Trying to Keep up!!!

Now that we are embarking on the holiday season, I figured it was time to catch my blog up on my family before the holidays got here and I had other events and pretty pictures to add to my list of updates.

We had a big summer this year.  Full of fun, excitement, doctor's appointments galore, and traveling.  It hit me so very hard at how big my girls are and what all they are becoming capable of doing (sometimes without mommy).  The realization that my two oldest aren't babies anymore and my youngest is growing faster than I have the ability to keep up with some days and won't be a baby for long.  I love that they are growing into independent little girls, but saddened at what this milestone means.  

We spent many days a week at the Water Park this summer and the coolest thing ever came from that...both of my girls learned how to swim and not be afraid of the water!  If you know Madie, you know she can be pretty stubborn about trying new things until she feels confident; and ladies and gentlemen confidence came this year!  She turned into a little fish followed by a little minnow named Hannah.  Oh yes, Hannah will not be outdone if she can help it.

We also celebrated another huge milestone this summer.  The one who made me a mommy first turned six!  Unbelievably so, Madison Brooke turned six years old.  Every milestone since she was born, Stephen and I high-five each other that we've kept our children alive for this long...and this one was no different.  He and I celebrated that we have kept our first baby girl alive for six years with very few bumps and bruises (give or take).  Something to celebrate if you ask us!

Turning six brought me to a whole new level of awareness of the dated time I have with my her.  I became oh so aware of a change of seasons from a little girl always wanting and needing Mommy, to a, "I think I'd like to do it myself" big girl.  She is very independent, smart, imaginative, and beautiful.  She loves life to the fullest and lives in her own made-up-world where she is the queen.  She loves to draw and make up stories (most are still all about puppy dogs).  She is still learning to be a big sister that sacrifices and cares for her younger sisters; but I believe she will get there.  Her delight to understand the world around her is amazing.  She is always asking questions about things I am completely oblivious to until she makes me aware of them.  She likes for things to be very predictable and planned so that she can prepare herself for the events to come.  

This year she is in First Grade (which I still can't believe) and learning lots and lots of new things.  Her Reading is improving, her ability to catch on to new concepts is wonderful (most of the time); but when she doesn't get something she gets so very frustrated; she doesn't like to mess up and sometimes seems afraid to fail (probably from poor parenting on my part).  School has been a very sanctifying process for me this year to say the least.  She has mastered riding her bike without training wheels, swimming and going underwater, and she is quite the artist.  She is in her second year of AWANA sparks and still LOVES it immensely.  She and Hannah started Ballet this year and think they are the stuff!  She can't wait for her recital (in May) to show off her mad ballet skills.

Parenting Madie has been one of the biggest challenges to me; but not because of her at all.  Parenting her has brought about all of the nasty, ugly, selfishness in my own heart.  She is such a precious child and one with such a sensitive heart.  She takes things very personally but often doesn't let it show.  She feels things differently than most and can't always make sense of why people respond the way they do.

This year she has mastered so much!  She has learned to read, ride a bike without training wheels, swim, take care of small household chores like making her bed, getting herself dressed, brush her teeth, unload the dishwasher, match socks in the laundry, fold towels, wash cloths and bibs.  She doesn't love to do her chores, but is a team player and does so willingly.

So better late than never, HAPPY BIRTHDAY SWEET MADIE GIRL! My prayer for you this year is that the knowledge you have of our precious Savior would become real in your heart.  I pray that you would understand the depth of your need for Him.  I pray that your love for your sisters would grow and your desire to care for, comfort, and nurture them would as well.  Sweet girl you are so loved, cherished and dear to us.  We can't wait to see what this year holds for you and pray that you would live it to the fullest (as we know you will).

We thank God for you Madison Brooke Williams!  Your life is so treasured!