Love them.

I know there are times when I could love on my children just a little bit more.
But I know, as a parent, I'm not the only one that gets caught up in every day life.
I sometimes get upset over spilt milk, or toothpaste all over the sink and floor.
But this morning, when Jackson dropped the toothbrush holder (with the toothbrushes as well!) in the garbage can... I just sighed and said it's alright.
He wanted to do his own hair, and put the coins he had found in his little tiny money holder.
When he arrived this morning, he said - "Look Momma... I brought our favorite snowflake blanket back home. For you." That blanket has so much sentimental value. His Papa bought it for him when he was just a little guy, around 1. And there was a time when it really was his blankey. He wouldn't sleep without it.

He snuggled up to me... and I kept talking. I was just excited. Gosh, I missed my little man. I told him about how his sissy wore her pirate patch for an hour last night without ripping it off. She played, and giggled.. like always. And when he didn't reply, I said- "Baby are you going back to sleep?" He quietly said yes. I told him sorry and that I'd shut up. Then in his sweet little voice he said- "No Mommy... don't shut up. You can keep saying everything you want. I'm still listening."
I am so blessed. I really, really am.

Jentri- she is my baby girl. When a Momma needs her girl, Jentri is ecstatic to be there. She lets me hold her, rock her, cuddle her, laugh with her, dress her up, and just love. Right now.. she is beyond tired. She is whiney. But only if I don't let her sit on my lap. She threw the jelly beans on the ground. She dumped out her bottole of organic strawberry puffs. [note, I bought these like... 2 months ago and she hated them. She demolishes them now. :)] She keeps looking up and staring at me while I'm typing. Sometimes I wonder what is going through her head... Does she love the person that I am? Does she wonder why I'm making sounds on the keyboard? Does she know that I love her? And everyone else, too? I hope that I comfort her, the way she comforts me.

I came across little Ruby this morning. I have only read a few posts... but my heart aches just from that. It makes me extremely grateful for what I do have. When Jentri is screaming over absolutely nothing and I am ready to pull my hair out... I need to embrace that moment, because at least my daughter is here... to cry. And laugh. And for me to hold. When Jackson is out of control because he drank too much juice... run and laugh with him. Because he's here. And you never know if you have tomorrow.

I am making a promise to my kids. At night, I am going to take an extra half hour before bed time... to read them a story, and help them brush their teeth, and sing them a lullaby. Whatever they want to do for that half hour. I am going to let laundry, dishes, and bow making a little less priority so that I can walk my babies to the park. Or cuddle and watch a movie. Or build a fort and eat popcorn or peanut butter cups.

I can't imagine having to go a lifetime without one of my babies.
So tonight, I'm going to pick up my Jackson... and I'm going to take them to the park. I'm going to leave my phone at home. I'm going to enjoy the time with them, and I'm going to make sure to make memories that will last a lifetime.