I Found My Little Girl

The transition from girlhood into adolescence often leaves me stunned, baffled, scratching my head and asking "Why me?"  I am thankful that God is helping me to embrace this natural part of life...today anyhow! 

I wrote this poem today:

I Found My Little Girl

There was, once upon a time, my little girl so amiable and nimble
climbing trees, skipping rocks, running through the day
"Look, Daddy and Mommy, I made you this."
she'd say

A missing tooth, a scratched up knee
stitches, bandages and casts
a tromp through the creek, overturning rocks
in search of obscured crawdads

Riding bikes, sweaty face
prayers in bed, a sweet embrace

Bedtime stories, stay-up parties
hair-dos, massages
pedicures and manicures
laughter and surprises

A kind word, a kiss on the cheek
a tattered skirt and stained up sneaks

Days, weeks, months, years
all too quickly flee
holding hands and bear hugs
now distant memories

Where could my little girl be?

I reach for her hand
but get a cold shoulder
and a "Maybe later, Mom."
oh, how I'd long to hold her

"Want to play a game?" I ask
"Maybe later, Mom."
"Is this the standard response to all?"
"Maybe later, Mom."

Ipod, music, ooVoo and Skype
talking all day and into the night

"Time for bed, and turn that thing off."
a look of disgust and dismay
"Do as you're told, young lady
otherwise, I'll take it away."

"Can I go here? Can I go there?"
anywhere but home, it seems
I catch a glimpse of her in the mirror
she's ready to spread her wings

Like a butterfly, she emerges
from the chrysalis of love held so tight
security, confidence
and beauty take flight

Determination, goals
dreaming about tomorrow
reaching for new heights
wanting to be let go

I stand on the side lines
with guidance, love, correction
cheering her on
with discipline and affection

She's growing up, pulling away
searching for who she is
she looks within, stands on the Rock
and knows that she is His

With prayer and perseverance
patience and trust
I look to the One
who is faithful and just

Take her and mold her, I pray
shape her and form her
with talents and unique gifts
and Truth of Your Word

Let her be one of a kind
let her be free from this world
let her shine as a light
let her be transformed

At His feet, in humble service
walking in love and liberty
making her stamp on this world
that's where my little girl will be!

Potato Stamps

Along with our studies of American History this year, the kids are also learning about the US States.  We are going by geographical regions and working on memorizing the states and their capitals, using this website, which uses mnemonics.  Now that we're almost done, currently on the Rocky Mountain States, I found a book I'd completely forgotten I had, which incidently, a lot of these same mnemonics were taken from.  It's called "Kids Learn America":

It has lots of neat facts about each state, along with recipes, crafts, etc.  So, today we read about Idaho since it was one of our Rocky Mountain States.  One of the projects they suggest is to make potato stamps.  So, Jared and I decided to give it a try for fun!

First we carved out our shapes with a paring knife

Then dipped them in paint to make our pretty pictures

Here's Jared's finished project



It was a fun way to learn about a new state! 

Coming Up For Air

Phew!  Anyone else feel like they're being swallowed up with the everyday demands of life?  It never seems to slow down here...which is why I'm just now getting around to a new post for the first time in several weeks.

Ever since Thanksgiving school has been a challenge for us---and taking such a long break for Christmas only added to it!  I'm not sure if we will take such a long break next year.  I feel like we're moving in slow motion, trying to get back up to full speed.  We're getting there!  We are going to make a few changes in curriculum starting in the next couple of weeks.  I plan to order a new science program for Jenna, a couple of new bible studies and maybe a few other goodies.

We did have a nice, relaxing break, though.  I even learned how to knit!  Before my Grandmother passed away she left me a tub full of all of her knitting and crocheting supplies.  I have just about every size and style needle you could imagine.  So, here's my work in progress:

My very first stitches.  *Squeal* I had no plan other than to keep going once I figured it out.  So...it looks like it will be a scarf.  My #1 fan (Jared) is cheering me on each day.  He is so proud of his mama!  Every day he looks at the progress I've made and says, "Wow, Mom! That is SO cool!  When you finish it- I'm going to wear it."  I said, "But it's purple."  He replied, "I dont care! You made it, and that's all I care about."  Can kids be any sweeter??  So, my next project will be a beanie cap for him...not in purple though! Ha.