Joy

I know I have already posted something today, but I just felt like I had some happy things to share (for a change!) In the midst of difficult times, there have been those who have lifted my spirits ... other moms I have run into and took the time to talk to, my husband, and my kids.

My kids. It's hard for me not to feel joyful when being around them. Yesterday was Eli's birthday. He wanted to play video games all day, go spend some of his birthday money on extra characters for his new Skylanders game, and then go eat Cici's pizza. We did all that and had such a nice family night.

We had so much fun at Cici's. We laughed so hard. Dawson started spitting wadded up straw packaging at Eli and Brynne with his straw and it was hilarious! They were cracking up because he would get them when they least expected it. At one point Dawson said, "Man, I love these kids." Then he carried Brynne around everywhere we went because it was cold. He just loved on her and hugged her. We did some shopping for each other, and the giving spirits and excitement of all the kids just made me smile. And at Cici's, when the kids played a game that won them candy as prizes, Brynne said, "I only got one Tootsie Roll (which is her favorite candy), but I'm going to give it to Eli." There were many more instances like this throughout the night, just lots of putting someone else first. When I have been feeling so low about my parenting skills, times like this show me that I must be doing something right.

We talked Eli into going bowling. Again, we just had a blast! Eli couldn't believe that a girl beat him (Brynne). Daddy couldn't believe that one beat him, too (me!).

Kyndal was missed. It's sad to hear the things that Brynne and Eli mention about her. Like last night, when Brynne picked up a split when bowling, she immediately said, "I'm going to tell Kyndal about this." And then at home she was worried that Kyndal wouldn't fit in her bed when she came to visit because Brynne's new Barbie house is at the foot of the bed.

I guess I say all of this to say that: seeing the considerate hearts of my children causes me so much joy! They just love each other so much. They are always thinking of each other. I don't know what they would do without each other. They are experiencing this with the loss of Kyndal, although she's always been a go-er so not home much. But Dawson, Eli, and Brynne spend the majority of their time together and they are so extremely close. This Christmas season has been hard so far. But, after last night, I woke up with a joyful spirit this morning. It's going to be such a great Christmas!