The Birthday

Time goes much to fast. Have you ever stopped to think about that? As a kid, I remember say things like, "I can't wait to grow up!" or "When I am a grown up..." Then I got into high school and couldn't wait to graduate and move on with my life. My Grandma Raymond told me one time that after high school the years fly by. I thought, "Right! How could it go faster than it is now...time moves so slow!" Well grandma was right! Time moves a lot faster when you want to enjoy life, what you have, and your family.

Emma and Caleb celebrated their 1st birthday on the 31st of January. Seems like yesterday that I was waddling around very much pregnant and very much ready for them to come out of me! Now I am thinking back over the last year and wishing I could rewind just a little and slow things down. My babies are no longer "babies", they are becoming my little people. Each having their own personality and already trying out their independence.

I know that my job as a mom is to raise my kids to be the best people possible. Hopefully to be happy, morally right and right with the Lord, respectful and compassionate, strong and independent, and productive parts of society. I am up to that challenge and will never lower my standards of expectations that I have for my kids...no matter what happens! At the same time, I want my kids to know how wonderful they are! I will tell them daily, if not multiple times a day, 'I love you!' They will know that I will always be here for them and support them. They can be anything they want in life and do anything that they dream of doing! All these things go together and yet their is always a fine line where you could go the extreme. And the saying, 'My parents screwed me up!', I suppose that is bound to happen to everyone! HA!

As a mom, I have to rely on the Lord for a lot of support and answers. I know I am not super mom. Although...I would LOVE that job! I think that if I just do my best, love my kids, and be a good example for them, then they will only be screwed up mildly and should bounce back!

While I am reflecting on the year that has gone by so quickly, I admit that I am mostly clueless when it comes to being a mother. I just do what I think and feel is best for Emma and Caleb. I also admit that I have made my share of mistakes. Obviously, they were nothing to bad, my children are still alive! They survived a year with me, so I have to be doing something right! HA! What I had to remind myself was that no one can tell me how to raise my kids. No one could hand me a book with all the answers. And no other mother can tell me what is going to work for my two little monkeys. Although, it was nice of people to share their wisdom, unless I specifically asked for it, I found it overwhelming. I needed to use my heart to get through this first year.

I truly believe that when using my heart to deal with Emma and Caleb I have more patience. The Lord knows I have needed my share of patience in the last year. Raising twins is a very different experience. I would not trade it for anything! I have enjoyed every moment, even the tough ones.

Emma and Caleb are turning into little people now. Emma is walking and shows us daily that she has a mind of her own! She is very independent and stubborn...I don't know where she gets that from! HA! She may look just like her daddy, but that attitude is all mommy! Caleb is our jokester. He is playful and loving. He is very sensitive too. In that way he is a lot like his daddy.

It was wonderful celebrating with all our friends at the birthday party. I hope that Emma and Caleb will realize early on just how loved they are. Not just by mommy and daddy, but by all the friends and family that cherish them as well. I look forward to the years to come and the new adventures with my little people! They are learning so much, but so is mommy.