Family Pizza Night

Tonight we started a fun, new Friday night tradition! Normally we would just get a movie from Redbox and maybe order pizza, but earlier this week Justin had a brilliant idea -- Friday will be "make your own pizza" night!

Nathaniel looked forward to it ALL WEEK LONG! And planned out exactly what he'd put on his pizza the moment we decided to do this. His toppings were sauce, cheese, pepperoni, spinach, bell peppers (because that's what Daddy likes), and carrots (because Nathaniel is a carrot-fanatic). Kind of a strange combination, especially for an only cheese kinda kid, but he was so proud of his creation and insisted that we all try a bite. (The carrots actually weren't that bad).

 

Gabriella and Lillianna also loved putting together their pizzas. They each spread spoonful after spoonful of sauce on the dough and LOTS of mozzarella cheese (both on their pizzas, and in their mouths). They might've got a little carried away. :)

It was a little messier than I prefer -- a 23 month old spooning out her own sauce, a three year old piling on handfuls of cheese, a seven year old who...ok, he wasn't that messy, but Daddy DID splatter sauce all over the back splash by the sink. The messes were worth all the smiles though! And we all look forward to next Friday even more. 

 

Daddy had fun too! :)

 

 

 

Mother, Daughter

Lately I have been thinking about one of the most precious relationships a woman can have, and that is the one I share with my daughters. At the young ages of three and almost two, I see our relationship blossoming into something so special.

My three year old, Gabriella, (as I've mentioned in previous posts) had a speech delay that was hard for me to cope with and understand. I struggled with her delay so much because I felt that we weren't bonding enough, and communication was so difficult! Thankfully, speech therapy worked wonders (and early intervention) and we now have full conversations with each other. It absolutely blesses my heart to be able to understand what that beautiful little girl has to say. And she has A LOT to say!

The last few weeks (it's felt more like months!) I've been battling morning sickness. (I started this quite a bit ago...morning sickness has been much better for a few weeks now.) Day to day duties have been almost impossible to do. My sweet Gabrie has been cuddled up to me the majority of the time; rubbing my face and trying her best to comfort me. (Nathaniel and Lillie have been sweet too, but Gabrie has a more love-y personality). Several times a day, she looks at me with complete adoration, and I've barely had enough time to get my head out of the toilet before she says, "You're so beautiful, Mama". I can't even remember the last time I really put on makeup, yet in her eyes, I am beautiful. Another favorite thing she says is, "Mama, you're my girl". She already sees us as best friends and that is so precious to me.

Lillianna is still young, but I know we will also share a sweet relationship like Gabrie and I do. Although she won't be the baby for much longer, she has a very "baby" personality so far. She is much more reserved and stays close by my side most the time. She was the only one of my babies who was actually attached to a pacifier (or "geegee" as she called it). Luckily, she lost it one day in the disaster we call Nathaniel's room and has completely forgotten about it now! (We really lucked out with that). UPDATE: Lillie has finally learned the "I love you" sign--the one where you point to your eye, cross your heart and point at the person you love-- and it is so stinkin' precious! I've taught all three of them this at a young age and it's one of my favorite things they do. Also, last night Lillie and I laid in bed together when she put both hands on my cheeks and said "you're beautiful, Mama". Obviously, she's been listening to her sister. :)

This precious relationship I see growing before my eyes  reminds me of the same one I have with my Mama. I remember when I was young and my siblings were in school, all the special times we shared together. She would tell me made up stories about anything while I sat on her lap in the rocking chair that sat in her room. I remember one in particular was about little primary-colored fish (based on the outfit I was wearing that day; an outfit I believe she made for me herself). This memory is so clear, I can still see how beautifully decorated her room was and the sunlight coming in through the window we sat in front of. We always made chocolate chip cookies together before the other kids came home from school.

Now, as an adult with kids of my own, I cherish these memories and reflect on just how wonderful my mom really is. She is the definition of a "mother." She gives of herself wholeheartedly, sacrifices countless minutes of "me time", and cares for a devout (and equally selfless) husband and seven children, plus 10 (and counting) grandchildren. Everyday I realize just how much work she put into each of us, every single day, until we were grown (and even still because your kids are always your kids). I wish I would have taken notice of this a lot sooner and given her more appreciation as I was growing up. Motherhood is HARD! And I know compared to her, I have a lot of improving to do!

Although we're separated by exactly 813 miles (and possibly 1,082.5 in the near future) we speak (or text) almost daily and plan future visits together. We share many of the same tastes -- and she has excellent taste-- so that I am proud of. When I was younger, I didn't always care to learn how to cook the meals she prepared for us, or keep up with housework to her standards (I still struggle with that one), but everything I do now is what she taught me, and the rest of what she tried to teach me is resurfacing. She is one of my very best friends and I hope to cultivate the very same friendship with my daughters.

 

 

So Ma, thank you for ALL the energy you put into being a good mom and wife. (Lillie is sitting next to me right now saying "that's Ma, Mama". She does know you!) :) I hope you know just how much you and Papa mean to all of us! And Ma, in response to recent posts on empty nest, while it may be emptier than you'd like, we ALL still need you!