C'est Magnifique!

We pulled out the paints this week....I think I just might have two little artists here.  They had such fun.  Sophia painted a house with pretty amazing architecture.....hmmmmm.....is she following in her daddy's footsteps or what?  And J...well, he was just pretty thrilled that he got to partake in the colorful fun.  He was so thrilled to report to daddy later, "I painted!!!"

Sophia only had three days of school this week....with both Monday and Friday off.  I thought it would be an easy week...but for some reason it seemed long and a bit exhausting.  Whew... I'm ready for the weekend.

I'm  feeling a bit of guilt tonight...okay... an awful lot of guilt....  My 5 1/2 year old daughter has decided to give up ice cream for Lent.... and I couldn't even give up my m & m 's.   Not setting a very good example for her I guess.  I must admit, though, that I was pretty shocked when I found out that she had to complete a page at school explaining what she was giving up for Lent.  While I do see the importance of learning about the huge sacrifices Christ made for us.... I sometimes wonder if it is equally important to be teaching that it is okay to want to do something MORE to become a better person.  It shouldn't necessarily be just about "giving up."  Don't get me wrong...while I am HUGELY proud of Sophia for her sacrifice and ability to maintain it thus far....  I just want her to understand that it's less about ice cream and more about trying to be a better person from the inside....something that even for me, as an adult, can be a difficult task.

Another major event this week....Sophia and J had their first ever "movie theater" experience.  Can you believe Missy is almost 6, and never been in a movie theater before???   There have been many times when I have wanted to take her to a Disney or princess movie, but have always had to be very cautious.....  She is so sensitive, that even the tiniest thing can seem scary to her.  So rather than make her upset about something so piddly...we have opted to forego the movie scene.  However...this year she has become quite fond of Alvin and the Chipmunks after watching a tv movie at home with these cute little critters.  Since Christmas we have been wanting to take her to see their newest flick.  And finally today.....we were able to go.  Even J sat through the movie...well... most of it....and even better???? No scary parts!!! Yay!  A very cute movie.... And hey, it must have been pretty entertaining if even I was able to sit through it... ( I admit.....I enjoy a movie here and there....but sometimes it is painful for me to sit in one spot for more than an hour!!!)

Tonight Sophia asked me what I want to be when I grow up????  I love that she doesn't view me as a grown-up yet....because lately I have been feeling EXTREMELY old.  I said... "I don't know...what do you think I should be?"  Her response.... " A Mommy."  My thoughts exactly.  I am far from winning the world's best mommy award.... I make many many mistakes....I try to learn from them.....and I will continue to have a lot to learn....but I must say... I am humbled that she sees the magnitude of this job.  She's so young...but she get's it already....there's nothing more important.  There is nothing more difficult.  But there is nothing more satisfying.  For her occupation report at school this past week...she chose.......yep... a MOMMY (which by the way...was not even one of the careers mentioned on her choice sheet....hmmmmm).  And in her words... a mommy's duties:
1.  Taking care of her family
2.  Feeding her babies (do cookies count??? :)
3.  Reading to her children

I get frustrated and overwhelmed at times with my job... I make mistakes... I question my own decisions...but I think I do all of her above requirements... so I guess I'm doing the best I can, in her eyes at least!