Now

I am really really enjoying right now. 
Jason and I have allowed ourselves to really take pride in our kids. 
It's hard to do. 
 When you're so focused on rearing, guiding, forming, loving, directing, and feeding (!) them, you find yourself so "in" the acts that you don't get to take a chance to "see" who they are, what they've become. The fruit of labor.
So we've done that lately.
Stopped to watch.

We had the chance to go to a restaurant with our entire family (soccer coaching has it's perks!).  It doesn't happen often, but whenever we do, we walk in so proud of our troop.  They actually sit still, use their manners, speak to the waitress. It's an honor to be their mother.
I don't say this to brag.
I say this to document.
I want to remember this.  The pride.  The admiration.

Everett, my tender one. He's so sensitive to feelings and so kind and caring.  I had a head cold last week.  Every morning, he was the first to ask me how I was feeling and what he could do.  He is patient and kind.  Sweet to his sister.  She fell down right before I snapped this shot, and I waited to see what he would do.  He ran over, picked her up, brushed her off, hugged her and asked if she was okay.
And then my heart melted. :-) 

Carter.  The beginning of my strength.  I've mentioned "gifts" and a book to order ( a few posts below).  You see, he's been the hardest for me to understand.  No doubt, he's incredible, but something within me was never able to see him... until this book!  What hope!  I took the test to see what his giftings were... while he was part of what I assumed he would be, his second strongest gift happens to be the same as my second strongest gift. And his very weakest gift was equally matched to my very weakest gift.  How ironic. Or not.
Since then, I've been able to identify things, understand him. Take pride in him, direct him, all with the purpose of letting him thrive in who he is...not who he should be.
It's been such a release!
I've released the guilt of having to "get" him and have been spending that time doing the things we love to do together (plan, sketch maps, play soccer, organize).
It's set a new tone for us and I can finally speak his language (partially, at least, I'm not a genius).

The gift of siblings. Not a day goes by that I wish for less children. The way they are with each other, it's just beautiful. I am sure this stage will change, and hormones will surge, doors will slam, but for now, they are so harmonious and respectful of each other.  Rarely do they fight or argue.
It's everything I dreamed of! So grateful.

Now I write these positive descriptions of "now", because I am realistic that it may not always be that way... but I must remember.  It's that special.

And a reason I didn't mention the twins is because they are not my strength at the moment! Ha!  While they are just a wonder to watch and a joy to spend time with, I am physically so involved with them. This stage is serious business.  So much training.  Manners, boundaries, tones, happy hearts, you name it, we're working on it. It's exhausting, times two.  They're difficult in the stroller, difficult in public (unless they have food, which is why a restaurant works!!), busy at home... climbing, opening things, breaking things... the best place to take them is outdoors.  They do well on our adventures, thank goodness, because the Lord knows I need a break!

I am so anxious to see who they become.
As of lately, their personalities are finally showing some consistency.  Elias sings, jokes, is very laid back and tends to whine when bored or needy.  August is feisty, aggressive (he hits), very talkative, social, and when he chooses to be still, very loving and affectionate. They still draw a lot of attention when out, but I have come to appreciate it and expect it...so it's not annoying anymore...it just proves how miraculous they are!