Monday, August 4, 2008

A Daily Scoop

While checking in on a few friends this evening (love you Lori), I happened upon the blog of an amazing mother, named Stephanie.  Stephanie's almost 14 month old daughter drowned in their hot tub seven weeks ago.  I have spent the last two plus hours reading her accounts of the unimaginable journey through the grieving process.  I am fascinated by people who can endure such horrific trials with a strengthened testimony of their Savior and His great plan of happiness.  While reading Stephanie's posts, my heart aches for her loss and yet I'm so inspired to take a step back and focus on what really matters.  

Sometimes I feel like my kids see me most with a furrowed brow or grumpy face and I often wonder what impact that can/will/does have on their spirit.  I'm not sure how I manage to get so entangled in things that pull me away from what I claim is most important to me.  It's really frustrating feeling like I'm not the mom I want to be.  Don't get me wrong, I know I'm a good mom.  I just want to be better at some things that I know are important and let some of the less important things slide.  I guess that is the age old struggle with motherhood!

Anyway, one thing Stephanie encouraged people to do was write down the little things our kids do, and it doesn't have to be just the funny things, because we will always want to remember.  So I'm going to do just that and I'd encourage you to do the same.  

I'll start with Miss Halle...

I love the way Halle weaves her favorite blankies in-between her fingers as she is falling asleep.  I can remember her doing this as a baby.  Halle is always listening and formulating a plan.  Currently she is designing the "Family Fun House," a sort of vacation resort complete with great activities for the kids and a place for parents to go and get a foot massage.  Halle has learned how to read and I love the look of pride on her face as she reads aloud to just about anyone who will listen.  She is a worrier and a great helper who can practically read my mind.  She is such a mini-me, sometimes it feels like I'm taking a step back in time.

Haven is my cuddle bug.  Every morning I wake to Haven asking is she can lay by me.  She snuggles right up, so close that her hair tickles my nose.  She is possibly my most observant child and is generous with her compliments often of things that most 3-4 year olds would never notice.   A few that come to mind at the moment are, "I like that color on you" (in reference to a new hair color), and "I like your fishnets mom."  She has the best squishy buns and is infatuated with red high heels.  She can give a terrifying look of death and is capable of throwing awesome tantrums, but most of her meltdowns can be diffused if I just ask, "Can I hold you?" I just have to remind myself of that technique.

Oh Yaya.  Asher is attempting to master the art of selective listening. However, the half smile and shifty eyes is a dead give away.  It is impossible not to laugh when he does this.  He frequently says, "I la lu mom," (love you) and, "Oh thorry mom," (sorry) when he drops or spills something.  Last week, one of my favorite college roommates came to visit with her family, including her 4 month old baby.  In the morning, I told Asher to be quiet and he said, "Oh, a baby thleeping?"  My other favorite things he is saying now are, "The's puthin' me," (she's pushing me) and "a help me mom?"  

So I go to bed tonight (actually this morning) inspired to try a little harder tomorrow to be the woman I want to be and the mom my kids need me to be, with a renewed awareness of the things that might get in the way.  

If you have a few minutes or a few hours, check out Stephanie's blog, A Daily Scoop.

8 comments:

Lemme said...

wow...that's inspiring! i don't know how people get on with their lives after such trials. I blogstalk this woman who's a young widow with 2 kids (http://hawkinstrio.blogspot.com/). on a happier note, this makes me excited to visit you guys in a week and a half! starting wednesday it's gonna be a lemme overload! with them coming here in two days then us going there in a week and a half...crazy! I'm excited to see you guys and your new house! tell mike congratz on surviving the triathlon...i would have died! I wanna see those pictures!

Jenna Marin said...

What an amazing lady/family. That is pretty incredible and very inspiring. I'm sure it has an even bigger impact on mothers.
Very cute notes about your kids, too. Those will be fun to look back on.

Jen said...

Wow. I think that Ryan said goodnight to me almost 2 hours ago when I clicked on the link to Stephanie to check it out. I bawled my eyes out and am so grateful that I can hold my three crazies. Braden almost pulled the fire alarm at the UWMC when we were there for his screening. I needed this blog today. Thanks

cat said...

hola. my friend knows stephanie's family and so i have read about this before. seriously. i was depressed about it for days. i agree that it is also inspiring though. she has an amazing attitude about life.
we need to get together (and our kids together).

Unknown said...

I actually stumbled across that blog from another friend of mine and I can't believe her story. It really makes you grateful for what you have. Those are some sweet little tid-bits about your kids!

Susan said...

Oh My Goodness, it is so nice to read your blog. Your children are absolutely adorable.

Susan
http://www.raisin-toast.com

cat said...

time for a new post already!

lori said...

I am so glad that you read it Crystal and that you can pass it on to others. I hope all is well with you..you are so wonderful!