I think I am turning into the construction worker whose house is never finished; the landscaper whose yard is incomplete; or the mechanic who has cars in the driveway. I have neglected to keep my own blog up for awhile. This is probably my most important writing project as I began it with the intention of having a yearbook chronicling the lives of Porter, Madison, and Lane's childhood. When they are 18 and I give it to them, I can say, "Here's your proof you had a good childhood. Here's your proof I was a good Mom. Take this to your therapist." Okay not that extreme, but I know how forgetful the mind can be. I can already go back the past year and have brought to memory an event recorded that would have otherwise been forgotten.
We are starting a new chapter as a family that I am really excited about. With my new writing job, I can work from home. It has been a lot of fun getting to be with the kids more. It has lessened the pain of being apart and the kids are really enjoying it too. I've had to work a lot of harder to find time to still meet my deadlines and juggle kids, but it's working. We are multi-tasking our activities. I take them to the pool. They swim. I write. We went to a library program Saturday. They played, I wrote. We're going swimming again and then I'll probably let them play at McDonalds for a couple of hours. I'll be writing. I've had to ask them to help me a little more by having quiet time while I am in the middle of writing at home. Just being present is good enough for all of us. It's been amazing and I am so blessed to have this opportunity. I really feel more gratitude than words can express. A year ago, I told myself I wanted more money and a job that I could have more time with the kids and now it is happening.
The kids....Porter is really into learning how to do things on his own. He wants to learn to make as many things as he can all by himself. He's able to fry eggs. (Occasionally forgets to turn the stove on or misses the skillet.) He's adept at Top Ramen, instant oatmeal, and toast. He can almost make macaroni and cheese by himself. He can blend a smoothie and makes great barbecue chicken. And, last but not least, he knows how to thaw a bowl of frozen peas. He can't live without those. It's nice when he can make stuff for the other two--and they do take advantage. He pretends he is opening a kitchen.
Madison is slowly turning back into her pre-divorce self. She still struggles, but she's coming out of it. She has a lot of unanswered questions and doesn't even know how to articulate them. She is still struggling with reading, but every once in a while gets it. Her memory is phenomenal. She saw an ad on for Red Roof Hotel and said, "Isn't that where we stayed when we went to the concert in Phoenix?" I actually had quit a memory at her age, and I'm wondering if hers will kick in and she'll be able to read better this year. With my new job, I can spend more time in their classrooms too! Yea...not. Madison is the most amazing, helpful child when she wants to be. She can be quit the opposite when she chooses not to. I already noticed a big difference with her being with me more.
Lane is starting to get a little more independent from me. I have "he's my baby syndrome" bad. Fortunately, he's too independent to fall for it. He wants to do what Porter and Madison do and still doesn't quite agree that they're not the same age--even though he realizes they are 7 and he is 5. He reminds me of Kim when she ran around with the boys. She didn't know she couldn't do what they were doing so she did it. Lane is doing so well with his writing and reading. He knows so much already for school. I have to credit his Grandma Smith for that. She is really good at working with the kids. Lane still has a little lazy in him. He has to find ways to make cleaning fun. If he can pretend the trash can is real and it needs to be fed, he's good. His toys always have to be "rescued" by a superhero to get back to their toy box. He's great at cleaning the kitchen--as long as I will help him.
I am always interested in listening to them say what they want to be when they grow up. Lane wants to be a Fireman still. Madison wants to be a Veterinarian. Porter wants to be a rockstar. It's hard to believe I will have two second graders and a kindergartener. I'm excited for them and their futures as they are such good kids. I relish the moments of their childhood now because I've seen plenty of people have their children change as they become teens and young adults.I don't know what the future holds for my family, but know I have to enjoy every moment. They teach me more than I teach them.
No comments:
Post a Comment