Things That Make Me Go AHHHHHH!!!! (inside at least)

This morning as we got dressed for the day I informed Grace that she could not go to school with marker all over her hand – she scrubbed her hands really well, brushed her teeth and went off to another part of the house while I continued to get dressed. I was actually pretty impressed that she managed to get all the marker off without any help. When Grace returned I thought she would ask me to turn on the TV for her - instead I noticed her hands were once again covered in marker. Demanding an explanation she told me the only thing that makes sense (to a four year old) – “Mom I’m four I have to have the number four on my hand”.

I think I'm fighting an up hill battle.

Memories of a Child

I have clear memories of my childhood and time spent with my Mamaw and Papaw. Anytime my Mom had a commitment for work or a trip where she had to leave town I spent that time with my grandparents. It was always bittersweet - I missed my Mom but truly loved the time I spent with them.

Every time I arrived Mamaw would find out all of Mom's flight details. They lived close to Hobby airport and flights passed frequently. She made sure that when the time was right and a flight was overhead, we would run outside and wave as big as humanly possible to the airplane. It was my form of closure that Mom was gone for a week and our little tradition to starting the week off together.

Since Grace was tiny I've traveled somewhat frequently. This week I'm in San Diego for work. The older Grace gets the more aware she is of my trips. Naturally it's sad to leave but she handles it wonderfully. This week when I settled into the hotel and was finally able to call home Grace got on the phone and told me about her day. It went like this...

Grace: "Momma, this morning I was at school playing and I saw your airplane fly over. I waved, did you see me?"

Me: "You did, how sweet!"

Grace: "Mama, I miss you already"

This story has brought tears to my eyes a number of times. Maybe it's normal for kids to wave at planes passing. It certainly brings peace to a child's heart (I know from experience). Grace never knew about my experience as a child - in fact I'm not sure anyone knew. It was special to my Mamaw and me. This week our little tradition became a tad bit more special when I saw it pass to a new generation. Who knows maybe years from now I'll stand in the back yard with Grace's daughter waving as she leaves.

Open House

Tonight was open house at Grace's school. She was VERY prepared. She knew exactly what stations she wanted us to see! Her favorite (by far) was the piratical life. She loves playing with water! Her teacher bragged about her language skills. She told me that Grace works very well with the younger children. One of the reasons we reasons we chose this Montessori school was the secondary class structure. Grace attaches to older children and she nurtures younger children - it's the perfect set up for her. Needless to say, Joey and I were very pround to hear how well she's doing. We couldn't be happier to see her growth over the past six weeks!