Parenting: The Ultimate Blessing??

Wow! Parenting.... it could kill me. Some days I feel on top of the world and other days I wonder if I will survive. "Will my children survive me?" is another question that often goes through my mind. I couldn't love them more and I seem to find my world revolves around them. Always going - always doing - always looking for the next opportunity for them. This week I had the ultimate "high" when Chambre returned from Church camp and had given her life to Christ. She isn't a child easily persuaded to do anything. She did this on her own - and I knew she "knew" what she was doing. When her counselor shared Chambre's "news" with me, time stood still. The birth of my children is about the only other time I have felt such complete relief and happiness. I don't cry easily,(admittedly I'm pretty hard hearted) but I have to say I shed tears of happiness.

There have been some lows this week too in the parenting journey. But I always find the good and the blessings. Nothing can beat my baby girl being welcomed to heaven's gates!! And that my friends makes parenting ....the ultimate blessing!

So what am I REALLY teaching my kids?

This is something I've been pondering lately. After coming home from being gone for almost two weeks... I noticed a few things. For one, everybody seemed pretty happy to wait on me to do the laundry. Two, nobody seemed too upset about the tornado that obviously swept through our house while I was away. And three - these people I gave birth to are going to college in a few years....

So - what is a mother to do??? This mother decided to deal with the mess at hand. Heston and Holland both learned to do laundry this week and Chambre learned how to unload the dishwasher. I learned I don't have to do it all - YES!! And truly, being a good mom IS teaching a few life skills along the way.... right?! Please don't tell me your kids have been doing this and a whole lot more for a long time because that will burst the whole "mom vibe" I"m feeling right now... Sweet blessings - they are chasing me down!

The Egg Drop Project

I wish you could've been a fly on the wall at my house when the egg drop project was taking place. One little girl and her sweet Daddy made plans of how to keep an egg from breaking when dropped from the top of a slide. They talked, planned, drew pictures and finally used a Mary Kay box,an old pair of tights, and some popsicle sticks to protect an egg. Chambre decorated the box with markers and felt the need to include her mom and dad's cell phone numbers - just in case... It was cute.

The next day little miss Chambre was so proud to carry her egg drop project to school. It made a mama's heart happy. Thanks to her wonderful teacher for the cool projects and hands on opportunities. Thanks to my sweet friend Tammy for the picuture and thank you dear Lord for the blessing of a good Daddy.

2011 Houston Livestock Show

Our family made our usual trip to Houston, TX this year for the Livestock Show and Rodeo. It is always good to get away and great to see old friends and make new ones. What a blessing to see our Tulia friends and catch up! Chambre especially enjoyed seeing Marti and Allie Ramirez! They were almost permanent fixtures at the hotel pool.

The boys did a great job showing - Heston was pulled out of the "dead sea"! What a moment - so disappointed to be "sifted" and then "back in the show" the next! Heston kept showing his Hamp until the judges took another look.... YAY! He didnt end up placing but it felt much better to at least make it to the show ring...

Holland earned 4th place with his Duroc. He is becoming better and better at showing. He is relaxed - yet intense... good combination! Proud of both of the boys. Heston's friend Kye joined us on our trip. Good times... good times...

Cabaret Concert

Last night Holland performed at the Permian High School Cabaret Concert. His junior high band was privileged to play at this event! Holland plays the bassoon and recently earned a "1" for his solo at the UIL Solo and Ensemble Contest. Heston also earned a "1" with his solo. Heston plays percussion and enjoys playing the snare drum the drum set the most! Fun Night! Proud of both my musicians!!

Polar Express

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Food Network?

Chambre is so funny. For her four short years of life she has learned a lot of things - I mean - a lot - and most of them include technology. (For instance she DVR'd all the commercials of the toys she wanted for Christmas and then played them back for us!) The following encounter proves I am a little unaware of what all she watches....

Ms. Chambre enjoys cooking with me - mostly baking. Since it is pretty rare to see me baking (hey - I'm in Grad school!) she gets really excited when she sees measuring cups and mixing bowls come out of the cabinets!! Earlier in the week, we had one of those nights. As she pulled her chair up to the counter, I couldn't help but notice the excitement on her face. She climbed up and said "Mom, are we gonna cook muffins when we are on the food network?" "Sure." I replied, wondering how often I had ever seen the "food network" on our t.v.

I sort of blew off the food network comment, thinking it cute and I should tell someone but forgetting about it through the rushing around of today. However, this evening, Chambre decides we should make cupcakes. Not only that, she convinces her Dad to drive to the grocery store and pick up some eggs since we are out.... so what can I do but say "okay"?! So, here we are - night two of baking. When Chambre says "Mom, I think we should make cupcakes when we are on the food network". I can't help but laugh out loud!! Not because I am making fun of her, but because I think it is SO DARN CUTE that she thinks we are that good at baking!!

Anyway - I agree that cupcakes are totally fun. We made cute ones with peace signs, stars, hearts and monogrammed some with our initials. I don't know how good they tasted - but I know that the girls of the Clawson home had one fun night of cooking - even if we weren't on the food network..... YET!!