Talents

I knew that raising children would not be an easy task...actually quite difficult.  I knew raising three children of the same age would generate comparison between them.  I knew that there would be emotional sadness when someone would be invited to a birthday party and someone else wasn't.

We had our first "real" comparison meltdown last week.  It has been on my mind constantly.  Worrying and wondering how I can make my children know how individually important they are.

The meltdown was over someone being on a different level reading book at school.  That morning, I had asked that child to give our family prayer before we left to school.  That child specifically ask that they would remember words in their book and be able to move up a reading level.  That was my first sign someone was upset about something.

Oh, the tears that were shed that afternoon.  The "I'm not as smart as" or "why can't I be like that" comments that spilled out at the kitchen table while doing homework.  My heart truly ached for my sweet child that sat on my lap.

We had a long talk about how everyone has God-given talents.  Some are good readers, some are good at arts or sports, some are good at making friends, but we are each different.  Our Heavenly Father designed us that way because if we were all the same, we couldn't learn and grow.  But it is so hard for a 6 year old to understand this concept.

Since then, we've had a few more tears shed.  These sweet spirits that come from heaven are so tender.  They want so much to please and to feel important.  They are aching to be emotionally built up and to shine.  It is my job as a parent to make sure all this happens.  There are days when this task is so overwhelming.  Though they are triplets, they are so different.  Their needs and personalities are so different.

I can only imagine what it will be like when we have teenagers!

A Date for Lunch

I have a friend who checks her kids (one by one) out of school and takes them on a lunch date.  I think that is a FANTASTIC idea, so I swiped it!

Today, this handsome fellow was my date:

When I check him out, the front office lady called on the loud speaker to their classroom that Carter was being checked out (I guess that is REALLY cool to have all the classmates hear you are leaving).

He came charging down the hall with a smile the size of Africa across his face!  How can you not be excited to go out to lunch with such a happy guy?

We went to Subway (they would all choose Mcdonald's, but I can only handle that grossness every so often).  The Subway lady asked if he was in 4th grade!  He kept saying how cool he was now!

He chattered non-stop about school, Junie B Jones books, and mostly Star Wars.  It sure was fun to share a few minutes with him alone.

(Well this faithful sidekick was there too, but she was busy slurping down her orange drink):

Thanks Carter for making my day!

Rain Rain Go Away...

It finally went away in Moab and we had a sweet ride on the Slick Rock trail. 

Pulling into the parking lot of the trail can be a bit intimidating!  There are cyclists (and "dudes") from all over the world with some sweet gear.  Then there was us (I guess we had sweet gear too according to Tim)!

Regardless, we had fun riding, no one got hurt, kids were having fun at home and there was sunshine!

Arches National Park

Slick Rock Trail Head

Tim and Blair ready to ride!

Tim and I enjoying the red rock beauty!

Rain Rain Please Stay...

Life has been a bit "busy".  In the midst of all the craziness, Tim and I had a weekend get-a-way to Moab, Utah to mountain bike Slick Rock (a world famous trail...full of technical tricks).  But it is raining like cats and dogs.  You can't ride a slick rock in the rain....it is too slick.

So we are relaxing in the condo with our good friends watching movies.  Who watches movies on Friday at 3:30pm?  Really....who?

I don't feel cheated of a vacation, because it is the most relaxation I've felt in a long time.  Sleeping in, going for a run, driving through beautiful national parks, and hanging out with good friends.

See, I've been in my sewing room for approximately 3 weeks now sewing like a mad lady.

I was invited to sell some handmade children's clothing at a Christmas boutique.  While buying fabric for this boutique (I had 20 bolts of fabric at the cut counter...that poor employee), some lady asked me what I was planning on doing with so much fabric.  "Sew lots and lots of clothes", I replied.  She mentioned that she owned a consignment store just down the street from my house and would I bring some samples by.  Sure thing!

Meanwhile, I received a package from a children's pattern designer to sew her samples for the Houston quilt show.  Her new patterns and fabric line are amazing and it has been a treat to see the latest and greatest fashion!

I LOVE LOVE LOVE to sew.  It is amazing to take a bolt of fabric and turn it into an garment of clothing.  It hasn't been stressful at all.  I've been sewing clothing that has expanded my sewing skills.  Stretched my limits.

Plus, I decided to become an independent Scentsy consultant.  Their scented waxes are delish!  So my bi-annual open house is coming up and I've been trying to get ready for.

So many tender mercies and blessing!