What does any mama want from her children? Well, I started asking this of myself recently and I've decided that I'd like a few things. Here are just a few:
* I'd like our children to be independent. Not just tie your own shoes independence, but a true independence that is the envy of others. Like the "Wow, your kids do that all by themselves...?! That's so amazing" kind of independence. I feel like we are on a daily trek towards this and, honestly, I'm feeling VERY far behind on this one. Each day seems like we move only an inch at a time.
* A FULL day of no fighting with each other. There used to be a time, they were much younger (maybe they didn't really know each other existed), when they played perfectly together. Why does this seem impossible these days? One second they play as though they would rather cut their arms off than be separated from each other and the next, they could kill each other with their death glares and unkind words. My heart becomes exhausted in listening to them and feeling the attacks. It's unbearable.
* To learn the 1st time we have asked or taught them a lesson. How many times must we say to "chew with your mouth closed" or "don't pick up the cat"? Some lessons are hard ones to learn, like falling and bonking your head, yet again, after you've been asked to sit on your bottom on the couch. Others are ones that just feel embarrassing when out in public, like "don't scratch yourself in your private area while we're at the grocery store, especially near fresh fruit. Yes, it's real folks. This, I must say, can be a very frustrating part of parenthood.
* A feeling of thankfulness. For what we have, where we get to visit, what we get to eat, etc. We are constantly having conversations of how to be appreciative of what we have and not to be greedy. Being a parent is walking a fine line, because you want to give them wonderful experiences, a happy life full of love and fulfillment, and all their basic needs. However, you also want to make sure they are grateful for what they have and share with others when THEY notice that someone is going without. The part where they recognize and they make efforts can be difficult.
Okay, so that's my wish list, for now. I can tell you that in the middle of writing this blog, I took a break for a few hours and chatted with the kids about a few things. One conversation was with Gavin and I asked him what he planned to do with his birthday money. He said he wanted to buy something for his sister (what would equal the full amount of what he has). He noticed she didn't have something and wants to get it for her. Maybe my wishes will come true!?!...just maybe.
