Wonderful, Joyous Distractions!

Aside from the fact that I love being a wife and mom and caring for my family, there are always perks along with the tough things. My kids are such wonderful little distractions!! They want my attention, love, companionship and time constantly. At times, it feels smothering and can be very exhausting, but I wouldn't trade it for anything. I realize what a privilege it is to have kids when so many others cannot. I also realize what a privilege it is to be able to stay home with my kids when so many moms want to, but can't. So, if times are tough or there seems to be too much to handle, it sure is nice when the kids make it nearly impossible to focus on those things. Rather, I'm forced to focus on them and their needs and making them happy and well cared for.

Rachel is obsessed with her new books from Valentine's day! We've already read them so many times, that I'm beginning to get tired of them! But, it's so cute that she enjoys them so much. And, she likes to make the same comments and ask some of the same questions each time we read the same books. She's also obsessed with our new porch swing. My in-laws got us a new porch swing for my birthday and it's absolutely adorable AND very comfortable!!! I love it, but not nearly as much as Rachel does. She wants to go on the front porch all the time and will hardly let us sit on it because she has to "practice her swinging lessons." She'll usually let Bradley on for the ride, but Nick and I are banished to the rockers. Bradley is currently obsessed with bar soap. That's not something we keep at the kid's sink or in their tub. Bar soap isn't kid friendly since it can burn their eyes and stuff. But one day, Bradley came across a bar in one of the bathroom drawers, and he's obsessed with it. Of course, we only let him have it at bathtime, but he holds it like it's a precious jewel. He'll hold it up to his chest and smell it and then drops it and whines until we find it in the bottom of the tub. He can't keep a good grip on the slippery stuff. But, he's so cute because he thinks it's so special. My kids are truly little blessings that bring me so much joy, love and fulfillment! I'm so thankful that they remind me of how little things are fun and interesting and that they keep my focus from being too bogged down by the trials of life.