Cuddles, anyone?

I have a cuddler!
She snuggles in and wiggles her little booty, tucks her legs,
rests her head and says, "cuddle, momma?"
How can I resist? I never do...I promise!

Mother's Day was a day full of snuggles and cuddles...
from both my kids!
Owen is just getting to the age when he says,
"stop taking pictures, mom"

And Gabby's just starting to get to the stage
where she is saying "cheese" every time I take out my phone.

I even catch her snuggling with Daddy and Brother!

Okay...so they were actually just hiding and I found them like this.
:-)
Made me smile.

The way these two play together makes me so happy.
Owen speaks so tenderly and tries to teach Gabby things.
Then he gets frustrated because Gabby toots her own horn,
marches to her own beat...
Owen's a bit sensitive...and Gabby is showing her feisty self!
Feisty...Owen laughs when I say that.

I am getting this feeling that Gabby is going to be a show-off.
Allow me to try to explain the paradox my children are:
Owen has never been compliant, but he is afraid to break the rules.
He so wants to please...

Gabby is compliant and obedient, but she does it with a saunter.
A nod. A slyness I can't explain.
I have a feeling that Owen will not get into trouble...
Gabby will cause the trouble...or look for it...or want it...

My sweet angel...you make me smile...but I'm on to you!
It's easy to be motivated...to demand obedience.
I spend the majority of the day with 13/14 year olds...
I know what I will be dealing with if I don't!

Last night I was reading to Owen. Favorite books these days?
Critter books by Mercer Mayer.
Last night we read, "First Day of School."
When we were done, I told him I was going to be the proudest Momma when he started Kindergarten this fall...he gave me the goofiest grin...

He got a taste of Kindergarten when we went to his open house.
He saw classrooms, did some activities, went on a tour, and played on the playground.
I am becoming more and more thankful for my reduction of contract next year.
Part time. Ahhhhhhhh...

I made a suggestion to the administration about how to schedule my part time with another staff person's part time so we can share a class room.
They are working on it so that it will work.
I will have 3 classes, perhaps one will be advanced.
I may have a homeroom, but I will be done by 3:30.
I will be able to take Owen to Kindergarten AND pick him up!

I don't want a tragedy to be the thing to make me realize that I need to enjoy each moment.
I don't always do this though...sometimes, I am too tired to play hide and go seek or play tag on the playground. Sometimes I just want to read my own book or get my blog updated. Sometimes, the dishes must get done or I have to pick up the house before insanity sets in.

But I never want to regret the games I did not play with my kids
or the adventures we did not go on.

I want to keep laughing with my kids...

Thank you Jesus!

Easter Sunday at this point is quite a blur...
May is going by so fast!
I know that we were not able to go to church that day,
but we had wonderful celebrations together and with family.

a twirly blur...

brotherly/sisterly love...I so want them to be friends forever!

and a proud moment...

Owen didn't wear pajamas!

Easter is the recognition of Jesus' death and celebration of His resurrection,
but we need to remember that everyday.

I am so thankful for my church for showing me new things about the Easter story...

Jesus was a ferocious servant. His final act of servitude: crucifixion.
When Peter denied Christ the third time, Peter wept bitterly.
But this was after a look from Jesus.
The look was not of resentment, denial, or disappointment.
It was a look of understanding. Jesus knew he'd do this.
Jesus knew each time I would deny Him.
He still died...He still loves.

When my children fail to obey, love, or so the right thing,
how do I look at them?
Do they know I love them regardless?...