We’re into the 20s! Almost there! Prompt #21:

Describe your relationship with your parents.

I think I have a great relationship with my parents. By the time I came along, they had already gone through five boys. They knew the ropes. I think my childhood was quite different from those of my brothers. I am eight years younger than the brother closest to me in age, I’m the only girl, and when I was a child, my father had transitioned from being a professor to being a contractor working with local governments around the world. Because of my birth order and when I came into the family, I had a lot of time either alone with my parents, or with just me and Tony and my parents. I’ve spent a lot of time traveling, playing games, relaxing in the evening, reading, watching movies and T.V. shows, and talking with my parents. My parents have given me so many gifts: the gift of a childhood spent experiencing the world, the gift of a love for Broadway musicals, the gift of reading, the gift of encouragement.

I love my mom. She has always actively supported me. Whether it was helping me put together science fair projects, taking me to dance and violin lessons, or coming out to help when I’ve given birth–she encourages me and has always made it clear that she loves me and that she is proud of me. We had a lot of fun when I was growing up. I loved watching our favorite shows together and enjoying our favorite movies over and over again (Pillow Talk, anyone?). I feel like we’ve always been friends. I didn’t have a turbulent adolescence. No slamming doors, no “I hate you!”, no groundings. Looking back, that was such a gift. In elementary school, my mom was able to work at my schools and I loved having that connection with her. In 1st grade in the Philippines, she worked at The International School. I can’t remember exactly what her job title was, but I know I got to spend time with her. In El Salvador, at The American School, she taught art. I loved eating lunch with my friends in the art room and taking her art classes. I was so proud that my mom was the art teacher and it was just so comforting to know she was there. It was like a perfect storm for me–last child, only girl, coming to my parents a little later in their lives. I was able to have this great relationship with my mom and so much time with her. She is a wonderful mom and I love her.

Amelie and Grandma Austin at their home in NC. My mom is a great grandma to my little ones–always doting and interested in their little lives–and I love her for that.

I love my dad. I have always known that he was there to support me. He has quietly reassured me throughout my whole life with his testimony, his sincere interest in my life, and his love for me. I don’t remember him ever raising his voice in anger at me, but I will always remember our one-on-one talks about life and the gospel. He has always made me feel treasured and like I was capable of doing anything I set my mind to. We might not have had all the same day-to-day moments that my mom and I had together, but he has always made sure that I knew that he loved me and that he was proud of me. I remember when he and my mom came out for Amelie’s birth. She ended up coming about 5 days past my due date, so they didn’t have lots of time with her after she was born because they had return flights back to NC a couple of days later. But I remember my dad coming to our place for one last minute with Amelie. We have a picture of him holding her and you can just feel the love he had for her. My dad loves deeply and I am grateful to have that kind of love in my life. What more can a girl ask for?

I treasure this picture of my baby and her grandpa.

Clearly, I have been very very blessed. I love my parents and I hope that they will always know that.

Prompt #20:

Describe 3 significant memories from your childhood.

You know how some people can remember things from when they were really young? I’ve heard that can be an indicator of how intelligent you are. Well, if that’s true, I am out of luck because I don’t feel like I have a very good memory. I also wonder sometimes how much I remember and how much I think I remember because I’ve heard my parents talk about things. But here are 3 childhood memories that (I think) I have. I’m not sure if they’re very significant:

1. I remember getting this great toy stand mixer for my birthday when I was 4 or 5. I could put the mixing bowl on, and I think there were some plastic “batters” that I could put in the bowl. I think there was a brown one, a white one, and a pink one. I remember playing with it and loving it.

2. I remember a shopping center in the Philippines–I think it might have been called something like Green Hills. My favorite thing was that it had bumper cars. I remember that I always wanted to ride in the car shaped like a blue bunny. I also remember a small basket of shells that my 1st grade teacher had in our classroom–small, smooth, and shiny.

3. I remember going with my friend Lindsay to her grandma’s house–at least I think it was her grandma’s house. This was when we lived in New York, so it must have been when I was in kindergarten. I remember dunking those little elf sandwich cookies and watching the milk fill the grooves of the debossed images on the cookies.

Like I said, these are not particularly significant. But it’s memories like these, a favorite toy, a chosen bumper car, a basket of shells, the perfect cookie, that combine to create the memory of a lovely childhood.

Today’s prompt:

How did you feel the moment you became a parent?

The very moment.

This picture is the the actual very moment I became a parent when Amelie was born. Wasn’t she cute? And so chubby! Over 9 pounds! I think the expression on my face kind of sums it all up. I had just given birth and it was AMAZING! I mean, I had pushed a human being out and had done all this hard work! I had this precious little girl in my arms and somehow she was mine! At the same time: Wow. I’m a mom now. I am responsible for the beautiful little thing. She’s finally here and she is a part of me. Forever. Wow. It was beautiful and breathtaking and overwhelming. What a moment.

The prompt:

What do you think your spouse loves most about you?

I think I know this one because Bryce has told me this in the past. I think the thing Bryce loves most about me is my cheerful attitude. Did I get it right, Sweetheart? I am usually quite cheerful and optimistic. I try to see the good side to things and to people and I love being happy with the people that I love. Bryce has told me that this attitude helps him to feel happier and buoys him up when he’s feeling down. So, I think that’s what he loves most.

Man, it’d be great to finish this list of 30 things before my 30th birthday in ten days! Prepare yourself–I might do a couple per day to make this happen.

What is the thing you most wish you were great at?

I wish I was great at staying calm with my children. I always thought I was a very patient person–and then I had kids! I think it’s partly because I love them, because I am so invested in them, that I sometimes lose my cool. However, that doesn’t make it right. I so want to be able to always respond to my children (their mistakes, their behaviors, their needs) with a calm voice and a calm heart. I know I would feel better, my children would feel better, and our communication would be much more effective.

I’m going to try remembering this little mantra: “I can be calm in this moment.” This isn’t something I just wish I was great at. It’s something that I really feel I NEED to be great at. Wish me luck.