Tell me how cute I was.

So it turns out I don't have a perfect memory. And it also turns out that people are right when they say, "Before you know it your kids will be all grown up!" (said with a little old lady voice).

By NO MEANS are my kids all grown up. I'm still wiping other rears on a regular basis. However, I don't have anyone in diapers anymore, and I don't have any cute tiny toddlers around, just cute kids. I noticed the other day that my house isn't even all that toddler proof.

The kids, Ian in particular, have been asking me lately to tell about all the cute things they used to say "when they were little". My first thoughts were, you are little. What are you talking about? But then I realized that we have officially moved into CHILDHOOD and out of the toddler years. That is a significant change when your whole life consists of 7 years.


So I attempted to recall fun little phrases that he used to say. And I was stumped. I could only think of a few. I felt so guilty. Poor middle child, your mom can't remember anything about you. BUT I REDEEMED MYSELF. I kept a spotty journal during Ian's toddler years. I dedicated the back side of the spiral bound pages to jotting down funny, cute or clever things the kids were saying those days. That was one of the best things I ever did. We read through them together with all three kids this week and laughed and had a great time. I had already forgotten many of the experiences and moments that I luckily made record of. Now I wonder what else did I forget? For heaven's sake, it hasn't been that long? How will I ever have bribery material when they are teenagers if I am already forgetting.

And on another depressing note: I realized that Brooklyn is half way to 18. Who calls that an adult anyway?

So in an effort to not forget, I will share with you the cute phrase of the day:
A fire fighter visited Lucas' preschool class today. He taught them about knowing the difference between tools and toys, put on his uniform and oxygen mask and then the whole class had a fire drill. Tonight when I was getting Lucas ready for bed I asked him what he thought of the fire drill. With tears in his eyes and his voice cracking he said, "I didn't get to do the fire drill."
I new that to be false, since I was holding his hand the whole time during the drill, so I needed to ask a few questions before I realized that he didn't know what part of the day was the actual fire drill. He said, "I never got to drill it." That's when I realized he thought a fire drill was a tool and was disappointed that he didn't get to see or use the drill.

So word to the wise, write it down and pull out the video camera, you are getting old whether you think so or not. And as soon as you notice, it will be too late.

Perspective

Why can't I lose 10 pounds? or Why am I so lucky to have dessert so often?

Why do I have to work so much, when some moms get to stay at home? or Why am I so blessed to have a job I love, where my kids can come with me, in a weak economy when many don't have work at all.

Why do I have so many bills? or How is it that I have so many nice things?

Why does my dog chew up our things? or ...hmmmm. Is there a good side to this?... Let's see- Having a dog encourages my family to keep things tidy and in it's proper place away from the dog. Or suffer the consequences.

I'm feeling pretty lucky these days. I really don't have anything to complain about, yet anger and anxiety still creep into my days regularly. How does one fend off negativity when things seem overwhelming? I would say, get back to basics and "Keep on the sunny side".