Chapter 8

Well we are three weeks into the new school year and I am finding it a little difficult at times to get used to this new chapter in my life.  Having both girls in school the whole day I have begun to deeply think about this new phase in my life.  Not having my little sidekick next to me everyday gets kind of lonely sometimes, but when she comes home and tells me all about her day I realize that Olivia is happy at school and enjoys all her new friends.  She has enjoyed having some little boys throw away her lunch, follow her around the playground, and helped her carry her backpack.  (Oh dear, heaven help us in the future!) She loves all the girls in her class, and both my girls really like their new teachers.  Ellie too, is happy and enjoys being with her friends.  If I let my mind wander too far.....junior high is in 2 years; just around the corner, and I AM NOT ready for that!! Ellie has always been an excellent student.  She loves learning and has never really minded homework.  She loves math.  Which the only fear I have when she has math homework is hearing her yell from the kitchen, "Mom, I don't get this problem." I feel like I want to hide when I hear those words, which really isn't very often because she rarely has an issue.

I've thought about how fast time goes by, and how their little lives are becoming more and more enriched with experiences in this world.  I pray and even often tell each girl that despite the bad in life, there is SO MUCH good.  I've felt pressed to keep their attention focused on the good in those who are in their lives.  You know it's sad in a way because every year that kids get older a little bit of their innocence is lost.  I've thought about what might be their ambitions and aspirations for the future.  I hope that each of my girls grows up to be a loving, kind, caring, and understanding person.  I hope they feel free to be themselves and express themselves in a positive way.  Be patient with people around them.  I think we all learn this lesson in life.  Some people I am more patient with than others.  I admit that....:)

Earlier this year I wrote a poem that I will one day read to my girls.  My Mom had it framed for my birthday, and it sits in my room.  I have learned that most important things in this world aren't "things." More importantly are those we have in our lives.  If you really want someone in your life, you make sure they stay there.  Relationships with those around us will come and go, but hopefully we will take a piece of each one with us through life's journey.  Love you girls!!!

I do not own a fancy house,

Or drive the latest car.

My bank account is nothing big,

I do not travel very far.

To dress myself in stunning jewels,

Is nothing I can afford.

I made a list of all my assets,

And it seems I'm rather poor.

With me there is no secret stash,

What you see is what you get.

No pot of gold at my rainbow,

But I haven't given hope up yet.

When it comes to my material things,

My net worth is kind of low.

My wishlist of what I want,

Doesn't match my actual cash flow.

But my life is good and my smile is big

I have more riches than I can say;

I have the love of my sweet girls

Their happiness beats any payday!

Within the walls of our small home,

Love and laughter abide within.

For all the money in the world,

I would not trade this gift in.

All the diamonds a girl could want,

Cannot be found in my jewelry box.

But instead; trinkets, notes and drawings

Lost first teeth and hair locks.

My car is old and may have some dents,

But it gets me where I need to be.

Ball games, lessons, and tumbling class

Play practice, PTA, or anywhere else my girls need me.

And one day before I know,

I'll be buried down in the ground.

It is my prayer that my girls looks back,

And say, “We're sure glad Mom was around.”

We did not have a great big house,

Or ride in a fancy car.

But we sure made some memories,

That will outlast dollar bills by far.

I pray they learn from their young age,

That happiness cannot be bought.

That when they are discouraged,

Feeling down, saddened, and distraught

They take a look around them,

And be happy with what they've got!!