My Children

Tonight, I took Sarah and Luke out to the movies, at the dollar theater. I didn't want to go. The thought of me taking the 2 of the busiest children on the face of the planet to the movies, exhausted me with just the mere thought of it. But, like the good husband he is, Allan insisted that I take them. He explained that I never take them out just for fun. I hated that he said that. It kind of hurt my feelings. I mean, it made it sound like I don't like them or something.

After thinking more about it, I came to the conclusion that, he's right!! (shhh, don't tell him I said that!) I take them out a lot with me, and we do things that they enjoy, while doing things I need to get done. Like, going to the store. I take them down the toy isle, so that they can get a toy to play with while I do my shoppings. Keeps them quiet, right? Well, I don't do it because I want to just play with them or make them happy. I do it to keep them quiet. I don't appreciate the moments, or time, I have with them.

So I took them to the movies, still not THAT motivated to go. We had a blast. I watched Luke love the treats and the movie. And I noticed that Sarah is her mother's daughter. She gets so into the movie, no matter how stupid or silly, that she gets stressed and doesn't know which way to go. She LOVES the popcorn and any food (that's me too). It was so fun. When we were walking back to the car, afterwards, she kept thanking me for taking her, and her and Luke kept hugging my leg, telling me they loved me. It was fantastic.

I think as moms, sometimes we get caught up in doing the "Mom Job", as I call it, and forget to appreciate the funny, quirky things that they do every day. We forget to appreciate their personalities, no matter how much they drive you crazy with said personalities.

Over the past few days, well, this whole week, I have noticed that I am missing out on them. Sure, I stay home with them, but I DO, rather than watch and interact. I DO the dishes. I DO their cleaning. I DO their laundry. I DO everything for them. But I don't watch them. I don't interact with them as much as I should.

These last few days, I have really appreciated how much Sarah and Lucas really love each other. It amazes me. It makes me teary, which if any of you know me, that's a big deal! They are the best of friends. They rarely fight with one another. Sarah is always helping Luke with anything he needs, and Luke is always doing anything and everything Sarah tells him. They snuggle together all of the time. It's so beautiful. I feel badly for Taylor that he's not always in that relationship. Luke can't really stand him, although, I think his guard is coming down a bit. Jealousy is a pain. Sarah is starting to be a good big sister to him too, and Luke helps him a little. He gets his pacifier and gives him a toy or two, but heaven forbid Taylor wants to play WITH Luke. Sarah is trying to play with him, which I love. She's such a good girl.

The other night I was noticing these things happening, and it made me so happy. They are so close and I love it. Everyone thinks that it is a mistake to have kids so close together. That it is such a stress.............and it is. But when you get little moments to open your eyes, and stop your world........it's amazing. My older sister, Cassie, and I are 4 1/2 years apart, and my younger sister, Christine, and I are 16 years apart. Not to mention my little brother, Justin, and I are 20 years apart. While I love them all with all of my heart, it took my older sister and I a really really long time to move out of the mom/daughter relationship, to a friend/sister relationship. And my little sister and brother, it is a mom/sister/brother relationship. I think I treat them more like my kids than siblings or friends. Although, my little sister is moving into that relationship, but at a slow pace, since she's only 12. For my kids, my husband and I have created such a wonderful blessing for our children. It's a special thing that can't be explained, except by them.

I took a couple pictures of the kids playing together a few nights ago. Sarah wasn't feeling well, so she was laying on the couch snuggling her princess blankie. Taylor noticed and needed to kiss and snuggle her. Then Luke noticed and needed to get in on the action too. It turned into play fest 2010............for now. It just shows how wonderful they are together and how much they love, and need one another.

 

I love my children. Thank you, Heavenly Father, for giving me such wonderful blessings. And thank you for giving me these little times in life to remind me of that.