Mommy Lense

We all view life differently.  Some of us view our lives negatively, or positively or just like a typical day and not really noticing the miraculous things that occur daily.  I use to be that person, I would just go about day to day and not think about the things I was fortunate enough to experience and see.  I am truly really lucky and I get to see amazing things daily.  I am a teacher and I get to see the "light bulb" turn on daily for my students- who else can say they have this at work!  It makes teaching what it is.  But it is not the "teacher lense" that I enjoy the most or even that made the change from day to day ritual to truly being grateful for everything.

My favorite "lense" is the mommy lense.  I have a 20 month old and a four year old.  Think about all the new things they experience and see on a day to day basis.  So, as I go about my day to day routine, my kids are learning and seeing things for the first time.  And, therefore, I see them too!  The one thing I am seeing the most of lately is my kids are growing up and too fast! 

Hollin started ski school.  We got her into the incredible program available through the Breckenridge Ski Resort and she gets to ski every Saturday for eight weeks.  I am seeing her all grown up and independent.  We drop her off each morning at the gondola, with her lunch in hand, layers of clothes, sunscreen, helmet, goggles, lunch made (of course with a note from Mommy- who did not love this as a kid).  I always knew I wanted MY kids to ski, and I couldn't wait for the day (especially after my year of teaching kids to ski myself).  I was excited that first day dropping her off... and then I realized my new "lense"  I was no longer the ski instructor that I once was, I was a mom and I was now questioning if this "ski instructor" was qualified enough to have MY daughter all day on a BIG mountain, with THOUSANDS of people and most importantly on a HIGH LIFT!!  I was terrified, but so excited about the new possibilities for her!  This I know, is just the beginning of her new found independence and my new "lense" of seeing my daughter grow up. 

Recently, Johnny has been going through Speech Therapy.  I am a teacher, and I pride myself on what I am able to accomplish with my students in my classroom.  I believe that I help my students grow academically and socially each year.  I never thought that MY son would struggle with something as simple as talking.  We all know that I talk all the time and have NO problem talking.  Johnny does.  He needs help and is taking to learning on how to talk but at HIS rate.  I look at him and realize that my "lense," the mom, can't fix this.  I can help him but I can't fix it.  It will take time, and who am I kidding... I am not patient!  He is improving and my new "lense" shows me what each little accomplishment means.  I am watching him grow and learn.  Even though I think it is too slow and he needs help, it is overall, too fast! 

I also get to see my kids in a new light about how their personalities have changed daily.  Hollin acts JUST like me!  With a purse, phone, shopping bags and a baby in hand.  She is me-- never expected to see that in my "lense."  Johnny is coming in to his own.  He loves to play with the games on phones, switch light switches, and tonight he laid down on the carpet with his hands behind his head and watched Wipeout.  He is his dad-- NEVER thought I would see what Ted was like as a little boy.  That is a "lense" I am embracing.  I have a new incredible view of the world.  And for that I am grateful and blessed. 

Stop and take a look at the way you view the world... try something different... view it differently.  You will love it... I know I do! 

Christmas Rhyme and card

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Vanderveen Christmas Letter
by Hilary Davis Vanderveen on Monday, January 3, 2011 at 7:06pm
I’ll tell you what happened in our little den,
 
It’s the Vanderveen Christmas letter of two thousand and ten!
Only a few days until Christmas and Hilary’s behind in her quest,
To bring you a letter that’s one of the best!
No boring letters here, so sit back this time
And enjoy the Vanderveen Family Christmas-time rhyme!
Let’s start at the top, with the boss of this clan,
who continues to be quite the CU fan.
Ted’s golfing skills are quite improved,
after spending the summer at the golf course since Hilary approved!
Hilary continues to teach third grade,
 
as a teacher and a mom she feels like she has got it made.
She likes to stamp and crop a lot,
she’s always looking for the perfect picture scrapbooking spot.
 
Hollin is now four and her interests are babies and horses,
her love for Disney Princess she endorses.
She dabbles in so many things it’s hard to mention them all at this time
It would take up the remaining space of our Vanderveen Christmas Rhyme.
Eighteen months and full of fun,
 
Johnny is our number one son.
He loves to wear hats and talk on the phone,
He thinks he is hot stuff and sits on a throne.
During this holiday season his laughter helps us keep this in mind:
this season is full of holiday cheer and put your worries behind. 
That’s the abbreviated version of our life through this year,
But if you want more frequent updates don’t shed a tear.
Hilary keeps random thoughts about things on a blogging site,
Go to vanderveenfamily04.blogspot.com when you can’t sleep at night.
I was told that I must stop when this rhyme hit the bottom of the page,
I tend to ramble on as I get “up there” in age.
So we bid you great things from our corner of Heaven,
We wish you the best for two thousand eleven