Christian

For Christian, on his 18th birthday.

I can't wrap my mind around the fact that you are actually an "Adult". Everyone always said I babied you too much, and maybe it was true a little. Of all my children, you have been the one I was so tender-hearted with. I'm so glad you are in the world.

18 Ways You Have Enriched My Life

Because of you, I spent hundreds of hours sitting in a rocking chair.
Because of you, I learned to point a little boy's "you know" downward during diaper changes.
Because of you, I am as schooled as a pediatrician on how to diagnose and treat ear infections.
Because of you, I found my Lullaby Voice and used it A LOT.
Because of you, I know how to be patient toward children whom others call "hyper".
Because of you, I know ALL the words to "Moo, Baa, La La La" and "Chicka Chicka Boom Boom"
Because of you, I know how to make magic potions out of mud, leaves, twigs, and rocks.
Because of you, I know the many valuable uses of Legos and K-Nex.
Because of you, I have learned to care for hermit crabs, ball pythons, and bearded dragons.
Because of you, I realize the power of valuing and supporting a child's reading education.
Because of you, I understand that it's normal if intelligent kids have horrific spelling and handwriting.
Because of you, I have learned how to navigate a kid through middle and High school.
Because of you, I have been exposed to political ideas I wouldn't have thought of before.
Because of you, I have seen kindness, compassion, and empathy in countless ways.
Because of you, I learned to appreciate people for who they are, instead of trying to change them.
Because of you, I have never had to worry about drugs, alcohol or violence the way some moms do.
Because of you, I have helped a little boy grow into a young man.
Because of you, I have led a richer, fuller, happier life.

Sisters

I'm so glad to see Kharli spending time with the little girls as much as she does. I think Kharli is Jaden's best friend. There really is a bond between sisters that is unlike any other. Sisters will always be there for each other. Sisters tell you the truth when you need to hear it, and know how to lie when you don't. Sometimes they grow in different directions or follow different paths in life, but their shared memories keep them close. Sisters are best friends for life. It looks like Kharli and Jaden figured this out already without any help from me :)

Waiting for Mommy

I guess when you're child number 4, you get used to waiting around for Mommy to notice you. Here's my happy girl the first time I checked on her....

Here she is 10 minutes later after I finished loading the dishwasher...

And finally, here's how I found her after brewing a pot of coffee.

I guess she wore herself out waiting for me to come play. *sigh* I owe you some serious cuddle time tomorrow, Caitlyn.

Sick

I'm so sick. I have super-resistant powers (muah-ah-ah) and I usually fight off every evil germ that dares to attack me. During these last two weeks, however, I have been SURROUNDED by germy children whose parents won't keep them home! My spray can of Lysol and my natural resistance were no match this time. And I think I must have infected the girls because Jaden's nose has been running a mile a minute, and Caitlyn has a double ear infection. Being sick is so tough on babies. It's no picnic for me either.