We all have memories,

Warm memories....

Memories from long ago...

Memories that make us cry...

Memories that make us laugh...

Memories that are more precious than gold....

         Entering into motherhood many of my memories revolve around my sugar plum fairy, the beautiful three year old that is my daughter Cadence-Nicole Charlise.  When I think of the hat she wore to keep her head warm in the hospital, my heart is warmed. Her middle name reminds me of my precious grandfather and the promise I made long ago to name my first child after him. I cry when I think about her sitting in the drive way waiting for her father to return home. The memory of the first time she said "Mama" is more precious than gold. But, what makes me laugh is her determination. 

          At only three years old Cadence is 44 inches tall. She is the average height of a first grader. I feel as though I need to wear a sign that says, "she is only three, please don't judge me," every time we are out in public. So, I just have to laugh at the judging eyes when she throws a fit in Target. Her height has caused many people to question my parenting skills, but it also leads to scandal in our home.

          Just the other day, my smart, clever daughter spied something on top of the refrigerator that she need to commandeer, a jar full of M&Ms. What three year old wouldn't want M&M's? The difference between most three year old  children and my daughter is, other children ask their parents to help them. But no, not my daughter she is not only tall, but also determined. I caught her in perfect time, (so I thought) trying to retrieve the treasure of M&M's that she needed, pushing a chair over to the cabinet. As any good mother would do, I lifted her off of the chair and turned to put it back in its rightful place at the table. As I was putting the chair away I made sure to explain that we do not use chairs to climb onto the cabinet. For the first time ever, Cadence followed my instructions, perfectly. 

           Removing the chair did not deter Cadence from the coveted M&M's, it only created another step that needed to be solved. My daughter's solution, throw your leg onto the counter and hoist yourself up. Victory was hers! She conquered the cabinets and ceased her treasure. 

          This will always make me laugh, because I have a tall three year old and people judge, they might even say I am mother of the year. There deduction of my parenting skills is quite all right by me, because I have a little problem solver and treasure seeker, even if she climbs on cabinets.

 Or you could say I have a little Curious George, and they just have a Caillou.

Judge on!