The last few days I've been busy with cleaning. Trying to get this house in tip-top shape. But I have also found that I really enjoy the time I am spending with my kids. (Minus the inevitable squabbles, whine-fests, and disobedience.) Over and over again I have just thought to myself, "I really like my kids." Even though I have been busy with household chores, I have felt more present, more aware, more tuned in.
My camera has not gotten a lot of use in the last week. But there have been several moments that as they happened I paused to watch, listen, and really pay attention. Taking a mental snapshot because I knew they were moments I wanted to remember, to savor.
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the kids utter glee and delight when the lifeguards turned on the "sprinkler" at the pool at Conner's request. It's a hose with a spray nozzle that sprays cold water into the pool - like a rain shower. They were loving it. Conner spent 10 solid minutes dancing around (doing the Egyptian).
one of the lifeguards approached me during swimming lessons and commented on what a great swimmer Conner has become. It was fun to hear her say that. And fun that the lifeguards know my kids by name. This particular lifeguard taught the mommy and me class we took when Conner was a 2 year old!
racing Conner across the pool. I smoked him but he believes that he could beat me in a treading water competition.
hearing Payton explain to Anna that being a girl is the most painful thing in the world. Because you have to have babies. And further explaining that the dad goes to work and makes the money and the mom stays home and changes all the diapers. I corrected him on that.
seeing the kids perform their "good deed" each day. (It's an item on their chore chart). Everyday Payton and Anna create cards, pictures, and even glittery rocks to exchange with each other. Conner has become my little assistant and he takes the initiative on things that need to be done around the house.
when Payton named the bees in the backyard and claimed he could control them.
he also believes he is able to use "the force" to move objects under water.
marveling at what a great swimmer Anna has blossomed into this summer. We don't even bring the water wings to the pool anymore.
proud to see Conner spend 30 minutes of stake conference today reading from the scriptures
driving home from church the kids had questions about our yard in Las Vegas and we explained that there probably wouldn't be very much grass, or no grass at all, which means no more mowing the lawn (which is the boys' chore). They erupted into a spontaneous "Yay!" To which we said, "but you will have to clean the pool." Again in unison, "Boo!"
stopping at the drive-through weigh station on our way home (it's a little game we play sometimes). Everyone made their guesses. Me, 4182. Payton, 700. Conner, 2581. Anna, 100 million. Scott, 3232. The official weight was . . . . 5050.
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