Almost Two

I'm a few days off with the posting. Nothing unusual there. The past three days I have been taking in lots and lots of information, inspiration and some frustration at the National Conference for Media Reform.
I've been coming home at night and wanting to just collapse. The kids have been great about laying around with me and reading. Though I suppose since it's close to their bedtimes and that's the usual routine, nothing seemed off there.

Today I got home a little earlier and was able to get a little outside time in with Carl while Brian and Willow ran to Target. I say little as there was a point where I was so tired I felt like laying on the hard cement driveway, where we were drawing, and just taking a nap. That's when Brian stepped in and asked if I wanted to rest and then if I wanted to make dinner he could run around outside with the kids. Dinner is easier for me and a rest sounded good so I agreed. I should also add that on my way home yesterday I learned that Brian would rather clean the toilet than make dinner. And when I came home today, he was cleaning the toilet.
So, yes, I went inside and rested then made dinner.
Of course, I could be going to bed now, but then how would I write this?! Don't worry, I'll get there soon enough.

The day this was taken was a particularly fun one as I spent the entire day with the kids. All in good moods and enjoying our play... and a couple jelly beans.

The park pictures are taken after we, as a family, went out for breakfast. Wow, what a beauty!

They have their moments of frustrations with each other, some days a lot more than others. Willow has been exerting her independence more and Carl likes to test her. This means seeing how far he can tease her before she screams or we stop him. But they are also learning how to play with each other. It is wonderful to watch. They are so very different but it is clear that they love each other. Willow is so gentle with Carl and when he cries or gets hurt she says, "It's okay Carl." and rubs his back. It is very sweet. And when I shared a story of the boys scaring her at his school the other day, Carl was very concerned and protective of her. What a great big brother.

It's a lesson every day for each of us. Reinforcing our values and the importance of listening, respect and kindness. We all get caught up in our "stuff" and can sometimes forget the impact it can have on someone else, we act from our emotions without thinking it through (both child and adult) ... but in the end as each day comes to a close... we give thanks for this life and the love, stories, adventures and learning we share.