Our little home

I found a little plaque that I bought for my new home.  It says, "Our house is like a little house, but God knows where we live."  It was such a simple saying, but I felt it was profound.  Our house is little.  I was able to show my home to some of my sisters this last week that have not had the opportunity to see it.  It is much, much smaller than any of their homes.

But I was very proud of home.  Not just because it is clean and tidy, but because the things in my home are mine and they are nice.  The feeling in my home is pleasant and full of life and love.  We are happy here and we are safe.  I can't wait for us to see where our lives will go in this home.

Now to clean it.  Hmmmm....

So Independent

I love my little man.  But he is so fiercely stubborn. He is one of those children you go to the grocery store just to judge.  He is stubborn. Luckily, so is his mom.    So, he wanted to do things... himself.

Here is the end result...

Awesome.  But toast, shredded chicken and cheese squares may be the menu for the next little while if he insists.  

The joy of experiencing

Last night I made a list of all the things that I need to scrapbook for Aiden's book.  I realized in looking through the pictures of the last year that we have done so many really, really great and fun things.  I hope they are for his benefit more than mine.

What a fascinating thing it is to watch a child grow every day from birth!  I don't remember the first time I experienced many things, but I can watch my son as he discovered his fingers for the first time, saw snow, watched fish swim at the aquarium for the first time, played in the sand for the first time, had wind in the face or rain in his hair.  All of these things amaze him.  It is thrilling to watch him as he decides if he enjoys some things such as the wind and the swings.  Then, I realize how much influence I have over these decisions.

When the wind blows, I can say, "Yay!" and laugh.  He will laugh along with me.  During the thunder, I can smile and say, "ooooooh" and he will think it is a very amazing sound.  If I act afraid and frustrated, he acts the same.  Monkey see, monkey do.

So much responsibilities to weigh on the shoulders.  So much to teach and yet, so much that he teaches me.  He has taught me to just take time and do nothing except lay on the floor banging toys together.  That Cheerios are best when eaten off the kitchen floor before Mom can snatch them away.  That joy can come from squishing peas between your toes.  The simple things are the most enjoyable.

All the things that I have experienced once, and lost.