Mind Your P's and Q's

I recently read an article that talked about having/making your children say 'please' and 'thank you'. A woman was struggling because she didn't 'force' her children to say thank you.  She gave them the opportunity to and if they didn't right away, she would take the time to explain why they should ('Wow.. That was really nice of Billy to share that toy with you.  Doesn't that feel good when someone shares?  Doesn't that make you happy.') say thank you and then she would drop it.  After reading that article I was at a crossroads.. Should I continue to 'make' Parker use his manners, or should I change my approach?  I decided to stick with the path that I was on.  I read the article again and it seemed like the author's children were older and I felt that Parker could still use direction under that matter.  However, I decided to start explaining 'why' he has to say 'please' and 'thank you' every time. 

Needless to say, I am so glad that I stuck with it.. Not only does he say it on his own sometimes, but I knew I did the right thing when we were getting in to the car one day after Sam's Club and Parker asked me to hand him his toy motorcycle.  I did and was just about to shut the door when he said, 'Thank you, Mommy. Parker happy.'  It was like those little words opened a flood gate of emotions.  I was so proud of not only him, but of myself.  People without children may not understand how something so little, can be so big to parents.  All I can really say is that I was one. proud. mama.

I was given probably one of the best compliments I have ever received.. A complete stranger walked up to me, in the middle of a carnival, and said, 'You make having two children look easy.'  I replied with a typical eyeroll and 'thanks'.  All I could think is, 'Is this woman blind, deaf or just crazy?'  Little does she know I often feel like screaming, ripping my hair out and locking myself in a closet  (I told her about my blog, so maybe she will be figuring that out soon if she decides to check it out)...  Anyways.. That compliment got me thinking... The 'ease' that I have had with parenting is not only a compliment to me, but also to the boys, Ben and our ability to all work together.  I am just thankful that I recognized that fact early.  Lately I have been trying to vocalize thanks and compliments when/where they're due (because who doesn't like to hear that they're doing something awesome) and I have also been trying to accept compliments a lot better (I obviously need more work.. Read the first few sentences of this paragraph).  I am trying to train myself that I am worthy of hearing that I do something good... Just look at my beautiful little men...

This whole mommyhood thing has definately been an 'on the job' training course, but I like to think that I am doing a pretty good job.  It has been so rewarding to see how much the boys have learned (thanks to me or the situations I put them in) and it is so exciting to see their personalities and love for each other show.  We are talking about having them share a room in a year or so and I can just imagine the giggles, fond memories (and of course fights) that they will share while they're in there.  If these last few months are any indication of how it will be... I am very excited!  They both love each other SO much and I am so thankful that we have all 'fallen' into our places.  Parker is the boasting big brother, always looking out for little man (side story.. Parker was playing in the playroom with his weed whip and he either scared Preston or hurt him.  Well, Preston started crying and before I could walk in there, Parker turned off the toy and said, 'I'm sorry Preston. No cry.'  Seriously.. He's two.. Is that normal.. Either way.. It's awesome!), Preston is the giggly little boy who is in constant awe of his big brother and I am the mama bear that is always here to teach and protect them.  Ahhh.. It's just too awesome for words how I feel right now. 

As always, I am excited to see what our future will bring for us!

Dear Precious Boys...

Dear Parker and Preston,

I just wanted to take this time to explain myself to you...

First of all, I am sorry that I have been so impatient with you lately.  Preston, I know I need to remember that you're a quick growing little boy, so when you're hungry.. You're really hungry.  However, please stop screaming at me if I don't fill your plate fast enough.  All that really does is make me want to throw the food at you.  I promise to try to keep my cool from now, but please.. Can you try too? And Parker, I KNOW the world is a very interesting place for you right now and that there are so many awesome things that catch your attention, but you're driving me a little bonkers lately! You are such a smart boy, and I know that is because you are so interested in learning, but sometimes Mommy forgets that, so please don't take it personally when I raise my voice to get you to get into the car.  Long story short.. I am sorry boys.

Even with being so exhausted, all of the time, I am so excited to start everyday with you two.  (Especially this morning.. Thank you so much Preston for waking up babbling in your room and for quietly playing in there for thirty minutes!  That was a great way for Mommy to wake up)  You both do so much for me and I am sorry if I ever take advantage of that.  You are the best things that have ever happened to me and you have taught me so much in the little time that we have had together. 

The joy that you both have just radiates and I am so thankful that I get to see that everyday (along with the tantrums, but hey..).  The love that you have for others is astonishing and I would like to think that you 'learned' that emotion from me.  I love you both so dearly that sometimes it truly hurts when I think about it. 

Oh Parker.. Don't even get me started about how proud I am of you.  You are growing into one of the most amazing children I have ever seen.  You are funny, smart, sensitive and freakin' adorable.  Words can not express how happy you make me.  Like I said before.. You also drive me bonkers, but all I need is one of your sideways goofy looks and you have me wrapped around your finger again.  Preston, please don't think that I don't see those things from you, because I do.  I am just really excited for you to be able to vocalize your personality the way your brother can.  I already have witnessed the amazing little boy you're growing into and these next few years are going to be so fun and interesting with you that I cannot wait!

I feel so blessed every time I think about each of you and I cannot wait to see what truly wonderful things you do in your futures. I love you both so much... Even on our 'worst' days!

Creative Addiction...

So.. These last few days/weeks I have been drooling over many adorable 'crafty' projects.  Luckily, my wonderful husband thought I deserved a new sewing machine so my list of 'must complete craft projects' has just doubled in size!  Now, if only I have a ton of money to buy all the little things that I need to go along with these wonderful ideas... Even though I haven't been graced with an unlimited Crafts Direct shopping spree, I have decided that I will start (AND FINISH) a project every two weeks. I know that doesn't sound like 'that' many, but I figure that I have other commitments (like my children) that require more attention.

I haven't kept up with blogging as much as I have wanted, so hopefully this will not dwindle off too!

I will keep you all posted and I think I will spend the rest of the weekend deciding on my first 'new' project...