Don't steal her moment.....

 

Today was a great day for its normalcy.  How we have taken for granted prior to the last 10 days of waking in our own beds, working with all our normal home office things available, and the schools closer.  This photo was at our quick fix dinner of chicken fried rice.  A Sam's club special that makes in 6 minutes for those evenings when we have all the things to do.  We had planned for spaghetti but the hamburger was still over at my parents house so this meal came in for the dinner rescue.  I took this photo because it was a pause in the bickering to say grace over the food.  And the bickering immediately picked up where it had left off.  

This was the only other photo I took.  Big B was at his OT appointment and E was at team dinner so it was just the four of us.  The week has been hard on everyone and I think for awhile I hadn't been appreciating that.  I hadn't given as much thought as I wish I had for the little human experience of the last 10 days.  It makes sense that they are tired and testy with one another.  So to pause, and see this moment of peace on their faces as K said the prayer - reminds me that this weekend, perhaps we all need some space to reset and rest.

Somewhere in my readings of things that make parenting easier - it says that when things are hard, stop and take delight in your kids.  Today wasn't hard.  Today was a great day.  But it was a day that my world stopped spinning enough to see what is hard in their world.  That the short tempers with one another are likely from disrupted routine, reaction to stressed parents, and weariness from pitching in to help restore all the things to their rightful places.  It was one of those days you would like to scream if you hear one more "he looked at me" or "she stuck her tongue out at me" or "he ate his food when I didn't want him to". I made some cookie brownies for after dinner to celebrate K having a good report from school about her reading really taking off.  She was so proud and we were happy to celebrate that with her.  When she approached lil B to share the good news of dessert, he said, "well I had a good day too.  I am learning double digit division and it is hard."  K, as she does, rolled her eyes and walked over to me with her hands on her hips, "B is trying to steal my moment."  (Does anyone else's 7 year old refer to someone stealing her moment? - I had to contain my laughter). Then it was a fight through each step of bedtime.  Whomever thought that bedtime was kisses and cuddles and off to bed - clearly never had children.  It takes active effort to not be snarky with them, "Yes, next we will put on the pjs.  Yes.  That is the first step after bath.  Yes, just like it has been for the last 1000 days of your life.  No - please don't go fight with your brother.  You are naked so perhaps we should do Pjs first.  Next we will brush teeth - oh you don't want to brush your teeth?  Oh well, in THAT case - here is some candy and off to bed."  I mean, it isn't like it is a complicated system.  Bath, Pjs, brush teeth, quick drink, book, snuggles, and bed.  And it is like clock work, step two will take at least 20 minutes if you are not present - steps five and six often get skipped because some how 1-4 and 7 took an hour and a half.  Not every night is this way which is really how they get ya - you don't even see it coming.  Like little anti-bedtime ninjas.  

You know what I just realized?  The best thing about the teen years - they don't require supervision for these steps - except maybe ensuring that teeth brushing actually did occur.  See, stopping to take delight really does help.

Delights - plus a reminder for the future of who these four awesome humans are in 2020:  

E - I love the young woman this girl is becoming.  She is strong and kind.  She has a great sense of humor.  She is reflective and thoughtful - and when her teen years gives her a learning opportunity - she rarely lets it pass her by.  She is loyal and true to those she loves.  She keeps her circle small but really cares for those who are in it.  She is driven and hard working and never afraid to work for what she wants.  She is self motivated and responsible.  I don't have to worry about her schedule or her school work.  She is passionate which drives her - especially in basketball.  Recently, on her own volition and idea, she took my mama out to brunch just to spend time with her.  She is a great kid and I can see God has big plans for her - and watch out world, she is going be a force.  

B - I love this kiddo’s heart of gold.  He has empathy uncharacteristic of a young man his age and acts in kindness because of it.  He is wickedly smart and he keeps me on my toes with his deep thoughts and the way he analyzes the world. Not to mention his incredible sense of humor and silliness.  Truly he is such a happy kid and he brings such boundless energy to our family. He is creative and comes up with big ideas and innovative ways to do things.  This has been a challenging year and though it has been tough, he has shown a strong sense of self, confidence and resilience.  He has a great faith and I look forward to where it leads him.  I truly believe he is going to impact humans positively in some way.  

Lil b - I love this kiddo’s charm and joyfulness.  He is my extrovert and he makes 100 friends wherever he goes.  He loves to be with people, be the organizer of people, and the creator of all the games.  He is a sports lover - chasing after any game going on though baseball still holds his heart.  He has this competitive drive that usually creates a positive drive in him for improvement.  He is intelligent and clever - which he usually uses for good. ;).  Probably my favorite thing is that he is an encourager.  He actively seeks out ways to cheer for others and seek those out needing some encouragement.  His personality reminds me a lot of my Dad - which makes me wonder how he will use those gifts in his life.  

K - I love this kiddos balance of sweet and sassy.  Most of the time, she is a laid back, fun loving, and affectionate kiddo.  She is happy to allow someone else to take lead when she plays with friends but don't let that fool you into thinking she is a follower.  She has a take charge attitude  but she yields it with some finesse that people (adults and children) and animals respond to.  She has her sassy side which is absolutely hilarious.  She says things like "he is trying to steal my moment" regularly.  She will bust out some pretty funny one liners.  She also has a ton of talent - in her academics, in her singing, and how quickly she picks up just about anything you throw at her.  It is a joy to watch her grow and develop into a young lady.  

At the end of the day, bickering or not, they are great kids and I consider myself incredibly lucky to be their mom.  Today - they needed some grace and some cookie brownies - so that is what they got.