1.) Yesterday, I walked in the house from a long day at work. As I sat down I could hear Hannah-bear's tiny not-so-soft-pitter-pattering of feet getting closer. When she found me, she said the most amazing thing to me. With the softest little voice and the widest eyes, she said, "Maaamma" followed by the biggest hug that such a little person can give. Simply a-m-a-z-i-n-g.
Why is this so amazing you may ask? Oh where do I start. Hannah is very social. She can say lots of words, like Sasha, Trent, dog, hi, bye, pretty, no, stinky, yum, quit it, thank-you, and of course daddy. But mama? Nope. Nada. Zip. Now, don't be concerned, she can make the sounds of "mama" without a problem. That isn't the issue. However, her stubbornness is. She has refused, absolutely refused to acknowledge that I am "Mama". In fact, she and I have argued about this very point. Yes, at 15 months, toddlers are very capable of arguing. Well at least in my house anyway...(they are part me after all).
Our conversation goes like this: I look at her and say "Okay Hannah, say Mama." Slowly mouthing each part "Ma-ma. Ma-ma-ma-ma". She then looks at me, shakes her head back and forth, while pointing at me, and says in an impatient tone, "Daddy!". And it's not like she did this once. We have been having this conversation since she muttered her first word. Any guesses what that first word was? You got it - Daddy.
So today I am thankful for those small moments that come so quietly but makes my heart want to shout with joy. Is there really anything better then hearing the quiet soft mutter of "Mama"? (not to be confused with the screaming, whining, yelling or demanding versions of "Mama" I might add).
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2.) The church owns an orchard in Caldwell, and our ward has a row of trees that we are responsible for taking care of. That means thinning and picking. The fruit is then used to help others in need as well as go to the cannery. Anyway, we were there in the apricot orchard, standing on very tall ladders thinning out the green apricots. Me...on a TALL ladder? Now that is commitment I tell ya!
I was up in one tree, and Tracy was in the next tree right behind me. We are working along, enjoying the fact that we are outside, and doing something good. We even got Trent and Aleana involved by thinning the heavier branches around the bottom of the trees. (Hannah was in the backpack with Tracy eating, or attempting to eat green apricots or leaves depending on which she could get her hands on first).
I am now steadily seeking out clumps of apricots, in my own little world, when I hear a "thunk-thunk-thump". There is a brief pause in silence, followed by another "thunk-thump". Then I hear, in a whiny-there-was-no-mistakin'-it, Trent voice, "Heeey!!! Whoooo threw thaaat?" (Now, at this point I have to admit that I was so tempted to start throwing those little green suckers, but didn't because I was trying the be the "adult" and be a good example to my kids). I hear another 'thunk" and more irritation in Trent's voice. As I turn I around, I have no doubt who the offender might be. You guessed it. Tracy. My grown-up husband, responsible for carrying Hannah on his back, Tracy. He tosses one more down and tags Trent right on the noggin. This time Trent looks up and sees his dad. Tracy throws another down just to hear Trent whine. But much to our surprise, he doesn't. He looks up and says very sternly, "Dad, stop it. I AM YOUR CHILD!! And you DON'T DO THAT TO YOUR CHILD!!!" Of course we laugh and hear snickers three trees down from us, as someone comments, "Now, that is classic".
Yes, our Trent is a classic. He's one of a kind. And, he's our CHILD. I am thankful that he now realizes that. :)
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3.) Today was the last day of school, and I have to admit - I am so happy! It is nice to have a break, as I am sure it will be nice to have them back in school in the fall. Today is also the day that Hannah had a Dr.'s appointment to get her eyes looked at. She will have to have a minor surgery to fix her tear ducts this coming Monday. While I was busy with Hannah-stuff, Aleana had an award ceremony. I didn't think it was a big deal, as the teacher didn't notify me that she was to receive anything.
Fast-forward a couple hours, Aleana is off the school bus and in the car, and we are on our way to Sonic (happy hour - need I say more?) to celebrate the beginning of summer-break. I asked how her day went, and she said "Fine". I asked if she would miss her teacher, and she said, "Yes". At this point I am thinking, man I am at 0 - 2. Only one word answers, this can't be good. She finally opens up and says that she will miss her friends, (as we are moving and will be in a different school district next year) but how she got their phone numbers so she will be able to "talk to them on the phone all summer and stay friends forever".
Then in a very matter-of-fact, it's no-big-deal kind of way, said "Oh yeah, I got an award today". What?!?!? I missed it? Feeling the guilt already begin to build up.
I said, "What did you get an award in?"
She then replied, "Oh, it was for top student in third grade".
I was so excited for her. I was beaming, and said, "Aleana, that's awesome. That's a really big deal!"
She acted surprised. How could she not think it was a big deal? Um, probably because I wasn't there to see it. She was presented with a certificate in front of the whole school. Only one third grader in her class. I still can't believe that her teacher didn't give me a heads-up. Grrr. She said, "It is?"
I then said, "Holy cow Aleana! I was a good student all through school. I got straight A's all through high school, and I never got that award". Her eyes got big as she started to understand how awesome it was to be the holder of the "top student" award.
I am so proud of her. She is such a hard worker and does a great job. I am truly grateful to have a daughter like her. But regardless of what the teacher says, she will always be a top student in my book.