If we don't change, life does it for us.

I just finished getting all the kids to bed...not to sleep, just to bed. As I was having my last moments with Corban I was reminded of a thought I have had about a dozen times over the past couple of weeks. I feel kind of hypocritical writing this now after my day yesterday because I didn't "win" as Jared and I like to put it. But I am going to write it because 1 day in the last 30 shouldn't make that much of an impression. AND it is really too bad that I have been in such a bad mood this past year and haven't blogged so life in the present could be compared with life in the recent past. I will also throw a reminder in there (as I am reminded myself that there may be others that read this blog), I write my blog for me, and not necessarily for an audience; hence, the transparency.  Anyway, here it goes.

Corban's not really into meeting the characters yet, but we were first in line (by chance)

Life is getting manageable, but whose wouldn't if you have passes to Disneyland? I am winning most days. I have more moments of joy than I do frustration, sadness, and pain (over how I treat others). I can growl back at Corban and we both laugh. I don't dread going to bed only to wake up and do it all over again- but I look forward to what we will do the next day, what I will see the kids learn, and what more I can accomplish on my LONG "to do" list (which is infinitely long since it isn't written down). I have to say that it really has nothing (or pretty much nothing) to do with me. Corban is a new kid...and I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE this new kid.  I have always loved my Corban, but his energy and excitement have given me plenty to not so much "enjoy" or get exhausted with. He has got to be the happiest, most boisterous kid I know, even when he isn't happy.  He still has that about him, but he has learned to use his imagination and has gone back to self-entertainment. Malia is much more calm and calculated. She has new words and shows greater understanding everyday. Addison is easier now that you can allow her to explore, having learned to get up the step to hang out in the entry way, or anywhere she wants to be.

Typical Addison happy face

"You seeing this, Dad?  It's a goat!"

He really wanted a ride...

I went to a book fair a couple of weeks ago and ever since Corban has been immersed in reading. No, he doesn't actually read, but he LOVES to look at books and have mom "say it". When it gets quiet around the house and I call for him, "Corban, what are you doing?" I get the response, "I just reading, mom." He loves to tell me stories, tell me about things we have done in the past, tell me about things we are going to do, or just plain tell me things.  My favorite, though not necessarily in the moment, is when I do something and he has to tell me, "That's not nice, mom. Don't do that." Malia likes reading the books too, but they don't hold her attention for long. Addison likes to eat the books.

"In your face" -Walt Disney

Excited AND Cold

I see pure joy in all of my kid's eyes when they are playing together. Tonight Malia was tickling Addison's toes with a silk flower while she was sitting in the highchair. Addison was loving it and it would make Malia giggle and continue doing it. They love taking care of each other. If Addison or Malia are crying, Corban will talk softly, "It's okay, don't cry." He is much more tender with Addison than he is Malia, but he is pretty good with her as well. He is easily threatened by Malia for some reason. Like tonight when he was on the potty, she came running in just wanting to check out the scene, being cute, wanting to keep him company, I am not sure. But he says in a panicked voice, "Mom, can you just hold Mleea", translation: get Malia out of here.

Daddy Baby Duty (so Liz could take pictures)

Like a fish...Malia's not bad either.

Gimme 5

He loves playing on the steps not having to perform.

Malia and Corban have been in swim lessons for the past two weeks and they both LOVE it. It is so much fun to remind them at the beginning of the day that they will get to go to swim lessons at night. "And we will find my teacher," says Corban. Malia has no fear, and Corban is so excited to tell you all about what they wanted him to do (not so sure he actually does it on cue).

3, 2, (Jumps), 1...fearless

Crab walk....or just adorable.

My "proud mom" moments are when we get through the day without turning on the TV in the house and Corban is begging to read a book, paint, go to the gym (my gym, meaning I am teaching a class and they are in the Kid's Club), or bounce in the bounce house. We are on a roll of about 4 weeks...when I am in control. I know Jared has turned it on at least once, and he had a pretty good excuse. "I couldn't resist when Corban came up to me and said in his sweet, soft voice, 'Daddy? I asking nicely. Please can I watch Veggietales, please?'."  I probably would have been a sucker, too.  No judgement on allowing t.v.  This, personally, is not a good thing in our lives because it makes grumpy kids (happy grumpy, in Corban's case). Corban and Malia have so much energy stored up, and they are much more pleasant when they get to expend it.

"Gimme all your money"

"Yodel-a-he-who"

I admit that not all moments are winners, as I am still the "not nice" me when all the kids are crying, when one child makes another cry by stealing or throwing toys, when they dump out toys or make a mess of a just-cleaned room, when Addison is still not falling asleep after 2 hours of soothing and rocking (maybe teething???), and most definitely when Malia turns her FULL plate of food upside down. It feels like it was overnight that it changed and it might just be temporary relief so I can handle the next phase. whether or not that is the case, it is a much appreciated breather. I couldn't make the changes myself, so Heavenly Father made some changes for me. I can honestly say I love life! Life is good! I LOVE being a mother of 3 under 3!

Why won't she do this with real food.