Warm Fuzzies

Back in our days of church retreats we used to have something called "warm fuzzies". These were notes that people would send you throughout the weekend retreat of positive messages or good vibes.  Sometimes they were as simple as "I like your smile." Other times they were more specific: stories about friendships or of happy memories.

This morning I received an unexpected warm fuzzy that warmed my soul.

Everyone in this world is different.  Each person holds their own very special and unique qualities.  In our family, we work diligently to make sure that we treat every one with respect and kindness.  We share our love.  Our family is familiar with all kinds of special people and we love them fiercely, unconditionally.  This is one of the biggest, most important, lessons that I want to teach Cameron and Payton.  No matter their age, no matter how cool or uncool it may seem... it is crucial.  I read this blog 2 days ago that I shared on facebook that discussed a big sister getting taunted because some kids in her 3rd grade class found out her little sister had down syndrome. The one sentence that has been burned into my memory from that blog went something like this: "We raise them strong so that they will change the world".

When I dropped the boys off at school this morning, Cameron's teacher shared the best story.  She told me how sweet Cameron was, and after his 30 minute temper tantrum last night I sort of rolled my eyes. She grabbed my hand and said,

 "No Nicole, Cameron has the sweetest heart".  She went on to tell me about a little boy in his class that is not at the same level as the other kids, that has a hard time speaking.  She said that Cameron will take him by the hand and bring him out to the sand to play with him. That he will coach him and tell him words to say trying to teach him. That he will patiently play with him as quietly as his friend needs. Cameron's teacher said it brought tears to the eyes of all the grown ups watching because the other kids will treat this little boy differently and say hurtful things. The teachers do their best to help all of the kids understand and to teach them to be kind, but as Cameron's teacher noted, there is a huge difference in Cameron's helpful and caring ways.

Y'all.  My heart.  I still get choked up thinking about it.
He's listening when we tell him about being kind to every person he meets.
He's understanding that all people are different, but that we always need to be a good friend.
I pray every night that he and Payton are changing the world daily with warm fuzzies.

I am one proud Mama today. I'll take a 30 minute temper-tantrum for a story like that any day.

Best. Warm. Fuzzy. EVER.

Take note. Share the love that you have. It will make your Mama proud. 

Quality Relationships with our Kids

There's something to be said for quality time with our kids, but even more to create and cultivate the one on one relationships with them.  Together these two little boys that we are raising are beyond a handful at times: The Dynamic Duo. There is a constant give and take between the two of them and we are really seeing some new things in their friendship.  "Sharing is caring" has always been a silly  motto around here, but it's been heightened lately now that Payton can express what he wants, when he wants it.  

Recently, I've watched Tim gain management controls for certain pieces of our day and I hold the key to others. Our morning rituals of waffles, have now become filled with morning surprises that are layered on top of the waffle depending on how everyone's morning is going.  If Cameron doesn't have any "temper-tampers" then he and Tim have created a game that ends with a surprise that Cameron really wants.  I'm not sure if he wants it more because it's usually a sweet treat, or if he wants it more because Tim is making him laugh so hard as he creates the surprise.

After school, we rally Tucker from wandering the streets by watching Payton call him - "D-ah" (like dog without the g) and patting his belly.  We check the mail and we maneuver the trash cans as needed.  We work together to get something edible for dinner on the table, and boom the night works its way down the to-do list.  Sure, there is always time for laughing or dance parties, books or games but tends to be on a pretty solid timeline.

Taking a moment of one on one time and separating the kids has become pretty magical, too.  We have our individual ways, we have our bonds and special ways we connect.  I won't speak for Tim, but when I catch he and Cameron sharing a moment, it makes me gush.  I see little glimpses of the future and more importantly I know how much Cameron will treasure those moments as he gets older.

I have my own moments with each of them too, of course. But the one I captured this weekend was with Payton while Cameron and Tim worked on the sprinklers.

Moments with the baby of the family really melt my heart, especially at this stage. He wants to do everything and is going to push the limits on life for us. 

It's ok, he'll look adorable doing it and it will keep me young at heart... Right?

To the Grandparents in our lives: Happy Grandparents Day! 

We appreciate you and love you more then we'll ever be able to show you.

These two We are all incredibly lucky to have so many kinds of love from so many cherished people in our lives.  

We are beyond grateful for the quality relationships that each of you hold with our Dynamic Duo.