A Little Introspection...and Some Mother Guilt

I just finished reading the blog of a very wise friend of mine who has two adorable children and lives four houses down from me. I read that a mother sets the tone in the home. Oh, how right she is! I am sorry to say that in my attempts at planning the perfect vacation I have been a little (very) short with my sweet children. Today I heard Lizzie snap at Sam over a very small thing and she sounded just like I have been sounding.  I said, "Lizzie, please change your tone. I don't want my little girl to sound like her stressed out mom." (I am hearing, "Do as I say, not as I do", ringing in my ears!)

I should probably work on my patience, and my tone of voice.

Exciting Times

We have had an amazing summer so far and leave for our big trip on Monday! I must record a significant event before more time passes... two weeks ago Anna decided that she wanted to ride a two wheeler. She said, "Mom, I want to learn to ride a bike. Will you hold my seat for a few minutes?" I agreed and after about 35 seconds (really it was probably less than a minute) she said, "Ok! You can let go now!" And off she went! She had never tried to ride a pedal bike before, with or without training wheels! Typical Anna style she figured it out pretty much on her own, just charging right into a situation. She is the most competent, independent preschooler I have ever known! She is also officially the first Beckwith child to ride a bike before the age of five.

Today I overheard Lizzie and Sam having a discussion on weather the new Subaru Outback looks more like a hot dog or a hamburger. I do so love this age.  I also love hearing them have conversations instead of just teasing or bickering. It gives me hope that they will be great friends one day.

I realized lately that being able to listen to my own music is a luxury. My children have their own tastes and preferences and actually change the music from my playlists to their own. They don't really like jazz or the 90's music that I like, which is crazy because I think I have pretty good taste in music! It is strange to move into this stage of adolescence where they like listening to the radio and have strong feelings about their own music. I don't know why this surprises me, I've been forced to listen to "Frozen" music daily, (hourly) for the past six months because of Anna who should really be called "Ahna"