Boys... Oh Boys...

Sibling rivalry has begun at our house! Already? Really? Jake has realized that Will is human, has opinions and likes toys too. Will has realized that Jake has certain toys that are "Jake" toys and that he will let Will know when he wants him not to bother him. Mommy has realized that it isn't soo fun breaking up fights between boys... all day... Well maybe not all day... but it certainly feels like it sometimes. There are days when I feel like all I say to Jake is," Be kind. Is that a good choice? Are you thinking before you act buddy? Remember gentleness..." I feel bad. I know it has been a big year for Jake. Gaining two siblings after having mommy all to himself for three years. At the same time, I want to continue to teach him and Will how to respect each other and love each other. I know they are young, but it is so important to me that they have a nice relationship. Just like in teaching, I try very hard to focus on the positive with my kids. It helps my attitude and my mind set stay positive. Some days it is easier than others that's for sure, but I haven't found nagging, yelling or continuous asking to be effective with kids. They both respond to my patience, consistency and positivity best. So, I have started a "kindness chain" at our house! Whenever I see kindness or gentleness between brothers I add a link to our chain and when the chain hits the counter we have a special reward. It is working nicely so far. We are on chain number two.
Other than that, I find myself constantly talking about how God gave us the ability to be gentle and kind and even though it can be hard, we must try to choose it when we are frustrated or annoyed... many many a talks about feelings, using our words and gentleness around here! I am seeing improvement though and that makes me happy! By the end of the day... I am definitely feeling the toll of having a toddler and two babies... soo tired. Jon and I are usually falling asleep by nine! Crazy how things change.


As crazy as things are right now, I know that with children everything is in phases. So, I am trying to stop every so often, breathe and just stare at my kids. They are growing up sooo fast already. I just keep remembering... "It won't be like this for long... so enjoy and soak in their sweetness when you can!" I'm also hearing my moms words a lot. I feel like she would say," Who cares that the floors aren't as clean as they once were?.. Your hair looks awful? or the laundry is piling up?.. life is about family and this stuff doesn't go up with you!" Wish she was here to tell me herself, but she certainly ingrained it in my brain!


Speaking of mom, Monday morning I was bringing Jake to school and was about to unbuckle his car seat when he says," Mommy? Why is your mommy with Jesus and the angels?" I almost fanted. After a busy morning of getting Jake ready and preparing the babies for the trek to Jake's school and back. I stopped short. We have talked about her many times before, but I looked around to see if there was something that sparked this thought. Nothing... he was just thinking about her... He then proceeded to ask me all about her. What was her name? What was her hair like? What clothes did she wear? Then... Mommy do you miss her? Ugh... I could have died right there. As the tears began to fall I expained once again why she is in Heaven and he asked if he could go there too. I told him what he has to do in order to go to Heaven as I have many times and he said he wanted too. He started to talk to Jesus and then said,"Nah... I don't feel like talkin' to him right now.." I love this about being a mom. Each day is exciting and new. Every moment is unexpected. All in a days work...

Yes, I said gentle about fifty times in this two second video... I'm aware...

Will at 11 Months