Out Of the Mouths of Babes...

I have often said that I have learned more from AK & Roo than I have taught them. On a daily basis, they demonstrate how to be more patient, kind, and loving. There have been many times where the girls have shown examples of faith, love, and understanding well beyond their years. Here are just a few examples of why I love my daughters so incredibly much:

Example #1: A few Saturdays ago, the girls woke up and found a pile of change that had been left for them on the bookshelf. They were so excited when they found it, they tried to pick up as much as they could fit into their tiny hands. Doug had to work early that day at the dealership, so he was up and getting ready for work. AK ran over to Doug and exclaimed "Papa, I have monies! You no have to go to work. Look papa...monies. Here you go papa...no have to go to work now!!" She then handed Doug all the money she had in her hands, gave him a big kiss on the cheek, and ran off to play.

I am grateful for AK's example of selflessness, love, and generosity. Needless to say, Doug had a really hard time leaving for work that morning.

Example #2: AK and Roo have recently discovered the wonderful world of princesses. Their current favorite would have to be Cinderella. As the girls and I were driving in the car one day, Roo suddenly got very serious and started the following conversation:

Roo: "Mama, I have to find my prince."
Me: "Oh really? You need to find a prince?"
Roo: "Yeah - I have to find my prince. Then I go to the temple...mama and papa's temple! I have to go to the temple with my prince."
Me: "That's right Roo. When you are older, if you are a good girl and obey mama and papa, then you can go to the temple."
Roo: "Just like you and papa, mama!"
Me: "That's right Roo; just like me and papa."
Roo: "But mama, I have to find my prince! Where did he go, mama? Where is he?"
Me: "I don't know Roo. I'm sure you will find him someday."
Roo: "Yeah... (turns to look out window)I find my prince someday, mama."

As a mother, I hope Roo never lets go of her expectation to find a "prince" some day; someone who will respect her, honor her, love her, and treat her like the royal daughter of God she is. I am sure she will come across her fair share of toads, but hopefully she will have the courage and strong will to hold out for her "Prince Charming."

Example#3: Today we decided to go to Goodwill and Savers to see what they had in the way of ballerina costumes for the girls (they love playing dress up, and I figure Halloween will be a good time to get a few different costumes for cheap). As we walked into Goodwill and toward a rack of costumes at the front of the store, we happened to pass an elderly gentleman who was sitting in a chair by himself. When I got to the rack, I looked back at the girls and wouldn't you know - there they were, sitting with the elderly gentleman just talking up a storm. AK had sat Cheetah on his lap and she was leaning on one leg showing him her beloved pal; Roo had wrapped her arm through his and was chatting to him about who knows what.

The man was just smiling and nodding his head, looking back and forth between the two girls. Embarrassed by the girls' total invasion of the man's personal space, I quickly walked over to the gentleman and apologized. He looked up at me, grinning from ear to ear and said "My dear, you have nothing to apologize for. Please don't be embarrassed. My grandchildren have children now, and I haven't been treated this kindly for years. Thank you, my dear. You have two lovely children." As we left the store 10 minutes later, we happened to pass the same gentleman who was now walking the aisles with his wife. Roo yelled out "Bye-bye Paga (her word for grandpa)!" AK followed in with "See you later!" The man responded with a large smile and a cheerful wave to the girls "Good-bye girls. You take care now!"

After we left the store, I tried talking to the girls about "personal space" and how they can't just walk up to someone and start touching them and hanging on them. AK said to me, "But mama, Paga was sad." Roo then chimed in, "Yeah, mama...Paga was sad. We helped him to feel better! Paga is our friend now, mama!" I was immediately humbled that the girls were compassionate enough to take a few minutes and try to brighten up someone's day.