Sweet February

I'm on a little break from class this week and the next, and I have to say, as much as I enjoy going to school and doing something that I love, it's been great to have a little time with just the family and the regular everyday stuff that happens.  We've spent a lot of time going on walks with Ariel, and enjoying the brisk weather we're having.  The kids especially love the swings at the park.  Ben didn't take long learning how to pump his legs and get himself moving.  Lizzie is on her way, but they always seem to enjoy laying on their tummies on the swings.  

Benjamin plays this new little game with me lately.  He takes my hand, and pulls me to his bunk bed.  He wants me to follow him up to his bed to play.  So I hesitantly make my way up onto his bed and I lay down beside him.  He then takes his blankets and he covers us both up.  He turns on his little Buzz Lightyear flashlight and he giggles and smiles at me.  So simple, yet it always brings a smile to my face.  His games don't require a lot of fuss, just me and him.  He likes the one-on-one and it's hard to bring in a third person, and especially hard when Lizzie tries to join in on the fun and Ben leaves the game altogether.  It's something we constantly battle.  So I try to enjoy the few moments of connection with Ben when we I get it.  It makes me savor the moments with him when I do get those special moments.  Most days, I wish I could keep them little forever. They are so innocent--wanting to help in their own little ways and how they want to make me proud.  It makes me want to be better for them. 

Early this morning, I was cleaning up a bit in the kids room; picking up jammies off the floor and into the laundry basket and putting clean sheets back onto Ben's bed.  I couldn't help but feel completely blessed for my life.  I am so in love with my children and being their mother, the sweet joy of serving them and teaching them.  So I stopped to take a few photos of their room, so I can remember what it meant when Ben was 7 and Lizzie was 5.  I love how much it speaks of them, the messy bookcase, unmade beds, and the personal finger paintings.  

It's been a very sweet week.