Three

Saturday, May 17th was Alison's third birthday. Three years old...Can it really be that our baby is three? Wasn't I just pregnant and waddling around here and didn't I just deliver her? I guess the answer to those questions are no and no since I just filled out her preschool paperwork for the fall!!


What a blessing this child is to our family. She is so bubbly and happy! And what a crazy mix of tomboy and princess. She is our super girl - the rough and tumble toddler that will fall down stairs with a princess dress on, get up, rub her head and try to find the high-heeled shoe that she lost on her way down. She's the one that will act so innocent and sweet and then growl like a dog when her sisters try to take the magic wand that she is playing with!


On the morning of her birthday, Scott and I were getting the girls up and dressed for our busy day that started with a neighborhood garage sale. When Scott went into to get Alison and sing her happy birthday, she proceeded to hold up her three fingers and say "Look Daddy, I have a new number". What a character she is!!


I think Alison celebrated this birthday for almost a full week - first with Poppa Sewick before he left for Florida on Sunday, then with almost ALL her grandmas (Grandma Kemp, Grandma Sewick and Great-Grandma Volkmann) and Papa Kemp at a special party on Thursday. On Friday, Madison and Sammi went "pre-shopping" through the garage sale finds of many neighbors in search of the perfect gift for Alison. They wrapped up their presents and gave them to Ali that night (all Dora items that she LOVED!!!). Saturday, Grandma Sewick and Grandma Kemp were over again to bring her REAL presents (do you think they have a shopping problem or what????) and Alison opened the presents from Scott and I. What more could a girl want at three years old?? She got so many nice things, including gift cards for Target so she could do her own shopping. She ended up with a Dora slip-n-slide, a movie and a Dora talking purse (get the picture here...Dora, Dora, Dora!!). She was a happy little camper all weekend and was just thrilled to have the spotlight all to herself for once.




Her birthday this year seemed bitter sweet to me. How fortunate for her to have such a nice day with so many loving faces smiling at her. She got calls from Uncle Jeff and Poppa Sewick and cards from family in Detroit. She got hugs from neighbor kids and songs from her friends at Sammi's preschool. All great moments for her. But, it occurred to me when she was sitting at the table in front of her cake that this is it...she is our last. We won't have any more two-year olds in our house. No more diapers, potty training, high chairs, baby food. No more diaper bags, bibs or crib sheets. No more number "3" candles to blow out.


We've passed a milestone, not only in Alison's life - she's now officially a "big girl", but in our parenting adventures too. Somehow, our baby has disappeared and before us stands this little person. When did she grow so much hair and when did she learn the word "unusual"? How did she come to know about Hannah Montana and Gabriella Montez of High School Musical? Did I know she could count to fifteen in English and ten in Spanish? I swear I've been awake this whole time, but suddenly **blink**, she's my almost-preschooler instead of my little Ali-Bubba.



In moments like this, I want to make time stand still. I want to breathe the smell of her freshly washed hair as I rock her to sleep and make the clock stop ticking. I want to study her every expression and laugh with her as she says "Mommy you're so silly" when I tickle her little toes. She is in such a wonderful stage right now - fun loving, giggly, affectionate and ever-so aware that every day is a new adventure. She is learning at light speed and her language skills blow me away on a daily basis. It is all so overwhelming at times - times like this - when all I want to do is keep my last little one "little" for just a few minutes more.



I know I'm fighting a losing battle - the clock always wins. I can't make Alison stay little any more than I can stop myself from growing older. It's inevitable that our youngest daughter, our baby, won't be a baby anymore. But for this moment, just today, all I want to do is grab my giddy little blue-eyed beauty, cuddle up with the Elmo blanket and a good book about princesses and castles, and breathe deeply the sweet, sweet smell of baby shampoo.

Happy Birthday, Alison.

To My Mom on Mother's Day

I know I don't tell you as often as I should. I know I don't always show you with the hustle and bustle of life how special you are to me. So, today, I wanted to take five minutes and tell you. I appreciate you for so many reasons and I love you for so many more. On Mother's Day, let me just share how special you have made my life:

• You have taught me to be a good mother. You help me to see my kids as the individuals that they are and be grateful for their differences. You've taught me to find the humor or good in a tough situation with the girls that would usually send me to my knees in tears. You've taught me that an ounce of patience can go much farther than a pound of punishment.

• You have taught me to be a good person. You truly are a kind and loving woman; giving of your time and treasurers to our family. I thank you for showing me the joy of "giving", even if that meant seventeen trips up and down the stairs on Christmas morning to fetch all the Christmas presents that you just couldn't help yourself from buying:) You've taught me to search out the good things in people and trust without first being skeptical - even if that means getting hurt in the process.

• You have taught me to be a good friend. You are thoughtful with the little things that you do and the support that you show. I watch you with your core group of "golfing grandmas" and I am reminded what a treasure friends are in life. You are there when they need you and you care with all your heart. You are all so lucky to have each other! I can only hope that when I am your age our "society of scrapbooking sisters" will have as many wonderful memories as you have with your dear friends:)

• Most of all, you have taught me to just be me - imperfect, loud-talking, silly ole me. I'm moody, I'm not easy to live with and I'm not even right most of the time (but, hey, let's keep that our secret - Scott isn't on to that one yet!! LOL) and yet, you are still there - supportive and loving. You encourage me to give my best all day - every day. You are excited about my crazy creative ideas to express myself: my scrapbooking pages and this blog for example. You've loved me through the hard stuff (and you know which moments I am talking about) - the really rough patches in life when you know I have not made the best choices. Not once have you ever said "I told you so" - thank you for that. I can't tell you how much I appreciate that your need to be my mother has always trumped your need to be right!! Most importantly, you've given me the freedom to find who I am and the support system to be fearless in making mistakes. I couldn't be who I am without your love and support.

On Mother's Day and everyday, I hope you realize just how much you are loved and how special you are to me and my family. I can't imagine my life without you in it and I'm thankful that God picked me to be your daughter. He bless me with you and for that I will be forever grateful.

All my love,

My Memories of Mother's Day 2008

Sunday was Mother's Day. One of my favorite days each year - not because I get breakfast in bed (girls, the eggs were DIVINE!!) or flowers (fresh-picked tulips in a wine-bottle vase...), but because for one whole day I get as many hugs and kisses as my girls can come up with. My day started with all three girls following Scott into our bedroom to deliver breakfast to me on a tray. Of course, my eggs and toast were shared among all four females as we talked about how much I love being a mom and how each of them were born (our own little tradition).

Madison gave me a very special gift - the most precious a mom could ask for. Her second grade class made books: "The ABC's of a Loving Mother". It was priceless. While I am sure she had some help with certain letters from her teacher, Mrs. Boonstra, you could tell that she really thought about our moments together. "F" was for helping her with First Communion. "T" was a thank you for taking her to Toledo Zoo a few summers ago - things that her teacher just wouldn't know to write. It touched my heart to know she spent so much time and effort on a gift for me. It was very personal and, of course, I cried like a baby reading it (according to Maddie, she got extra credit for making me tear up!! She's always the over-achiever). She is just such a light in my life and I am grateful every day that I have her to show me the sunshine through the clouds. At times like these, I think that maybe Scott and I are doing something right as parents.

Sammi and Alison had surprises for me too! They proudly showed me the purple dragonfly stake that they bought at the farmers' market for me. Dragonflies are my favorite and the girls definitely know this. Sammi and Ali later got to pick their very own spot in my garden to place the stake. Alison was so proud that she could carry it all by herself - after all, she'll be three this week! What a big girl. Sammi patiently walked with her sister to the garden and pushed the stake into the ground. She preceded to sing me her songs about Mother's Day. They go something like this: "you are the best mo-mo-mommy. La la. And I could not ask for more. What time is it? It's mother's day - time for celebration. What time is it? Summertime, yeah, yeah. I love you ooohhh". Just the funniest thing you ever heard!

In addition to starting my day off with sweet kisses and heart-felt gifts, I got the best present of all - time with my mom, my mother-in-law and my brother's family all in one place at one time. We all gathered at my mom's house for Sunday dinner in celebration of the day. My dear husband made a wonderful gourmet meal and we all enjoyed each other's company. After dinner, the kids went outside and we started up a baseball game. All five grandkids (and some of us adults that should have known better) took turns hitting the ball and running bases while the adults played clumsy infielders. It's amazing how many bases those kids can steal when you can't quite get the ball out of your mother's garden!! We left the bats and balls for a fun-loving game of football. Of course, my brother and my husband chose to pick on me (okay, boys, it is my blog...I can write it anyway I see it!!:) and my body was not quite the same on Monday morning. Touch turned to tackle and tackle turned to good ole fashioned wresting - you know the kind you used to do with your brother when you were twelve? News flash...I'm not twelve anymore!! My nephew, Clayton, got in on the fun too by swatting me in the rear just to "be a boy". Can't say that I blame him - out of five grandkids, he's the only boy so he has to have his fun with his Uncle Scott, his Papa and his dad before the girls make him settle down for tea and crumpits!!:)

Mother's Day turned out to be a fabulous day - even though it was cold and rainy. Regardless of the weather, I am so thankful for days like these. They are the bread and butter of our family - the glue that keeps us all together. The big moments, the ones that you sweat about and stress over, are great and fabulous pages in our scrapbooks. But it is the little moments - the ones that just kind of happen - unplanned, spontaneous, fun-loving - that make me realize life is just so much sweeter than we ever dreamed it could be.

To all the mothers in my life - my mother, my mother-in-law, my grandmothers, my Godmother - and to all of you who are mothers or aspire to be mothers:

A blessing and prayer tribute to all mothers

Blessed be all mothers

Who have come into our lives

Whose kindness, care and loving

Remain with us to guide.

Your inspiration in us

Made us strive in every way

Especially to remember

Helping others makes our day.

Mothers, this little tribute

Flows directly from my heart

You are so loved and cherished

Invaluable, one and all, you are.

~ Susan Kramer

Just a 5k? I think NOT!

Saturday was a great day. Scott and I drove to Grand Rapids early Saturday morning to participate in the Fifth Third River Bank Run. Two of my girlfriends, Kristy and Carla, were running in the race and they roped me in with promises of bagels and yogurt at the finish:) Actually, our little group expanded to include Kristy's husband and Scott. Carla's husband, Jason, ran the 10-k race, while the rest of us ran the 5k (3.1 miles for you non-runners).

After the race, Scott and I were driving through Starbucks to treat ourselves for having finished the race (okay, I finished...Scott just coasted on cruise control to stick with his wife...thank you, honey for your support! You were awesome!!). The gentleman at the window said "did you run the BIG race?" He meant did we punish ourselves and run the annual 25k that the River Bank offers for those that choose such pain. We responded "no, just the 5k".

Just a 5k. It seems harmless to say - a mere three little words. But what it does is just painful. It makes my effort and the effort of my two fabulous friends seem meaningless. Just a 5k, like it is the easiest thing in the world. I beg to differ. Carla, who has never ran in a timed race before, did a fabulous job sticking to a training schedule that wasn't exactly a cake walk. Add to that the fact she just had a BABY a few weeks ago and is back working from maternity leave! Not easy. My dear friend Kristy found time to train for this race while managing a full time career, a husband and two kids. She woke up early in the morning to run and finished with an AWESOME time (29:05 I think)!! I'm so proud of both of them. And, while I did not train as much as I would have liked, I ran a respectable race at 33:30 for the first 5k of the season. I was thrilled that I ran the whole way without stopping, really pushed myself on the hills and didn't (as Scott puts it) "freak out" when I couldn't quite breathe as deeply as I would have liked.

For the first time in a long time, running was enjoyable and fun. For the first time in a long time, I felt like I was doing something I should be proud of myself for.

So for me, this was not just a 5k. It was a chance to be with my dearest friends and my hubby and enjoy a beautiful Saturday morning in Grand Rapids. It was about setting a goal in our hectic life and OBTAINING IT. It was about believing that I could do something and not letting the fear of failure win. I found this quote and I thought I would share it with you:

“Life’s battles don't always go to the strongest or fastest man, But sooner or later the man who wins is the fellow who thinks he can.”

- Unknown

Adjustment

According to our oldest daughter, our family life as we know it is about to end.

Did I mention she is a little dramatic?

It isn't about to end, but it is definitely taking a detour from the highway of "smooth sailing". First let me start by saying our kids are so lucky to have two sets of grandparents that live ONE MILE from them - one on the north end and one on the south. The kids see my parents and my in-laws almost ever week day and most weekends. Our kids would not know what to do with themselves if they weren't surrounded by their grandparents love and affection at each and every birthday / special event. It's an understatement to say they are blessed by these relationships.


So it makes it that much harder when my father-in-law, Bob, announces that he has taken a position with a bank in Florida. Doesn't seem so bad right? A nice place to visit, a nice destination spot for the family to get away, a warm climate during those blowy Michigan winter months. That would make sense - as long as you aren't seven years old.

I don't think our two youngest have wrapped their minds around the fact that their Poppa is going to be living in Florida and commuting to Michigan. So far, we haven't had questions or concerns from either of them. They've been too busy with the signs of spring and the fact that they can ride their bikes now! Oh, to be four again - life is simple at that age isn't it?

Now, Madison - she is another story. She's scared that her Poppa will miss her special moments - her birthday, Christmas, her every day stories. She's scared that her Grandma, who for now has decided to stay in Michigan, will suddenly decide that Florida is the place she wants to be every day and pick up and move without telling her. She's scared that her life as she knows it will not be the same. She has ALWAYS been very close to her Poppa Sewick - she was the first grandchild on Scott's side and he totally caters to her (oh yes you do, Poppa!!).

She's spent a couple of nights the last few weeks crying, trying to tell us that this just isn't what she wants. "Make him stay, Mom", she said to me last night. My heart aches for her. I want so much to comfort her and tell her everything will be just like it is now, but we know that isn't the truth. So we just hug her and tell her that we'll figure it out - one day at a time. We try to see the silver lining of the situation by telling her that Poppa will only be two hours from Mickey Mouse and she'll be riding in her first plane soon. And while that excites her for a few moments, the inevitable truth is that her Poppa won't be at her beckon call. The inevitable truth is that we have been so spoiled to have the kids' grandparents right around the corner almost their whole lives and now things are changing...and we have to adapt.


I feel for Scott too. While I know he is making the best of the situation and is being a "big strong daddy" for his little girls, he is torn up inside. He wants what is best for his Dad. After all, it is an opportunity of a lifetime. But he also wants to be a bit selfish, I think, and have him here too. They are buddies through and through - best friends. They talk on the phone or email almost daily. They run together on the weekends. They constantly tease each other and on occasion will act like twin twelve-year old boys, wrestling in the living room and trying to "out do" one another at some sporting event in the front yard.

So while the bright May sky is clear and blue in Michigan, for today, our forecast for the future is a bit cloudy with a chance of rain. Bob boarded a plane this morning for Florida. We wish him all the best and know that he will be successful at whatever he sets his mind to. And, of course, we will pray for his safe travels. It will be a bitter sweet moment - we are so very proud of his accomplishments and that he even has this opportunity. But make not mistake, inside we'll be hoping that he doesn't have to go. Inside, we'll be secretly crying and begging him to stay.

We'll miss you while you are in Florida, Poppa, but we know that you will be in our hearts each and every day:)

A Child of God

This weekend, our family gathered in Muskegon for a very special event...Madison's first communion. We were so lucky to have family from the Detroit area and from Lansing make the trip. Thank you to all of you that traveled to share in this blessed day. It would not have been the same without you.

Scott's Aunt Barbara and her two kids, Jason and Lisa (pictured left is Aunt Barbara, Lisa, Sammi and Ali), were able to come in on Friday night and spend the whole weekend with us. Our girls are always so excited to see Aunt Barbara (because she ALWAYS knows where Grandma hides the chocolate), Jason (because he will NOT say no to these girls...even if it means reading the same book a thousand times or lifting Alison up into the sky until his arms are about to fall off) and Lisa (because in her soft-spoken ways she gives the girls her undivided attention - always!). Scott and I are so lucky to have the Trombley's in our lives. Aunt Barbara is always the first to call and ask how she can help. No matter what she has going on in her life, she always finds time to send not only each of the girls a card for every holiday, but to Scott and I as well. If we don't say it enough (and I know we don't) we appreciate all you do for us and for the girls:)

We were also so grateful to have Scott's Grandma (or Busia - polish for grandmother - as we call her) visit us on Saturday and Sunday with his Aunt Betty and Uncle Don. Aunt Betty and Uncle Don are also so good to us and to our kids. The girls always giggle when they get a card from Aunt Betty because they know the first thing I do is grab for the vacuum! She always puts those little confetti things in the cards and the girls just love ripping the envelopes open so they spill out all over. Vacuuming is a small price to pay to see such delight in their eyes. Thank you to both of you for making this weekend special and for bringing Busia all this way. Unfortunately, Scott's Grandfather (or Dziadzi - polish for grandfather), couldn't make the trip due to some health issues. We missed him greatly and are praying for his continued improvement. As a side note, Busia always makes me laugh when she comes over because she really doesn't like our dog and she's not really good at hiding it. Scott encourages Churchill to sit by her and "love her all up". I think you can almost see Busia's skin crawl in this picture!!

Madison's Godparents were both with her on Sunday as well. My cousin, Stephanie "Nene" as our girls call her, and Scott's brother, Jeff, were on hand to help out and see their godchild make her first communion. Jeff - thank you for coming all the way from Lansing and for helping keep the chaos to a low grumble on Sunday morning. We were so glad to have you and Jen there with us. Nene - thank you for helping make the day special for Madison. She loves both of you so much and is so happy that you were there.

It has been a lot of work on Madison's part for this event and I give her a lot of credit. She has jumped from Girl Scouts at 3:30 to children's choir at 5:30 to CCD at 6:30 almost every Wednesday. All school year her Wednesday nights have been consumed with activity. She hasn't really complained, she hasn't let her grades slide. She has been excited to learn the teachings of the church and to celebrate the traditions that we as a Catholic family honor.

As I mentioned once before in a post about Maddie, it has been a delight to see her grow emotionally and spiritually this past year. I believe her knowledge and spirit has permeated our entire family. We pray a little bit more openly. We sit down to dinner as a family more often. And I think we talk more about the stuff in life that makes a difference - being good to people, loving our friends and family just a bit more today than yesterday and forgiving people, even when we are still hurting.

Madison thanked Scott and I for throwing her a party for her first communion and doing all the "hard work" on Sunday. But the "thank you" really goes to her - for sharing with us her journey through the church and for blessing us with her goodness and spirit.

Our Little Songbird

Madison decided last fall that she really wanted to be in our church's childrens choir. Having a musical background, I strongly encouraged her to do so. I've had so many great experiences because I was involved with choir through Mona Shores Schools; I went to Europe for a few weeks; I went with a group to sing in Carnegie Hall my junior year in high school - just to name a few. I learned a lot about being in front of a group of people and talking / singing into a microphone...but I learned all of this when I was eighteen, not seven.

I figured choir would be a great thing for Maddie - give her confidence and let her have some fun all at the same time. I never thought she would enjoy it so much that she would volunteer for a duet!! Madison came home a few weeks ago to tell me that she would be singing a part for St. Thomas' (our sister parish) mass of first communion. At first I was shocked and then nervous and then just really, really proud. What seven-year old do you know that would volunteer to sing in front of a church full of people she doesn't know?

She practiced her little heart out and she did such a great job! I have heard her sing before and I knew she could carry a tune, but I was really impressed when I heard her sing "Jesus is the lamb of God". Of course her mother was WAY more nervous for her than she was for herself. She has turned into quite the young lady these days. Where did the time go? I swear I can still hear her saying her first word. The above picture is Madison and her friend getting ready in the church's music room before mass.

I know she gets on the blog every now and again to make sure I'm not writing anything embarrassing about her or her sisters (isn't that my job as a mother? Embarrassing stories and pictures from your mother are a requirement of growing up!!), so if you are reading this Madison, I am so very proud of you. You have exceeded every expectation a mother could have for her child. You are bright and loving and very, very talented in many ways, including singing. Be proud of what you have accomplished. I know that your dad and I are:) Love you.

Belinda Our Favorite Ballerina

Our children have been blessed with so many wonderful traits from both sides of our families. One in particular is their love of books and, yes, bookstores. Scott's mom is a former elementary school librarian...need I say more. Scott has about twenty books as I write this on his closet shelf just waiting for the moment they will be picked!! On any given day, our girls have ten to fifteen books in their beds with them because they just can't fall asleep without reading something.

I was reminded a few weeks ago about the first time that Scott and his parents took me with them to the bookstore at CMU. I thought we were making a fast trip in to get a book that someone wanted and we'd be on our way to do something "fun". Oh, I was SO wrong. When I was informed that we would be hanging out for awhile I thought "In a bookstore? Are you serious?" This was before comfy chairs and nice plush couches were all the rage in the Barnes and Nobles of the world. Much to my dismay, we spent about an hour in that store. That was my introduction to the Sewick's love of books and bookstores. Luckily for me, I've grown to love bookstores as much as the next bookworm. I absolutely love all the trash magazines that linger by the coffee bars! Did I just say that? Oops!

Our girls have inherited this love...thank goodness. They all love to read - very different books mind you - but they all share Scott's love for the written word. So, when Scott mentioned that Amy Young, a local author who lives in Spring Lake, was going to be in Grand Haven for a book signing, we just HAD to go. If you don't know about Amy Young's books, they are beautifully written with a great message. Her most acclaimed series is Belinda the Ballerina, so if you don't have girls, Amy Young's books are probably not on your bookshelves. But for us, Amy's fabulous big-footed ballerina is an amazing adventure. I encourage you to pick up her books if you have an aspiring dancer in your home. You can read more about Amy's books here.

We were lucky enough to talk with her and the girls got new books, a picture with her and some great cookies. Of course, Sammi and Ali had to wear their ballerina dresses to the event and Amy was kind enough to thank them for getting all dolled up to meet her. It was the highlight of their weekend.