange years from now.

But I know, without doubt, that Doted-on Daddy will.

....

After writing some of what my day looked like today, my mind rests on one thing. And that is this...I truly feel sorry for people who view children as a bother. an annoyance. a "have to" if you want to wear the hat of Parent.

Because children are treasures. Beyond worth.

I can't imagine my day without them. And I'm so glad I don't have to.

I feel pretty oh, so pretty

If there's anything about raising daughters that worries me, it's the thought of what the world may try to do to their self image as they grow into adulthood.

All you have to do is look at magazines and read its articles to get a taste of what's out there. Haven't picked up a magazine recently? Just read this post.

Those are truly the pictures that the author used to describe women who needed to help to "appear thinner." The article still makes me gag.

OR not one for reading? The, turn on the TV. Apparently women are supposed to be fearless and completely devoid of need for men. Until the urge to kiss or other such...*cough cough*... urges come upon them.

Those same fearless women get all weak in the knees. Because then, she needs her man. You know, to fulfill her carnal desire. All the while flaunting an enormous amount of cleavage. Dolly Parton style, of course.

Give me a break.

Yet. this is the world that my girls will be growing up in.

And the thought of sending sweet little ladies-in-training... who, at present, innocently live to twirl around so all the world can marvel at their uniqueness and beauty... into a world who makes it casual sport to dissect women's bodies and harshly criticize it at every angle... Well, it doesn't bring me peace.

BUT... *somewhere angels are singing the Hallelujah chorus*... Yesterday did!

Because something that I've been saying has obviously stuck in the mind of my 6 year old daughter, Charis...

We had to arrive at church early so Charis could prepare for the Christmas play. Last minute instructions. Pep talks. and Stage Make-up were on the Director's To Do List.

It came Charis's turn for the blush and eye shadow. Monica, make-up sponges in hand, positioned herself to paint her face.

"This is going to make you really pretty."

Being that I wasn't there (this was all relayed to Jet after the fact), I can only imagine Charis sitting there for a second and then in all sincerity announcing what Monica told Jet she said:

"My mommy told me that I'm already beautiful. Without make up."

I about cried with joy when Jet told me. Have I ever said that?! Maybe? But being that make-up hasn't become an issue yet, I highly doubt it. But I do remember conversations like this:

Charis: "This dress makes me look pretty."

Me: "No, YOU make that dress that good. You're already pretty."

I cannot explain the feeling I have knowing that conversations like that...one liners that sound like they originated from corny pick up lines in movies... obviously stuck with her.

And impacted her enough to encourage her to speak up and correct a perfectly harmless statement. Just so she could clarify that she didn't need anything else to be attractive. ...that she already embodies it.

*insert a large motherly sigh of relief*

Moments like this show me that all I'm doing...all the small moments that I fear go unnoticed and unheard by their distractable attention span...are worth their weight in gold a rock solid self esteem.

Practicing for later...

Saturday morning, bright and early, we bundled up the girls against the *bitter cold* Because we needed to head church for the children's Christmas play practice.

How the directors (Wendy, Julie, and Reatha) do all that they do with this yearly play is beyond me! But somehow they get the kids to quiet down and listen AND learn all the many lines, hand motions, dances, songs, etc!

Sydney, at almost 12 years old, stood out among all the littles. (Charis is standing on a riser beside Syd)

The play is for the 1st-6th graders. But I'm thinking Sydney was one of the ONLY 6th graders to agree to be a part of it. (I think there were two more...?)

At one point during the practice all I could think, as I watched the different groups of kids up on stage was:

"Oh my word! One of these boys may someday date one of my girls."

It was a sobering thought. trying to image one of these rowdy elementary school boys as young men. driving to my house to pick up my daughter. Yikes.

So I took out my trusty pen and paper. determined to take note of the boys that weren't listening. One day this information may come in handy, you know.

"You want to date my daughter? well...you DO realize that I was there Christmas of '08, don't you? I SAW what you did." :)

...

I knew that Charis was singing a solo. I knew that she had two short "one-liners". But I had no idea that there is a portion of the play where she narrates. from memory.

Twice.

That girl is like a sponge. I hadn't worked with her on those lines. I never saw her practicing them. She just picked it up along the way...reciting it without pause at practice.

Nah, I'm not proud or anything.

While Charis practiced, Selah was off-stage doing the hand motions to the songs. She's a part of the 3-4 year old class that will come up on stage at some point and join in the singing.

Raegan, who's been listening to the practice CD at home with the Big Girls, knew all the songs as well. :) She will NOT be joining them up on stage.

I have a feeling this lack of "stage presence" may be a battle for us come Play time.

After practice was over, a bunch of the kids ran around church playing "Tag". As I called my girls over to get their coats on, Isaac (another 1st grader) ran over to Charis and said,

"I'll see you tomorrow, Charis. You can chase me all you want then. Okay? Tomorrow."

Was this kid asking my girl out? practicing for the play and future pick-up lines? Uh-huh. Out came my handy-dandy notebook. That little guy is getting written up. *grin/wink*

Too bad sickness kept us from church the next day. *cough cough*

Through the eyes of somone less "experienced"

They stare each other down, the two females sitting at neighboring tables in the crowded restaurant. The Hispanic. The Caucasian.

Neither face held any tell-tale expression as they sat. Blank stares. intently watching the other one...watching them.

And there I sat, in my corner of the restaurant, watching them watch each other.

The interaction was completely spell-bounding to me. For though I felt a little intrusive watching their eyes locked in a stare-down, I couldn't bring myself to look away.

What were they thinking? Why were they staring? Why weren't they talking? Wasn't this whole interaction uncomfortable, to say the least? Why didn't someone at least look away...put an end to this misery?!

If it were me, I would have looked away LONNNG ago. most likely annoyed that someone was just staring at me in the first place. The nerve.

But I wouldn't have stopped there. I'm sure I, in all my creative imagination, could have taken it a step farther had their stare-down of me continued.

I probably would've assumed that they were judging me. and finding me lacking. And then that assumption, begun in the corners of my active imagination, may have magically turned into an irrefutable fact.

Turning my annoyance into to anger. "What right do they have to judge me? punk. Why don't you and your indifferent expression find someone else to stare at?!

But I could tell that these two ladies weren't entering into the self-talk I know I could have been tempted to entertain. These ladies didn't even look remotely upset. Just unabashedly interested.

Yet I had to at least wonder...Why wouldn't they just look away? Stop this intensive ogling and just move on with life? But I already knew the answer.

It was obvious. acceptable. expected even.

They were children.

Completely devoid of "social rules," where interest in someone has yet to come pre-tagged with an insinuation of the motivation.

And this interaction was anything but uncomfortable for them. And far from misery-inducing. For they appeared completely captivated by each other. content in their silent conversation.

Though their faces held neither a smile nor a frown, I saw a simple, pure curiosity....armed with the possibility of something more in each of their eyes:

An "I know we don't know each other but you might be my next best friend" type of mentality.

OR at the very least, a miniature verison of a Dinner Theatre:

I'll watch you while you eat. You may very well make me smile. And that'd be worth it, right? So go ahead. Be yourself. Flaunt your stuff. I'm just here to watch you shine. And maybe when you're done, I can express myself too?

Such is the life of a child when encountering friends and strangers alike. It doesn't matter who it is...the point in their existence is to enjoy others and be enjoyed by them.

But then you grow up.

And suddenly that doesn't seem so right, you know? For some reason, it seems more suitable, more respectable to hide ourselves behind something. in attempts to avoid drawing attention to ourselves. for fear of coming across as too strong. or too self-absorbed. or too flirty. or too....

and to definitely not be caught watching someone else live life. where we may be accused of judging. or criticizing. or stalking. or...

Therefore, it's obviously much more "mature" to just live life where staring and curiosity of the stranger sitting next to you is Off Limits.

Sad, isn't it?


Because as I sat there watching my 6 year-old daughter stare at that adorable Hispanic girl sitting across from us, I had to wonder...how many times have I been sitting beside my potential "next best friend". but passed them by. robbing myself and others of the chance to love.

All due to adult decorum.

And though I am the mom, the one dedicated to teaching my daughters values as well as their ABCs... there are times where all I can do is sit back and watch them.

and learn.

Here comes the bride

Charis...6 years

I've written recently about Charis's first little crush. At least the one that she told me about.

Well...we were talking about this little guy (Caleb) the other day. And she said that she might marry him.

Now, I know better than to correct her or act all surprised or laugh at her. From personal experience as a 6 year old, I know these things can and will cease her from every confiding in me again.

As we talked, I said "You know it's good to be..."

To which she promptly interrupted me and impatiently stated "...be friends before you get married. I already know Mommy!"

Apparently we've had this discussion before.

But then with a sheepish look on her face, she looks to the floor and states, "But if God wants him to be my husband, that's okay too."

this and that.

A few life lessons learned:


Lesson #1. Clean today, Gone tomorrow.


This here pile of shoes mysteriously appeared the day after the house was spotless. I gathered them from every corner of the first floor. Sad part...this picture doesn't show them all. I overlooked a couple.

I like to call it my own personal *Big Bang Theory*: My house was clean...and then *bang* it wasn't. Quite scientific, this theory is.


Well, I was discussing this rather remarkable phenomenom with a friend. Telling her how little elves obviously come into my home when I'm sleeping or out of the house...throwing everything that's not nailed down all over the floors.


Hours later, when I was asking the girls to clean up their stuff before Video Time, Charis made a comment that took me a second to register: "We're good elves, aren't we?"



Life Lesson #2: Never assume that your phone conversations are private.

Children have remarkably good hearing when it comes to conversations you're having with others. especially when the phone is involved.

And for the record, I was not referring to my children when mentioning those Mysterious Elves. though I have to say, it does make sense. :)

My Clan of Girls

Can you believe it?! I actually got a picture of all four girls together? Of course, Alana appears to be less-than-thrilled. But eh. I figure that's probably par for the course. as someone has to be sporting that look when Mom is armed with camera, right? :)

Even so, I think they're an adorable posse of girls!! I'm excited to get pictures of them together at their different growing up stages. Can you even imagine how cute that'll be?

Yes. I am biased. and gushing shamelessly.

This one's got fire in her eyes. You see it? If not, stick around her long enough. because you'll not only see it and hear it... you'll feel it. She's got enough spunk for three little bitties.

Selah has been going through a stage where she doesn't like for me to take pictures of her. I remember Charis going through it. And then one day *bam* Charis woke up and declared her self camera-ready at ALL times of the day and night. So I know that Selah's new season of "camera shy" won't remain for long.

Especially when she sat herself down by Alana and said, "Take a picture of me."

SURE I will! Stay. Right. There!" And voila! A beautiful picture of my two girls. Classic.

Say What?

This morning, in the middle of worship, Charis (almost 6) turns to me and whispers, in that not-so-quiet kid type of whisper:


"Mommy, I like him." she points to a little boy (that she's never met) sitting in front of us. "He's pretty to me."

WOW. And here I thought only teenage girls were scoping out the male population during worship.

College's End

Today was Charis's last day with Miss Jenny, her "college teacher" for the week. And already she's talking about next year and how she wants to do it again so she "can be in building E and F like the big kids".

It's been fun to hear her talk about school...her expectations, her new friends, her accomplishments, and especially how she feels she measures up to those around her.

"I'm not as fast as Tyler. He beats me every time we all race. I was behind everybody! Maybe God will give me power to run faster than him!"

"I'm not as funny as Robert. He said something...I don't remember what...that made everyone laugh. He's silly. ....but not as silly as Daddy!"

But I'm so no worried about these comparisons and actually think they lend themselves to a healthy self-esteem. Because ironically, I grew up in the public school system...comparing and being compared to everyone else non-stop...and came out with a rock-solid self confidence. Jet, on the other hand, has said that as a homeschooler, he didn't know where he stood in comparison to others. And he said his self-confidence suffered because of it.

So that said...I'm thinking that even though Charis feels like she came out on the "lesser" side of the comparisons, I'm not worried. in the slightest.

In fact, I'm encouraged that she feels confident enough to verbalize her self-comparison to us. And I think it's a good dose of reality that she can't be the best at everything, as the oldest sibling can begin to assume. :)

After having her "Art Gallery showing" and receiving her certificate, Miss Jenny asked up to fill out a questionnaire regarding the class.

So I asked Charis one of the first questions: "What did you like best about the class?" She didn't skip a beat. "Painting and drawing and cooking!!" I think she would have continued to list the positives had I not run out of writing room and moved on to the next question.

"What did you not like about the class?" Again, not hesitating in the slightest, she said: "Actually I liked everything about the class."

And that, in my opinion, about sums it up.