Rainbow

And God said, “This is the sign of the covenant I am making between me and you and every living creature with you, a covenant for all generations to come: I have set my rainbow in the clouds, and it will be the sign of the covenant between me and the earth. (Genesis 9:12-13)

Today, it had been raining on and off all day long. One minute the sun was shining brightly and the next minute dark clouds rolled in bringing a torrential downpour. As I was feeding the girls their lunch I thought, “I wouldn’t be surprised to a see a rainbow some time today.”

A few hours later when JT came home from work, he made a beeline straight to Sweet Pea saying, “I have something to show you!” I knew even before he whisked her onto the porch that a rainbow was waiting. I grabbed the camera, followed them out to the porch, and snapped several photos.

This was the first time Sweet Pea had ever seen a real rainbow. (Too bad Sugar Plum went to bed early and missed it!) A few minutes later the rainbow faded and Sweet Pea was quite sad. I explained that rainbows only lasted a short while and were special gifts from God. JT explained that she could look for another rainbow the next time it rained.

As Sweet Pea completed her bedtime ritual with her father, the skies turned dark again and the rain came down. A few minutes later, the sky cleared and the sun peeked out. Though I doubted we’d be blessed with another rainbow, I ventured out to the porch and looked to the sky. I was surprised to see another beautiful rainbow.
Immediately I bolted up to Sweet Pea’s room and interrupted JT’s reading of her bedtime story. I yanked up the window blinds and said, “Look, there’s another rainbow!” Sweet Pea ran over to the window and jumped for joy shouting, “Another rainbow! Another rainbow!”

Tomorrow, the girls and I will revisit the story of Noah through story and song. I think this time the story will have special meaning for Sweet Pea since she’s seen a rainbow up close!

One Green Thumb and a Few Red Berries

The seed will grow well, the vine will yield its fruit, the ground will produce its crops, and the heavens will drop their dew. I will give all these things as an inheritance to the remnant of this people. (Zechariah 8:12)

A few weeks ago, we took a family trip to Lowe’s to buy some flowers for the yard. Sweet Pea loves to dig in the dirt, so I planned to buy some herbs and let her help me plant them in pots. I also figured I could teach her some things about plants as she tended the herbs.

As we neared the basil, peppermint, and chives, Sweet Pea noticed an advertisement for strawberry plants. “Mommy, can we make strawberries?” she asked. I laughed at her desire to ‘make’ strawberries and responded, “You bet! We’ll make strawberries together!”

We took the strawberry plant home, potted it, and have been watching it grow. It has been doing well, so well that a few strawberries are ready to be eaten! Yesterday, I allowed Sweet Pea to have the honor of picking and eating her first homegrown strawberry. When you see her, ask her about her strawberries. She’ll be happy to tell you all about them!

Mommy and Me

Your father and your mother shall be glad, and she that bore you shall rejoice. (Proverbs 23:25)

Lately, Sweet Pea has been feeling a bit envious of her little sister. If I’m holding Sugar Plum, Sweet Pea informs me that I did not hold her today. If Sugar Plum gets a kiss from me, Sweet Pea rushes over to get one too. If I’m spoon feeding Sugar Plum, Sweet Pea needs to be spoon fed too!

Earlier this week, Sugar Plum took an extra long nap, so Sweet Pea and I had an opportunity to enjoy some extended one on one time together. It was a treat for both of us. We planted strawberry plants, iced cupcakes together, and enjoyed lots of tickling time on the couch. I read her God Gave Us You and reminded her of how much she is loved.

Though I’m still in the early miles of my motherhood journey, one of the important lessons I’ve already learned is the great value of spending one on one time with each of my children. Bonding by way of day to day interactions allows me to build unique relationships with each of my girls. Right now I’m laying a strong foundation so that in the years to come, I’ll be able to communicate with each of my daughters openly and effectively.

I truly enjoyed the “Mommy and Me” time Sweet Pea and I shared earlier this week and I’m looking forward to doing it again. I plan to incorporate a regular Mommy and Me time into both the girls’ schedules. During that time, we’ll relax and enjoy each other’s company and I’ll get to know and understand them better. I’m sure we’ll make lots of memories!