I see you

Sometimes I get into a groove where I am just shuffling people along through the daily activities. Sometimes I feel as though I am "looking through" everyone, rather than looking at them -- really seeing them. I started to realize, I had scarcely taken a moment just to really chat with the kids, ask them questions, and dig a little deeper into their lives. Of course I "talk" to them daily: I offer advice, tell them "NO!", what to wear (or not to wear!), I tell them to do their homework, gather for prayer, read scriptures, take a bath, what to eat, etc., etc. But I wanted to take time to sit down and enjoy them, to see them -- to connect.

So, last night, that is what I did. I asked them to come to me, and we began chatting about anything. I asked them fun questions, and we just had some time together -- talking and laughing. It was so nice. I was laughing so hard I was crying. I could not get over the fact that Daniel's best-friend, Scott, has a nickname: "Chunky-Trash-Can". The way that Daniel said it -- squealing with delight -- was hilarious. Had I been with Mary Poppins, I would have been soaring to the ceiling. It was so silly!

As I watched them interacting with me, I realized how beautiful they are. They are mine, and they are so precious to me. My rose-colored glasses were in place again. I felt a great love for them. Their eyes twinkled, and their smiles sparkled. I began to adore them, all over again.

As they grow, and things become a little more fast-paced -- I have noticed that the sweet moments have to be created. I used to spend my time just watching them (Sam and Dan), playing with them, even dressing them up -- just for fun! When they were small (like in the picture above) they were always with me, and it was all about our time together.

Now that they are in the "Big, Big, World" I need to invite them to me, I need them to "come to me". I need to love them more -- not just at a distance, but cuddled next to me. I want them to know that I DO see them. I do love them. It was a great thing -- to really talk with my children; to take the time to look into their eyes, to validate them (and me!) -- it was precious.

After the fun chatting, came the show . . . there is nothing more fun than showing-off for your parents . . . how I love my silly-heads! They are so full of life, energy and JOY!