My Fondest Memories....

Yesterday she turned 10.  It was a day of nostalgia for me.  I'm a little sentimental, in case you couldn't tell.  I spent the day thinking of the memories I have had with my baby girl over the past ten years.  I wanted to remember the fun and exciting trips & events, but also those tiny moments that you want to keep locked in your heart forever.   Memories like these......

1. Baby, You've Got Lungs!
Sis was always a charmer.  As the first grandchild and niece on both sides of the family, she had plenty of captive audience.  And oh, how we loved just holding her and watching her every move.   When she was just a little over a month old, we took a road trip to Colorado for her Uncle's graduation from the Air Force Academy.  One evening, the extended family was sitting around talking with Miss Sis lying on a blanket next to me.  Out of the blue, she let out the loudest squeal.....Hello??  I'm still hear?  Looks at me!  It was a happy squeal but the loudest noise she had ever made.  It was the first time I remember that she "talked" to us in her own little way. locked in my heart...

2. Hello Princess Jasmine!
When Sis was four, Matt & I decided to take a quick trip to Disney World with just her to celebrate.  It was a whirlwind of a trip, but one I will remember forever. It was so great to share in that excitement and happiness she had at meeting the princesses (ohhh how she loved Princess Jasmine & Aladdin), riding her favorite ride "Goofy's Barnstormer" and getting to hug Jessie but ignore Woody (he was heartbroken) . It was such a neat little weekend for us to get to focus on her alone.  locked in my heart...

3. I'm so Proud of You my Heart Could Burst!
The first time I ever saw her independently try something on her own was a moment I will forever remember - more for the feeling I felt, not what she did.  When she was 3, she started dance lessons.  Her first dance recital was at this enormous auditorium, where my tiny girl was swallowed up on stage.  She didn't care one bit - no stage fright from her - she got on out there and danced her little heart out.  I remember being so overwhelmingly proud of her.  Not because she was a suburb dancer (although I thought so at the time) but because she was my daughter.  Oh so proud.  And I am still to this day when I see her get out there and try something new - soccer, choir, cheerleading - she puts forth her best effort and shines! locked in my heart...

4. Come on Sis!  Just try it!
As much as she likes to have fun, my Sis is a cautious girl.  She has to be pushed ever so gently into trying new things.  Like the inner tubing behind the boat - terrified, didn't want to do it, but we made her (don't judge me) and she LOVED IT!!!  Last year, we waited in line to go on the Rock-n-Roll Roller Coaster at DW with her whimpering, "I don't think I want to go...." the whole time, we talked her into it (and a $20 bribe helped- again no judging!!) and guess what? She LOVED IT!! A little push never hurt her...ahem. locked in my heart...

5. Camping, Really?
A few summers ago, we spent the Independence Day weekend at a camp in central Washington.  It was GORGEOUS.  But the best part of it all?  We were completely remote and cut off from the world for 4 days.  And as silly as it sounds, we were forced to do everything together ~ and we lived it up ~ canoeing, crafts, swimming, hiking, horseback riding, s'mores by the fire ~ it was such a fun weekend.  One that showed me how even the "simplest" of vacations can be the most memorable, and meaningful.  We had a ball.  locked in my heart....

6. Defying Gravity!
I love musicals.  And very often have their soundtracks playing in my car.  Not thinking about it, Miss Sis started to pick up on the songs and by the time she was 6, knew all the words to Wicked's "Popular".  That summer, my dad gave us tickets to go and see The Lion King ~ he even worked hard at the box office to get us aisle seats so we could see the entrance of the animals at the beginning.  And another musical lover was born!  A few summers ago, I had the privilege of taking her to see Wicked ~ and I caught her singing right along with all the songs.  Love.  locked in my heart...

7. Little Momma.
Sis has such a tender heart- she cares for everyone.  I have seen it time & time again where she is sad for a friend, wants to take care of the lost puppy, and even cries at a sentimental movie (Toy Story 3.....even for the umpteenth time, she cries...).  The first time I saw her so loving & mothering was when we picked out our dog, Chief - he was a little less that 3 months old and so adorable.  She followed him around everywhere and took such good care of him.  When Bubba joined our family, she was the same way - couldn't bear to put him down.  And she is still the best little momma with him..... locked in my heart...

8. Goal!!!
Sis started playing soccer when she was 4.  Her dad was her coach (still is) and they have this incredible bond because of it.  When she first started playing, the girls just swarmed the ball ~ really quite funny to watch ~ but Sis would never touch the ball.  She was terrified of it in the game. So we bargained with her.  If she scored a goal, she'd get a Webkinz.  Did it work?  Oh yes (insert proud as can be momma moment).  Too well ~ the girl has over 20 Webkinz.  (not all from goals, mind you).  This momma doesn't have to bribe her to get a goal anymore (but that proud momma feeling still remains!) locked in my heart...

9. Riding a Bike ~ It means so much more.
The summer we moved, we were determined to get Sis to stop using her training wheels - she was going into 2nd grade after all.  But she really didn't want to learn (insert Miss Caution here).  One hot summer  night, we took off those trainers and said let's do it.  She was hesitant, and whined, and fought it, and got frustrated.  But once she saw her brother take off without his on, she was determined.  And she did it.  It was the first time I saw her fight for something and persevere.  I loved it.  There is a strong amount of determination in her that I see in her schoolwork, on the soccer field, and when trying things for the first time.  It is an amazing quality that I can't wait to see her shine with!  locked in my heart...

10. Baby Girl
I always called her this ~ and still do (she acts like she hates it but secretly, I know she doesn't).  When I look at her, I still see that baby girl toting around her Lovey everywhere she goes ~ the fresh-faced innocence is still etched in her face ~ and maybe that is why I have such a hard time letting her grow up.  This is who holds my heart so dearly ~ who I love so fiercely.

And as time passes, I want to savor each moment with my children.  I am excited to see who she will become when she gets older, but in the same breath so sad to see these moments slip by so quickly.

I cherish every moment I have with her ~ the laughs ~ the frustration ~ the quiet moments ~ and the love that she shows me.  I am so thrilled to have been blessed to raise her.  And I thank God daily for allowing me this privilege.

I look forward to many more memories to lock away in my heart......