Gemma

We were in our hotel room getting ready to go somewhere. I already can't remember where. However, getting 5 people ready to go anywhere is a lot like herding turtles. It is slow going and a lot of backwards progress before you get forward motion.

Gemma was singing bits of her favorite song, "Let it Go". William and Amelia were fighting about something. Gemma started Singh g louder to hear herself over the bickering between the two bigger kids.

Finally, she stood up on the bed and flung her arms wide belting out "Let it Go! let it Go! I love peanut butter jelly"!

Her declaration was just what the big kids needed to interrupt and derail their argument.

Everyone dissolved into laughter, which lasted less than 10 minutes before the next fight broke out.

Sent from my iPhone

Gemma

We stayed in a hotel this weekend outside of Chicago with the kids for their fall break.

I woke up Friday morning and heard Gemma flop over in her portable crib. She gave a big sigh as she started to wake up and made adorable sleepy noises. These little noises are so reminiscent of her baby noises, they strike me in the heart. Another flop, a big sigh and I prepared myself for the heart warming baby noises.

Instead, after the big, satisfied sigh sigh came words.

"Peanut butter jelly"

My not so little baby was thinking about a peanut butter and jelly sandwich.

Sent from my iPhone

Not tired

Not tired mom. I not tired. Do you believe her?

Mama is

This morning, Gemma and had this conversation while she sat on the potty chair (nothing exciting happened on the potty, but the conversation was good).


Gemma: William is boy
Mama: yes, William is a boy
Gemma: demma is girl
Mama: yes, Gemma is a girl.
Gemma: mama is mama
Mama: ... Sure. Mama is a mama.

Sent from my iPhone

An art

I am working on a school project with Amelia. In one area, she has to indicate her favorite sport. She is slowing sounding out the letters, kindergarten style : socker.

We talk when she is done.

Mama: do you have another sport you like?
Amelia: like gymnastics?
Mama: sure, or ballet?
Amelia: Mooooom! Ballet is NOT a sport. Ballet is an art ( she flips her hair behind her shoulder and I swear she rolls her eyes).

Mama: (mouth open)....

Mama: well, sure, whatever you think.

Heaven help us when she is a teenager.

Sent from my iPhone

My job

My job is a blessing.

I only work 8 hours a week currently, but those hours are important for so many reasons on so many levels.

On a weekly basis, I am reminded to be thankful for what I have, my childhood, and my upbringing.

Every single week I hear stories from my students that remind me that the stress I am facing are manageable. Sure, my life can be hard, but I am not dealing with the overwhelming worry that they deal with on a daily basis.

I can't go into detail much, as it isn't fair to them. These are just a few stories I have heard THIS year over the last few months.

However, I am thankful that :

No one held a gun to my head while pregnant.

No one threatened to kill themselves while my children were present.

My mother didn't tell me every morning I was stupid and wasting my time with school.

I didn't have to live in my car and work 2 jobs to pay child support.

My parents didn't ask me to drop out of school to support our family.

My husband is supportive in every way possible. He has never threatened me or our kids.

I never have to pick between paying bills or feeding my kids.

If we need to see a doctor, we go to the doctor.

I don't worry that I will lose my place to live because I got a flat tire on the way to work.

Gunshots aren't regularly fired in my neighborhood.

There is so much more. These people are working so hard to change their lives for the better in the midst of unimaginable stress.

My life is so good.

Sent from my iPhone

Amelia's turn

Not to be outdone, when Amelia saw William writing, she scampered to the table to join him. Here is her letter

Dear Megan,

I like spending time with Andy *. I also like spending time with you.

Ps I hope to see you soon.

From Amelia




*(note: she originally had had love and then debated whether or not she should love Andy as he isn't in our immediate family of 5. She looked to me for help and I made her puzzle it out on her own).