Isabella Rose

How did this little girl.....grow up so fast??

Isabella~4 & Jack~2

Back then....they would love to get our shoes and clomp around in them. Now Isabella's shoes are 1 size away from mine. Jack's right behind, growing out of his shoes every season. And they both are at the same exact weight. No wonder I go through so much food around here!

She turns 10 tomorrow. She is pretty excited to be turning double digits. She will be starting 5th grade this school year. Isabella has 2 friends from school overnight tonight, and I have been in awe ever since they've arrived. Talking their "big" girl talk. Entertaining themselves, giggling, and secrets. At this age the girls can pretty much be on their own....and I'm enjoying just observing. Getting flashbacks of this age, of myself with my friends. Waiting all day for a sleepover. Popcorn & movies, cake & ice cream, smores by the fire later. Also wondering what would embarrass her (can I sing in the car with the radio~or will they giggle and think-that lady needs to turn the radio up so I can't hear her.) I AM LOVING THIS STAGE of mama-hood.

It's not all blue skies and balloons~My biggest challenge is trying to remember I can't use the same consequences, punishments, & discipline on 10 year old that I'm still using on the boys and the 4 year old. It's so hard to switch gears and work at getting to this little heart of hers. Like most pre-teens she has this thing called attitude. Which is the hardest to know how, when, and where to work on that. How~how to get her to see how she sounds when she's talking to her siblings. When~to step in and work on some things & when to let brother/sisters do what they do. Where~to pull her aside and show her the areas she HAS to work on. I've got a lot to learn myself.

The best part of her little 10 year old self...is her gentleness

towards her sister. And sometimes even her brothers. LOVED taking her to get school supplies on Monday in Mishawaka. Her helping me get the things off the lists for her, William, & Jack. At this age, she's very helpful & efficient. Picking out an outfit for the first day. Loved looking through Barnes & Noble with her. Another favorite thing about her? She loves Carrabba's as much as I do! We ordered a meal and shared it. Sat at the pizza bar and got free samples of entrees and free ice cream with chocolate sauce!!! Yummo! What a treat to be with just her.

One thing that I've tried to implement since Donovan had surgery in May was showing my kids how to work. They've had chores and jobs...but since I'm doing all the yard work and my work inside~I've needed help in the house too. So I've been working with Isabella to take over some of my chores. I have to say there was a little bit of an adjustment/attitude phase...but now, I'm livin' the dream...baby. She's folding laundry, hanging up the shirts, and putting the clothes away. She also is cleaning up the dishes after meals when I ask her to. Hand washing the dishes that can't go in the dishwasher, and stacking the dishes in the dishwasher that go in there. Cleaning up the sink & working with her on to hang that wet rag up. :)

Today while I was hanging up laundry that sweet almost 10 year old came out to ask me if she can put the ice cream scoop in the dishwasher, or should she hand wash it? Melting moment for me. Her attitude was good, and I think...she was feeling pretty important and useful.

So many things I could say about her....where do I stop? I love her. I just adore this little lady she has become.