Precious Moments to Remember

I just want to write these couple of things down for my memory...and to one day remind my kids when they are teenagers that they used to adore their mom! :)

On Sunday after Meeka's first softball game she and I were just getting home and right as she got out of the car she came to me and very shyly said, "You know I think your really beautiful!" It was such a precious memory. I took this photo with her right after she said it. Melted my mama heart!! 

Carson is a mama's boy. Always has been. Most every afternoon after school he fishes out of his pocket a single M&M and gives it to me and says. "I saved this for you." Finally yesterday I asked his teacher where the M&M's were coming from. She said every day that they have a good day she gives them 2 at the end of the day and every day he says he is going to save one for me. And he does! Such a sweet boy! 

He had been looking forward to the new Chik-Fil-A opening so I took him last Friday after school for a date. He was thrilled! 

Hiking

The kids had off school for a teacher workday yesterday. We had some school projects to get done, but we wanted to get out and have some fun too since this whole upcoming week is rain, rain, rain....

We went about a mile from our home to a hiking trail. Why we had not gone to this one before I don't know, but we will be back. We had a fantastic hike yesterday! Throwing rocks into the river and listening to nature. At one point Meeka and Carson were holding hands and walking together and I was walking with the big kids and we just talked a bot about life and how proud I was of them! I was a GREAT couple of hours carved out of our busy scheudles!

Throwing rocks

These boys just love each other to death!

They thought this tree was pretty cool!

He has so many rocks in his pockets his
pants were falling down

Take my picture!
Take my picture!

This boys shoes are NEVER on the right feet! 

Ropes Course FUN!

The kids got a lot of "experiences" for Christmas. Honestly we didn't need tons more "stuff" and the memories will last a lifetime! It was a beautiful day so the kids and I headed out to Adventure Park for some fun (Thanks Grammie and Grandpa and Grandma and Grandpap for the gift certificates we used today)!

Waiting to get harnessed up for the ropes course.

Melina was the first to go on the low course.

Then Carson

Followed by me

Carson did AWESOME! He hardly needed my help!!

Meeka sailed through like a champ!

Check out her balance! She wasn't nervous at all!

 Look at ME!!

Melina nailed it!! She was done way before us!

Logan stayed on the ground and took pictures while we we on the low course 

because he did the HIGH course!!!

And ROCKED it!!!!!

Climbing the wall

Bungee jumping

Making Time for Memories

I would not change a thing about our crazy household. I honestly can't imagine life less kids. And I know the kids can't either. For, as much as they complain or fight, the minute one is gone they miss them! It changes the dynamic in our house. If someone is gone for a sleepover, it just feels different! 

BUT we also try to make time for each child, or even pairs of kids, to have special time. When I go to the grocery store or Costco, I usually take 1 child with me. Is it the most exciting thing...No, not at all. But it’s just them and me, and that’s what matters (And they usually get a special little treat too). We have time to just talk; about whatever they want to talk about.

Or taking the time to color a picture or build a castle. They will remember those moments. In fact, I know they appreciate the little things. I often get comments days, a week, or even months later, when they mention, remember when.... And I still get thank you's for going on their field trips or coming to their school events... months after they have happened. They REMEMBER!! And deep down they appreciate what we do for them!! 

This year for Christmas we tried to do more experiences than things. Experiences are what they will remember. Not how many toys they had. One Sunday not to long ago we took Logan and Melina indoor rock climbing.

Yesterday Carson and Meeka got a special trip to Chuck e Cheese (where they had never been just because) to use the cups full of tokens they got for Christmas. Did they LOVE it...YES! And I love that special time with them...Making Memories!