The Beginning of Life

     I recently watched a Netflix documentary called "The Beginning of Life" ( I love documentaries!)  This one really hit home with me though, and I thought I would share a few things that I took away from this film. (I also encourage all of you to check it out.)

TAKE AWAYS: 

#1  We made the right decision for me to take a leave of absence from teaching. (More on how this came about in my next post)

    

The first five years of a child's life are critical in their development.  The relationships they form and the experiences they have will play a huge part in their future, and ultimately who they will become as adults.  Having the opportunity to be with my kids daily during this critical stage of their life is such a blessing and one I am thankful for every day. 

#2 Our kids need us, not things. 

    This documentary was from many peoples perspectives.  All over the world. All different background, socio-economic statuses, religions, etc.  There is one thing that is constant among children.  They need their parents.  Not the latest high-tech toy.  Not a brand new bike.  Not a fancy house or a gourmet meal.  They need us. Love, affection, and time.  It's simple, yet easy to forget in a world filled with the latest and greatest new gadget.  

#3  It's okay for kids to be bored.  

      Not 2 days after I first watched this documentary,  (I watched it twice because I told Mark he needed to see it too) I was in the kitchen attempting to make dinner.  I say attempting because this is a monumnetal task each day.  Between Nora wanting to "help", Owen telling me how hungry he is and Emmett crying (his fussy time), I feel like I should win a prize by the time dinner is on the table.  Anyway, I was trying to make dinner and Nora, as usual was getting into the cupboards and pulling out pans.  Normally I would ask her to put them away.  I decided to see what she was going to do with them.  Owen became interested too.  Before I knew it, this was happening.....

Boredom brings creativity. 

#4 Investing in our kids is not just a "good thing" to do....it is our responsibility. 

     You are probably thinking...."DUH Katie!"  We all know when we become parents that our lives are forever changed.  We are now responsible for another human being.  A life that we hope and pray grows up to be kind and give back to others.  What a HUGE job.  Not one to be taken lightly.  Again, this is something that we all know, but this film was such a great reminder to me to take each day and experience with my kids for what it is.  Instead of getting frustrated, remember that the difficulties are opportunites for learning to take place in my kids, and for me too.  

I am going to leave you with my favorite quote from this documentary.  

"When you pay attention to the beginning of a story, you can change the whole story. "

-Raffi-

Love,

Katie

Doctors, Dentists, and Visitors....Oh My!

       A few weeks ago I joked with my mother-in-law that I am fully expecting a trip to the ER for a broken bone or stitches before the summer is over. We came close last week when Owen took a nasty fall and hit the side of the bathtub.  In the midst of a meltdown he slipped and landed face first on the side of the tub.  After hearing him hit, I was shocked to not see blood everywhere.  We had a follow up appointment with his doctor a couple of days later for an ear check anyway, so we had his mouth looked at then.  That was followed by a trip to the dentist.  Poor guy was swollen for a few days.  His biggest complaint was not being able to bite popsicles.  ha.  He did push his front teeth back a bit and chipped another tooth, but we are hoping that is all the damage done.  :)

     Last Friday was Mark's birthday.  We managed to escape for a fun (KID FREE)  dinner out Saturday night to celebrate.  We got dressed up and Mark picked me up at my Mom's house where I  had been to spend some time with my Grandpa who was in town. We joked that it was almost like we were back in high school again and he was picking me up for a date.  Funny how so much can change, yet some things stay the same too.

     Although we had a great night out, and loved time to just "catch up", we couldn't get over how quiet it was.  We were anxious to get back home to see the babes.  :)


    We have been lucky enough to have some special visitors at our house in the last week.  First Great-Grandpa Jim made a trip to Omaha.  Owen is always thrilled to hear he is coming to town.  He has Gramps wrapped around his finger.  We were outside enjoying the nice weather and I looked up to see Grandpa climbing the ladder to the play set.  (Yikes!! ) When I asked him what in the world he was doing he said,  "Owen told me I needed to go down the slide!"  I told him it IS okay to tell Owen no. Ha!

   This week we also had my Grandma Ella's brother and wife over for dinner.  Again, Owen was thrilled to have company, especially his Great Great Uncle Ray.  It was so nice to see them.  My favorite part of the visit was watching Owen listen to Ray talk.  You can tell he is soaking up every word.  My kids are so blessed to have so many special people in their life.

      Besides the many trips we have made to the doctor and our wonderful visitors, life has been relatively "normal".  We are settling into a routine and the kids and I are enjoying our morning outings and afternoons playing.