{ajm}

 
The blessings of family cannot be overstated. I am so thankful for my parents who love me beyond all expectations. Thankful for my sister and the wonderful man who loves her so well. Thankful for my husband who adores his daughter and wife. Thankful for the amazing little girl I am privileged to call daughter. And thankful beyond everything for my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

oh-yes, it's time 🙂

Friday was "clean the house" day. We stayed in all day and while I worked, she played.
This is a milestone for me personally, and ok, her too. For me, the ability to keep my cool and work slower than I want to in order to help, and play and teach has been long coming. I would rather fly thru tasks while she's occupied by someone else (Ben) & play after.

Yesterday, I experienced proof that the Spirit is alive and active in my life (& hers) and my continued ability to grow as a human being. I successfully completed part of my list and didn't get frustrated with Mallroy for being her sweet inquisitive self. I actually enjoyed her company while working around her. No, I didn't get everything done. No, not everything is completed to my "normal" standards. But yes, she and I had a good day.

As a reward we watched a movie as a family after dinner. It was our second attempt at "family movie night." Last Friday night we watched Sleeping Beauty. Ben and I nearly felt asleep during the interminable 50 year old classic. Mallory enjoyed the "big castle" scenes and reading Goodnight Gorilla about 7 times during the film. But to say she "watched the movie" would be a gross exaggeration.

Yesterday, we watched WALL-E. It held our attention much more than fairy tale sleepy time. Mallory made it thru the first 15 minutes. Sadly, I just don't think she's quite ready to sit thru a full length feature film. Even the short animated ones. But hanging out together is always a good idea 🙂

You are totally two. You want to do things yourself and often hold your hand up (palm out, fingers up) as you say, "my turn." Or another version, "MaMa's turn" (what you call yourself). You delight in washing your own hands. Opening the powder room door, climbing up the step, turning on the light and water, & pumping out soap all by yourself. You can even dry your hands (sort of) thrn the light off, leaving and closing the door behind you. SO CUTE. You treat it like an activity. It gets you out of the car happily (away from the Little Einstines) and into the house in as quick a manner as I can possibly expect.

You delight in putting on and taking off your own shoes. Sometimes you even mannage to get the correct shoe on each foot. Yeah velcro!!

 

Your playtime has exploded. You are beginning to play by yourself more. Hip Hip Horay!! I can suggest an activity or toy and you will sometimes go get it out and play. You work this puzzle often and enjoy placing all the animals in this puzzle by yourself.  You also get out your crayons or map pencils and paper all by yourself and go to town coloring at your little table.

It is a joy and delight to watch you learn and grow sweet girl. We adore you!!

anyone care to join me???