The homemade gift

I took the opportunity to sit with a friend a few days ago and learn to use the sewing machine. It pretty much all came back to me as I had correctly cut out the pattern and pinned it together before I even arrived at her house. This friend, Jennie, is quite the sewing queen. Her attention to detail was extravagent. She made sure the tension was just right and the seams were pressed just so and darted to ensure movement. With very little trouble I completed the flannel pig. I am hoping that Faith loves it as much as she loves the pillow bear I made her. I'll give it to her tomorrow for Valentine's Day. She means the world to me. I love her so much. She is really like a mini me which is why I just enjoy being around her so much.

Pretend 3rd grader

What a great day Faith and I had. Bud left for Chicago this week so that left Faith, Champ and I on our own after church. Sunday is such a nice day for time with Faith. Champ is sleeping so it is an hour and a half that she gets my undivided attention. I love being able to get her to place pretend with me. She used to love playing pretend but as she has grown older that time has been replaced with art and crafty things. Today after I layed Champ down for nap I came out of his room only to be greeted by a child ready for school. When I asked her what she was doing she informed me that she was getting ready to play school and today was bring your baby doll to school. I thought, "Yes, this is awesome. We get to play pretend school." Turns out I got to be the teacher and she did everything I asked her to do. She did a math test, journal writing, spelling test, Show and Tell and recess. She even went as far as writing down her five things she needed to tell of her show and tell. Then she actually pretended to show and tell it to the imaginary class. Not only that she walked around the imaginary class carpet and showed each of her friends. A little child's imagination is just so precious. I remember playing school, dress up, barbies, gymnastics, wrestling with my brother, and so forth. I love to see her do it also.

Happy birthday Andma

I can't help but to think how Faith told her kindergarten class last year that her grandma just turned 26. She also told them her mom was 30 which made the conversation even more interesting. This year when asked how old she was, she remembered that this year she turned 27. Although we know this is not true it has to make Andma feel good knowing her granddaughter thinks that she is so young. I love celebrating with my mom. She is like a best friend to me. I hope that someday Faith will grow up to be as close to me as I am to my mom. Faith enjoyed helping Andma blow out the candles along with her brother. When all was said and done, Andma forgot the most important thing of a birthday......she forgot to make a wish. Couldn't believe it.

A walk through the snow

Mother Nature was nice enough to give a little bit of snow. I always thought that Michigan was supposed to have snow dumped on them in winter but I think that she has forgot about us this winter. The kids and I ventured to a local park in which we call it "The Pirate Ship" park. The wooden playground reminds us of a pirate ship complete with ropes, monkey bars, and steering wheels at the bow of the ship. What is also nice about this park is that it is right next to some open space in which the deer have walked a deer path through. We love to walk through the woods. On this adventure we encountered a fallen tree that had been feasted on by a lovely wood beetle. It's intricit designs were very interesting to look at. Faith loved wearing her snow pants and had fun throwing snow at me; always a favorite winter fun activity. Faith is playing with Champ so well recently. It is times like this at the park that they swing together that makes me so happy to be their mother. Champ loves her so much. He waits for her each day after school on the front porch. When she gets home let the party begin because he will not leave her alone until bed. Faith is learning how to play at his level instead of expecting him to play at her level.

The blues

Faith since competed in her second Level 3 gymnastics meet and did a wonderful job. I can't believe the drastic change in her routines. She still has three more to go. The best part of the whole meet was when she didn't fall off the balance beam. That's right, she landed her handstand on the beam and her jump. It was awesome. I cheered for her and was so proud of her. She has been working hard on the beam recently and has told me that she has been standing up after her handstands. Her stride circle on bars is coming along. By the next meet she should have that. One fall and a mix up cost her a blue ribbon. Instead she received a white. Still as proud as a mommy could be, she was proud of herself. When asked if she wanted to do preteam again next year and earn ribbons instead of points, she answered "yes." I see no reason for her to move up to the team next year. Pre-team is such a good opportunity for her to compete without the focus so much on being the best. She is being the best right now; the best she can be. Faith left the Icicle Meet with three blue ribbons and one white. I can't wait until next month to see her at the next meet. Reminds me of when I was little. What was even nicer was that Andma and Pa Pa were able to watch her. She had to bring back memories of me when I was little to them. I think that I would be so sad if gymnastics left my life. I hope she loves it forever, just as I did and still do.