Tuesday, December 4, 2007

We Are Family...


These are my angels. When they were little, I dressed them all alike because I thought it was adorable, and frankly, it was much easier to keep my eye on them. I found that with four little girls running around, if I could just look for a hot pink flash going by, and then count to four, I always knew where my children were. After a while, I realized that there were some other benefits to having them all dress alike. It fostered a sense of cooperation by having them put their cute, little heads together to decide what outfit they would wear that day. It also created a solidarity that allowed them to feel confident in knowing that they were part of a "team". It created a sense of "us", and my girls always knew that they had each other's backs.

One of my goals as a parent, is to create a family unit that works together as a team. We support each other's growth and achievements. We attend as many of each other's events and competitions as possible. When one of my daughters has a game, or a play, or any type of competition, one or all of us are there in the stands cheering them on. I understand how important it is to look up into the crowd, and see the people who love you, supporting you, and encouraging you to do your very best. My girls all have very different talents and diverse interests. My husband and I have always supported them in their endeavors. We have taught them, through our example, to be there for each other, to serve as each other's safety nets.

Family should always serve as a soft place to fall, if things don't always go well. Family should be a place where you feel safe, and loved, and important. This is not something that I grew up knowing, so I created it for my girls, and in doing so, I also created it for myself. You see, we CAN have the families we always wanted, even if the one that we grew up in was not the ideal. Regardless of how small, or large your family is, it can be a team. It's not how big or small your cheering section is, it is how LOUD they cheer for you, that matters. It's the pats on the back, and the hugs that really mean something. It is knowing that there is ALWAYS somebody there to take your hand.

I am so grateful for my husband and for our girls, our angels. I feel absolutely connected to the greatest team that I could ever dream of. Although they no longer wear the same outfits(at the same time anyway), the spirit of our team runs through each one of them. I can see it in their laughter and their pride for one another. I can see it in my husband's eyes as he beams with joy for each of their accomplishments. I can feel it in my soul, the soul that each one of them owns a part of.

May you always have a team, however large or small, to back you up in life. May the support of your loved ones carry you through even the most challenging of days.

18 comments:

tj said...

...What a beautiful post and so true too! I for one was surrounded by dysfunction in my childhood and unfortunately still am today in many ways... I was wonderin', will you adopt me? lol... ;o)

...You are truly blessed Debra! :o)

...Thank you for sharing your wonderful family with the rest of us!

...Blessings :o)

Debra said...

TJ,

Consider yourself a member of our family! We would be blessed to have you!

Hugs,
Debbie

Wonderful World of Weiners said...

Kudos to you on such a well worded entry. Your daughters are stunning - both inside and out. You both have done a fantastic job raising your "team."

Hallie

Debra said...

Aww, Hallie, takes one to know one!

Hugs,
Deb

Wonderful World of Weiners said...

Deb,

Your right , it does take one to know one.

WE'RE BOTH FABULOUS!!! :-)

Hallie

Debra said...

Hallie,

MWAH!!! You are a sweetheart!

Hugs,
Deb

SusieQ said...

I linked to your blog from Pioneer Woman. What a beautiful family you have. I love your outlook on the importance of family and supporting one another.

tj said...

...lol Debra & Hallie, you two are too much fun! I laughed out loud reading your comments! lol... ;o)

Debra said...

TJ,

You are FABULOUS, too! I think we should start our own "fabulous" club!

Hugs,
Debbie

Anonymous said...

Very beautiful post and very inspiring!

Hmmmmm... wht to do about my team??? I wonder if cold hard cash would work?

Debra said...

Kelly Jean,

Bribery can be a very good thing! Don't ever let anyone ever tell you any differently!

Your team is pretty extra-special too!

Hugs,
Debbie

Amber said...

I have been wanting to stop by for 3 days now! I am so glad I finally got the chance. Your girls are beautiful!!! I love this post, it has served as an encouragement to me more than you'll know!!! Thanks!!!

Debra said...

Scarlett,

Thank you so much for the lovely note! I really appreciate your visit! Come on back anytime!

Hugs,
Debbie

Anonymous said...

Hi mommy,
You are right. We are a team. A continual bond of strength that can never be broken. Even when our crazy mother/grandmother doesn't no when to shut her mouth and listen. I will always be here for you. No matter what arguements we get into, no matter who enters or leaves our lives, I will be here for you. I can tell that this has really been effecting your mood and how you've been acting around the house. I no its hard to just give up and stop dealing with her, but maybe you need to let go for a little while. She needs to realize that whats she is doing is absolutley unacceptable. Its terrible that she thinks she can continually walk all over you. Things need to change because I am tired of seeing your tears and hearing your frustration with things that shouldn't even be brought into your life. I love you and forever will we be a team. In this life and many to come. If you get hurt, so will I. Things are going to change.
Rachel

Anonymous said...

Hi mommy,
You are right. We are a team. A continual bond of strength that can never be broken. Even when our crazy mother/grandmother doesn't no when to shut her mouth and listen. I will always be here for you. No matter what arguements we get into, no matter who enters or leaves our lives, I will be here for you. I can tell that this has really been effecting your mood and how you've been acting around the house. I no its hard to just give up and stop dealing with her, but maybe you need to let go for a little while. She needs to realize that whats she is doing is absolutley unacceptable. Its terrible that she thinks she can continually walk all over you. Things need to change because I am tired of seeing your tears and hearing your frustration with things that shouldn't even be brought into your life. I love you and forever will we be a team. In this life and many to come. If you get hurt, so will I. Things are going to change.
Rachel

Debra said...

Oh Sweetie,

Thank you for your beautiful, supportive note. I love you with all my heart, and I am so grateful to have you in my life. You are a very wise young lady. I know that we/I will get through this. Grandma just doesn't know what she doesn't know. I guess that she does the best that she can. This will pass, and everything will be fine, but thank you for understanding. You truly are my angel daughter.

Love you,
Mommy

tiki_lady said...

WOW, I am absolutely loving your blog. I see so many similarities in how we rear our families and what we want for them. You are Jewish and I am Christian yet, despite the whole Christ issue, we want and rear our families the same! Your daughters are beautiful and you are an awesome, mom! I am so glad I stumbled across your blog from RDHmom.

Debra said...

Chrys,

Thank you so much for your very kind words! It is so great to meet another mom who knows how important it is to put her family first.

I think that Jews and Christians are much more alike then we are different. After all, your Old Testament is our bible, so we have many, many beliefs in common. God is God, and we believe in the very same One.

Welcome to my blog! I look forward to learning more about you.

Hugs,
Debbie

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