Determination!

When I was a little girl, I remember looking through my parents' bookshelves for new things to read.  From James Herriot to Laura Ingalls Wilder, there was always plenty of new material to get lost in.  I also remember their non-fiction books, and the one that was particularly tattered, "The Strong-Willed Child".  No, that book wasn't for me, it was for my brother.  I didn't really understand what him being strong-willed meant when I was a kid, but now that I'm raising one of my own do I ever get it!

Our youngest . . . she is something.  It's not unusual for Ethan and I to look at each other with eyebrows raised and mouth, "What the heck?"  when she is in the midst of a new explanation or adventure.  She is a pure delight and keeps us on our toes.  She is determined!  Whether it is to sing on the radio (like she did earlier this year) or learn to read (so she can figure out what adults are spelling when she's in the room), she will do it!

Last night I got to witness some of this when she wanted to go to the park.  I told her I had to finish vacuuming and sweeping, and then we could leave for the park.  She said, "Mom, I'll vacuum."  She has vacuumed a little bit before, but it's usually just in one spot.  I knew that we had a LOT of chip crumbs under and around our dining room table, and I never thought she would even notice it.  I was wrong.  Our little 30 lb. girl moved ALL the heavy chairs away from the table and somehow managed to vacuum up every crumb.  I kept expecting her to give up, but she wanted to go to the park!  She did the entire thing like it was no big deal.

We love our strong-willed sweetie and are eager to see what else she will do with her life!