Birthdays, Parenting and Memories

This is a very last minute post, but I had a few things on my mind, about kids birthdays, parenting, and making memories together. So here it goes... Today I was just thinking of how fast my children are growing and some of the pictures on my blog are not all updated, my oldest so nicely pointed that out to me last time I wrote. So since they have all turned another year older, I thought I would share some of the celebration with you, they are all 10 and above now, double digits, where has the time gone? Though the birthdays have come on gone, I am still celebrating this time we still have them at home. Our minds (my husband and I that is) try to wrap around the thought of a home with just the two of us, (and Meggie of course) and I have to say, that's not always an easy thought. Parenting is so a part of us, it's very difficult imagining it any other way. Not saying that we will not be their parents when they are out on their own, but it will just change the dynamics a bit. From the time our children were born, we knew we would be preparing them every step of the way, through all the stages and ages they pass through, I have to say we enjoyed each stage, and never felt anxious at those time.

Now jumping ahead to the present, it's not an anxiousness I feel, rather the goals we have made as parents in the raising of our children; such as knowing how to care for a household, single, married, children, whatever the case maybe. Being financially responsible, making good sound decisions, being a good employee or employer, being able to pick the right spouse, job, education, church, friends, and on and on. I am reviewing in my mind what is it we need to equip our children with, so when they leave home, they are physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually prepared to handle life on their own. We are so blessed as parents to have this opportunity to raise our children in a way that they will be outstanding individuals, who will have a great (eternal)impact on society. There is truly a sense of accomplishment, and joy to see your children putting into practice some of the values, morals, and responsibilities you have worked on repeatedly over the years.

I truly want to be able to look back when my husband and I get older and know that parenting was the most important job we did while our children were growing up. It will be rewarding to both of us and most of all it will be a reflection of our love for our children and for our Heavenly Father. My life has been filled with good examples of parents/grandparents, and what parenting should look like.

Looking back at the wonderful memories I have of my grandparents, the unconditional love they had for us grandchildren, was amazing. I was fortunate enough to have a good relationship with my grandparents, as well as my parents, which just reinforced the morals,values, responsibilities, and spiritually training that equipped me to be the parent I need to be. Notice I did not mention in any way shape or form perfect parenting, it makes me feel uncomfortable when people even mention (or insinuate) me and the word perfect in the same sentence, I am just showing my gratitude for my up bring. I know my husband and I will feel honored if our children feel this same way as they grow up.






Homemade cake and (my aunt's) almond frosting are the greatest!


Now when we are celebrating birthdays, we fully enjoyed each one, appreciating them for the special individuals they are to us; the food was great, we usually let them choose the meal; the cake was yummy! The gifts were fun (and within budget), and the time together was priceless! The smiles on the kids faces and the laughter we shared will leave long lasting memories hopefully for all of us. We took several pictures, and I will share a few, I also attempted to make my first slide show in honor of Meggie's 10th birthday, that was quite fun I must say. As other important birthdays and events arise, I hope to have special plans to make even more special memories for the kids that they can look back on, always remembering what made it so great is we did these things together.







Celebrating my oldest daughter's birthday was so fun, though it really gets us thinking of how fast the time is going. We usually sit around and spend some time reminiscing their childhood days, maybe watch an old video of the kids and we almost always end up laughing. The memories we have made will linger for a long time to come.







By the time my son's birthday rolled around, we had some mild illnesses going on in the family, but enough to postpone the celebrating for his big day. It was a good thing he was not sick and could have some fun things planned with friends and have things going on at school. As you can tell, the younger people in the family are very rapidly gaining (height wise) on the older people. Sorry Meggie your height does not come rapidly for you, but your cuteness more than makes up for your height.






The last thing I am going to end with is some lyrics I wrote for Andrea, as I was reflecting how fast the time goes while we are watching our children grow, and thinking about all the hopes and dreams we have for them. It was a goal of mine to have a song for each of them from me.


Rock-a-Bye My Baby


(chorus) Rock-a-bye my baby as you drift to sleep,
with his angels watching you, we'll have some peace.
Daylights coming night will quickly pass....rock-a-bye my baby to sleep.

(v1) We wish that times like these would last and last,
The kids are growing and time is going fast,
I watch you as you go to run and play, may angels watch you day by day.

(v2) Before I know you're going off to school,
The teacher's smiling and the children are too,
Mothers say good-bye, kids say.....mommy don't cry, rock-a-bye my baby with me.

(chorus)

(v3) The school bell rings, and now the day is done,
You've learned great thing and even had some fun,
Across the stage you'll walk in cap and gown, as angels sing and dance around.

(v4) College comes and goes your working now.
You're volunteering in spare time somehow;
Then the phone rings....Dad,....there's this guy...I want you to meet,
rock-a-bye my baby with me.

(chorus)

(v5) Wedding bells are ringing loud and clear,
I see your veil on, smile, and I shed a tear.
Vows are said, and then you kneel to pray,God bless you on your wedding day.

(v6) Sharing time with you is rare, but, precious now,
Memories fill my mind, of your childhood days I recall,
You're having children of your own right now, and singing...
rock-a-bye my baby with me.

(chorus) Rock-a-bye my baby as you drift to sleep,
with his angels watching you, we'll have some peace.
Daylights coming night will quickly pass....
rock-a-bye my baby to sleep.