Theo saying, "I have a pain in my butt, Mama. But it doesn't really hurt. It just itches a little."
Summer days with cousins...
and friends.
Emmett's words for jeans ("jeams") and Grandma ("Gray-ma.")
Our first attempt at a family vacation (a weekend away) which was a HUGE success, thanks to Tim, Katie, and the girls.
Our first visit to Delaney's and Dr. Evermor's Art park.
My nervousness as Theo's first day of school approaches. And his impatience, as he's been asking, "why can't I go today, Mama??" every day for the past two weeks.
And that back-to-school shopping for your 4-year-old kindergardener should NOT be done with his 1 and 2-year-old brothers in tow.
An overdue reality check, compliments of my oh-so-grounded husband... who is an oh-so-awesome Papa to our little boys.
How determined and independent Emmett can be. And how good that is, despite the fact that sometimes, right now, it feels bad.
How smart Rubin is, how he picks things up so quickly, and teaches me along the way.
(Notice his pointing, at a bird on the lake.)
(Driving, already.)
How gentle Theo is. How he listens and considers and tends. Always.
And my responsibilities as their Mama. To encourage their stubbornness, their curiousness, and their sensitiveness, even when it doesn't suite me. To push them to their limits when they need a nudge, and to reel them back in when they're headed astray. To love them, especially when they aren't lovable, and to stand beside them, and behind them, and in front of them when they need me to show them the way.
I want to remember, even when it isn't easy (which is most of the time these days) that I chose these boys. Each and every one of them. And I know, if they were given the chance, that they would each choose me. Little (okay, not that little), old (certainly not THAT old), imperfect (that word can stand alone) me.
12 comments:
What a sweet, sweet post. And very much needed on a day where my every.button.is.pushed. Love that shot of "determined" Emmett!
I love this post! You are such a good mom!! All these memories are awesome, and the photos are just wonderful. I especially love the one of the five kids sitting on the bench. They are all facing the camera!! Kudos on that one.
I love so much about this post and have so much to comment on...
1 - Kindergarten? Already?? Down here in these parts we like to give our younguns the "gift of time"...Simon won't start until he's 6.
2 - "How determined and independent Emmett can be. And how good that is, despite the fact that sometimes, right now, it feels bad." I need to remember this daily for my Davis. Daily.
3 - The itchy pain in the butt comment made me snort out my nose. Hilarious!
good stuff.
the vacation home is beautiful.
and oliver likes to tell me that a cow says "boOOoo!" and that his toys go in the "HOE box." yup, not sure about that one.
excited for your saturday! can't wait to see what you take!
What an absolutely beautiful post, Emily. I love the playing in the rain pic. And I'm totally jealous of the art park! Awesome.
Wonderful reflection, mama!
Loved these words...and I KNOW you'll remember.
a fantastic reminder for us all. i need to remember that i chose them too. and that those challenging behaviours are healthy normal behaviours too. that boys do just "itch". and to love that i have to be told 5 times not to go yet by ella because she needs just one more hug...because it won't be this way forever.
xo
n
and OH MY GOODNESS...where is that art park. buddy would LOVE it.
I think God chose you all for each other! Don't forget that either!
great post and awesome pictures as usual.
love this post - and love that vacay home!! looks like you had a very well deserved holiday. and could your kids be any cuter, sweeter and hilarious?!
Beautiful post Emily.
Written so from the heart, and all of it true.
Your photos are gorgeous. Can't wait to see your latest wedding shoot. Love you dearly.
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