Rejoicing in the little moments

When it comes to my children's social abilities I want my children to be friendly, outgoing, to make friends easily and to be liked by all. However, when you realize that your child struggles a great deal in social situations it's really difficult to accept that. I wish that others could see the Selah we know and love. She is so intelligent, funny, and has such a sweet and caring nature about her. But when Selah has the opportunity to engage in conversation with someone that is not the girl we see. She is no longer talkative and funny, she is shy, timid, and sometimes scared. Something happened this last weekend where I realized we were embarking on a journey that would take much time and patience. Not only would Selah be learning, but me as well. We were in her first ballet class and the teacher had just arrived. The teacher had asked all of the kids to sit on the blue mat to sing a welcome song, and my girl became hysterical. What was it like for her in that moment? Did she feel overwhelmed by the attention? I attempted to calm her down and encourage her to participate, while other parents gawked and the teacher glared at us. I walked out of there with her in my arms and tears in my eyes. From this helpless feeling I have learned that my daughter needs me to encourage her, to praise her when she does really well in social situations. Rejoice in the little moments! To be embarrassed or frustrated only hinders her growth as well as mine. I'm not a perfect mom, and I don't have perfect children, but I am proud of them and love them for who they are. I am ready to walk with my daughter hand in hand on this journey of self-discovery and growth.

Who would have thought...

Tomatoes

Zucchini

We also have cucumbers and carrots growing in our garden.

I have never been known for my green thumb. I have never had a plant been given to me and it live more than a month or two. Yard work was something I despised doing, because as a result of doing so my allergies would act up. So, what possessed me to start a garden, you might ask? I have no idea! However, things actually began to grow, and I don't mean weeds, but actual vegetable bearing plants. It's fantastic! So far we have had zucchini two ways--fried zucchini and zucchini in our spaghetti sauce. We have also enjoyed carrots. Who would have thought that I could grow a garden?

On a side note, I have some advice for those that shop at Macy's. I recently went shopping with my mom before her and my dad's trip to Hawaii. I was not planning on buying anything that day. I was simply a shopping companion for my mom. That all changed in the purse section at Macy's. We were on the hunt for the perfect travel bag that was small enough, yet functional, for my mom to take on the trip. I spotted a bag that fit the description located on the bottom shelf. I bent over to grab it, and stood back up.....RIIIIIIPPPPP!!! I had hooked my athletic capri pants on a hook directly behind me. Suddenly the quest for a travel bag became a quest to buy Sonja pants...FAST! I was surrounded by old lady apparel or athletic gear. So, I dashed around with my hand on my rear-end to cover the huge hole. Next problem...there was nothing in my size. Except one pair of Nike capri pants that were $50. $50...who pays such a price! I was desperate, so I decided to try them on. I also found out that I had cut myself pretty badly on that hook and was bleeding. Ugh! So, I bought those $50 pants, which I never spend that much, and we went home. Preceding our exit I told the clerk my tail and her response was, "Oh that's too bad." I didn't even get a discount for their poor lay out of the merchandise. I didn't think of that at the time, but my mom mentioned it to the gal which did not elicit a response. Anyways, long story short don't bend over in the tight aisles of Macy's. Okay, that was pretty lame advice, but it is a funny story. I did walk away with the most comfortable pants I've ever owned, but had to pay a pretty price for them.

Well friends, see you soon!

Good Golly Miss. Molly!

We have a puppy! She is a yellow/cream colored Labrador retriever with a very mellow and affectionate personality. The kids both seem fond of her. Eli giggles when he gets to touch her, and Selah is exhibiting the same caring quality she shows with her brother.

By the way, her name is Molly.

Latest...

Preciosa!

First sprinkler run of the season.

Eli "the alligator wrestler"

Silly kids!

Here is a rundown on my peeps (a.k.a. Selah, Eli and Dan)...

Eli is crawling...everywhere!, saying 'mama', and pulling himself up on the coffee table.

Selah is a jumping and climbing monkey, feeling 100% better, one month away from turning 3 years old, and has already began asking her daddy for a doggy. Haha! Hmm...who put that in her head?! ;)

Dan has a goal of doing a 40 mile bike trip this summer. He is working his way up, and so far completed a 25 mile ride earlier in the week.

Sonja is keeping busy with summer program and feeling a little discouraged by the lack of encouragement and abundance of criticism. So, please feel free to throw encouraging comments my way any time.

Baby Be Blessed

One thing I love to get for my children are toys that are out of the ordinary. Toys that aren't made of plastic or the stereotypical Elmo or Dora doll. That is why I am loving these dolls from Baby Be Blessed. They are unique, adorable, and most importantly can be personalized with the child's name and Bible verse. I just ordered three, a doll for Selah, a lion for Eli, and a doll for a friend's adopted daughter from China, Nicole. Their slogan, "Spreading the word of God...one doll at a time." Check it out!