Making T-I-M-E For Our Children.

There have been many times when I have written in past blog posts how its nice to give "quality time" to each of my children, but as I look back on how that sounds I am not too thrilled about that saying. There are also times when I have mentioned giving equal time to each of my kids, and I like the sound of that a lot better. I don't always want to spend more time with the other, but there are times when I have. When Lexie was away in Utah recently I had so much time being with Noah and Chelsea! They truly make my life worth living, and there was never a dull moment when their sister was gone! Time was never ending with these two!

life lately with sick kids.

I am not used to sick kids...like at all! I am always grateful when Jon is around to calm me down, and take over when I start to freak out. I am reminded of a scene from Terms of Endearment when the parents come home from a date, and Shirley Mcclaine walks in and practically climbs into her child's crib to make sure her baby's breathing! While she's doing this her husband is saying, "she's asleep Aurora." For god's sake Aurora, she's asleep!" Or heaven forbid acting like her in this dramatic scene when her daughter becomes ill with cancer. I always get a kick out of those scenes every time I watch it. Well....my life certainly isn't like the movies, but I can assure you that I can be kind of like Aurora every time I feel one of my children isn't doing so well. 

We have been very blessed this winter with no one getting sick...until now! Why, oh why do my kids have to get sick. I myself have caught myself catching a cold, and sneezing every now and then, but I immediately take medicine, and try not to stress so that my cold doesn't go into full mode. I've been really blessed with a strong immune system this winter, and that I haven't gotten sick. Still...that doesn't mean that I won't ever get sick. I truly believe that Heavenly Father is looking out for Jon and I who both can't afford to get sick especially at this time with all the sickness going around so that we can help each other out to tend to our sick children. 

Jon is such a good sport when the puking begins, and when that happens I immediately hand Noah over to him. My heart can't take it when he starts throwing up. I begin to cringe, and cry. Funny how I can clean up the puke, but I can't take it when his little body begins to shiver due to barfing.

Chelsea has been tough and strong, and this is the first time she's ever gotten sick. She missed two days of school for the first time this year, and has always fought the battle of overcoming severe sickness. But when you have other people's kids coming to school sick it's hard not to avoid it...especially when you have one sitting right next to you. Poor Chelsea...luckily she's feeling better, but I wish that these kids would stay home when they're sick! I know that some of the parents can't help it because they both work, or some of them are single parents, and can't afford to call in for work, but I really wish there was a way where parents can keep there kids home when they're sick. It's dangerous, and scary when a sick kid comes to school because you never know the extent of their illness. I just pray that all those sick kids get well, and that their folks advise their kids to always wash their hands, and cover their mouth when they cough or sneeze. Something that kids don't do in class...according to Chelsea, hence her getting sick. 

Luckily Lexie's cold didn't last very long (sorry no pic). It's a good thing because she's going to be singing, and playing the piano for the talent show at her school tomorrow! I honestly believe that the Lord is looking out for her as well because of all the things she's involved with in and outside of school. 

Each day has gotten better and better for them especially when the sun is shining. We take each day as it comes with hope for a better tomorrow. 

Now if only winter can officially be over so that Spring can officially begin! I love seeing the kids happy...especially little Noah with a smile so big! 

What motherhood means to me.

To me life as a full time mom is truly a work of art that comes with many challenges. The kinds of challenges that come from seeing it in a teenager, a tween, a seven year old, and a toddler’s perspective. Having kids five years apart has its pros and cons, but one thing I can count on is that even though they have a huge gap in their ages they will all get along no matter what! 

I don't know many mothers who have many kids with big age gaps, and if they do I'm sure that we are all different when it comes to mothering. My role as a mother has been very different compared to the one my own mother raised me in. 

Oh yes...it's been very different. 

It’s the kind where instead of contention there is happiness. It’s the kind where instead of watching my children fight, curse, and pull hair there is a calm discussion about their disagreement. It’s the kind in which I let all of them know that they are all my favorites because each of them has brought something so special, so unique into this world, and into my life that there is no way in which I have a favorite child. No way.

Motherhood is a battle sometimes.

I wake up each day with a prayer in my heart and hope that they are safe in school, and yes...even in my own home. I do not want them to have the kind of childhood I did, or experiment the things I did. I try my very best to help them in times of stress, need, and most of all when they are tempted. I want to let them know that I love them, and that I'm giving each of them equal time. Each day when they come home safe with a smile on their face I know that battle was won. 

Motherhood is the kind in which I want to give more.

I want to love them more, spend more time with them, communicate with them more, protect them more than my mother did, and even though times are tough in this economy right now I want to provide them with the things they need. I want them to know that I'm listening to them about any problem that they may be having, and in return give them feed back in how I can help them. 

Being involved in their lives no matter if they are seven or 16 is crucial, and it’s important to be involved in everything that they do. I want to show them that although their baby brother who is two and a half keeps me on my toes 24/seven that I will also attend their activities.

Motherhood is about selflessness.

I have always put their needs before my own. I want them to have the best that this world has to offer, and want them to do better than me. I always make sacrifices in order for those things to happen, because it’s the right thing to do. At the end of the day when I look at the big picture, and see that my children hug and kiss me every morning on the cheek, and before bedtime saying those three words “I love you mom” to me, I can say to myself, “I'm doing it right...oh yes, I'm doing it right. 

I love y'all forever and ever!