Proud Little Moments

There are countless moments each week were I get to be a proud Mom. Isabelle reading a new word, showing concern for William, or her thinking that Santa shops at Walmart.  William saying "Grandpa, Grandpa" (but of course not mom yet), sliding down the stairs at record breaking speeds, or learning how to cuddle.  I am terrible when it comes to talking about my kids constantly.  Isabelle did this...William did that.  I am sure that everyone around me wishes they had some duck tape for my mouth sometimes. Oh well, I doubt I'll ever change, and if there is something wrong with a mom being proud of her kids then there is something wrong with the world.
But while there are moments every day where you feel a little pride in your children, that is what brings so much happiness to parents;  there are also monumental moments in your childrens life that make you happy beyond compare. I had 2 this week with Isabelle at church.  Small moments that probably didn't mean much to others, but they meant the world to me.  They both happened in Sacrement meeting.  Isabelle has been practicing "Hark the Herad Angels Sing" for her piano recital next week.  She has picked up the words and walks around singing it for the better part of most days.  Well this week Bishop Chase decided to spontaneously do an extra song, and you'll never guess which one!  Isabelle was beside herself with excitement because she actually knew a song that we were going to be singing in sacrement.  She sang loud and proud, the best rendition I have ever heard (truthfully, maybe not, but it wasn't bad), but we had people all around us just staring at her because she was singing with her whole heart.  A few minutes after that testimony meeting began.  Isabelle has never bared her testimony, but last Sunday she asked me if she could.  We talked about what a testimony meant and I promised her that if she would think about what she wanted to say and she practiced a little that she could go up the next time we had testimonies.  She thought alot about it and when the time finally came she started to get a little nervous.  She didn't want to go until she saw a few other kids go first and then there was no holding her back.  She went up by herself, very reverently, she spoke slowly, and clearly holding the microphone the whole time.  Here is what she said "I want to bear my testimonies, I know this church is true.  I know that President Monson was becoming a true prophet.  I know that Jesus Christ was resureccted, and we will be too. I love my mom and dad and little brother. In the name of Jesus Christ Amen." Then she reverenty came back down and buried her face in my arms.
I had to bite my lip to keep from crying because once I start crying I can't stop.  A small thing to some people will be a memory I will love forever.  Proud mom - and no I won't stop talking about my kids!