They Are Only 2 and 4 Once

I've been a terrible mom lately. I've been so impatient with the childishness of my children. I had to ask myself, "Where is the adult today?" When I got home tonight, I did a quick run-through of some things online and I stumbled across this quote from a blog I enjoy reading. It really spoke to my heart as I've been so busy getting things in order since we moved into our house as we prepare for the arrival of our third baby.

“Now is the time to get things done…wade in the water, sit in the sun, squish my toes in the mud by the door, explore the world of a girl just four.

Now is the time to study books, flowers, snails, how a cloud looks; to ponder “up,” where God sleeps nights, why mosquitoes take such big bites.

Later there’ll be time to sew and clean, paint the hall that soft new green, to make new drapes, refinish the floor – Later on…when she’s not just four.”

- Irene Foster

Lord, help me to be all that You've called me to be to these precious gifts that were specially given to me by You. These children really are a reward from You. Oh, how I love them!

Using Her Resources

In our new house, we have a large finished basement that's completely tiled. The owners wired it to be a really awesome theater room, but we only have one TV, which we keep on the main floor, and lots of toys, so we've turned it into a giant playroom. The tile is great because the kids can race their grocery carts, strollers, and ride-on toys. And let me assure you that there are plenty of races in this home!

The basement isn't really bright and the light switches are above Allison's reach. There have been many occasions that I find her playing down there in the dark. (Isn't that sad!) I've intended to either put a step stool at the light switch or to get those cool plate covers that have strings attached so that she can turn the lights on and off. I just haven't done it yet. The other day, I noticed that she was downstairs and the light was on. Jackson hadn't turned it on, so I knew she must have done it. This morning, she went down again while I was loading laundry and I noticed that the light was on. When she came up with her money from her cash register, I noticed that the light was back off. I praised her and praised her for turning the light off when she came up. (She is actually very thorough about closing doors, turning off lights, putting things where they belong, etc.) I was curious how she was managing to reach the light, so I asked her to turn it on for me. When I saw how she did it, I had to ask her to do it again...for the camera! I shouldn't be surprised by my climber, but I was. Very impressive, Allison!!

I Just Love Boys!

We live in a quiet cul-de-sac, which I love because the kids can run around and play without any worry of lots of cars or people passing by. Jackson is so trustworthy when it comes to safety, so I have let him, on a few occasions, play outside for a few minutes by himself while I run in the house to take care of something or to tend to Allison. (It's so hard to do this for the first time as a parent!) A few days ago, I was inside checking on Allison (who was napping) and when I came outside, this is what Jackson was doing:

I could not help but laugh and smile. He's wearing his homemade race car driving helmet (a combo of an old batting helmet and a mask that goes with a Hot Wheels costume). He was talking to himself while driving around the sidewalks, into the cul-de-sac, and up driveways. I love his imagination!

Jackson's First Soccer Game

Last Saturday was Jackson's first soccer game, and it was a lot of fun for our entire family! Allison had fun running around everywhere and exploring; although, this was a challenge at times for me because it made it more difficult to watch the game. Jason helps out our coach, so he got to be on the field with the kids coaching them as they played. That was definitely a lot of fun for him because he loves soccer. I enjoyed taking photos and watching Jackson do something I've never seen him do before. Jason and I were both surprised as we watched him play because we were able to see some of his natural strengths and the things that really motivate him. Jackson, of course, had a blast running around and trying to score goals. He is very aggressive and wants to be wherever the ball is. Even though he is a little small for his age, he doesn't notice it and he isn't afraid to confront kids that are quite a bit bigger than him. He also showed a pretty good understanding of the game - turning the ball around to score in the correct goal, which is actually challenging for some of the kids this age - at which we were surprised because Jason has never worked with him at home. The best part about the entire day was just watching him have fun. He scored 4 goals in the game, and it was precious to see him throw his hands in the air and grin from ear to ear after he scored. In fact, it was precious to see all of the kids smile after doing something well. They were so proud of themselves!

Game Day! I cannot express how thrilled he was to have a purple jersey!

Assistant Coach and his boy!

2:00 games for pregnant mommies are hot! I'm just thankful I'm in Utah and not Houston or Oklahoma. Whew!! I love this little guy so much!

I wanted a photo of the kids together. I asked them to put their arms around each other and they both did this at the same time. They weren't intending to not hug each other, they were just confused by what I meant.

But then Allison thought it was so funny, she didn't want to abandon the little game that ensued.

And then Jackson thought it would be great for them to close their eyes. As if it isn't difficult enough to get a photo of kids!

Go Wildcats!!

Let's go!

This little girl from the green team was really good. She's a head taller than Jackson but a month younger. I think he liked playing against her. They both love to be where the ball is!

Jackson's game was in the middle of Alli's normal naptime. She had a bit of a meltdown at one point and wanted Jason. He did what any fantastic daddy (and husband) would do, he ran around and coached with her on his shoulders!

We hadn't been practicing throw-ins in practice because our league told our coach that we didn't have to do them. Since the other team had been practicing them, we decided to do them as well. It took a few times for them to learn that they have to stay on the sideline. He's just a foot or so off!

Score!!

He was so thrilled with himself. I think that was the best part because we never said anything about trying to score goals. He's just a natural competitor and loved it!

Our number 7 taking an opportunity to guard the goal:

Watching this little guy reminded me so much of my brother. Craiten is a natural defender and my brother was the same way. I can still remember watching him play when he was Jackson's age. He always hung back and protected our goal. It's amazing to watch the kids and to see how the Lord has naturally gifted them.

We talked about numbers the day Jackson was going to get his jersey. We tried to find something positive about every number he might get. Jason ran practice that day and we decided to let the kids pick their numbers. To our very pleasant surprise, no two kids wanted the same number. Thank You, Lord!! Jackson picked number 5 at first, but when he saw number 7, he quickly changed his mind. I love number 7!

It's funny the things that you take for granted. The coaches had to teach the kids how to go through the line, give fives, and say, "Good game!"

The Wildcats:

Jackson's First Soccer Practice

Four days after we moved into our house marked the beginning of extracurricular activities in Utah for our family. Soccer!! This is Jackson's first year to play and we are so excited for him. We have no idea if he'll like it, but we want to give him the opportunity to try it out. Jason loved soccer and played his whole life. Jackson is not the kid you find outside constantly kicking a ball because he's always been more interested in driving things - cars, bikes, scooters, etc. - but we think he's going to really enjoy playing soccer. He loves competition and he loves making friends.

Before his first practice, Jason and Jackson went out to buy cleats, shin guards and soccer socks. It was a long night of driving around trying to find the right size cleats, but I know they had fun. Since Jason knows soccer really well, he's agreed to help out Jackson's coach in any way he can. For Jackson's first practice, they both got their soccer gear on, which Jackson just loves because he really enjoys wearing the same things as his daddy. Here's a shot of them sporting their soccer gear. Jackson picked out those cleats! He's always liked lots of color.

Jackson's first practice was a success. He had tons of fun! He was a little timid at first and didn't like some of the things they were doing, but when it came time to scrimmage, he came alive.

It was so funny watching him learn how to dribble the ball. They were playing a game called "Dog Catcher" and they were supposed to make sure that the dog catcher didn't get their dog (ball). He was so determined not to allow his ball to get caught that he kept it trapped between his feet as he SLOWLY sent down the field. It was great to watch! He was serious about keeping that ball!

As time went on, he got a little braver.

And once he was allowed to kick the ball and try for a goal, he was ready to go and grinning from ear to ear.

For their scrimmage, he got the wear the purple jersey. Boy, did that make him happy!

Let the fun begin!

Wherever the ball is, that it where he wants to be. Aggressiveness does not seem to be an issue!

I was so happy that my dad got to be there for Jackson's first practice. I know he loved it! He didn't get to watch very much because Allison wanted to be at the playground, which was right next to the area where they were practicing, and he was watching her for me. He was amazed at the things she could climb, which is pretty much everything on that playground - the rock wall and all of the different types of ladders. He was nervous that she might fall, but she never did. She's a climber and since he doesn't get to be around her, he didn't know what she was capable of. I know it was fun for him to watch her.

That was a steep slide. Older girls always want to help her. I was surprised that she let this little girl slide with her because she's so independent.

She did go by herself on her bottom, but if she gets a little nervous, she flips to her belly.

We all had a great time. I'm so glad he enjoyed his first practice. He made friends and he said that he loved scrimmaging the best!