Sometimes they just make you smile

Despite the chaos that surrounds my house at times I have been able to sit back with each child recently and really take in their uniqueness.

I'm touched by Eli's kindness in simply asking me if I want a piece of his favorite gum when he goes to get one or asking me if I'm okay while I'm in the bathroom and Elizabeth won't leave me alone despite his trying to play with her in the other room to give me a private moment. I'm in awe that he is so determined to get his speech perfect for his class and practices over and over despite his huge fear of getting up in front of the class and doing it.

I'm tickled at Ian's sweet personality when I snuggle with him in bed tonight and ask him his high and low for the day only to hear him respond with his high is me laying in bed with him. I laugh constantly at Ian's quick wit and sly personality that creates such laughter with such little effort. I'm in awe over his determination to learn to play the piano on his own.

When I take the time to slow down and just watch Elizabeth I'm tickled over her awareness of every sound outside our house despite the loud noise within it (each airplane flying overhead, birds, big trucks, dogs) to which she has learned to stop, touch her ear and say "hoo hoo..." over and over with big open eyes. I've been shocked at her willingness to sit on a potty the last week and poop when her crazy mother thinks that is a good idea despite her young age and that she will put her baby on the potty now and then lift it up and look in the bucket to see what surprise the doll may have left. (that cracks me up) I'm embarrassed slightly but proud at the same time at how Elizabeth says hi to every stranger we see and she says it louder and louder until they acknowledge her presence. I'm touched at her kindness towards her brothers when they get hurt and start crying, showing her concern by rubbing their hair and patting their faces until they start laughing at her; but then her boldness in slapping them on the face when they get too close to her 'business'...that we are working on mind you!

So...although I make my children seem like they are under foot and all over the place making me insane most of the time; when I do stop and watch each one of them I can easily see how special and very unique they are with their own little personalities!