Why isn't anything ever easy

This is the question that I often ask with you, Kylie. I love, love, love your spirit, but it can be so strong sometimes! You rarely go with the flow and things often have to be done your way. We have started soccer practice and like everything else, we are in for a battle. Probably part of the problem is that I can be too serious and I expect a lot. Plus we are probably very similar in our stubborness which causes us to bump heads! It started with introductions. Everyone was going around telling their name and you wanted me to tell them. You are not shy but I complied. Then you threw yourself on the ground a few times when they were practicing different moves. If I looked around though, I'd realize it was better than the kid running off or the other one crying the entire time! I need to learn to count my blessings more. The rest of practice looked more like a negotiation with me trying to entice you into the practicing of moves and the game they were playing. You wanted no part of anyone trying to take your ball and whined we they did. However, you made no attempt to even try to defend your ball. When the coach picked you to go around and take balls from other kids you jumped to your feet! I was amazed to watch you in action as you suddenly used all the moves that the other kids had been practicing when you were laying on the ground! You must learn when no one thinks you are listening, which is a good reminder for me to stay on my toes, because you are always learning. I love you and we will make it through soccer practice together! I will learn to count my blessings and maybe you will learn to listen to your coach more.

My little swimmer

I am so grateful that I can still have the presence of mind at times to step back and realize that this is a special moment. I have so many things on my plate and I am constantly trying to multi-task, but it's like I can hear God stopping me at times to pay attention to what is actually going on. Bam Maw and I took you guys to my Aunt Pat's pool last Saturday while your daddy had to work the speedway. Kylie asked me so many questions on the way there. Who is Aunt Pat? Why haven't I met her? Are all the boats hers? ...........etc. It can drive me crazy at times, but I love your inquistive personality and the million questions you have. I put this crazy inflatable bathing suit on you and then some floaties to add to the mix. You have always been one to hang out by the steps at the pool or cling to mommy or daddy to venture out. Once you realized that you could truly float, you were all over the pool. It brought tears to my eyes for several reasons. One you were so stinkin proud of yourself that you were "swimming." It was so satisfying to watch you just brimming with triumph. Two another sign that you are growing up. You "swam" all over the pool and even pulled Blake along in his raft. Blake only had swimmies on and he was not about to float anywhere! Blake, you spent your time at the steps and getting out to of course eat or run down to the other end on your tippy toes the whole way. I love those little flexed calves! I really think that you are the cutest boy ever and you have so much mischeif behind those eyes. You did decide to let me throw you in the pool to Bam Maw's waiting arms. It just didn't feel right throwing you, but I did repeatedly after you discovered how much fun it was. As long as she didn't let you go under! What a great time at the pool! There was no crying, not once for those two hours!

Your prayers

I heard the sweetest prayer tonight by Kylie! "Dear God, thank foo for my daddy, I love my mommy, and my room. Thank you for my room and my blankie and my bed, amen." I love listening your prayers each night and often have to cover my laughs. Tonight when Blake came to tell you "Nigh, nigh" you didn't want to kiss him. He leaned down and opened his mouth with his tongue. You said gross and grabbed his head to pull it down to kiss his forehead. It was so precious! I love watching the two of you interact. I know that you guys will fight at times, but I hope that through it all you will be friends and love each other.

She's got a mouth on her

Oh Kylie, what are we going to do with you?! We are working on back talking right now. Kylie is aware too since I caught her putting Cinderella in time out for back talking! I was proud and a little surprised. Is that really what I sound like when I'm talking to you? I know I say it all the time, but being a parent is one of the hardest things. I'm trying to find that balance. You are only three and what do I let go and what do I not let go? You talk non-stop so when you are presented with something you don't like it's almost natural for you to begin making your case and argue. I want so much to teach you right from wrong and give you the skills to make the right decision. So sometimes I may be a little too hard on you, but please remember I love you!

Jesus in my heart

The other day I was driving Kylie home from Vacation Bible School and she asked me where God was. Kids have such a knack for asking difficult questions! I just tried to think of the easiest explaination that would make sense. "God is everywhere." That seemed to pacify her for about 3 seconds. Kylie said, "I want Jesus in my heart, how do I get him there?" Another easy question! "You just let him in and tell him." Kylie said, "I want to give Jesus a big hug!" My heart just melted. Being a parent is the scariest thing I've ever done. To know that you are responsible for helping to shape their little minds and I wonder daily if I'm impacting my children positively. These are moments that make me happy!

The leech

I affectionately refer to Blake as my little leech. He is such a mommy's boy! The moment I walk through the door from work, he is attached to my leg until I give in and pick him up. I try to pacify him by holding him for a moment but he always wants more. I would be happy to hold him all night if I didn't have any other duties such as making dinner, cleaning, and more cleaning. I have to stop though and remember to treasure these moments. Some things are just more important than dishes. Thank you Blake for reminding to take time to stop and hold you. You are pretty persistent!

No more rocking

I decided to create this blog tonight when Blake decided that he no longer needs to be rocked. I get teared up even thinking about it! Since he's my second child, I already know how quickly time flies and that some things are never the same once they make certain choices. He's not even two yet, but he now climbs into his toddler bed with his horsie and tigger, throws the cover over himself and lays still. Most mothers would be like finally! No more long rocking and I can get something done. That is in the back of mind especially when he's clinging to my leg wanting to be held while I make dinner, but it's supposed to be on my terms!

I can remember when the doctor told me that I was having a boy and my first thought was what am I going to do with a boy?! Now, two years later and I love that little boy so much that I literally hurt inside. I can't see a little blond head of hair on a boy in public and not automatically think about Blake when he's not with me.
And have you ever heard a little 22 month old talk? So sweet! "futbowl" (football) "dink" (drink) "towl" (Coral) "ty" (Tyler) "soose me" (excuse me)

I will just have to keep all my musings here so that I don't forget all these wonderful memories.