Converstaions with the boys

C ended up in our bed after Daddy left for work. This is pretty common. I got up and started my day. When C woke up he found me for his morning hug. I gave him his hug and his good morning sunshine!, and he looked up at me with his beautiful eyes and tousled hair and said:

C: Hey Mommy, you know those line things on t.v.?

Me: No. You will have to be more specific. Describe them to me.

C: You know. Those line strip things they talk about on t.v....that you put on your nose.

Me: Yeah. I think I know what you're talking about.

C: We need to get you some of those. You were snoring. I waked up and heard something...it sounded like Duke (the dog) or something. I didn't know what it was. It was a weird sound and it kinda scared me...but it was you...snoring. So, I think we should get you some of those strips because they help you to not be snoring.

Thanks, C. You are always thinking! I am sure he will take great care of his Mommy...someday...always.

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Comment from C: Hey Mommy! Guess what! D and Me are geniuses! We're pretty smart, so we are geniuses; so boys rule and girls drool. Pretty cool, huh?!

Yes, Mr. C, cool you are!

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Got the wading pool out of the barn for the kids. It was pretty hot and humid here. The girls helped scrub it and got it all cleaned out. All four were pretty excited to fill it and to have fresh cold water to play in...the dog didn't care for it so much. The kids sure did work hard at getting him to try it though. Later in the day D asked if he could go back out side and play in the water in his and Duke's tub. The nut! Love the observation from his toddler point of view.

Another one down...

... many more to go. Another school year completed. I am so very proud of all the kids and the growth they've shown throughout the year. Progress was made...B even brought up her writing grade...NOT her favorite subject. It was a happy day! But a part of me was dreading it, as in if I didn't acknowledge it then it really can't be here already....right? I am looking forward to more time with the kids...really...enjoying the summer. (So many people I know dread the kids time off - I just don't get that!) I just can't believe another school year has come and gone, that the kids are another year older, that it seems to go by so quickly.

The kids are all excited, though! They are looking forward to the mini vacations (no big ones this year!), sun, swimming, sprinklers, gardening, exploring, visiting, camping, smores, bike rides, reading in the porch swing, visits to the library, staying up late, sleeping in, you know...just living and loving life. Me too! I am right there with you! Let the adventures begin!

Vitamin C

My sweet little man, C. He was home from school early today...not feeling great. We were hanging out watching some PBS. I think it was Between the Lions. All the kids enjoy that show. I am especially happy that Mr. C likes it because it gives him some much needed reinforcement of his reading skills. He is one that needs to be in the right mood to sit and read for any length of time. I am always looking for and trying new things to keep it fun and happy for him. I want so much for it to be a positive thing for him. Oops, veered of track! Any way, a "commercial" or announcement came on about reading to and with your child EVERY DAY. We try...though I must admit, it doesn't always happen like it should. So, C is watching and taking it all in, and he says, "Mommy, we should do that. Can we do that?"
Me: Do what?
C: Read EVERY day?
Me: Sure, we can try that.
C: Can we start today?
Me: Yes, we can do that?
C: It says you should read to your kids EVERY day!
Me: OK
C: I REALLY want to do that. Mommy, put that on my list.
Me: Put it where?
C: On my birthday list. I really want that for my birthday.

Isn't that something? It makes me feel happy...and sad...and inspired! I feel bad that he feels that he needs to ask for that...for his birthday! I am happy that he is wanting to read more though!

It is also funny, and cool to me, that the kids have caught on and work well with my rule about "the lists". Whenever we are out, or talking, or watching tv, or just noticing things, the kids see things that they might like or enjoy. They can't always have everything they want...surprise, surprise! So, to make it easier on all of us, we make lists. The kids can put ANYTHING on their list. It also helps me to remember the things they want and like, and helps them to narrow down what they really want and what is impulse. It works.

Anyway....

LOVE, LOVE, LOVE this boy! I think he has an old soul. He can be so insightful sometimes. He pulls things out of thin air...things that are so off the wall...but in a good way...a really good way!

God must really love me, to send such a special guy to be my son........of course, I think I've been pretty blessed with all four!