Away in a Manger...or something like that

One of the great things for me about living in Chilliwack is watching the relationship between my Mom and Bethany grow. My Mom and I have always had a close bond and seeing that begin to form with my daughter is something that tugs on my heartstrings and makes me smile. I am convinced that whether we lived here or in Kelowna their bond would be there, I believe it was formed long before her arrival, as is the one with Rosebud. But living closer to my Mom and Dad has allowed that connection to become something so sweet. Bethany truly is her Bawie's (Grammy)Sweetpea .

And no matter what the bond or how far the distance as a child standing back watching the interactions of your parent with your child is a little nostalgic. Of the many, many memories I have of my Mom, one of my greatest is listening to her sing or singing with her. Singing children's songs when we were small, belting out Reba McEntire in the car and maybe even once or twice grooving to the Backstreet Boys together (although I did draw the line at Ricky Martin...her choice not mine). As Bethany's growing up her musical genes are shining through and singing is a regular if not necessary part of our days. She and I sing together, she sings to her self, she sings for her Daddy and she sings with her Grammy.

Here is a video of Grammy and Sweetpea trying very hard to do Away in a Manger together....

Away in a Manger from Ashley Stone on Vimeo.
I love this video, if not for Bethany and her antics but for my poor Mom. She's been singing Away in a Manger since she was Bethy's age and yet that night (and a few other attempts) the words eluded her. Please note that this video is meant in good fun and she is totally fine with me laughing a little at her forgetfulness....She still says that it's because when she gave birth to us kids she gave birth to half her brain cells. Two kids - 1/2 your brain cells each, you do the math.

Anyways, we love you Mom/Bawie, thanks for the love, the cuddles and the songs. Our kids' lives are truly better because of you.