Princes don't grow on Trees

I remember the first time I met Josh. I remember it because it was the first time I'd ever seen that look in Christina's eyes. It was a look of pure adoration. After he left, she confessed to me, "I really like him, mom". That was 6 years ago and "like" turned to "love" without much coaxing. She had never before, or has never since been able to give her heart to anyone else. So it didn't matter that it took 6 years, he owns her heart.
We were thrilled when she knocked on our bedroom door early one Sunday morning and sweetly told us that she and Josh were getting married. I have honestly never seen her look so happy.

Christina has always been this quiet, steady, dependable emotional rock for me. She instinctively senses what I need and has stood ready to give her love and support. As I laid in my hospital room after having back surgery, I was scared and hurting and drugged. I looked over to see who was at my bedside rubbing my hand. It was Christina. Softly stroking, with that sweet smile that conveyed absolute devotion. I woke several hours later and looked over to see my hand still in hers.

She has never demanded her slice of attention, preferring to take a backseat to some of her of her siblings that were more comfortable entertaining the crowd. I watched some old home movies the other day. I observed her standing in the background, watching some of the antics of her siblings. She was laughing but too shy too participate. I wanted to scoop up that little girl on the TV screen into my arms and tell her how much she means to me and what a priviledge it is to be her mom. I wanted to bring her into the middle of all the fun and say "Don't forget about her. Just because she's shy and quiet and won't compete for attention, don't forget to give her her some." The ironic thing is that when she does finally get a word in edge wise, she's freaking hilarious.

She has taught me so many things. Because of her I desire to be kinder because she has taught me the value of kindness. I want to love more deeply and show it with more devotion because she has touched me with her example. She has taught me to look for the quiet voices in the crowd and discover all that they have to offer.

I am so excited for her and Josh and their future together. They love to be together and enjoy and appreciate each other. Josh understands Christina, because he too is exemplary in his desire to be kind and serve those around him. He is not one who seeks attention but willingly gives to those who need him with no compuction and no expectation to get back anything in return. I feel like it is such a priviledge to have him as part of our lives. He truly is a noble man. Life just keeps getting better...I think there's someone I need to thank for that and believe me, I do, everyday, on my knees, I let Him know how blest I feel, because princes don't grow on trees and yet my daughters have each managed to find one.

Princess

Barry and I were invited to go to Disneyland this weekend with Christina and Josh. Since Barry's work is already 1/2 way to Jill's, we just met up at Jill's house in Goodyear and left from there. Well, Avery's eyes lit up when she heard the "D" word so we decided to bring her along. It's magical to see Disneyland through a child's perspective. She was actually greeting old friends when she saw Tigger and Pooh.

But the awe on her little face when she saw the "Princesses" brought tears to my eyes. It obviously meant so much to her. There was a place designated where kids could meet and greet the "Princesses".

She ran to each one with her arms out stretched. I couldn't believe how emotional I got. Her little face was just beaming. Afterwards, we came upon a parade and she watched mesmerized as each float went by. But when the float with Belle from "Beauty and the Beast" came by, Avery's face just lit up and she cupped her hands over her mouth and yelled,"Belle, it's me Avery!"