Olivia's Nativity

Dear Olivia,

This past Sunday (December 9th), I sent you to play by yourself for 45 minutes, so that I could accomplish some church to-dos.  About a half hour later, you came to me and said, "Mom, I need you to get your scriptures and read the birth of Jesus story." 

After a few persistent requests, I stopped and went upstairs.  What I came upon was a memorable and cherished scene:  In front of me lay your baby "Jesus" with stuffed animals surrounding him.  Some of the stuffed animal's heads were covered of which were Joseph and Mary, and the rest were the wise men and the animals.  You wanted to act the entire story out from the moment Jesus was born until the wise men came to offer their gifts (of which you had also planned for).  I read the story, and you acted out the parts.  What a lovely Sunday activity.  How fun it is to raise a special daughter like you!

What a way to celebrate the Spirit of Christmas!

Love,

Your mama

Brother

Dear Olivia,

As you grow, you are becoming quite expressive, thoughtful, and kind.  A couple of moments were just last night on our way home from Costco.  Out of the blue, you looked over to your brother and said,  "I just love you, Maddox."

Another cute thing you said was when Maddox was talking about monster trucks.  You looked over to him and said, "Brother, can you talk about something other than monster trucks?  You need to think more about Jesus and Christmas."

I silently chuckled, smiled, and beamed with pride to hear you say words like that.  Thank you.

With love,

Your mama

Thanksgiving gratitude

Dear Olivia,

For Thanksgiving this year we created a "gratitude" turkey with the feathers listing things we are grateful for.  You are almost five and enjoy this sort of craft.  We did not have to urge you to think of something, you already knew.  Here were your three:

1. Heavenly Father
2. Family
3. My home

I love you sweet girl.  You are always extremely perceptive.  You will make a great missionary someday.

Love,

Your mama

The snow came down

Dear Olivia,

After church and lunch, we all went outside to play in the fresh foot and a half of snow that had fallen over the weekend.  You played with Autumn, Maddox, and Kamryn.  You played well over an hour.  You all came in for hot cocoa and cookies at Jana's (Kamryn's house) and then off you went to play for another 45 minutes in the snow.  Your face was red, your snow clothes soaked, but you were happy.

I am so pleased that you enjoy the snow!  I can't wait to get you on skis!

Love,

Your mama

Water wings

Dear Olivia,

In July and August we had the opportunity to swim often.  I decided that I would start working with you in the water minus your floaties (water wings).  We were at Grandma Linda's pool swimming.  I explained the process to you after recognizing that you had the ability to swim a short distance under water, so that is how we started.  I would let you go just a couple feet away from the steps.  You kicked and rowed your arms while you were underwater.  You did not sink.  You did not panic.  The first time you made it to the steps you came out of the water with a big smile and said, "I want to do that again!"  And again you did, over and over until you were going longer underwater and further away from the stairs.

We are planning on obtaining a membership to the recreation center, so you can practice your skills this winter. I am so excited for you and this new skill you have learned!

Love,

Your mama

Am I serving?

Dear Olivia,

A couple weeks ago, you and Maddox were outside in the back raking up leaves.  I was watching you out of the window making little piles here and there chatting happily away to your brother.  I opened the door to call you both in for lunch and you said, "Hey, Mom!  We're raking up leaves.  Are we serving?  We're serving!"

You are continually thinking of ways to serve.  I love you.

Love,

Your mama

Like a star shining brightly

Dear Olivia,

On Friday evening after a healthy dinner, I decided to take you and Maddox over to City Creek to play on the dinosaurs by the food court.  The weather was cold and rainy and this was a perfect option close to home that also happened to be free.  Off we went, with a promise from your papa that he would meet us there. 

Both you and Maddox were happy to be there since we had not frequented the play place in awhile.  Off you ran, with your brother at your tail....always going wherever you went.  Oh, how he adores you.  How he looks up to you.  How fun you are to be around. 

After playing for awhile, you made a friend.  Your brother still keeping up as much as his little legs could carry him.  What a wonderful sight it was to see you both running, smiling, and making friends. 

There was this particular dinosaur that Maddox had trouble getting up.  Without a second thought, you jumped down, pushed him up, looked at me, gave me a thumbs up and a big smile and off you went to play.

The moment was quick, yet it had such a great impression upon me that it brought me to tears.

That is you.  Always kind.  Ready to help.  Quick to choose what is right.  You love others.  Without guile.  What an example  you are to me.  Your willingness to do what is best despite how it impedes you is well beyond your years.  You are quite the magnetic force.  Always pulling people closer because you have that great ability to love without strings attached.  You simply are growing into a well-adjusted, happy, loving, and thoughtful, young lady. 

Thank you for your love.  Thank you for thinking of your brother.  Please never forget him, nor your other siblings to come.  Be close to them.  Love them.  Be there for them.  Be friends.  Serve eachother. 

With love,

Your mama.

Training wheels..goodbye

Dear Olivia,

Last Saturday, September 8 while I was up in Park City, you asked your papa to finally do it.  You wanted those training wheels off.  You had asked before, and I wasn't sure if it was the time, but your papa stepped up and did it.  You are four and a half years old.

When you guys came up for a sleepover at Amanda's condo, Papa brought your bike.  He held on to the back of your seat, and then let go.  You were riding your bike.

I am so thrilled to see you grow and take on new challenges.  I appreciate your "no fear and can do" attitude.  I can learn from it.

That following week, you and I focused on getting you to start and stop on your own.  I didn't press too much, showing you what needed to be done, then leaving you alone to think about it. I didn't want to regress after so much progress.

On Tuesday, Papa stayed home to work on some house projects, and I could hear you yell, "I did it, I did it! I started all by myself!"  Sure enough you did.  Wobbly, but you were going.

Later in the week your tire got quite the hole in it and no fix-a-flat would work.  We got a new inner tube, and today you were off and rolling.  Starting and stopping just fine, getting faster as you practiced. 

I then decided to teach you how to turn.  Again, I explained what you needed to do, reminding you it was just like being on training wheels.  I proceeded to give you some space to figure it out.  You did. 

The most fun part about all of this is your excitement.  You smile is wide, your eyes sparkle, and your sweet giggles over your accomplishment.  You told me, "The hardest part is when you are first learning, but then when you get it it is SO MUCH FUN!" 

You are right, my love.  Thank you for life's little treasures.

Love,

Your mama

My best effort

Dear Olivia,

I am up this morning thinking of you.  My senses have been keenly aware that you are semi-struggling with something that maybe you can't even understand nor have the words to tell me. 

I am not sure if you are simply exhausted, or just need us to tighten the ropes and gather our little family in closer together. 

Sunday I allowed you not to nap.  The thing is you needed to, you fell asleep on your chair at the dinner table.  For some reason, naps have become, no sleep has become your archenemy.  "Naps are bad," "I am not tired!" are some of the things you exclaim.  But you ARE, my daughter and it is okay to sleep.  It is okay to rejuvenate. 

After your hour long nap, you awoke, and forgotten your promise to eat all of your dinner, you mocked the pork that was BBQ'd, and after a brief battle, I took that pork and sent you to your room.  Dinner has also become a picky sort of thing that never existed previously. 

I am confused of how to help you.  It seems so little writing it out, but even yesterday you accidentally walked into a group of people while you were enthralled with the lemurs at the zoo, and this caused you to be so embarrassed, you went to the fence and would not budge. 

How can I help?  Do you need my help? 

I have noticed that I need to give you more freedoms and give you the ability to do things on your own.  I mean you are growing up whether I like it or not.  You are almost five (dearly me).  I long for the days I held you close.  How fast time goes, my daughter. 

You are growing up to be such a sweet, perspective, kind young lady.  Even at five you show this compassion and thoughtfulness that only I could pray to Heavenly Father for me to have. 

Sunday I then decided that I need to spend even more time enjoying you.  I have a hard time just seeing past the dirt on the floor, the dishes in the sink, silly things. 

So I quit looking at the dishes, and we played two games of Candyland, a rousing game of Angry Birds, and you went to bed smiling. 

Maybe that is all you need?  More of me, less of the running around from here to there? 

I love you, Olivia.  I am doing my best as a mother.  I am very concerned of your needs and want for you to grow up feeling loved, confident, capable, and know where you can always turn to-- your family.

I may make mistakes, fail, and have to restart again and again.  But I will never give up trying.  All I ask is that you forgive me in the process.

Love,

Your mama

Field Trip to Sugarhouse Park with CFDC

Dear Olivia, I find it such a treasure to watch you when you are with your preschool group. Today was one of those opportunities where we did not have Fey, who has the chicken pox, so Maddox and I spent it with you at Sugarhouse Park to culminate the end of your "birds" lessons that you have been learning about for the past couple of weeks. You were pleased to have me there (which I felt better about since you had a dream of me that wasn't pleasant this past night), and you held my hand and stuck close to me to feed the ducks. Maddox and you grabbed some bread, dodged the poop, and threw to your hearts delight. Minus the fact that the geese, ducks, and even seagulls were quite full and uninterested, you enjoyed yourselves quite immensely. Another moment was watching you sit on your school blanket to listen to a story and sing a song. The song was "Five little ducks," which happens to give you lots of smiles. We then went on a scavenger hunt after learning what birds use to make nests. You headed for the pine tree that dips low to the ground, one of your delights, and instead of finding nest particles, you enjoyed the cool hideout of the tree. We commenced by the playground where you climbed the monkey bars, but your favorite activity after snack was flying the kites and playing parachute games. You played with your friends, Alli and Lauren. We walked back with the mommas and you, the girls and Maddox spent a few moments chasing a beautiful butterfly. Something that I felt happy about because those are the rare childhood moments that are the most important. Carefree and happy. Running and chasing after the beauties of the earth. Thank you for a great morning. You are growing so fast. You are smart, creative, fun-loving, a peacemaker, selfless, and a joy to be around. With love, Your mama.

More mud, please?

Dear Olivia, We went up to the park in Parley's Canyon (Washington Terrace) with Stephanie, Zach, Charlie, Maddox, and Fey. I brought your swimsuits, because you love to wade in the stream at the back of the park. You decided to play in the mud, wanting to spread it all over your body. I asked you not to and I don't know why. Maybe because I was in my "gotta deal with that later," mentality instead of the "let's live life and have a little fun," mentality. Sorry for telling you no. Sorry for stopping your creativity. Sometimes I will do that. I ended up not worry about it in the end after I actually listend to what I was saying, and you were able to spread it on your stomach, but I notice that I sometimes stop you from doing the things you should be doing right now. I feel bad about it because you just want to be a kid, smile, be happy, and have fun, and then you have grouch-o mom that is stopping you. So I wanted to make it known that I recognize this about myself and I am learning to be more relaxed and enjoy the moment (not what I am gonna have to 'deal' with later), and live, love, my (our) life. Forgive me for some of my major imperfections. Love, Your mama

Music Repetoire

Dear Olivia, Over the past few months you have grown more and more into your parent's music. We were driving down Beck Street headed to Camille's birthday party, and I turned on the radio. This was a good chance that both you and I could listen to something other than a Kindermusik CD that is so much a part of Maddox's favorites. The song that came on was by AWOL Nation titled, "It's not your fault," of which you proceeded to belt out the lyrics in your best voice. I had to smile and credit your papa for exposing you to some of his favorites. Another that you will sing with me is by Regina Spektor, titled "Eet," of which you also love to sing along. Other favorites of yours right now are: Aquabats "Super Rad," Gorillaz, "Clint Eastwood," and Phun's, " In the car you told me that you were going to be a rockstar that sings and plays the guitar. I told you that you can be whatever you want to be. How much we love you and appreciate your desire to listen to some great music. Love, Your Mama

Description

Dear Olivia, You are kind, sweet, loving, friendly, You are an old soul. You are wise. You are talented, independent, willing, honest, obedient. You are flexible. And sassy. Oh, how I love you. Love, your mama.

Perfect medicine

Dear Olivia, Some days I still have you take a nap. Call it motherly instincts, but on those days you fall asleep quite quickly even when you say that you are not tired. Like most "nap" days, you like me to lay with you. I enjoy it. Hearing your breathing, looking into your beautiful, almond shaped eyes melts my heart. Today you awoke quite upset, but you managed to go poop, and I think you were mad because I didn't hear you calling to wipe (I was feeding Fey). The crying woke everyone up. And I actually chose the right in this instance. You were having trouble calming down, so instead of getting frustrated that seems to be my M.O. lately, I scooped you up and snuggled with you on the bed. Perfect medicine. I love your snuggles. Love, Your mama.

Mama! I got Maddox on the potty!

Dear Olivia, My heart is full for you at this moment. You are a very intuitive little girl. You are aware of other's needs, well beyone even my own adult ability. You have a way of cheering up everyone around you. People just WANT to be around you. Lately we have been trying to get your brother interested in the potty. Maddox has been quite adamant about his diaper, but has slowly become interested as he sees his little friends taking the time to actually sit on the potty. Today I took off his diaper and asked him if he wanted to go to the potty...he (of course) said no and you both headed upstairs. Next thing I know, you are racing to the head of the stairs yelling, "Mama, mama, come quick! I got Maddox to go on the potty! He is pooping on the potty!" Now he didn't quite poop, but he did get a couple of tinkles in there and he was excited with smiles and screams and we all celebrated together. But I just wanted to celebrate you, too. Because you are so willing to be obedient, kind, giving, thoughtful of others. You teach me the thing I need to be better at. Thank you, my dear. Love, Your mama

A mish mash of thoughts on your day

Dear Olivia, Today you were bright and cheerful. You got to ride to preschool in "Papa's truck" and I picked you up a little early, so we could go to Castle Park in Kayesville with Amanda, Venner and, Bjork plus their friends for a playdate. The park was busy, families itching to be out in the warm weather. We found our friends, and Bjork was not being friendly. This happens quite often, and before I used to not be bothered by it. Today it bothered me because today was the first time she actually hit you and scratched you. Bjork, at four-years old is moody with you. You just want to play, in all your innocence. But she slights you, treats you poorly, and dismisses you. Before I would explain that she takes awhile to warm up because that is what I thought it was. I have tried to help you understand that if she is acting this way to give her time. And you have, you go and play with something else until she is ready. But I can see that you don't understand her behavior. I try hard to not allow my feelings be the judgement of your friendship. It is especially difficult because Amanda and I are such good friends. But to see you time and time again be mistreated kind of took a turn for me today. Don't get me wrong, it's not all the time, but why should a four-year old have to deal with that? I am not sure I want you to. Yes, this is good practice because there will be girls and boys who will be unkind. I will not be able to protect you and you will learn how to handle stressful situations because I know you are very capable. Bjork is bullying you and I am trying to teach you how to lovingly yet firmly stick up for yourself. I explain to you, "That you don't like it, and to stop hitting you. You do address it saying you are mad at Bjork and you explain why. I am grateful that you acknowledge the difference. But I also worry that you are a little too passive. You, my dear, are one of the sweetest, kindest, loving, compassionate people I know. I hope that even though people may be unkind, or whatever the situation may be that you will keep on being the Olivia I know because that Olivia is truly amazing. You are amazing in so many ways. I am sorry, I will start to figure out what to do with this situation. Maybe we need to take a break from Bjork for a little bit and sort things out. The first thing I did do though is made a playdate with a girl that absolutely adores you, Annie Woodward. I want you to know what healthy friendships are like. Other experiences today, you were really helpful with the laundry today. You taught your mom a lesson by swiping my phone down when you were trying to have some time with me. I was distracted by this Bjork stuff and you just wanted me to be in the moment. Thank you for reminding me what is most important, and that is YOU. You told your papa that this was "The best day ever!" and you rode your bike all evening. You would pedal really fast and then slam on your brakes. You made a concoction with honey, rice cereal, salt, and water. You tried it. You noticed it needed more honey. That made me smile. You also spilled the entire concoction on the floor and yourself (and guess what? I didn't get mad)! You played with Fey, worried about your brother's toe when he got an owie. You chose the dinner spaghetti and meatballs. I made homemade sauce and meatballs. You loved the sauce and noodles, but not the meatballs. (And they took a long time to make)! You tried to comfort Maddox when he was throwing a tantrum. Your concern for people is truly impressive. You were picking up coins off of the floor and you told me you had an idea. You said that you wanted to get money and food to people that do not have any. We had a conversation about fast offerings. Oh, how grown up you are. Oh, I love you, so. Love, Your mama

Your smile

Dear Olivia, Your smile is incredible. That smile is very infectious, and never lose it. Love, Your mama

New beginnings -- Soccer

Dear Olivia, Two weekends ago you had your very first soccer practice and game. You are on a team with four other preschool friends: Emi, James, Carson, and Will. You were excited, warming up, kicking the ball, and running to get the ball. Part of the team was apprehensive, so you were playing for most of the game. In the second half, you scored the first goal for your team. You high fived and had big smiles. Aside from the fact that the ''green'' team was pretty much scoring at every kick, you were having fun until..... I think you were tired, and thirsty because you had played for a half hour straight due to the fact that four of your teammates would not play. This little boy on the opposing team had said to you, "I am going to take you down to the ground!" And that did it. I saw you crying on the field (I did not know at the time what had happened), and I motioned for you to come to me. When you did you explained what the boy had said to you. My sensitive soul. You were the one giving thumbs up to the kids on the opposing team when they scored a goal. You were the one all smiles, rushing towards the ball, and kicking for a score, and now you were simply crying, sad, and done. \ We explained that sometimes kids say things and that it is part of the game. You were having none of it. We tried to explain that it doesn't matter what anyone says, but you still were not going out on to the field. The only thing you said about it when we got home was that you never wanted to play the green team again. They were too fast. Luckily, you will not have to play them again. We tried again the following week. You exercised with your team. You kicked the ball, and when it was game time, you went on the field, but you would not chase, kick, defend. You smiled and stood, and moved a bit. After ten minutes you wanted out and did not go in for awhile. I had to go to a baby shower. Papa persuaded you on the field, and you held hands with Emi and ran. No kicking, defending, just running hand in hand. Oh, well. Maybe by the seventh and last game you will like it...or not. Maybe dance is just what you need. Maybe ice skating? We will try again. My hope is that the things that people say won't have so strong of an effect on you that it stops you from doing what you care about most. I am not saying that this is what is happening, but always remember who you are, no matter what is said. You stand for you, get up, and rise to the top with love, compassion, and kindliness. With love, Your mama

A child's prayer

My dear Olivia, This is a very special post for me. Today was ward conference, and we had the opportunity during our Sacrament meeting to hear from our Bishop (Bullough) and President Lynn J. Ames. Why this post is so special is because the Bishop specifically spoke about you. What he spoke about is this: Two weeks ago we had stake conference at the Tabernacle. Early in the meeting you expressed the desire to go and sit with Dawn Ann (the Bishop's wife). We have grown particularly close to them because we care for their granddaughter, Fey. I explained to you that towards the end of the meeting you may go over at sit with her. As the conference was coming to an end, I permitted you to go, not knowing that at the same time Dawn Ann had left to the restroom. Bishop Bullough was sitting there though, and before I realized that there was no Dawn Ann, the Bishop picked you up and set you on his lap. The hymn ended, and you folded your arms, closed your eyes for the prayer. I did not think twice about this moment, other than I was grateful you were being reverent. And that is where today came in. He spoke of you and your reverence. How you knew what you needed to do, and did it. How you understood it was time for quiet reflection, even though you did not know all that it entailed, but you knew it was time for that. You knew the difference. And the Bishop was very impressed with that. It warmed my heart to hear him speak a few minutes so openly about the feelings that stirred within him due to your simple, but profound act. I want to give you all of the credit. You are such an obedient, happy, well-mannered child. You truly care about those around you. People are drawn to your smile, your bubbly personality. My hope and prayer is that you always keep this with you. Keep the things you learn about the gospel close to you. Remember who you are. And who are you? A child of God. A Heavenly Father that loves you so very much. And we do, too. With love, Your mama

Let's pretend play

Dear Olivia, While Maddox and Fey slept, you and I put on some lipgloss and then got out your Strawberry Shortcake clubhouse with all the shortcake girls and had a campout. They are tiny figurines, but what was so cute that this imaginary day, you were one of them. You introduced yourself, and you were part of the party. At first I thought you were using one of the shortcake girls as yourself, but when you went to get your own sleepover supplies, I realized that you just included yourself in this bite-sized party as one of them. How exciting to see you grow and expand in your play. Yesterday we played "pizza joint." You were the waitress, and I was the customer. You took my order, brought me a drink, some blueberries, and my favorite pizza. We chatted and I gave you money. Then the game was over. How fun it was to play with you. Most days, you and Maddox play together, and you have this ritual right after lunch where you like to play "shark attack". You get in your boat (your bunkbed), with all of your "friends" (your stuffed animals), and then you try to avoid the doom of the sharks below. I could hear you bossing your brother from time to time (okay, most of the time), but he doesn't seem to mind. And most of the time you both explode into giggles, and I know everything is okay. The joys of childhood. Never forget it. With love, Your mama.

Any place will do, if I say so myself!

Dear Olivia, Right now, at this very moment, you are asleep. Not just asleep on your bed, but asleep on the stairs about halfway up! This was done quite unbeknownest to me, we had played for about an hour, and I explained that I had some work to do. You had come down about 20 minutes later, and I explained that I needed you to go back up for a bit (partly because I don't want Fey who is sleeping in the living room to wake up). You went, but as I was heading back up the stairs to check on you, you never made it that far. Your bunny is right next to you. I texted the family a picture of you, and the major question is at this point: Do I wake you or pray that you don't roll down the stairs? I really love you. Even if the only way you will take a nap is if you crash and burn. With love, Your Mama.

It's okay, mom

Dear Olivia, On Monday (President's Day), Papa decided to take the day off from both of his jobs and take us out as a family to do something fun together. You kids love going to Hollywood Connection and riding the rides, so that was the place we decided to go. On a previous trip there, you and Bjork were able to ride the roller coaster. So as Maddox wanted to ride on the "Magic Bus'' another time, you and I ventured towards the coaster. We got all the way to the front, and the lady told me that you could not go on. She then explained why, and I understood, but I did not understand why the girl in front of you got to go on when her head was not over the top of the seat, and I could plainly see that. For some reason, I was a little bothered by this and nicely tried to explain this to the woman. Out of nowhere you simply looked up at me, straight into my eyes and said, "It's okay, mom." Right there, I listened to your sweet words, took you by the hand, and we made our way away from the roller coaster. You were so understanding, being a newly 4-year old girl. How precious. How mature. I wasn't quite sure what prompted you to say that, or what you were thinking, and even asking you now, you being four cannot tell me (all the same) but it brought me right back to reality, and for you the lack of riding wasn't the end of the world, and it shouldn't have been for me either. You were enjoying yourself no matter if we rode it or not. How lovely it is to have a daughter like you. With love, Your mama.

Smooches

Dear Olivia, On Sunday, February 12, the whole Junior Primary class had the opportunity to watch you smoochin' in class. Your first kiss: Jacob Allsop. Yes, ma'am, all I heard from your teacher Miss Lauren was, "Oh, Jacob and Olivia are smooching on the lips!" along with a laugh, and I looked up, and there you and Jacob were smooching on the lips. You were giving him loves, but after the fourth kiss, I noticed it was becoming quite distracting, so I kindly asked you to listen to the song, "Choose the Right,'' and maybe sing along. You obliged, but I must say, those were quite the kisses young lady. Can we save them for when you are married?! I love you, and I love that you love to love. Happy Valentine's Day. Love, Your mama.

Keep your talent alive

Dear Olivia, During Maddox's and Fey's naptime you and I snuggled on the bed and ready four books. Then we got out your preschool book and I quizzed you on your lowercase letters. You have all but six and I was thoroughly impressed. You and I did a couple of math sheets learning about less and more, and then we started a color by number. You are not really into coloring, but drawing your own things that is where your interest lies. We got out the big doodle pad, and you got right to work making a sun, coming over the mountain. Then you drew a building (house) with multiple windows and steps leading down. The steps were correct, the top were large and you got smaller as it went down. Impressive. You made another house with a candle in the window. Your depth perception is quite skilled. I am very proud of your drawings and your ability to come up with things to draw and make them come alive on paper. Keep your talent alive, my dear daughter. Love, Your mama

Diarrhea cha-cha-cha

Dear Olivia, You have been ill on and off for the past 2 weeks. This week is the stomach bug, that is really hurting your insides. You muscle through it the best you can, and then go to your bed for rest. That is always how I know you are not 100%. When you send yourself to bed, I know that means illness. I am sorry you aren't at your best, I am hoping I can be sensitive enough to your needs. You are my non-complainer, my number one helper, my sensitive soul, and of that I am very appreciative of you. With love, Your mama