Simple Joys 2

Here are more of my treasures I can't possibly forget-

Tanner was loving on Kaden,(AKA having Kaden Time) He asked how many more babies Daddy and I were going to have. So I asked him how many he'd like us to have. He said, "How about 5 more babies? I like babies mom." I couldn't shoot him down. He was smiling and seemed to be waiting for a response. I calmly said, "Daddy and I will have as many babies that Heavenly Father wants us to have." Tanner is a great big brother and is very giving and selfless. I'm not sure if he understand how life could be dividing Mom and Dad's attention amongst 7 siblings.

Recently Brooklyn asked me several detailed questions about nursing baby Kaden a.k.a. her baby Kaden. I explained when she grows up that she'll be able to nurse her babies. The following day she asked if she could nurse "her baby Kaden" when she grows up. With great disappointment and a couple tears she understood that Kaden is going to grow up like she is and that she'll never nurse "her Baby Kaden". Sweet Brooklyn is such a Mom in her little 2 1/2 year old body. She amazes me everyday when her motherly instincts manifest themselves.

Every now and then Tanner says that he's had a nightmare. It's obvious when this actually has occurred. Last month I had just tucked him in bed and a few minutes later he comes in our room and says, "I had a nightmare!!!!" I said, " You didn't even sleep yet." I guided him back to bed. He had a great idea."How about I think about Heavenly Father and Jesus Mom.

Last Month Kaden became a master roller. He makes it across the room in no time. Brookie and Tan are the best fans! I love watching the three of them play together.

Rarely Brooklyn and Kaden disagree but when they do it's an arguments over Kaden. When one is hogging Kaden, or obstructing Kaden's view of the other sibling they get really ticked off. Typically they shout back and forth saying, "He's my Kaden.....SHARE KADEN!! He's the whole families!!!". I'm grateful Kaden is adored and gets tons of attention. But I wouldn't have ever thought that Kaden would be the hot commodity that he is for them.

I'm pretty entertained asking Brooklyn random questions. Who doesn't enjoy hearing toddler answers?

Brooklyn, who gave you your ears? "Daddy and Heavenly Father." Who gave you your nose? " Grandpa McMullin did." Oh he did. "Yes Mom." Another occasion I patted Brooklyn's cute bottom. I told her that it was mine. She assured me that her Heavenly Father made it for her. I learn so much from my sweet precious children.

xoxo

Tanner is already in training to be an awesome father ( in about 20+yrs that is). Tanner will often brother-sit throughout the day. He loves to feel responsible. Recently Kaden was crying and appeared to be exhausted. Tanner started singing primary songs to him. Kaden calmed down but was still fussing. I offered to take Kaden from him and Tanner said, "Mom, you just need to rub the side of his eye like this and he'll fall to sleep." Amazingly it actually worked. xoxo

Brooklyn likes rituals. Usually Dad or I will read, and sing with Brookie on our lap in the rocking chair at bedtime. Prior to my last cesarean, I knew I needed to prepare her that I wouldn't be able to do that for about a month. So I started reading and singing to her while she was in bed. That meant that I wouldn't be cuddling as much like she was routinely used to. So I thought I'd see how she liked back rubs. Well little Miss Brooklyn has loved it since the day I started. Every night she'll ask. She lays on her tummy and says, "Tickle?? " Dad or I will massage or tickle her little back for a while. More often than not she appears to be knocked out. I could be at the door and she'll sit up wide awake and say, "More tickle please?" Needless to say Daddy and I have had to set some limits or she'd stay awake forever and we'd give into her angelic requests.

Weeks ago Brooklyn was still wearing pull ups for potty training. I had previously told her that the princesses pictured on the pull up would cry if he got them wet. Anything that motivates her is worth it! So she had an accident and I reminded her how the princesses were sad. As I was changing her she kissed the pull up and apologized to Princess Aurora.

I love staring into Kaden's innocent eyes. He's so peaceful and content. I think once upon a time I was peaceful. I thoroughly enjoy watching him learn day by day what life on earth is all about. Kaden teaches me to walk in the light! xoxo

Tanner is the best big brother. He's very cautious and is always making sure we're safe. I guess I've rubbed off on him a bit. I think we inherited this from my Loving Daddy. Brooklyn climbed up on the bar counter. Before I could even prompt her to get down Tanner said, "Brooklyn you might die and go see Heavenly Father!!!!" He further explained how he doesn't want her to leave our family. Tanner is a realist. I appreciate how my sweet almost five year old keeps things around here in perspective when Daddy's away.

Brookie is very sweet when a family member gets injured. On numerous occasions Brooklyn's has kissed dirty toes, knees or legs without hesitation. After which she asks if we feel better now. Who wouldn't after our owie being kissed?

K-Joe loves anything he can get his hands on. It's fabulous watching Kaden focus on little things and not having any big worries. I sure need to follow his example!!

Tanner and Brooklyn love to share their toys with Kaden. Often I ask the kids to give Kaden one of his toys to distract him. Luckily I haven't had to use my CPR skills. I have found Big Bro and Sis sharing princess wands and metal cars and many more hazardous toys with their pride and joy.

Many of you know that Brooklyn should have played a lead role in High School Musical. Weeks ago I entered her bathroom to see her head in her sink with the water running on her hair. Totally shocked, I asked what she was doing. Tanner there to observe my reaction, told me not to be mad, that Brooklyn was just pretending to be Gabriella. I couldn't be mad after all. FYI- During HSM 2 Gabriella is swimming at the resort and flips her wet hair back out of the water while with Troy.

Tanner is finally enjoying reading. He knows how to read most simple words. The past 6+ months he's been shy, self conscious and stubborn. It's so rewarding when he surprises me with a few new words each day. Some of his new words are Roomba (our vacuum), and Patrick ( Dad's middle name).He loves reading to Brooklyn and Kaden. Of course he does the best when I pretend to not be listening.

My cousin Robin recently was diagnosed with brain cancer. She has a young family and is a wonderful person. My Uncle e-mails updates on her progress often. Last week I received an e-mail that triggered my emotions. I explained to the kids that Mommy's' cousin is very sick and might die. I was crying. After which, Brooklyn started dancing around and singing I have a family here on earth, they are so good to me...Families can be together forever...

She was able to bring such comfort to me. She knows we will be together forever.

While driving in the car recently Tanner asked.. "Mom I know about Satan!" Oh, tell me about him? " He likes us to but gum on things!!!" He further explained that his buddy Justin had explained that Satan is happy when we put gum on things. I didn't laugh though it was killing me. Tanner gets embarrassed so easily. I reminded him that Satan tempts us to make bad choices and that he's really happy when we do. He's so stumped when we talk about how Satan chose to leave Heavenly Father. Tanner is so smitten by Sean that he can't comprehend why Satan chose to leave his Daddy.