Conversations with a Toddler

Having a serious conversation with a child under the age of 5, I've determined is like trying to teach a rock to roll over on its own. Nearly impossible! The attention of a child is quite simply way too short to try and tell them anything important in less than 5 seconds and have them actually remember. While having our new years eve dinner, my hubby and I were trying to share some heartfelt thoughts to our 4 1/2 year old who kept interrupting with random, unrelated questions, and who was even interrupted himself by his 2 1/2 year old sister rolling off of her chair. Sometimes it is appropriate just to sit and laugh, and accept that while it seems inconvenient to be constantly interrupted, they are just kids and actually quite funny. And they don't even try. My 4 1/2 year old by the way, does have a longer attention span than his sister and stunned us by his response to "What are you thankful for this year?" with "Faith and Strength". And when it was my turn to answer the question told me, "Don't forget love and righteousness." Oh yea, that's what I was going to say... amazing. He seriously amazes me all the time with his incredible memory and the words that he says. What has your child said to you lately?

Mountains, Racoons, and Dr. Zeuss

If anyone had told me I would be living in a tiny mountain town right about now, I would have laughed. In fact, I think I may have scoffed at my husband when he suggested applying for a job here. 7 or 8 months pregnant and the last thing I was thinking was moving anywhere. Period. Half a year later, here we are living in a tiny town in the mountains, not knowing hardly anyone, spending a lot of time together, and wondering what in the world there is to do here. The truth is, I actually really like it here. Hubby is home from work before supper, and the kids can watch him from the front door as he walks home. Walks home. Instead of an hour long drive. Ahh, the luxuries of city living where everything you do involves driving somewhere, even to the park (and in our case, even to the mailbox when it was cold!). I have been trying to take it all in, and not be in a rush to make a decision on where we will live (we are currently renting), or where my kids will go to school (gasp- i am heartbroken at the thought!)... but just enjoy being here and get used to being here rather than in the city. We had company the other night who informed us it is not unusual to see cougars, and who even saw two bears walking down the road in the middle of winter. So, as I was out at the park, empty except for me and my kids, I found myself looking over my shoulder once or twice, telling myself that I probably should get used to doing that. We are in the moutains, not the city anymore, after all. Follow along with me as I work through the changes in pace and life on our new adventure, while sharing life stories and laughs that having children regularly provides. I hope you enjoy!