You make me proud

The saying rings true that all parents find that their kids win the contest when looking for the cutest kid in the picture or the best athlete on the team or the sweetest kid in the class or the smartest kid in the school. Honestly, this is the truth at our house. I'm sorry to break the news to the rest of the world. I have the cutest, smartest, nicest, most athletic children in the world, and that's no secret. I am a PROUD mommy!

As a parent, and frankly as a person, I struggle with being proud of myself. I often compare myself to those around me. I've done this as a kid, and I continue to do it as an adult. This comparison causes unnecessary struggles and an unhappy attitude that I constantly strive to undo. I don't want these struggles to cast a shadow on my children's perception of themselves or of their mommy. Daily, I pray that God will give me positive words and affection (another area in which I struggle-that's another story) to lavish on them so that they know they are loved and cherished and adored and admired and sought after! So, even if I struggle every day, here is a list in which they can always refer to know that their mommy thinks beautiful thoughts about them every day!

Logann-I was so proud of you when worried about where the contestants on "Biggest Looser" were able to go to church. You have a heart for God, and I pray that you serve Him with it everyday of your life!

Merritt-You made me smile with delight when you were the only kid in the nursery who was able to keep your cup of Cheerios in the upright position. I cheered quietly when you were appalled that the other children would eat Cheerios off of the carpet. You left the herd and sat alone to enjoy your clean cup, and that made me proud.

Logann-You make me so proud when you talk and answer Merritt's constant questions. You don't mind couting school buses in your best Sesame Street "Count" voice. You are the best big sister. I have always wanted a sister, and I really miss the sister I don't have when I see how good you are to your sister. If I could pick a sister, I would pick you becuase you are the best!

Logann-I celebrate your sweet spirit when you came home from church telling me about how you helped a boy in a wheel chair. You didn't mind missing out on your activity because you wanted to wheel him inside and play with him so that he wouldn't be alone. I couldn't have been more proud of your sweetness!

Merritt-I am proud to take you everywhere because people always comment on how well you talk and how cute you are. Even when you sport a mullet hairdo, your blue eyes are stunning! As a baby of 20 months, you can tell me what you need or want. You are a beautiful genius!

Merritt-Your manners make me so proud! I've never harped on you to say "please" and "thank you". But anytime Dad or I tell you that you look pretty, you respond immediately with, "Thaaank Yooouuu!" I can ask you a question and without delay you say, "Yes ma'am!" I think you were just born sweet!

Logann-I am proud of your reading in kindergarten. Ever since you were 3, you would tell me that you could read, then you would proceed to make up the words on every page (if I could get you to sit down long enough to look at a book). Now, you read to me, and you listen to chapter books. You are a good reader, and I hope you learn to LOVE reading!

Merritt-I am proud to pick you up from the nursery every time we attend church. The teachers always tell me how sweet you are and how smart you are. They love that you work every puzzle on the shelf and you sit and read all the books. I am proud to drop you off at your class because I know you will entertain your teachers every time!

Logann-I'm proud of your independence when it comes to fashion. You are confident in your choices of outfits, even when you look ridiculous! You know what you want, and you are not afraid to pull it off. You are a fashionista, and I love you for it!

Logann-I love the way you clap along with every song. Even when you are off beat, you keep clapping until the music catches up to you.

Logann and Merritt-I love watching you dance. My favorite activity is to turn on the music in the living room and watch you, Logann, choreograph a song and you, Merritt, spin in circles. This makes me happy!

Logann and Merritt-I am proud of you for stating your opinions. Even when you disagree with me and I have to make you mind ME, I am proud that you are not afraid to speak your mind. I hope that never changes.

The list to be continued...

I heard a song on "American Idol" tonight that made me think of you both. It said, "Pretty, pretty please don't you ever ever feel like you're less than perfect, less than perfect. Pretty, pretty please if you ever feel like you're nothing, you are perfect to me." You both make me proud every day to be YOUR mommy. I am proud to call you MY daughters, and I am so amazed that you call me MOMMY! You make me proud!