Just the right amount

I know that I am a rookie when it comes to this mom thing. I am constantly trying to figure out the best way to do things. Lately, I have been struggling with the amount of information to give Abbie. Some examples might be helpful to illustrate my point.

Last night, I told Abbie that on Sunday we would be going to a new church (my cousin is coming home from a mission)and that cousins and Grandpa-great, Papa and Grandma would be there. She was very excited. Later, they were running a story on the news about the higher prices of beer (yes...our news is very exciting). She asked me what it was and I told her it was beer, but that we didn't like it in our church (sorry haven't hit the Word of Wisdom FHE lesson yet). She asked, "Our new church or our old church?" I then explained it was the same church just a new building. She looked confused but seem to accept it eventually.

Example 2: Prepping Abbie for Easter fun. She's now excited for Easter egg coloring, dinner with family and chocolate. Abbie asked, "so is Santa Claus coming for Easter, and we'll get to open lots of presents?" Panicking, we quickly used the Easter Bunny as an alternative which I really didn't want to introduce. (My brother Jason ruined the whole Santa Claus/Easter Bunny thing for me when I was little by pointing out that the probability of bunnies coming to someone's house with eggs was ridiculous because they were silly little animals, and that Santa was only slightly more likely because at least he was human. (Don't worry Jason... I still love you). She was OK with the substitute.

Example 3: We tried to decorate our house for Easter with some window cling things. Abbie has loved to look at the bunnies when she is eating. Yesterday, I gave her some stickers that came in the junk mail. When I was putting Nathan down for his nap, Abbie decided that the puppies on the stickers should be friends with the bunnies. I tried to explain that only special window decorations could be in the window as I am peeling and ripping 101 Dalmatians from my window. Luckily, most of them transferred nicely to the piece of construction paper that is hanging in Abbie's room. Who knew you had to explain the unique characteristics of window clings?

So I am still trying to find a better balance. I know that as soon as I figure out the balance for 3-year-olds; she'll be four, but I'll keep trying and if our pattern stays constant at least she'll keep us laughing.