OtterPops: What I Will Miss

I know these years when my kids are young are crazy and draining and overwhelming at times but I really try to take a step back sometimes and find joy in the crazy. For instance, I will miss having kids that are THRILLED to do family home evening and put on dorky outfits and have family dance parties and act as if it is the funnest thing they have done all week. This was a lesson Jocelyn did on the Armor of God (Ephesians). She gathered all the different pieces and everyone was so excited to participate (esp. Jonas who could wield a weapon as part of the lesson).

Jonas in the Armor of God

I will miss taking my kids to random events like this art a la carte on a Saturday afternoon and have them be thrilled to make a kite, or a "super" cape and take pictures with costumed people as if they are celebrities. And having Emma put on her apron to "help" me make dinner, even though sometimes it means she is clinging onto my legs and crying.

kids at art a la carte

Emma "helping" in the kitchen

I will miss getting cute mother's day notes that are totally candid and sincere from my preschoolers (even if their teachers are the scribes while they dictate the answers).

Jonas's mother's day card to me

I will miss coming across random things like this while putting away laundry...Jocelyn's owl perch made from the Barbie tent and washcloth. Or Jonas telling me "It's ok mom, I will watch Emma while you are in the shower!" I come out to see that he has blockaded my bathroom cabinets so Emma can't get into them. He really took his job seriously and had brought some toys for her to play with on the floor of the bathroom. And the random weapon in the fridge...Still not sure what that one was about. I love the creativity and original ideas.

Jocelyn's perch for her "pet owl"

Jonas blocking Emma from getting into the bathroom cabinets

I will miss having a built in walking partner that will come with me whenever it fits in my schedule and makes it exciting to pass by a duck, dog or flower. A walking partner that delights in a plane flying in the sky and holding onto a stick while chilling in the stroller.

My walking partner

~~I will miss the laundry...the loads and baskets of endless laundry...~~

Oh wait, how did that picture get in there?

And the fun that can happen when you just need to run a couple errands during Jocelyn's art class and then have 20 minutes to kill before pick up time. As I mentioned before, it's not all blooms and roses, but I do love the spontaneity and the innate joy that these children bring into our lives. Even if that spontaneity can bring on messes and meltdowns! I am so grateful to be a mother and for Jared who shares this ultimate job of parenthood with me. It stretches me in so many ways that I never thought imaginable!